The rest of his heat lasted for a disorienting week, he had no way of knowing his surroundings with the constant noise in his own head. In the thick of it his body would shake with the intensity of his own blood growing hot. He didn’t realize he was wailing from the pain until one of the guards banged on the cell bars and told him to shut up. 

He couldn’t think of anything but the emptiness inside him, couldn’t even eat for fear his contractions would make him throw up. The guards would force food down his throat with a small shovel, a disgusting sludge that slid down like vomit making him want to gag more. Everyday that week he went through that torture, he didn’t even notice the faces of the new guards that watched over him. He didn't even notice that Erza never came back.  

When the fog cleared Iyasu was exhausted. He laid on the cell floor covered in his own bodily fluids as he stared idly at his cell wall. Eventually he was moved from his cell by someone he couldn't be bothered to acknowledge. He didn’t care where they took him, his body was still dazed from his violent heat and exhaustion beyond anything he’s ever felt. 

To his surprise he started to smell something pleasant making him open his eyes. He was greeted by a metal tub full of warm water. He was laid into the tub which smelled of sweet cherry blossoms. A pair of betas removed the metal ring from his mouth and pulled his limbs out to scrub them down. The sudden contact made him uncomfortable but a part of him almost craved the gentle and neutral touch. They scrubbed him down completely, not even letting him wash the more intimate parts of his body though he was too weak to argue.

When they finished washing his hair he was ordered to get out the tub where he was handed a rough towel to dry himself. It was amazing how the bath made him feel human again even after the invasion of his privacy. He handed the towel back, wishing he could cover himself instead.

He was nudged forward once more, this time with a cold metal barrel that felt very much like a gun. He didn’t even glance back before obeying the silent order. Nervous sweat was already starting to form on his forehead as he passed through the walkway into a lofty looking room.

It was a bizarre change from the rest of the dingy complex. The room was well lit with white furniture and glass accents that made the room feel lifeless yet luxurious. It was much more warm and comfortable, there was even plush carpet that caressed his bare feet. 

Iyasu could see a pair of men sitting in what looked like a longue talking amongst themselves. They made Iyasu feel even more naked with their high collared suits and overall conservative appearance. They had golden hair that ranged in different shades, their skin was as pale as the furniture that surrounded them. Their appearance gave a hint of wealth with their embroidered lapels and jewel encrusted bolo ties. A man in black sat with a flute of champagne in his gloved hand while the other stood and smiled at his companion excitedly. They were a stark contrast to the darker skinned men who were standing behind them wearing simple clothes and silver collars. 

“Would you look at that Roland.” said the man in white with short feathered hair. “I think your gift has arrived.”

The man in black turned to Iyasu at that moment, his long blonde hair had shifted to reveal his face. His eyes were a striking blue that was almost silver in the sunlight. Iyasu didn’t like the way those eyes stared at him, he felt small as the man scrutinized him, his skin pricked with humiliation. He covered himself almost subconsciously and briefly wondered if he had enough strength to out run the guard behind him.   

The stranger suddenly smiled at Iyasu, he felt his body tense with discomfort as the man set his glass down and began to walk towards him with an easy gait. He gave Iyasu a once-over as he stood in front of him practically towering over Iyasu’s smaller form. He had a strong scent to him that stunk of alpha, Iyasu had to look away from him to distract himself, choosing to look out the window instead.

“You certainly picked a fine specimen Ryse.” The stranger’s smooth voice made Iyasu’s gaze snap back to him with a glare. 

The man-- Roland -- simply arched a thin eyebrow at Iyasu's anger, his arrogant smile now showed perfect teeth. Before Iyasu could react Roland’s hand reached for his face to grab his cheeks and tilt his head up.

“Rather pretty, for a darkie.” Roland said casually. There was a calm coldness behind his interest, like he was blind to the ire on Iyasu’s face. 

“I figured he’d make a good set of working hands since he’s nicely toned for an omega. I agree he’s not bad on the eyes either but the missus wouldn’t approve of you saying such a thing about a low-breed.” Ryse chuckled. 

Iyasu couldn’t take them talking about him as if he were another piece of furniture in the room. He slapped Roland’s hand away making the alpha blink in shock, the guard moved to wrench Iyasu’s arms behind his back and Ryse rushed over to his friend.

