Page 23 of The Danger Kiss

I didn’t have a home. I never did. The moment I Manifested was the same time my quiet life at Spinel Temple ended.

As a meta-human, I was cast out of my Order. There was no room for a genetic anomaly like me in the purity they supposedly engendered. Behind my back, I was called an abomination.

Thus, the abomination found his way to Asphalt City and into the floors of Diesel Dome.

I drifted towards sleep, my dreams haunted by the specter of the girl I adored with all my heart.

I didn’t know if I was destined to remain forever lost in the shadowy realm of what might have been, or if tomorrow she would give me another chance to reach out to her.

eight

The Danger

Iarrived at the hotel on the other side of Diesel Dome, my boots echoing on polished concrete as I crossed the threshold. The grand lobby sparkled with chandeliers that dangled precipitously above.

"Welcome to the Luxoria Hotel," the impeccably dressed receptionist greeted me with a practiced smile. "How may I assist you?"

"I need a room, please. I might be staying for at least three weeks.”

"Unfortunately, we're fully booked due to the tournament and auction," she replied apologetically. "I'm terribly sorry."

"Are there any other hotels or accommodations available that you know of?" I could hear desperation creeping into my voice.

"Regrettably, everything is full at the moment.” The receptionist’s was smile now tinged with sympathetic concern. “But if you leave your name and number, we will get in touch if there is a cancellation or an early departure.”

My search for alternative accommodations proved futile, the city devoid of any vacant rooms. Disheartened, I returned to Dalek's apartment.

I felt like an unwelcome burden.

As I stepped inside, I spied a message on my communicator, reminding me of the evening’s gala for the sellers and bidders of the event. Although this auction was supposedly underground, it was remarkably and impressively organized, if not a little bit too showy.

Dalek found me on seated on the couch moments later, as he made his way up from the gym downstairs. "Are you okay, Blanca?”

“I just got a confirmation of the gala tonight, for sellers and bidders to the auction. I was thinking of going.”

"Are you certain it's wise? You know how these events can be."

“You know what they say in competition. You have to know the enemy.”

Dalek hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well, but I'm coming with you."

"Alright.” I could only stare at him and think of the lengths he would go to when asked. In my current state, I didn’t really want to find out.

***

Upon entering the lavish venue, the villa of one of the members of Asphalt City’s Round Table, a wave of opulence washed over us.

Majestic chandeliers dangled from vaulted ceilings, casting a warm glow upon the intricate marble floors. A sea of men and women, all dressed in luxurious evening attire, ebbed and flowed through the grandiose chamber, their voices melding into polite murmurs of conversation.

I was glad I had brought one of my red dresses with the meager amount of clothes I had packed. Although my outfit was not as ostentatious as most of the women’s present, I blended right in with my scarlet silks. Next to me, Dalek was dressed in a suit cut a little differently; instead of a three or four piece ensemble worn by most of the men present, he had on a beautifully cut jacket with a high collar and trousers that made him look even taller and more formidable.

As we stood before the elite, the beautiful and the dangerous of Asphalt City, I found myself grateful for Dalek’s presence, a source of familiarity and comfort in the churning sea of color, movement and noise spread out before me.

“Let’s tread carefully, Blanca,” he said softly.

I nodded, acutely aware of the delicate dance we were about to perform. This was a world Rukko was better suited for, not me. I was a scientist, not a politician or a negotiator.

“I want to go on my own for a while, Dalek.” I didn’t want him to know that the real reason for my participation in the auction was The Danger Kiss.

---