Chapter 4: The Trial of Obedience
The woman in the center smirked at the suggestion, her crimson eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. She leaned forward, resting her chin on the back of her hand as she studied Julian.
"The Trial of Obedience," she declared.
Julian's jaw clenched at the name alone. That didn't sound good.
One of the other women chuckled, her voice sultry yet sharp. "Oh, I do love this one."
The woman in the center—clearly the leader—raised her hand, silencing the murmurs of anticipation. "You are a man with no past, Julian. You claim innocence, yet we found you where no man should be. In our land, men obey." Her lips curled. "Let's see if you understand that."
Julian remained still, his pulse steady despite the weight of their scrutiny.
The leader's gaze flicked to the woman standing beside her. "Leona, strip him."
A hush fell over the hall. Julian stiffened as the woman who had escorted him—Leona—stepped forward without hesitation. Her emerald eyes were cold and unreadable, her movements precise as she reached for him.
Julian's muscles tensed instinctively. "The hell do you think you're doing?!"
Leona didn't answer. In one swift motion, she grabbed the front of his tattered shirt and tore it open. The fabric ripped like paper, exposing his toned chest.
Julian jerked back, his temper flaring. "I'd rather not be manhandled, thanks."
One of the women let out a low, amused hum. "Oh? He still has some fight in him."
The leader tilted her head, watching him with interest. "You misunderstand, Julian. This is not a request. In this world, your body does not belong to you—it belongs to the one who claims you."
Julian gritted his teeth. "Is that so? Then I'd like to see someone try."
A dangerous silence followed his words.
The air in the room shifted, a palpable tension crackling between them. Some of the women exchanged looks, their smirks deepening. Leona, however, didn't hesitate. Her hand shot forward, gripping his wrist with inhuman strength.
Before Julian could react, she swept his legs out from under him. He hit the cold marble floor, his wrists still bound, making it impossible to brace himself. A sharp pain shot through his shoulder.
Leona pressed her knee into his chest, pinning him with ease.
"You still think you have a choice?" she murmured, her voice devoid of emotion.
Julian stared up at her, breathing hard. His pride screamed at him to fight back, but he forced himself to think. He was at a disadvantage. His hands were bound, he was outnumbered, and he didn't even understand the rules of this place.
For now, he had to play along.
Gritting his teeth, Julian exhaled sharply. "Fine. Get off me."
Leona didn't move right away. Her gaze searched his, as if assessing whether he truly meant it. Then, without a word, she stood and stepped back.
Julian slowly pushed himself to his knees, his body tense as he looked up at the seven women.
The leader smiled, pleased. "Good. You're learning."
She leaned forward, her eyes dark with satisfaction. "Now, let's see if you'll obey the next command as well."
Julian didn't like where this was going.