10 Chapter 10: Trails and Tribulations

As Gladys addresses the assembled group in the grand hall of the establishment, her words ring with contempt as she subtly mocks Allegra's presence. "Well, well, if it isn't the spoiled little heiress," she sneers, her voice laced with sarcasm as she walks in front of Allegra, looking down on her. "You must be feeling quite out of your element here, aren't you?"

Gladys's mockery cuts through the air like a knife, her disdain evident in every word she utters. "Look at you, lost and helpless, just like a fish out of water," she taunts, her voice dripping with contempt as she circles Allegra like a vulture eyeing its prey. "Didn't your daddy's money buy you out of trouble this time?"

Allegra grits her teeth, her nails digging into her palms as she fights the urge to lash out. She knows that any response will only fuel Gladys's cruel amusement, so she remains silent, her gaze locked on the floor beneath her feet.

Allegra clenches her fists, her jaw tight with restrained anger. Despite the urge to retaliate, she holds her tongue, knowing any response will only invite more punishment. Instead, she meets Gladys's gaze with steely determination, refusing to let her disdain break her spirit.

Gladys continues her tirade, belittling Allegra's former life of luxury and privilege, highlighting the stark contrast with their current situation. This Heiress is as stubborn as she is spoilt. Gladys think to herself.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Gladys relents, her tone shifting slightly as she addresses the group. "Listen up, you lot," she says, her voice now tinged with begrudging respect. "You're all in the same boat now, whether you like it or not. If you're lucky, you might find yourselves in the hands of decent folk. But if not…" She lets the words hang in the air, the implications clear to everyone present.

The room falls silent, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on each of them. As they exchange uneasy glances, the reality of their predicament sinks in, and they steel themselves for whatever trials lie ahead.

Gladys' chilling command reverberated through the hall, sending a shiver down Allegra's spine. She watched in silence as Gladys pointed out the chosen girls

"Sophie, Chloe, Emma, Isabella, Grace, Amelia, Lily, Rebecca, Mia." Their names echoed in the solemn air, each one a testament to the cruel fate that awaited them.

Among them, the last name uttered was Penny's, drawn out with a cruel twist that seemed to linger in the air like a sinister omen. Allegra's heart sank as she realized that her friend was among those selected.

As Gladys continued her heartless selection, Allegra's resolve wavered. The weight of their situation bore down on her, threatening to crush the last vestiges of her composure. In that moment, she felt the facade she had carefully crafted over the years begin to crumble, revealing the vulnerability and fear that lay beneath.

The six vampires and four humans stood silently, their faces reflecting a mix of resignation and despair. Each one was a stark reminder of the grim reality they faced, of being nothing more than commodities to be bought and sold in this cruel world.

Allegra gritted her teeth, refusing to let Gladys see her weakness. Gladys laughed cruelly, the sound echoing off the walls of the grand hall. "Oh, I'm sure someone will find a use for you," she sneered, her words dripping with malice. "But don't get your hopes up, little princess. You're nothing but a spoiled brat, and no one wants a useless burden like you."

Despite the harshness of Gladys's words, Allegra refused to back down. She held her head high, meeting Gladys's gaze with a steely resolve. "We'll see who's laughing in the end," she said, her voice unwavering. "I won't be here for long, mark my words."

Gladys's laughter faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. But she quickly regained her composure, her expression hardening once more. "We'll see indeed," she replied, her tone dripping with disdain. "But until then, enjoy your stay, princess. It's going to be a long and miserable one." With a final mocking glance, she turned and walked away, leaving Allegra alone with her thoughts and her determination to escape this nightmare.

As the auction commenced in a secluded location, Gladys paraded the girls before the buyers, showcasing them like prized possessions. Among the captives was Allegra's newfound friend, Penny, who stood trembling with fear and desperation.

As the buyers inspected the girls, Penny's distress became palpable. When one of the buyers attempted to touch her, Penny recoiled in terror, her panic reaching a breaking point. Unable to bear the intrusion any longer, she doubled over and began retching uncontrollably, a visceral reaction to the overwhelming horror of her situation.

Gladys, ever disdainful, watched Penny's distress with a sneer, her cruelty evident as she ordered the guards to remove her from the room. As Penny was escorted away, Allegra, though not present at the auction, felt a surge of empathy and determination. She knew she had to find a way to escape her own captivity and rescue her friend and the other captives from their torment, no matter the risks.

That night, while the rest were asleep Allegra stayed up. Waiting.

"Get in." The sentries pushed Penny in their cell and left her to fall on the cold ground. The girls including Allegra hugged Penny and she cried in their embrace so happy to be back and not sold to those scary people.