A small look into the past [3]

Makena's gaze condensed, disgust bubbling up within her as she watched the two men barter her away like some prized possession.

She was no longer a person in their eyes... just a pawn to use.

The bitterness that had simmered within her for years now burned into something more dangerous.

But again, thinking about it...

"Haa..." 

For the first time, Makena's lips parted, and a hollow, humorless smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Hahaha..."

Her laughter was low, but it carried a weight that silenced everything around her.

The men turned to her, startled by her sudden laughter, and in their eyes, she saw the faintest flicker of fear.

She took a step forward, and with a sudden burst of energy, flames erupted from her body like an inferno. *woosh*

Seeing her maniac laugh, The Duke's eyes widened, and for the first time, the arrogance in his face vanished, replaced by terror. "M-Makena…" he stammered.