Chapter 4: Priceless

My broad eyes were fixed on the spacious view before me that looked like a cathedral, so grand that any place I have ever been to, with an endless row of seats like a circle, spreading widely. The entire place had nothing but golden aesthetics. Seats were all filled, but I couldn’t see their faces because of the stage lights around me, making me feel like I was the star of the show, am I? "A Fairy!" I turned to the blue-eyed man near something that looked like an altar with a mic as he spoke through it. A fairy? Why did he call me that? "Are you joking with us, Grandmaster?!" A voice called from the crowd. "A Fairy?" "Is he certain?" "I have never seen one before." "Is shy?" "Surely this must be some joke." "She can’t possibly be on." My heartbeat was like a drum amongst their echo of words and talks that filled the entire hall like bees. I stood still, stupefied, and terrified. "Of course, my esteemed buyers, I shall show you proof," he said, amused. I pondered what he meant by that until I felt a tight grip on my hand, and pivoted. It was the same man who hauled me to the stage; he handled me roughly once again, and I could do nothing. What made it worse was that he ripped the top of my gown, and I yelped. I heard a loud round of gasps behind me. "You see that? That is the proof you need, for she bears the mark!" "He’s right!" "She is a fairy!" "Such a rare gem!" "Priceless!" "How did he get one?!" "Glorious" "Look at that!" "She’s one!" As the echo went on, the man swirled me to face the crowd, and I was like a cube of ice. I held on tightly to the torn bit of clothing that kept me decent enough. "10 million!" someone called. "No 20 million!" "50 million!" "70 million!" "80!" What’s happening? My eyes are trembling... are they calling such a price for me? Was I even worth that much? "100 million!" "200 million!" "We have the highest bidder!" The blue-eyed man whom I assumed was the Grandmaster announced. "You are all pumped for thithis s, but you can do better. What are the chances of you getting your hands on such a gem again?" "300 million!" "The highest of them all!" The crowd applauded, but I could hear the disdain in the background. My quivering eyes leveled to my feet. This must be some kind of dream... I’m being auctioned out like a thing, like I wasn’t even a human being. I have never been of value all my life, right here I was, and they were calling amounts that were rendered impossible to my ears. I almost chuckle at this... because this looks like some joke, who wants an ominous child like me? What value am I? I should be glad because for the first time I felt I amounted to something, I felt like I was actually of worth... So why? Why does it feel like I’m about to crumble? I could feel the tears threatening to fall. Well, I can’t remember the last time I cried because I didn’t care about my fate or what happened to me... so why? Why does it hurt right now? Why? The tears were already leaking from my eyes. I was of worth and I knew what exactly because what else would it be? I’m sold as a sex slave! What other value would I be of? Nothing good has ever happened in my life before. I only amount to this... My caretaker was right... I’m an ominous girl and nothing... NOTHING will ever be good for me. I closed my eyes as the tears dripped more. I could already hear the Grandmaster saying I had been sold to whoever said 200 million. I thought I was in hell before, but it seems like I was only getting a taste of it... I would do anything to go back to that cell. At the sound of an approaching footstep, I opened my eyes, and my blurry gaze fell on black shoes. Sniffed Ed, knowing very well it was the so-called man who purchased me, or so I thought. "500 millionA", strong baritone voice that shook even my bones, echoed in the hall, and stupefaction and curiosity, I raised my head.