Auction

It wasn't like me to insult and degrade the man I had hit earlier. I couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for my audacity. Perhaps it was because I had slammed my head, or maybe it was because he blocked my path to independence. It could have been the stress of coping with weeks of isolation with monsters, or something else entirely. But ultimately, the reason mattered the least.

It crossed my mind that perhaps they were the ones who had captured me, or the ones who were planning to. Therefore, I needed to be cautious. Despite not knowing him well, I sensed that he was one of the most normal beings around here. "Who is he?" I wondered. "I think I have to apologize if I ever see him again." 

Honestly, just being near him even for a short moment, I felt relieved and protected. But could I still trust my instincts and return to him?

No way. It might just be another trap.

My mind was in chaos, and it wasn't working as intended right now. I hadn't considered my options before I jumped out of that window. It was as high as the tallest trees in sight. I could've died, which, in retrospect, could've been the best outcome. Fortune favored me this time, though, thanks to the old vines they had failed to remove along the walls.

"It's her!" A guttural voice said.

Goodness, I really should not have been too complacent. Resting was indeed for the weak. I had to get out of here first.

Gasping for a handful of air, I searched for the nearest hideaway under the trees. But before I could find it, an eagle-like entity swooped down and landed before me. Its sharp talons swiftly gripped my wrist tightly, and I struggled to break free as it took me in its flight.

Not again. I wanted to fly, sure, but never this way. 

The harsh wind whipped against me, drying my eyes as we rapidly soared into the night sky. The pressure was enormous, and I couldn't even open my eyes. My breath grew shallow, and the air felt thick. My heart pounded rapidly in my chest, struggling to sustain me.

"Let go of me!" I cried out against the cool air. When will my predicament end?

With my free arm, I tried to push the eagle-like creature out of its tight grip around me, but its talons felt like they were made of steel, cutting into my skin. Instead, I pushed myself up and, with my teeth, I bit one of its legs. The creature howled in pain and released its grip on me, sending me hurtling toward the ground.

As I plummeted, panic gripped me. The wind roared past, and I struggled to orient myself in the expansive darkness. With desperate instincts for survival, I stretched out my arms, grasping for anything to break my fall. But there was nothing to hold onto, just empty air all around me.

Bracing for impact, I closed my eyes tightly against the impending pain. But just as I was about to hit the ground, something miraculous happened.

A ball of fine furs caught me, and I bounced. It was a group of innocent chinchillas. Before I could stand, they had already surrounded me, their soft fur brushing against my skin as they inspected me with curious, beady eyes. Despite the dire circumstances, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at their unexpected rescue.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully. With their help, I managed to stand on shaky legs, taking a moment to catch my breath and assess my surroundings. As I looked around, I realized I was in a dense forest, illuminated only by the faint light of the moon. 

Suddenly, pain shot through my body as the jaguar guard kicked me in the stomach, causing me to double over and cough loudly. It looked like they had already caught up on me.

Gasping for air, I struggled to regain my breath, but the guards showed no mercy as they surrounded me, their imposing figures casting menacing shadows in the moonlit forest.

"Enough," the commander ordered sternly. "She's merely human, the weakest of beings. We may even consider eliminating her, though she holds significant value. I've heard rumors of her youth and the freshness of her blood fetching a high price."

The commander's words sent a chill down my spine as I realized the gravity of my situation. I was nothing more than a pawn in their twisted game, valued only for the potential profit I could bring. 

Despite the agony coursing through me, I knew I had to keep fighting. With a surge of adrenaline, I forced myself to stand, facing the guards with defiance in my eyes. They may have captured me, but they would never break my spirit.

"Is this how you treat all your prisoners?" I managed to rasp, my voice hoarse with pain but filled with determination.

The guards remained silent, their eyes gleaming with malice as they tightened their grip on their weapons. As they began to drag me away, I vowed to myself that I would always find a way to escape. No matter how dire the situation seemed, I would never lose hope. I knew that as long as I had the will to fight, there would always be a chance for freedom.

I gathered my resolve. I met the commander's gaze with steely determination. "I may be human," I declared, my voice ringing out clear and strong despite the fear gnawing at my insides. "But I am not weak..."

