The Auction

Kya stood chained to the stage, bound by her ankles so she couldn't move from the roomful of eyes leering at her. A bright light shone overhead, causing her hair to glint with copper. Her violet eyes, hollow. Only yesterday did her step-mother take her out for shopping, but instead of the dressmaker, brought her to the auction house.

Upon entering the marble-columned building, three men greeted Lady Jyla Munro with courtesy, but their eyes were on Kya. The best dressed of the three stepped forward with a small smile upon his face as his golden eyes brightened. His hair was silvered at the temples and gave him a distinguished air. The two men in matching servant's livery stood behind him, quiet as a shadow.

"This is the one you spoke about?" He stepped forward and scanned Kya with a calculating eye.

Lady Jyla spoke. "It is. As you can see she is fair to look upon. Not as biddable as I would like."

The man lifted a hank of Kya's hair, testing its fineness between his fingers. "Is she untouched?"

"Yes. She has all her teeth and is in good health."

Kya pulled away from the man and stepped behind her mother.

"What is going on, Mother?"

Lady Munro tuned to look at the girl with a scowl plastered to her painted face.

"I am not your mother. Since your father died, I will care for you no longer. You didn't wish to wed my nephew, thus you do not wish to be a part of my family. You don't want to join my clan? Fine. Begone and good riddance."

"Mother, why?"

"I. Am. Not. Your. Mother. That whore died in a gutter as she deserved and only because your father was kindhearted did he take you in... who knows, you're probably not even his real daughter. He should have drowned you long ago." She pushed Kya toward the man in rich clothing. Then Lady Munro held her hand out for the payment promised. "My gold?"

The man gave her a small but heavy leather sack.

"As agreed upon, twenty gold ducats."

With that, Lady Munro whirled around and marched herself back to the carriage while the two silent men in ruby colored livery held Kya's arms as she struggled to run.

The lead man spoke, "None of that. You are a precious treasure, even if that woman doesn't think so. Come, you shall rest and I shall tell you what you need to know."

Kya settled a little, but still incredibly wary of the situation. She knew her father's wife didn't like her, but to sell her? Only three months after his death? Was she truly a heartless beast? Tears rose to fill her eyes, but through willpower alone she didn't allow a single tear to roll down her cheek.

The men led Kya to a spacious chamber furnished with a narrow bed, small table and two chairs. Plush rugs covered the floors while tapestries hung from the walls. The only thing marring the room were the iron barred windows.

"You will stay here. If you need anything, tell the guard at the door. I am Lord Lucian Marcello and I own this auction house."

"Why am I here?"

"Your step-mother wished you to be sold as a slave. We sell much more than slaves, however. Our specialty is magic items, although I'm almost certain she wasn't aware of that."

"Why am I being sold? I'm not magical." Kya felt that if she had any inkling of magic, she sure wouldn't be here, a captive. While magic is commonplace, not all were born with gifts. And those who were, certainly didn't mingle among those without. Those without were like cattle. A form of food for the Wolf and Vampire Tribes.

Lucian chuckled. "Ah, but you are... just not in the way you think. I knew your mother, your true mother. You are her spit, without a doubt."

Kya's mother died when she was but a year old. The woman her father adored was only known to her from stories of others. But not many would speak of her, especially when Jyla Munro joined the house as the new mistress.

"If you knew her, why are you selling me?"

With that asked, Lucian laughed. "It was I who sold your mother to your father, on condition he keep any progeny safe. I sought you out, and your step-mother more than willing to listen to my offer."

A shiver tore through Kya.

"I am to be sold as my mother was?" Kya didn't mean for her voice to waver, but her fear very clear to the discerning ear.

As Lucian smiled wide, Kya noticed his fangs. Was he of the Wolf or Vampire tribe?

"You are. Do you know what a Singularity is?"

Kya shook her head.

"A Singularity is someone with a particular aura. A particular power. Your step-mother... she has no clue what your true worth is, otherwise she would have bartered for ten times the amount of gold, or not sell you at all. However, her greed means you shall be sold to the highest bidder tomorrow night. Many distinguished people shall attend, for you are quite the novelty."

He looked her deeply in the eyes with his unsettling golden gaze.

"Rest tonight. Tomorrow your new life starts."

True to his word, the next afternoon Lucian had his maids bathe and dress Kya in a sheer gold silk gown held shut by a brooch on each shoulder. A golden ribbon served as a belt above her hips. The gown's skirt fell in graceful folds to the ground. Her hair washed, body perfumed, and she was deemed ready for the auction. Just before the curtain rose to reveal her, one of the guards snapped heavy cuffs around her ankles, binding her to the stage.

Lucian approached, dressed in an opulent manner of jewel colored velvet and silks. A cloud of lavender and musk surrounded him.

"You look perfect. Have no fear. Those gathered will feed off your fear if you give them a chance."

Kya said nothing, only looking upon him with a measure of disdain and loathing. It was bad enough that her father died so recently, but adding insult to injury was the fact her step-mother, the one who promised Kya's father on his deathbed that she would keep Kya safe, lied.

