---Carson's POV---

The sounds and scents of the Souq were distracting to say the least, but we all had to focus. Like the note from our mysterious friend had warned us, we had received yet another messenger. A messenger directly from Aakif, with an urgent plea for help.

There hadn't been any real mentioning of a reward of any sorts but curiosity had me accepting the mission without a second thought. Even my men had mumbled about the man and more importantly, how he had managed to elude us and slipped out of our grasp as if we were some highwaymen on their first job.

Mord'u was still on edge but thankfully he had been able to give a face to our objective. He had described the young man as best as he could, from his ravenblack hair and brilliant green eyes, his tanned skin down to the slave marks that marred the skin around his wrists.

But without a name, it was hard to link the slave to Saemus or even Aakif. Though, if I had to believe the pretty picture Mord'U had painted, our man was a sight for sore eyes you couldn't forget easily.

Still...I was hesitant to ask around, especially after finding out that Sheik Saemus wasn't just a man specialised in fine gems and stones. Instead, he had been a ruthless slaver, probably responsible for countless of slave raids on near and far villages.

Now, I dreaded to find out what Aakif's possible secret life could contain. Already my eyes were searching for signs of clear abuse but on first glance, the people of this city seemed happy.

Business was flourishing, the markets were overflowing with the finest silks, the most expensive fabrics drew the attention of rich wives that dragged their men along. Jewelry caught the light of the dying sun and the eye of passing tourists, who got sidetracked into purchasing the trinkets.

I knew I had to look deeper though. It was easy to overlook but one sound seemed out of place and drew my attention. Before long, I was walking closer to the woman that clamped onto passing merchants, a picture of a young boy in her trembling hand.

"Have you seen my son? Kareem Morcos? He- He's six years old, brown eyes and the sweetest boy you'll ever see." The woman pleaded, shaking fingers clutching at the fabric of the people who tried their best to ignore her, very few actually paused to look at the picture before they had to shake their heads.

I took a small step back as her tearful eyes fell on me, her feet quick to push her closer until the small, thumbed picture crinkled and dirty from being passed around. Still, it clearly showed a small boy that grinned at the person who had drawn him. Whoever did it was a true artist, as the picture seemed to burst with life and a slight hint of mischief.

"Please Sir, I beg of you. Have you seen my son?" Something in her eyes made me look again, hoping that I recognized the small boy but... I shook my head in denial, saw the hope die in her eyes and her shoulders droop.

"When did he disappear? Maybe I can ask my...friends if they've seen him?" Her eyes sparked at that as she drew closer, pressing the picture in my hand as she tucked her hijab around her face before sniffing softly.

After I found out that her son had been missing for two weeks and she had been going crazy trying to find the lad, I left with a promise that I'd keep a look out for the boy. Frowning to myself, I roamed through the quieting city, noticing people lingering here and there.

All with the same sense of desperation, the same spark of hope flaring in their eyes as they asked questions only for it to die out when they got a negative response.

Mothers. Fathers. Brothers and sisters. All eager to find their missing child or sibling.

But it was weird to find so many on one single spot. Usually I'd figure that due to the passing traffic and merchants, it was only natural that a kid managed to stray too far from their parents or even mistake a stranger with their family.

After what happened with Saemus, I was sceptical. There was no way that so many parents lost their children in the same damn area without it being suspicious. Picking up my pace, I made my way towards the camp while looking out for anyone still lingering in the streets that could match the description of our little thief.

"Where are you?"

Of course, nobody answered me so I simply sighed and shook my head before leaving for the camp. When I arrived there, it was to the sound of the men murmuring and speaking in quiet, slightly worried tones.

"Ah, Boss. Almost everyone here has found the same thing; countless of kids disappeared  over the years, both close and far from the city." Mord'u reported as soon as he noticed me and I nodded in response. "I know, I've seen the parents looking around, asking for their kids. Anything suspicious?"

Gale stepped forwards with a paper full of very fancy writing. "An invitation of the Sheik to join him in a few hours. He's throwing a small party for his friends and would like to use the occasion to inform you of our mission."

A party? Children are going missing in his city...and he's throwing a party? Bile and anger burned in my throat as I shook my head before glaring at the city in the distance. It seemed there was only one way to find out what was going on here.

---Nadir's POV---

A smile graced my lips as I elegantly danced and twirled, all the while keeping an eye on my target. Aakif wasn't any wiser that death was lurking, crawling closer with every breath he took. The tambourine in my hand chimed as I danced and twirled, swaying my hips and enchanted the crowd.

