Page 99 of Heir of the Beast

“Maybe not, but there are women here for whom this is very real. If anything, maybe we can help them,” I say, and plop down on a cream sofa, trying to stay as positive as possible.

She rolls her eyes and wipes a tear. “So much for a happily-ever-after. Apollo is going to die, and we can do nothing about it. Yay, Fairy Godmother Inc.” She waves her hands mockingly.

I look down and don’t say anything, pain twisting in my chest. Right then, Mort and Leenie shapeshift in front of us. I jump up and wait for them to speak, heart pounding.

Mort and Leenie start talking at once, then they both shoot the other a murderous glance. Leenie holds up her hand and speaks, making Mort roll her eyes.

“We don’t have much time, so we need to go over some very crucial things—”

“We might have a way of escape and,” Mort pauses with a smile, “a way to save Apollo!”

I gasp. “For real?!”

Laura’s eyes go wide.

Leenie fixes her black hair into a low pony. “We have three main powerhouses at the bidding in three days.

“You need to catch the eye of one in particular, for he has major ties to one of the most famous healers in the realm. A healer who can cleanse Apollo’s blood of the poison and save his life.

“Pierce will provide payment for this, for the sake of the company. He just received clearance.”

Mort looks relieved and says, “Thank goodness for that. Pierce had to pull some serious strings. This man is older but filthy rich and has a castle in the north next to Mont Gallow.

“His name is Lord Eltson of Oria. The great healer lives in his castle by the name Merva the Great.” She pauses.

“He loves a woman who can put on an act, like dancing. He’s a major pervert, unfortunately. Viola, you worked at a strip joint right?”

Laura raises a brow and gives me a look.

“Hey,” I hold up my hand, “I was never a stripper, Mort!” I shoot her a look for her bad choice in words.

“But I have watched them and maybe tried a few little moves. Only for the sake of working out, though. It’s kinda a thing now.” Why is my face reddening? I have done nothing wrong!

“Right,” Laura says.

I frown at her—the prude.

“I will try and find out what he likes in more detail, but for now focus on being a sexy dancer,” Leenie says very seriously.

Laura and I giggle at her choice of words—~sexy dancer—~with her weird accent. Laura stops suddenly as if realizing we both thought the same thing was funny.

“Just because I’m not a ~ stripper~ does not mean I can’t dance,” Laura says as if mildly offended, looking at her nails.

Is she serious?

“I will gladly let you dance for the old fart.” I laugh.

“You both will, it will increase our odds,” Leenie says, and walks over to the window.

Mort shifts weight on her feet and starts blinking. “Okay, next subject, the man we must avoid. Well, we must avoid them all, but this one in particular is Lord Eltson’s biggest competition.

“Not to mention they do not get along with each other. He is dangerous and controls most of the underground market. He goes by the name Black Siron—a horrible human, from what I’m reading.

“So we have to get Eltson to outbid Black Siron. It will be tricky, but not impossible. I am hoping at least one of you will get Eltson because Black Siron usually only buys one female in that price range.”

“Can’t I just offer myself for free to Eltson?” I ask, feeling hopeful that we can bypass this whole auction thing.

Mort shakes her head. “You’re being sold for money.”

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