đAzuria.
~ATHENA
The grand auction house was abuzz with anticipation, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the soft murmur of hushed conversations. The room was a masterclass in opulence, with gleaming marble floors, chandeliers that seemed to drip with diamonds, and walls adorned with works of art that looked like they cost a fortune. How satisfying would it have been if they sold those types of art instead.
'They really outdid themselves this time' I thought to myself as I continued to peer out from behind the red draped curtain I was stood, scrutinizing every possible thing in this hall. This would be my third appearance to an auction and no one has ever lifted up their bidder card much to my dismay. Even though I knew I was going to end up in some place where I would be used in a way I wouldn't dare imagine, I would still like to take my chances there. At least I get to see the beauty that lies beyond the cavern I've been sheltered in for years.
The hall this time was so grand compared to the last two times I was here. I think they made quite a fortune selling the last year batch with each girl costing over a hundred thousand dollars.
I opened the curtain further, not enough for anyone to notice me but enough for me to get the entire view of the hall. At the far end of the room, a raised platform stood like a throne, where the auctioneer would soon take their place, microphone in hand as our existence was being reduced to that of man-made arts. The seats were arranged in neat rows, most of them, alreday occupied by a carefully selected bidder, all curious to know what the girls behind the curtain looked like.
I glanced at my side, the girls, sadness graced upon their features while waiting patiently to be displayed like a piece of treasured jewel showcased in a glass and ready to be sold. Each of them looked so beautiful and mesmerizing tonight, Invaluable even. Their porcelain skin exposed, showing all their body parts except their nipples and pubic area. The eager bidders waiting to devour these beautiful souls. The thought itself made my heart weep and sink deeper for them because I knew this fate was inevitable.
The atmosphere seemed to be electric, a potent mix of excitement and nerves for the bidders. These were people who were used to getting whatever they wanted without having to worry about money, and the stakes were high tonight seeing the dresses of these sophisticated humans who I know runs illegal businesses since they got involved in purchasing minors.
As the lights dimmed, a hush fell over the room, and the auctioneer, Miss Anastasia took her place at the podium. The bidding was about to begin and the girls were taking their stance behind me as we lined up in a straight line. I don't think Madame Ivanoff would appreciate me being first as she might tell a lie and say 'you scared them away with your hideous looking face.' I don't want to make her upset with me because I knew I was going to end up being back in the cavern tonight.
Miss Anastasia's voice was smooth as silk just as I had remembered from last year and the year before. Her voice, weaving a spell over the room as she began to introduce the first girl in terms of physical appearance: height, weight, facial features and age. "Number 20." Miss Anastasia called making a small inaudible gasp leave the space in between my lips. They were doing it in a descending order this time and I was going to be that last one on display since I was number one.
I watched as a beautiful girl, Mae, who was wrapped in an exposing red Aldovian dress, she took a deep sigh and adjusted the veil that covered her nose and lips, leaving only her eyes visible. Immediately she stepped out the red draped curtain, the bidding started at a staggering sum, and the room erupted into a flurry of activity as hands shot up and bidders called out their offers.
I watched as Miss Anastasia worked the room with ease, coaxing higher and higher bids from the assembled crowd. Mae gave a little dance performance which they had taught us so as to entice the bidders with our 'charm' each step Mae took pushed the price higher and higher, until she finally sold for a record-breaking sum of 115 thousand dollars.
The room was on the edge of their seats as the next girl was revealed. A lustful gaze setting upon the male bidders as they stared at Scarlet, the red-haired with so much lust and adoration. While some of their gazes stopped at Scarlets faces, most of them took their gazes further and dared to stop on her breasts which were full and were on display for them. The bidding was faster this time, with bidders wasting no time. And scarlet sold for almost twice as much as Mae.
Miss Anastasia voice grew more calculated as she introduced the next girl "a unique piece and one of a kind." The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the girl in question, the young dark-haired girl who Celeste had comforted during dinner last night stood nervously in the center of the stage, her head cast downward while she awaited her fate to be decided.
I watched as the bidders began to murmur, their voices low and urgent, as they sized up the competition before they considered their next move. The air was thick with tension, and the outcome was far from certain. Who would take her home and what would be her life afterwards? I internally questioned myself.
Miss Anastasia voice rose, the words spilling out in a rhythmic cadence, as the bidding began. The room was on the edge of their seats, the tension building, as the price climbed higher and higher because the bidders knew this girl was naive and would abide to their will without giving a fuss.
"I really don't want to do this." Esme's voice cut through my train of thought as I stared up at her in the sky-blue exposing Aldovian dress she was wearing. Her voice came out a little bit hoarse due to the crying she did last night. "I don't want to leave you alone." She whispered, pain gripping unto her voice like a vice.
I couldn't bring myself to say anything because no amount of words I say would be able to change the fact that we were doomed.
"Number 8." Miss Anastasia spoke. Esme wore a small smile which I saw due to the sides of her eyes crinkling since her mouth was also covered with a veil that matched her dress.
"That's me." Esme whispered to me as she stood behind the red curtain waiting for it to be opened. My eyes began to tear up because this was it, this was the end, the end of my beautiful friendship with Esme. I truly wish her the best of luck in all her endeavors and I pray she ends up in the circle of good people, hopefully reuniting with her family. Esme gave one last wave before she disappeared behind the curtains.
"I'll be back." I muttered to no one in particular as I ran towards the restroom with teary eyes because I couldn't bring myself to watch my only friend being sold off.