Eli Elio

An auction was underway in the Hall of Mirrors in Leyland City. In the royal box, the twin princes watched the bidding, their beautiful faces wearing identical masks of boredom.

"What a dismal party, brother," said the black-haired Elio, "their cries have become predictable."

"The Tower Master swore there would be something special today," the white-haired Eli remarked coldly. "Be patient."

A black wooden cage was rolled out onto the platform. Inside sat a male fairy, his iridescent wings glowing faintly. The hall froze.

“We’ll start at one hundred thousand crowns!” the auctioneer announced.

The price soared. Mages, merchants, even an elf haggled. Elio, tired of waiting, spoke up, raising his voice above all the others: "Five hundred thousand!"

In the silence that followed, the lot was knocked down.

In the palace's underground chambers, the prisoner finally spoke, his voice like the ancient whisper of the forest: "Children of mortals, you have bought your doom."

Eli laughed. "That's exactly what we're hoping for. Boredom is our worst enemy."

Elio crouched before the cage, twirling a silver stiletto in his fingers. "Let's begin. How does your magic feel when it's cut with cold iron?"

Anticipation flickered in the fairy's eyes, filled with bottomless fury. The game, with the kingdom itself at stake, had begun.