“You little heathen, how dare you be so disrespectful?” Ryse narrowed his own dark blue eyes. “He is your new master, you are to behave as such.”     

Iyasu felt himself seething, he’d already endured enough in over a week and now some strange white man was treating him like an animal. He was way past tired of it all.

“Kiss my ass.” He raised his voice as he said it. Ryse looked appalled but Roland looked even more intrigued. Ryse was ready to chew him out again but Roland stopped him by raising a hand.

“Don’t stress yourself out Ryse. I’m quite satisfied, this is certainly a good birthday gift.” Roland maintained his stoic tone but there was something about the air around him that still put Iyasu on edge.

Ryse looked puzzled but was blushing from the compliment. Iyasu had no time to contemplate the real meaning behind Roland’s words because the man was already moving on.

“Let’s leave now, we have a long trip ahead of us and I’d like to get going.” Roland said. “Please pack him up for me, we’ll meet downstairs.” He walked away, ignoring the fear that grew on Iyasu’s face.

By “pack up” Roland must’ve meant having him chained up, gagged again, and blindfolded. His arms and legs were bound so tight he had to be carried and placed inside whatever vehicle he was being transported in. The ride was long and seemed endless with him being blindfolded the whole time. Every now and again his gag would be removed by surprisingly gentle hands that would feed him and give him water. The person had a faint smell that reminded Iyasu of cinnamon and big hands that were a bit clumsy at times but that’s all he could really detect. He often wished the person would loosen his bonds and even asked one time when his mouth was free but he was only met with silence.

Finally after being transferred into another more comfortable vehicle they travelled a few more hours before stopping for good. His blindfold was removed along with his gag, he was picked up again by one of the collared men and carried out of a sleek red vehicle that looked like it could only exist in a sci-fi movie. He tried to see past the very broad back of the man carrying him but could only catch an endless yard and a large white estate. He didn’t think grass could be so green, hell he didn’t think anyone’s home could be that massive. 

The breeze was cool as they walked down the winding walkway built with smooth stones. There was a large beautiful fountain with a proud white lion that stood in the middle of it, water falling from its mouth. They walked up the stairs and were greeted by servants who held heavy wooden doors open for them. Iyasu could feel his heart speed up when he watched the doors shut behind them, the sound was deafening to Iyasu.

This was it, he was officially trapped.  

“Welcome home darling.” He could hear a light voice in front of them. 

“Thank you dear.” Roland replied in a dull tone. “The trip was quite tiring.” 

The man holding Iyasu turned to put down one of Roland’s suitcases which allowed Iyasu to get a glimpse of who Roland was talking to. He met eyes with another omega to his surprise, the man’s lithe form was covered in a frilly shirt and white dress pants, his body wrapped in a silk corset that accentuated his figure.  He had even lighter hair than Roland, the color almost translucent. His green eyes narrowed at Iyasu while he studied him, disgust marred his doll-like features before Iyasu’s view was blocked again. 

“Take him down to the chambers Jerrod. Make sure he’s secured.” Roland said to the man carrying him.

Iyasu felt his heart drop again at those words, suddenly he wished he was back in that car, in that subspace again where he could sense nothing but the idle sounds of the road. Anything was better than becoming a plaything again. 

He was carried through the left hallway and past a spacious kitchen already filled with slaves going about their day. They walked until they reached the end of the hall where they descended a pair of steps that led to a dim basement with brick walls and various metal columns that lined the middle of the room. An open furnace stood in the back of the room, right behind a metal table. Iyasu gasped when he could see traces of blood on the floor below him before he was laid down. 

The man silently unchained him and quickly strapped his limbs down onto a metal table, his legs and arms stretched so wide it hurt. He was breathing hard again, his body knowing that it would suffer some form of torture like when he was in that eggshell-white room. Iyasu looked to the large man with pleading eyes as he continued to squirm in his shackles.

“I’m from Faction 5! I-I’m not supposed to be here. You have to help me, please.” Iyasu pleaded but Jerrod only stared at him with an unreadable gaze before looking away.

