Page 15 of The Danger Kiss

At the very heart of the city stood Diesel Dome, a hulking behemoth that appeared to be the stomach of a giant beast protruding from the ground where it slept. Tall, unapologetically majestic, and glistening under what little sun filtered in from the cloud canopy, the hall of tournaments was the city’s crowning glory, a place where more than just fights took place. This was where deals were struck, secrets exchanged, and lives traded like any other commodity.

But the Dome wasn’t my destination. I headed for a nondescript warehouse nestled amidst the crumbling remains of what had once been a thriving filtration district. The rusted exterior of the auction buy-in location provided little to no protection against the biting cold coming in from the dark, murky sea.

I stepped into the warehouse and felt a shiver run down my spine as I took in the motley assortment of traders and potential buyers who populated the cavernous space. It was an eclectic gathering, with everyone’s intentions well cloaked beneath a veneer of civility, under the watchful eyes of the Round Table and its merciless enforcers called the Stewards.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for the auction organizers amidst the sea of faces, each one a mask of greed and cunning. Finally, my gaze landed upon a small group of individuals seated behind a long table on a raised platform at the far end of the room. There were three men there, all clad in identical-looking grey suits, with steely expressions on their faces, exuding an air of undeniable authority.

"Good evening," I greeted them as I approached, ensuring that my voice remained steady despite the pounding of my heart. "I am here to express my intention to participate in the auction.”

"Really?" One of them sneered, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "And what might your offerings be, then?”

"Allow me to demonstrate, gentlemen.”

I produced a vial of clear liquid from within the folds of my cloak. With practiced precision, I dipped a small needle into the substance before pricking my finger, allowing a single droplet of blood to fall into the liquid. In an instant, the solution turned a brilliant shade of violet, the color swirling hypnotically before dissipating, leaving no trace of its former hue.

There as a pronounced hush that fell not only over the three men, but among the people who saw what just transpired.

I was, after all, Blanca Zola.

I kept my voice measured and low enough as not to draw any further attention. "This is an undetectable poison. It leaves no trace in the body, rendering it virtually impossible for even the most skilled of physicians to discern the cause of death."

"Most impressive," said the sneering man, who I assumed was the decision-maker of the trio. "How many of vials of those do you have? How much is your asking price?”

In black market auctions, names were of no consequence. It was items, quantity and price that mattered. The anonymity was a source of reassurance for me, however small and fleeting it is. I was certain it will only be a matter of time before my former clients would get wind that I was selling the Unseen Reaper in Asphalt City.

“I have six other vials of this formula. One billion credits a vial will be the starting bid. For a buy-out, I will consider triple that. I can also customize the poison so it will not have an effect on a particular person. That will cost extra, of course.”

The leader eyed me with what appeared to be a combination of curiosity and grudging respect. “We can let you join and bid at the same time, in exchange for one vial.”

He extended to me a flat digital parchment. I took it and put the retina watermark box on the top right side over my left eye, signing the agreement. I handed back the parchment along with the vial I had used.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“No, thank you,” he replied, handing me a replica of the contract.

A quick glance told me the auction will be in three weeks’ time. There was a list of events and presentations on various dates preceding it.

“I was wondering, out of personal interest…will The Danger Kiss be open to bids? Is there a buy-out price?”

Our eyes locked, none giving way to the other.

“Our prime items will be announced on the night of the auction,” he finally said.

It was exactly the kind of response I had expected, but I wasn’t done.

“Whatever the Danger Kiss may be, I am certain I can create a far deadlier weapon using purely organic materials.”

“Can you now.” The leader shrugged, his eyes still trained on my face. “We shall have to see then, won’t we?”

“We shall,” I echoed.

“Welcome to the auction, then. We look forward to seeing you again, Miss.”

I nodded silently, holding my chin up. I didn’t want to push anyone’s patience, or encourage questions about my true intentions or identity.

I was in the game, and that is all that mattered for now.

five

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