"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for the grand auction!" announced a very charismatic presenter, capturing the attention of the gala attendees. The dimly lit room added an air of suspense as everyone took their seats.
Alex, seated next to the mysterious woman from the bar, observed the unfolding spectacle with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The auction promised rare items of value and history, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Before they got to this more discreet hall, a gentleman in a suit had walked up to him at the bar and whispered to him that the event was soon to begin. The same also happened to the audacious lady that he met at the bar. The two ended up following the gentle man in the suit and now ended up sitting together for the event.
The first item rolled onto the stage on a gleaming cart was a dazzling piece of artwork, the bidding starting at an exorbitant price. The audience were quickly engaged in enthusiastic bids, filling the room with the rapid exchange of numbers.
As the night progressed, the items up for auction escalated in rarity and value. Precious gems, ancient artifacts, and even an intricately carved violin captured the attention of the affluent crowd. The bids soared to staggering heights, each purchase celebrated with applause and champagne.
'So much money in the world. These people would buy anything sold to them as long as it comes with a story,' Alex observed. He noticed how each one of them bid with an air of pride and self-assuredness.
However, the atmosphere shifted when the presenter introduced the next set of items. The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed in anticipation. Alex's curiosity turned to shock when men, like prized possessions, were wheeled onto the stage in ornate cages.
These men were only barely covered up as they wore jockstrap alone. They had chains binding them to their cages that was wheeled out. And when they were brought to stage, they were let out of their cages and allowed to turn around for the ground to potentially examine the goods they had on.
The mysterious woman beside him leaned forward, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Now, these are the real treasures," she whispered.
Alex felt a knot tighten in his stomach as the presenter hyped each man, highlighting skills, intelligence, and physical prowess. The bidding war began, and the men on display exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Unease settled over Alex as he realized the true nature of this auction. It wasn't about objects; it was about lives being bought and sold. His discomfort deepened when women, chained at the neck, were paraded onto the stage like commodities next.
"Human trade? This is getting crazy!" Alex thought as he saw rich, despicable men squabble over claiming ownership of another human. He could see the sadness, desperation and exhaustion in the eyes of the women brought on stage to be auctioned off.
The auctioneer's voice resonated through the room, narrating the attributes of each woman as if they were prized thoroughbreds. The bidding intensified, and Alex struggled to maintain composure, his fists clenching involuntarily.
"Nexxxxxt up, a delicate flower with a spirit that needs taming. This young beauty, only 19, possesses a fiery charm that will surely captivate any fortunate owner. Let's start the bidding at 50,000 dollars. Do I see fifty? Yes, fifty from the gentleman in the exquisite tuxedo."
The Auctioneer continued; "Now, this one, ladies and gentlemen, is a feisty soul, always ready for a challenge. She's been known to resist authority, but with the right owner, she could be molded into absolute submission. Bidding starts at 75,000 dollars. Do I see seventy-five? Yes, seventy-five from the lady in the red gown!!"
The dehumanizing commentary persisted, each woman reduced to a mere commodity, their worth determined by the whims of the highest bidder.
"Our next item is a duo – two friends that are inseparable . These young ladies, twins at the tender age of 20, offer a unique opportunity to experience a double servitude if you know what I mean!!. Let's begin the bidding at 120,000 dollars. One-twenty, do I hear one-twenty? Ah, the gentleman with a taste for variety."
The mysterious woman next to him seemed to revel in the spectacle, placing enthusiastic bids on both men and women. Alex, torn between revulsion and the need to maintain his cover, decided to play the spectator.
Despite the itch to intervene, the overwhelming odds and the potential consequences kept him rooted to his seat. The show went on, and with each bid, a piece of Alex's faith in humanity crumbled.
The grandeur of the gala reached its peak as a luxurious box was rolled onto the stage. With an air of anticipation, the box was opened, revealing the captivating figure of a lady that looked like a goddess. Unlike the others that have been auctioned off, she had no chains around her neck. Bathed in the spotlight, her naked form was accentuated by the beams, casting a glow around her.
Immediately, Alex's system came alive.
[Target acquired - Lisa Bonet]
[Age - 23 years]
[Occupation - Investigative journalist]
[Crime - A loud mouth]
"Well...no surprises here," Alex mused internally, acknowledging the high-profile nature of the captive. But what was an investigative journalist doing in such place? Perhaps she was captured or kidnapped?
As the atmosphere shifted, the presenter seized the moment. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! The renowned Lisa Bonet is now on the auction block! A rare opportunity, indeed. How many among you has she wronged? I'm willing to bet, everyone!"
"Lisa Bonet starts at 100,000 dollars. Do I see one hundred? Is that one hundred?!" The bidding frenzy erupted.
"200,000!" called out a well-dressed gentleman.
"300,000!" echoed a voice from the other side.
The numbers escalated rapidly as the elite attendees vied for the high-profile captive. Fifteen million dollars marked the zenith of the bidding war. Surprisingly, the woman seated next to Alex, was the one who secured the winning bid.
"Thank you, everyone, and see you next time in Monaco!" announced the presenter, swiftly exiting the stage.
"Well, I guess the market's closed! I didn't see you get any merchandise. Is there a reason or you have a shallow pocket?" Shr teased Alex, her competitive spirit evident.
"Well, I found my merchandise already. Met her at the bar earlier. Say, would you like to start the bidding afresh? Perhaps I might be lucky tonight and go home with you?" Alex playfully suggested with a wink. He wasn't going to get outplayed just like that.
"You appear to lack money but words, not quite. But you have my attention, Mr. Alex. Say, my birthday party is tomorrow. You're invited," she handed Alex an elegant invitation card, complete with an address.
"Interesting. So I never got your name," Alex asked just as she was about to walk away.
"Tatiana. My name is Tatiana Dijakovic. But you may call me Dija," she said.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then, Dija?" Alex replied, the allure of the unexpected night ahead lingering in the air.
Alex watched as two men in black suits walk up to them and guarded Tatiana as she left the building.
'So what about the target? How do I get to her?' Alex inquired.
June teased.
"So all I have to do is attend the party tomorrow and get the target, fair enough," Alex said.
It seemed rather straight forward and simple enough to Alex. He looked around to see some of the rich men chattering as they exited the building.
Just then, his phone rang as he was walking out of the grand hall.
He picked up and the person on the other line to his surprise was a female.
"Yes, who is this? How many I help you?"
A thick french accent resonated as the lady spoke, " Mr Alex, I just finished my shift, can I come over?"
A grin immediately spread across Alex's face.
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[Author's note : Please support this book with powerstones, golden tickets and reviews]