Claimed by the Master of Shadows

episode 3

Auria could tell Mira had changed; she had grown rougher, hardened by years with these people, this shadowy organization. She knew her sister wouldn’t be the same again.

Auria knew the Eclipse Order well.

There were many like her — people born with supernatural abilities. Society often rejected them, labeling them dangerous or strange. Most were mocked, shunned, or even hunted.

So they united, forming the Eclipse Order, a sanctuary where they could belong, work together, and survive as a family.

Over time, as their numbers grew, the Order split into multiple clans while still maintaining allegiance to the Eclipse Order. Respect and rules remained, even among rival clans.

Mira’s clan was one of the most powerful — the Draven Clan.

It was ruled by the infamous Master Kael Draven, heir to a legacy of power and fear.

Some clans engaged in illegal activities, and the Order occasionally clashed with governments. The Draven Clan, in particular, was feared for its ruthless operations — smuggling, assassinations, trafficking, and more.

The last time the government attempted to attack them, it was disastrous. Countless officials, properties, and lives were lost. Since then, the authorities feared the Dravens.

Auria didn’t know the full story, but she understood the Draven Clan was dangerous.

“What are you doing here, Auria?” Mira finally broke the silence after watching her sister eat for a long while.

Auria didn’t meet her eyes, nervous.

“I… I want to stay here, Mira. I want to be part of the Eclipse Order,” she said timidly.

“Why?” Mira whispered.

“Why would you leave home and come here? I don’t understand,” Mira added.

Auria chewed her pops silently, avoiding her sister’s gaze.

“You know what?” Mira scoffed. “This isn’t happening. You’re going home as soon as we’re done.”

“I’m staying, Mira!” Auria stood. Mira stopped mid-step.

When Auria looked at her, her eyes softened.

“Please… don’t push me away,” she added.

Mira walked closer. “You can’t stay here, Auria. Before I left, I warned you how dangerous this place is.”

Auria bowed her head, almost childlike, listening.

“But everyone here is like me,” she muttered barely audibly.

“It doesn’t matter. There are plenty of people like you still living normal lives. And the Master won’t accept you — he’s rejected twelve people in the last two days alone!”

“Just… just take me to him. I’ll prove myself. I’ll make him accept me,” Auria insisted.

“I can’t do that!” Mira snapped angrily. “Master Kael isn’t someone to be trifled with. You need to leave before he returns.”

“Besides, you’ve always hated the Eclipse Order. So why the sudden change of heart?” Mira’s voice hushed.

Auria stayed silent. Mira could sense something was wrong.

“Where’s Dad?” she asked. Auria replied softly:

“He’s fine.”

“And your stepmother?”

“Fine as well.”

“Then why the hell did you leave? Why are you here? What are you hiding?” Mira pressed.

Auria trembled slightly but tried not to show it.

“You can’t survive here, Auria. We steal, we fight, there’s bloodshed… we… kill,” Mira whispered, her voice hoarse.

“We… we use our bodies, Auria. Dignity doesn’t exist here. We are tools, weapons — disposable at any time. The only thing that matters is the game. Do you think you can survive that?”

Mira’s words sent cold chills down Auria’s spine. She was terrified, yet couldn’t turn back.

“Auria!” Mira grabbed her hand, waiting for an answer.

“I want to stay,” Auria replied timidly.

Mira felt hope slipping away as she let go of her sister’s hand, stepping back.

“What are you hiding from me? Why do you want to stay?” Mira asked from a distance.

Auria clenched her fists and said nothing.

Suddenly, the door opened silently, and both sisters turned. One of the Master’s close guards entered.

Mira’s heart skipped a beat — his presence meant Master Kael was near.

“Auria,” he called gruffly, eyes on her.

“So, it is true,” he said. “There’s indeed a stranger here.”

Silence followed, heavy and deafening.

“Anyway, the Master requests her presence,” he added and left.

Mira turned back to face her sister, her expression drawn and weary.

“Auria, please,” she said bleakly. “Leave while you still can.”

Auria shook her head slightly, signaling her decision still stood. She was determined to stay.

Mira scoffed and turned away, wincing as she struggled to control her emotions. After a moment, she faced her sister again.

“Try not to look him in the eyes when he speaks,” she said, her voice hard.

“No matter what, be polite. Mind your words. He kills at the slightest annoyance, Auria,” her voice cracked slightly at the end.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked. Auria nodded slowly.

Mira finally gave up when she saw the mix of determination and fear in her sister’s eyes. With a deep sigh, she turned to the door.

“Let’s go.”

Auria took a deep breath and followed her sister, keeping her head bowed, preparing herself for what was next.

She repeated silently: I can do this. I can belong here. Even if she hated it, she had to survive. She would find a way to convince the Master to accept her.

They walked behind Mira for a long stretch until they reached a door guarded by two boys.

“Master Kael sent for me,” Mira said to the boys. Auria was surprised by her sister’s boldness and changed the demeanor — even her walk had altered.

One of the boys nodded and opened the door. They stepped inside.

The first thing Auria noticed was smoke curling through the air. It made her cough slightly as she adjusted to the acrid smell.

Blinking rapidly, she counted the people in the room. Boys and girls, all moving with a sense of corrupted purpose.

At the center, young Master Kael Draven sat on his imposing chair, while Becca leaned beside him, her hands resting possessively on his shoulders.

Auria’s eyes flicked downward as she tried to remain shy, but in the few seconds she glimpsed the Master, she realized he was strikingly handsome. His features were sharp and commanding, though she couldn’t bring herself to stare.

“Good day, Master,” Mira bowed in obeisance. Kael’s eyes, however, remained fixed on the stranger before him.

“So… she’s the stranger you brought into my territory?” he finally spoke, and Auria realized the boys kneeling before him were the ones who had let her in.

“We’re sorry, Master. She claimed she was Mira’s sister… and she was,” the first boy stammered, fear clear in his voice.

Kael was silent for a long moment, considering the punishment.

“Draco,” he called, his thumb resting on his lower lip.

“Yes, Master,” Draco replied immediately, rushing forward.

“Take them away and make sure they lose four fingers each,” Kael commanded. The boys shivered but did not beg — they knew better. Kael never broke his word.

Draco and two others dragged them off, leaving Auria’s heart racing. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but she forced herself to remain calm.