The auction house was a contradiction Kaidan couldn't ignore. Its grand architecture was undeniably beautiful, with towering columns of polished stone, intricately carved motifs of flowing rivers and celestial skies, and soft golden light that bathed the room in a serene glow. Yet, beneath that veneer of elegance lay a deeply disturbing reality.
Rows upon rows of cages lined the floor, each one containing a person—young, old, healthy, frail—all stripped of their freedom and dignity. The murmurs of the buyers filled the air, their voices clinical and detached as they discussed prices and attributes. Kaidan's mismatched eyes—one blue, one gold—lingered on the elevated balconies at the far end of the hall, enclosed by large, thick glass walls that obscured their occupants from view. The so-called VIP section. He couldn't see who watched from behind the glass, but their presence was palpable, like unseen predators circling their prey.
He shifted uncomfortably, his wrists still raw from the shackles. Though his body bore the marks of earlier resistance, it was unmistakable that he was no ordinary captive. His lean frame, sculpted from months of relentless survival and training, exuded an almost otherworldly grace. His black hair, messy yet striking, framed a face that seemed chiseled from stone—sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and skin that glowed faintly even under the flickering light. Despite the grime and bruises, Kaidan looked like something carved from a dream, a beauty that seemed out of place in the grim reality of the auction.
Beautiful on the surface, but rotten to the core, Kaidan thought bitterly as his mismatched eyes scanned the room. The chatter of the buyers around him was both distant and grating, a reminder of his current helplessness. He thought of the cages lining the walls, the hollow expressions of their occupants, and the auctioneer's smug grin. The sheer cruelty of it all made his stomach churn.
The Auction Begins
The auctioneer's voice rang out over the din, pulling Kaidan from his thoughts. One by one, captives were paraded before the crowd, their attributes announced with unsettling precision. The bidders' voices rose and fell, their excitement turning the air thick with tension. Kaidan's turn approached slowly, the anticipation gnawing at him.
When the auctioneer finally reached his cage, Kaidan's heart thudded in his chest. The wiry man grinned broadly as he gestured for Kaidan to be brought forward. Chains clinked loudly as Kaidan stepped onto the platform. He clenched his jaw, the fire in his gaze undimmed despite his circumstances.
Is this what I've been reduced to? he thought, his mismatched eyes scanning the sea of faces. A prize for the highest bidder? The thought stung, but Kaidan pushed the emotion down, focusing instead on his surroundings. Every detail mattered—the positions of the guards, the exit points, the VIP section looming above.
The auctioneer's voice boomed, snapping Kaidan back to the moment.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, spreading his arms dramatically. "And our honored guests in the VIP suites, prepare yourselves for something truly extraordinary. I present to you a rare specimen of strength, beauty, and spirit."
Kaidan stood still as the auctioneer gestured toward him with a flourish. "Observe his unmatched physique—honed from survival, lean yet powerful. Look at that face—sharp features, those piercing mismatched eyes—sapphire blue and molten gold. Exotic, mysterious, and utterly unique. A work of art in every sense."
His skin prickled as the crowd's murmurs grew louder. He could feel their gazes crawling over him, evaluating him as if he were an object. The auctioneer's voice took on a sly tone.
"Not only is he a sight to behold," he added, "but there's something... untamed about him. A fire that hasn't been extinguished. Perfect for labor, entertainment, or... other purposes."
Kaidan's fists clenched behind his back as his mismatched eyes flickered toward the VIP section. He couldn't see through the glass, but the weight of their scrutiny pressed heavily on him. What do they want? he wondered. What kind of people hide behind glass while buying lives?
A Relentless Competition
The bidding began, and the numbers rose quickly. Kaidan's stomach churned at the thought of being reduced to a commodity, but he forced himself to remain composed. Each bid was another chain tightening around him, another reminder of his powerlessness.
"50,000 aurals!" a voice called from the floor.
"80,000," came another.
The excitement in the room grew, the bidders' voices growing louder as they vied for ownership. Kaidan's eyes remained fixed on the VIP section, his thoughts racing. He couldn't see them, but he could feel them, like wolves stalking from the shadows.
"100,000 aurals," a calm, commanding voice declared from the VIP section. The room fell silent. Even the auctioneer paused, his grin widening as he gestured toward the hidden bidder.
Whoever they are, they're not playing games, Kaidan thought, his pulse quickening. But why me?
"120,000," another bidder countered.
The VIP voice returned, cool and unyielding. "150,000 aurals."
The room held its breath. The sum was staggering, far beyond what most could afford. After a long pause, the auctioneer raised his gavel.
"Sold! For 150,900 aurals!" he declared triumphantly.
A New Owner
Kaidan was led off the platform, his chains clinking as he was taken toward the VIP section. The heavy doors opened, revealing an opulent suite draped in silks and bathed in soft, golden light. The air smelled faintly of lavender and something sweeter, more intoxicating.
Standing at the center of the room was a woman who seemed to command the space effortlessly. Her figure was curvaceous, her gown clinging to her in all the right places. Long, jet-black hair cascaded down her back, its sheen catching the light. Her face was striking, with full lips and sharp, violet eyes that glimmered with intelligence and something far more dangerous.
Kaidan's gaze dropped to the floor, but his mind raced. Who is she? What does she want?
The woman stepped closer, her presence almost suffocating. She circled him slowly, her eyes studying him like a predator sizing up prey. He felt the heat of her gaze and resisted the urge to flinch.
Whatever happens, don't look weak, he told himself. They'll only use it against you.
The air seemed to shimmer faintly around her, and Kaidan felt the unmistakable ripple of the Flow. His mismatched eyes widened slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. She's a Flow user.
The woman finally stopped in front of him, her lips curling into a smirk.
"You'll do nicely," she said, her voice smooth and commanding. She gestured to the guards. "Release him."
The guards hesitated but obeyed, unlocking Kaidan's chains. He rubbed his wrists, his thoughts racing. She's dangerous. But what choice do I have?
The woman's violet eyes bore into him. "I have plans for you," she said. "Let's see if you can keep up."