"Fifty thousand gold coins" a voice declares, its tone cool and confident, causing Allegra to whirl around in astonishment. Who had the audacity to utter such an outrageous amount.
Amidst the sea of faces, her gaze locks onto one figure shrouded in shadow, his presence commanding attention despite his obscured features. Clad in all black, he exudes an air of mystery, his jet-black hair framing his face as he sits with an aura of nonchalance.
The sudden bid sends shockwaves through the crowd, rendering them silent as they await the auctioneer's response. "You said what?" he repeats, his voice echoing through the hall, his eyes scanning the room with an unreadable expression.
"I'll be leaving in a few minutes. Bring the girl to me." He say standing up. He was tall, his imposing figure accentuated by a slim yet muscular physique that hinted at strength and power. Despite his understated presence, there was an undeniable aura of authority that surrounded him, drawing all eyes to his enigmatic form.
The auctioneer's voice faltered as he struggled to regain composure, hurrying after the mysterious bidder backstage. Meanwhile, another man stepped up to fill his place, but Allegra's attention remained fixated on the enigmatic figure who had placed the exorbitant bid.
As a sentry led her backstage, the murmurs of conversation between the auctioneer and the mysterious bidder reached her ears. "You won't like her, sir Beaumont. She's rather... spirited," the auctioneer attempted to dissuade the bidder, prompting an inward scoff from Allegra. Determined not to be underestimated, she clenched her fists, ready to defend herself against any further belittlement.
The man's response, however, was unexpected. His husky voice sent shivers down Allegra's spine, resonating with an undeniable authority that left her heart pounding in her chest. "You aren't the one buying her," he declared, his words echoing in the room with a commanding presence that left no room for argument.
"But she is brash and rude and so arrogant. Surely you must reconsider. And you paying such a high price for a quality less commodity," the auctioneer stammered, attempting to dissuade the bidder.
"I don't think you get it. She is mine," the bidder declared, turning to face the auctioneer with unwavering resolve. His bold assertion sent a strange flutter through Allegra's stomach, her apprehension growing with each passing moment. "Aren't you pleased that someone is willing to pay fifty thousand gold coins?"
The auctioneer gulped nervously, his attempts to backtrack falling flat in the face of the bidder's determination. "We-well, I didn't say—" he began, but his words trailed off as the bidder's gaze sharpened.
"Who touched you?!" the bidder demanded, his tone dangerously calm as he turned his attention to Allegra. A chill ran down her spine as his eyes settled on the cut on her left cheek, and she instinctively took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Maybe she acted foolish again and they beat her. Serves you right, crazy nut job," the auctioneer interjected, his laughter ringing hollow in the tense atmosphere of the room.
Awestruck by his mesmerizing appearance, Allegra ceased her backward retreat and stood transfixed in her spot. His honey-colored skin and jet-black hair, styled in a sleek taper fade, drew her gaze, but it was his eyes that held her captive. They swirled with a mesmerizing blend of red and light blue, creating a striking purple hue. His sharp cheekbones, erect nose, and pale pink lips completed his captivating visage, while his smooth complexion seemed to exude an air of effortless elegance.
"Who hurt you?" he asked again, his voice cutting through the tense silence. Allegra shook herself out of her daze and glanced at the sentry standing beside her, the one who had brought her to face the madam.
His attention shifted abruptly, and he snapped at the sentry. "How dare you..." His voice trailed off as the sentry collapsed to his knees, his words tumbling out in a frantic plea. "I didn't hit her, I swear it," he begged, his desperation palpable in the air.
"She's not here," Allegra finally interjected, her voice barely more than a whisper. His attention snapped back to her, his intense gaze boring into her.
The auctioneer attempted to speak, but Allegra cut him off with a sharp retort. "Sir, why are you defending her? She needs correction; she deserves that slap and more—"
"Shut your mouth!" Allegra's voice rang out, cutting through the auctioneer's words like a knife through butter. "It reeks of stupidity," she added, her tone dripping with disdain as she advanced toward him. With a swift motion, she delivered a resounding slap, the force of which sent shockwaves through the room. The auctioneer staggered backward, blood dribbling from his split lip, his expression contorted with rage.
Before he could retaliate, the bidder intervened, swiftly breaking the auctioneer's finger and tossing him aside like a ragdoll. Taking hold of Allegra's arm, he pulled her away from the chaos, his grip firm yet strangely gentle as they disappeared into the shadows of the backstage area.
"Lord Declan, they are getting more impatient." His butler tells him as he approaches the carriage.
"I am aware. Send word. Tell them I will come in the evening."
"Alright sir." The butler says speeding away to the Beaumont estate.
—-
"I wonder why we vampire use carriages when we could run to our destinations so fast." Allegra murmurs absentmindedly.
"To enjoy the view." Lord Declan Beaumont says as his eyes came catches that of Allegra.
She casts her eyes downwards and he stares at her for a while. "I'm going to my family's estate. My family wants me to get married as soon as possible and I have to have a girl for that. You will act like I'm courting you. Do not speak until I say so." He pauses. "Your name."
"Allegra Sterling." She says quickly.
"Hm.." he says. "What you did back there was simply astonishing!" He laughs. Inside the carriage, Declan's laughter fills the air, a rich and melodious sound that reverberates off the walls, accompanied by the distinct lilt of a British accent. Each word carries a refined elegance, tinged with a hint of playful mischief. As he speaks, the rhythm of his speech dances with the melody of his laughter, creating an enchanting symphony that captivates those around him. With each chuckle, his dimples deepen, adding a touch of boyish charm to his rugged features. Despite the confined space, his laughter brings a sense of warmth and comfort, momentarily lifting the spirits of those around him. Allegra couldn't help but momentarily smile a bit.
"Coachman, to the clothing store." He says.
"Yes milord."
"I'm Declan Beaumont by the way." He smiled again. Allegra nodded, she was plotting a way to escape.