From his pocket, Lucian pulled out a small green glass bottle and removed the cork. Tipping the bottle against Kya's lips, he said, "This potion will give you strength to get through the auction. I apologize for what is to come, but rest assured, your new master will treat you well. It's in the contract they must sign to take possession of you. Never forget that your Singularity blood will save you from a lesser fate." The sweetness of the potion didn't help hide the bitterness as it burned a trail down to Kya's stomach.

The heavy black velvet curtain rose, revealing Kya bound to the stage, the light overhead rendering her silk gown see through.

Although Kya couldn't see the people in the audience, she could feel their eyes on her. The sensation made her skin crawl.

Lucian walked onto the stage and spoke with fierce projection so even those in the back could hear him clearly.

"Now that the lesser offerings have been auctioned off, allow me to present our treasure. Before you stands tonight's centerpiece. An unawakened Singularity."

A gasp tore through the crowd.

"She is eighteen, untouched, and as you can see, quite the beauty."

He lifted a tress of wavy honey-blonde hair.

"Her hair is like silk, as is her skin. The daughter of a Singularity and a lesser human noble, her blood is clean and precious."

With that, he unfastened one of the brooches on Kya's shoulder, allowing the golden fabric to fall and reveal the swell of her breast as she blankly stared ahead.

"We are starting bidding at five hundred gold ducats. Who would like to claim this treasure as their own?"

A male's voice came from the audience. "Five hundred fifty."

Another voice spoke up. "Six hundred."

"Six hundred fifty."

A woman's voice called out, "Seven hundred!"

"Eight hundred fifty."

Lucian undid the other brooch, the silken cloth sliding down Kya's body and baring her to the navel to the gathered crowd.

"A thousand ducats!"

"Twelve-hundred."

"Fifteen."

Lucian removed the ribbon at Kya's hips, which caused the silk to puddle on the floor, baring Kya's unblemished body to all gathered. The cold air made her skin prickle. Whatever the potion was that Lucian gave her, it made Kya quiet and complacent, without the wherewithal to cover her nudity.

"As you can see she is perfection itself. And as you all know, Singularities come with perks, should they enjoy their master."

"Twenty thousand."

Then came a deep voice which caused the hair on the back of Kya's nape to stand on end.

"Five million."

Even Lucian looked startled at the newest bid.

"We have five million... going once... going twice..."

A different deep voice called out, "Five point five million."

"Going once... Going twice..." Lucian paused in case of another bidder. "Sold to His Highness Lucarick Baden."

The declaration of the winner caused a commotion in the audience. The curtain lowered and a maid came forth to redress Kya as a guard unshackled her ankles. Lucian guided Kya off stage and into a waiting antechamber furnished with huge leather chairs surrounding a coffee table.

The auctioneer could barely contain his glee. "I laugh at your step-mother's stupidity. The Munros have been a thorn in the side of the Baden clan from time immemorial, and now the Baden have you."

The potion's power began to diminish and Kya reclaimed her agency. "Who are they?"

Lucian's brow wrinkled. "You never heard of them? Did you not have your debut?" How could she not know, especially as a noble?

"No. Lady Munro didn't want to throw a debutante ball for me. I had a maid and stayed in my room except for occasional meals."

Lucian's eyebrows rose. "The Badens are royalty. There are three great families which rule Azdarel... and the Badens are the most powerful clan of the Trifecta and represent the Vampire Tribe. But they have a certain reputation. Be wary. Mind your manners."

A voice came from the door. "Wary? Lucian, I am insulted."

Tall, with wavy auburn hair and dressed in midnight blue silk and velvet, the man entered the room, his sapphire-topped walking stick tap-tapping against the marble floor. His smile lacked warmth.

"It was said with the utmost respect, Lord Lucarick, for who would dare impugn your honor?"

"Evidently you do." Another voice followed behind Lucarick.

"Ah, Lord Arcen, you joined us as well?" The man was of a similar height to Lucarick, with darker hair and intense green eyes. He wore black. down to his fingertips.

"Let me see what I've bought." Lucarick stated as he turn to face Kya. He used the sapphire knob on his walking stick to tilt her face up to his.

"I need coin in hand before you touch her, my lords. It's a part of the auction contract you signed before bidding."

The one known as Lucarick snapped his fingers and large leather sacks filled the chamber. "As you wish."

Lucian gave Kya a gentle push in Lucarick's direction. She stumbled over her gown's hem and fell, grazing her knee on the corner of a coffee table.

"Was she drugged?" The one known as Arcen asked.

"Only enough to ensure her compliance. It will wear off soon. That said, she is a quiet girl who fell on hard times."

"Anything else we should know?"

"Per the contract, you must treat her well and keep her progeny safe. In the event that the contract is violated, she reverts back into my custody."

"That's not what I was asking. Why does she have the stench of wolf upon her?"