As I was returned to my former sanctuary, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, scrutinized by the curious gazes of the creatures around me. The increase in guards only served to heighten my sense of confinement.

Despite my protests, I was cleaned and dressed in a pristine gown, the soft fabric a stark contrast to the bruises and wounds that marred my skin. The monsters attending to me showed no concern for my discomfort, their focus solely on the task at hand.

In the gloomy confines of the room, I found myself in the company of other captives, small elves who, like me, had been captured and confined against their will. Their eyes held a mixture of fear and resignation, mirroring my own emotions as we faced the uncertainty of our fate together.

"Are they all that remain?" I heard the Komodo inquire of his cohort, his tone steeped in surreal terror.

"Yes, master," the Pig replied, "she's the final one in the medium class."

As I overheard their conversation, my heart sank.

As the Komodo dragged the small elf towards the door, shouts of anticipation and cheer erupted from the other side, filling the air with an electrifying energy. I couldn't see what lay beyond the blinding light, but I could sense the excitement and tension in the atmosphere.

The auctioneer's voice echoed through the room as he presented the small elf to the crowd, listing off her attributes and talents. 

"Exhibit number twelve: A petite, elegant elf standing at a mere three feet tall. She possesses a youthful beauty and radiance, with type 1 blood and exceptional talents that leave you yearning for more. Additionally, she is a former dancer, adding to her allure. Truly a captivating charmer."

My heart sank as I listened to the callous appraisal of the elf's worth.

"Start with five silver," the auctioneer declared, setting the bidding in motion.

The chuckles and whistles of the assembled creatures grated on my ears, each sound a reminder of the depravity unfolding before me.

Inside the venue, hands shot up eagerly. "Ten silver," declared one bidder.

"Fifteen," countered another.

Curses were muttered under breaths.

"Thirty," someone hastily exclaimed.

"Fifty," another asserted confidently.

Murmurs erupted throughout the crowd. 

"Going once, going twice." Silence enveloped the room. "Sold for fifty silver to Mr. Smith the Goblin!" proclaimed the auctioneer. His gavel struck thrice, sealing the fate of the unfortunate elf. 

The raucous celebration filled the room. Cheers erupted with the clinking of glasses and the sound of food being served and savored.

As I looked around at the other elves within the confinement, it was evident that they were just as scared and hopeless as I felt. Their eyes reflected the same resignation, knowing that they were at the mercy of those who saw them as nothing more than objects.

Komodo's glassy eyes glanced at me, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced, and I instinctively stepped back, but before I could retreat further, the four guards held me firmly in place.

"Why there's human here? Shouldn't she be included in the captives that will be delivered to King Zachariel?" Komodo asked, confused. 

The girl with four arms lowered her gaze. "We were instructed by Master Zeno to include her in today's auction," she answered solemnly. "An aristocrat from the Kingdom of Aurorium is expected to pay a visit."

Komodo nodded appreciatively, his thick scales caressing my silky hair. He leaned in closer, inhaling deeply, his nostrils flaring as he took in the scent. Fear gripped me, but I dared not protest or resist.

"Such a delightful fragrance," he whispered in my ear.

He rubbed the side of his scratchy face against mine. Anger and fear surged within me.

"Please, let go of me," I protested, trying to retreat, but he held my chin firmly. The guards that had been restraining me were no longer there, leaving me alone with him.

"Very young." He neared his smelly face. "And beautiful lady," he leered, his eyes roaming all over my body with desire. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he looked into my eyes with a strange sparkle. He grinned and touched my cheeks. "Best served raw," he whispered. 

I couldn't fathom what he meant by that, but the implication filled me with dread.

I felt violated and disrespected. Every fiber of my being screamed to punch him, but I couldn't move as he held both my arms tightly. My eyes started to burn, indicating the fresh tears that threatened to spill, but I knew I must not cry. I refused to yield and show my weakness in front of him.

"Number thirteen," the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room as the guard pushed another elf out before me. 

As Komodo finally released his grip on me, his intense gaze lingered. Before I could fully recover, a guard with a long mace forcefully shoved me towards the open door. My injured feet protested, making it difficult to move. With a violent push, I stumbled forward, nearly falling onto the hard marble floor.

"Now, here comes exhibit number fourteen," announced the auctioneer. "Our final entry of today, but certainly not the least."