“Please, I don’t know why I'm here!” Iyasu’s voice cracked with sorrow, partly because he knew deep down that this man had no more power than he did. Jerrod continued to look into the opposite direction but his large hands balled into fists by his sides. The sight made him realize he was begging for nothing but he was desperate, he wanted to say more but a pair of footsteps made him stiffen in silence.

Roland appeared wearing only a loose fitting shirt, tan pants, and a thick pair of gloves. His hair was braided back and he wore a relaxed expression on his face. Roland gave Jerrod a look prompting the man to quickly walk out of the room as if he was waiting for the chance. 

“Sweet talk will get nowhere, just so you know.” Roland’s tone was amused. He walked up to Iyasu and leaned on the metal table to look down at him.

“Let’s get one thing straight, I’m the master of this plantation. I am akin to a god on this here land. You would do well to regard me as such or your new life will be much more difficult for you.” He leaned forward as he emphasized the last words. 

“I’m not supposed to be here.” It came out as a shaky whisper. “I was kidnapped.” He looked into Roland’s chilly blue eyes as he said it, hoping there was some humanity there that he could reach. Roland simply chuckled and backed away, walking around the table.

“You are a nigger. You’re exactly where you belong, you just have to be put in your place.” Roland said as he turned to a wall of grizzly looking tools and grabbed a rod with some type of pattern on the end. He stuck the end of it into the furnace until the end was a bright red and almost dripping with molten heat.  

Roland walked back around the table to stand between Iyasu’s legs studying the steaming rod with an easy grin. “You know some owners like to tattoo their slaves since that’s more in fashion nowadays but I’m a little more old school with my branding. Sends more of a strong statement I think.”

Iyasu began to panic when he could feel the heat get closer. Roland watched the terror in his eyes as he grabbed one of his thighs to spread his legs further. Iyasu could hear himself pleading but it felt like he was far away from himself, looking down at what was happening to him. 

“Stay still or this is going to hurt worse.” Roland warned before pressing the hot metal into the soft meat of his thigh. 

The pain was indescribable, Iyasu’s throat was raw with his scream as flesh bubbled and melted away with the searing heat. He blacked out for a second only to be jolted awake again when the brand was pulled away, pulling burnt skin with it. He was sobbing from the agonizing burn that followed, he could barely see past his own tears, barely breathe with the smell of burning flesh in the air. 

“Now, now that wasn’t so bad.” Roland said, looking at his handiwork with a whistle. “That’s a job well done if I’ve ever seen it.” he walked away again to pull one of the levers next to the table making it tilt forward until it stood straight up.

Iyasu felt the strain on his wrists from the shackles when his body tried to fall forward. He was still whimpering and trying to catch his breath, his face was a mess of tears and snot but he couldn’t stop more tears from forming when his whole thigh throbbed with excruciating pain. He hung his head letting his hair fall in a curtain until Roland eventually grabbed his face and forced it back up. He had a collar in his hand that looked similar to the ones the other men wore, thin, simple and silver with a decorative ‘RR’ etched into it. 

“Now,” Roland said slipping the collar around Iyasu’s neck even as he tried to pull away. “I’ve thought of a new name for you.” he snapped the collar closed, locking it in place.

“Your name is Gin from now on. I think it suits you.” He smiled and let go of Iyasu’s face but this time Iyasu kept his gaze on Roland.

“That’s not my name.” Iyasu managed to grit through his teeth. Even through all the pain he could feel indignation crawl up his spine. 

Roland simply stared at him, his smile falling into a stony expression before he practically lunged at Iyasu, grabbing his throat and squeezing until it felt like the pressure would make his head explode. 

“Your name is Gin, you understand? I didn’t ask for any objections did I?” Roland practically snarled with cold rage in his eyes. He continued to squeeze until Iyasu tried to choke out a no, Roland seemed to hear it which prompted him to finally let go. Iyasu coughed hard enough for tears to flow again before he began to breathe in much needed oxygen. Roland turned away to remove his gloves and wipe his brow. His face was disturbingly calm, like he didn’t just attack Iyasu only a minute ago.    

“Jerrod will see you to your quarters.” was all he said in a flat tone. He gave Iyasu another stony look with a threat radiating beneath it before making his way upstairs again.