"Her step-mother is of the Wolf tribe. She is the one who sold her to me."

Lucarick's bright blue eyes narrowed. "Which clan?"

Kya spoke up with a frown, spitting out the name. "Munro." A burning hatred flamed at the thought of Lady Munro betraying her husband's deathbed request. Kya had only done as she was bid, only to end up sold as a slave and auctioned off the highest bidder. Kya's anger burned fierce.

Arcen and Lucarick shared a look.

"Why would the Munro's sell a Singularity rather than hoarding her for themselves? I knew they were stupid, but could they possibly be that stupid?"

"Doesn't matter, Luca. She's ours now." Arcen smiled as he stepped forth to inspect Kya. He removed his cloak and placed it on Kya's shoulders and pulled it tight around her.

The smell of sandalwood and smoke rose forth to tickle Kya's nose. Although unbidden, she breathed deep this scent time and again, enjoying it.

"Does she have any belongings that she needs to fetch?" Arcen asked of Lucian.

"Nay my lord. She came in with the clothes on her back. As they were rags, they were destroyed."

"Ah, a visit from the dressmaker is in her future. Your name, girl?"

She swallowed down the knot in her throat. "I am Kya Celestia Dunfrith, daughter of Baron Dunfrith of Marvoy." Jyla Munro never allowed Kya the use of her status, thus calling herself Lady Kya seemed awkward.

Arcen spoke. "I have heard of him. A good man. Was working on the rights of Humans before his untimely death."

"A good man poisoned by the she-wolf he married." Spat out Lucarick. "A shame. Come, Lady Kya, let us go home."

Calling her Lady gave Kya a shock. "I am no lady. Don't give me expectations I can't fulfill."

The two men flanked Kya, leading her out a side door to an awaiting nondescript carriage. As they neared, the lanterns hanging off the sides brightened and the door swung open. Lucarick lifted Kya, placing her in the carriage before climbing in behind her. After Arcen entered and settled himself on the padded leather bench, the door shut and the carriage began to roll down the street without a driver or horses to guide it.

"How did you end up in an auction, little one?" Arcen asked, his green eyes growing unnaturally in the dim light.

"My step-mother sold me for twenty gold ducats because I wouldn't marry her nephew. Since Father died, I suppose she didn't want responsibility over one not of her clan."

Lucarick laughed. "I knew they were stupid."

"What's going to happen to me?" Kya's violet eyes darted between the two men who sat opposite of her in the close confines of the carriage.

"Do you tell her, or do I?" Arcen asked Lucarick with a grin.

"Go ahead."

Arcen smiled at Kya. "It's our birthday and you're our present."

He reached for Kya's injured leg, baring her to the knee. Blood caused her silk gown to stick to the wound. Gently he pulled the fabric away before kneeling before her, licking at her wound.

Kya trembled as his warm tongue laved away the blood, but it was his moan of plasure that brought her the greatest shock.

Lucarick gave him a small kick. "Enough. You're scaring her."

Kya pulled her leg away and wrapped the cloak around her much tighter. "What is it you want of me?" She looked like a rabbit facing two foxes.

"You're ours, pet. Our little treasure we bought for ourselves. That's what we bought you for. Instead of bidding against each other, we decided to share you. You may call me Lord Luca."

"You may address me as Lord Arcen."

Kya bit her lip. "What are my duties?"

"Duties? Do you wish to be a maidservant?"

The potion nearly wear off, clearing her mind. As it faded, however, the sense of unease increased. Humans without magic are prey, the natural order of things.

"I wish to know what is expected of me." Bed warmer? Food supply? What was it they wanted?

"Brother, what do you think?"

"Singularities are rare... and you were hidden among a pack of wolves. It's not often one comes across such a treat, unscathed."

Arcen licked his lips. "A very tasty treat."

Luca raised an eyebrow. "May I, Kya? Shall I lick your wound and help you heal as well?"

"Are you going to feed off me? Is that why you bought me?" She pulled her legs closer. While it didn't hurt, it was both mortifying to have a man licking her knee, let alone two who wanted to do so.

"To feed from a lover is a sacred act, my dear. We are not lovers and while I wouldn't mind sampling your taste, unlike my brother, I can restrain myself when I smell fresh blood. So no, you were not bought as a food source. A Singularity such as yourself would be a very rich and decadent dessert. We want to enjoy you for far longer than a single meal." Lord Luca leaned back in his seat, the sapphire topped walking stick upright between his knees, his hands stacked atop it with a leisurely air.

"Do you know why Singularities are so rare? Because they were hunted to near extinction. Your blood houses a great power. In days of old, the Wolves feasted upon the bones of your people while the Vampires fed upon the blood. Man, however, ate the flesh, and so too are they cursed like us, and became able to use magic. We spent a long time trying to track one down... as bloodlines should be preserved. Have no fear, Lady Kya. You are our honored guest. At worst, our pet"

"At least for now." Arcen grinned, his fangs gleaming in the lantern light.