emotions I felt inside. Her eyes widened at my jewelry, and she nodded in eager anticipation while rubbing her hands together. She then paged the auctioneer, who scanned the jewelry and appraised it on the spot.
Tallis seemed happy with the money deposited into my account. His wide grin felt out of place in the dark place. My heart broke as they carried it away my mother’s necklace. And as Tallis gave me bidding tips, I silently mourned the lost memories.
Getting my mind back to the matter at hand, I made quick work of bidding on the girl. Sweat dripped down my neck as I navigated the fast-paced auction. Within seconds of placing a bid, someone would counter with a higher one. There was no time to consider. You had to play and play fast.
Each time I submitted my bid, my eyes drifted to her sad gaze in the digital photograph.
The last ten minutes of the timed auction were brutal. Tallis made quiet suggestions and gripped my knee while scanning the room. Just as the clock buzzed, indicating that the auction was over, I reached the threshold of my savings. As the computer calculated the winner, I sighed in relief. She was mine. She was safe.
The auctioneer looked at me with a sinister gaze as he walked over and handed me my claiming ticket. “You know, I can usually guess what a person’s tastes are," he said while licking his lips. "I’m surprised to see that the proud Mistress Black has a fascination with young girls.” His tone turned crude, and I blanched when he used my name. “I guess having a conscience can get expensive.”
Tallis flexed then and took a step forward as if preparing to punch the auctioneer. Two men wearing black suits grabbed him and removed his hat.
“Ahhh, I’ve heard whispers that a Scavenger is responsible for my missing Walker girls,” the auctioneer said. He stepped closer to Tallis, and I tensed in fear. His movements were sloppy but forceful as he slapped Tallis across the face. The point on his gold ring nicked Tallis' skin, causing droplets of blood to flow down his cheek.
“Let him go and give me my property,” I said in a steady voice through gritted teeth.
“But what about the property I’ve lost? Who's going to reimburse me for that?” He Slapped Tallis again, and another scratch marred Tallis’ pale cheeks, making me flinch.
“What's your name, sir?” I asked in a calm tone that felt eerie. He turned to face me with narrowed eyes.
“You may call me Mr. Branish,” he replied, puffing out his chest in an absurd display of pride.
“Well…Branish, as you are well aware, I’m Mistress Jules Black. Baby sister to the infamous Cyler Black, now one of the richest men in the Empire. It wouldn’t take much for him to shut down your little establishment. Hell, it wouldn’t take much for him to shut down this entire province," I began with a cold smile. "My brother has some of the most lucrative trade deals in the Empire. One click of his Tablet would ensure that no one comes to Saberus again. You’ll turn into one of those abandoned towns you see on the late night report.” I brushed a fingertip against the mahogany bar top and threw him a sinister grin.
“You have no authority here, Mistress,” he hissed. His red cheeks puffed out in fury, and he flexed his fist. But I felt no fear.
“Branish, I have all the authority here. Let my friend go. Let my Walker go. I’ve paid my portion,” I said, raising an eyebrow. The entire club was watching now. Eyes followed me, and despite the music, the hissing of whispers surrounded us.
Branish appraised me, his depthless eyes observing me for signs of weakness or bluffing. After a moment, he waved a hand to his guard, and a tall man drug out the young girl.
The sight of her made me freeze and little zaps of concern made my stern expression falter. The fear that filled her features broke me. Her eyes were hazy with the pain of someone that had seen too much. Her dull, pale skin lacked the glow and warmth of sunshine. Her bones stuck out of her too-tight clothes.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Branish. If I hear of any young girls filtering through your establishment, I’ll burn it to the ground.”
"Bitch," he muttered to our retreating forms.
We made our way back to the Transport, but I still felt the remnants of Pure Pleasure