Sounds and murmurs of appreciation left the men that watched, their eyes glued on my form that was barely cloaked in the thin veils I had used. With the amount of spiced wine and other alcoholic beverages they poured themselves, they wouldn't remember me at all.

But they'd never forget me neither.

Yet, as my eyes found Aakif, it seemed that the perverted monster didn't have the slightest memory of who I was. There was no recognition in his gaze as he admired my form, raking his eyes over my hips and ass before biting his cheek.

I could tell that even though I was way past his usual...Intrest, he was attracted to me. Of course he was. The shiver that coursed over my body was one of disgust as I remembered each time I had been called to his chambers, each gruesome night forced and used as his toy.

Aakif's eyes darkened slightly, as he had most likely misread my shiver as one of desire and beckoned me over. Instead of hesitating or downright refusing his offer, I walked to my satchel to present my offering.

I walked over to him, making sure to sway with my hips and catch his gaze before sinking to my knees at his feet. Holding up the satchel, I watched as he folded it open, eyes greedy as they noticed the assortment of food and dried berries.

My eyes sparked as he tried a berry or two, but not before offering me one with a look of suspicion. That's alright, I expected as much. As I opened my mouth to allow him to slip the deadly nightshade berry in my mouth, I sent a silent prayer to Allah as a thanks.

Who knew I'd be ever thanking him to make me a slave of a Sheik that was obsessed with poisons and their effects? Being used as his test subject had been anything but pleasant, the effect wrecking my body for days.

But it also had its benefits. Over time I grew immune to the effects of small doses and that was what saved me now. I easily chewed on the small and tart black berry, swallowing it and opening my mouth again to provide the evidence that the offered food was in fact edible.

To me at least... but you won't make it to see the light of day again, Aakif.

"Hmmm, these berries...I've never eaten them before...tart yet delicious at the same time." Aakif murmured as he scooped up a few fresh berries, chewing them pensively before going for the sweetbread. "What is this?"

I grinned as I was waved to my feet, taking a step back and listened to the anklet chime with my step. "A sweetbread made from a combination of berries and roots that provide a...peculiar taste. The berries are quite rare and hard to come by but I had heard that you enjoy to discover rare and new things."

His teeth crunched through the bread, his hums of delight filling the room as I kept a sharp eye on his every reaction. I had no idea how quickly he would react to the bella donna, as it had a different response in each affected person.

But I did know what to look for. I kept Aakif occupied so nobody would suspect a thing or try the food. Pouring another glass, I grinned as he licked his lips and accepted the beverage. He guzzled it thirstily, alerting me that he was already having a dry mouth and judging from his lidding eyes, he was beginning to get sleepy.

Good...Hell awaits you, Aakif.

If I had calculated correctly, by now he had almost half a root and ten berries and still he grabbed for more. Though I could tell he was starting to feel abdominal cramps as he rubbed over his stomach yet as he glanced at me, I knew he never related his issues with the food I presented him with.

But another problem reared its face, as I heard rather familiar voices in the background, slowly growing stronger.

Carson and Mord'u. But too late to save Aakif.

The sheik himself was already drooping in his seat, eyes wide as he gasped for air. I could feel eyes on my back as I slowly looked over my shoulder, revealing my face to the two mercenaries. Walking closer to Aakif, I grabbed one of the last berries and slipped it in his mouth before leaning closer to whisper in his ear.

"Saemus is waiting for you at the gates of Hell. Burn alongside you dear friend." Aakif's eyes widened as I stepped back, finally recognition flooded his gaze as he mumbled and gasped, clawing at his throat while the poison took its full effect.

He gagged sharply, drawing confused glances his way but nobody came in to intersept. At least, not until Aakif suddenly dropped face first on the floor and spilled the last of his whine all over the floor.

I didn't stand there to keep watch. There was no antidote available in this city, I made sure of that by buying it all. Aakif would slip in a deep coma and die a painful death.

 My fingers snatched up the satchel with the remains of the poison to make sure no child or innocent bystander would poison themselves before I slipped through the crowd.

Carson cursed loudly as Mord'u shoved through the crowd, trying to get to me before I made my escape. I grinned in excitement as I pushed through the crowd with ease, a hand dipping in my pouch before tossing it in the air.

People cried and dove for the glittering coins that clattered sharply on the floor behind me. I turned around and walked back two steps before dipping low in a mocking bow while locking eyes with the pair.

I gulped at the determination burning in Carson's look and knew I had to be careful from now on. I had heard enough about the man to know he would do his best to hunt me down. But would he, knowing how many I had saved in one night?

Only time would tell but as I ran over the stairs and heard the men curse and bark orders at the group that had accompanied them, I knew that things had just become interesting.