Page 9 of Chains of Blood and Darkness

Was he serious? It would take me two months working three jobs to earn that kind of money.

I looked in the direction of the voice, and I thought I saw a man in blue, but I couldn’t make out his features.

“The bid is at five thousand to King Trystan. There must be another bid,” Simon purred like a greedy cat counting its bowls of cream.

A king? There was a king here bidding on me?

“Ten thousand,” another voice chimed in.

This was insane. If Freddie had known I was worth this much, he would have auctioned me off ages ago.

“Thank you. The bid is at ten thousand to King Keir. Do I hear anymore bids?” Simon was speaking more quickly now, eager to hit that big jackpot.

Tears sprang to my eyes and fear clawed at my chest. What did these men expect in return for these outrageous bids?

“One hundred thousand,” a soft male voice said quietly. It sounded like he was right next to me.

I turned too fast, trying to make out his features. The room spun around as if I were on a Tilt-a-Whirl.

“Thank you, sir. The bid is one hundred thousand—do I hear one hundred fifty?” The eagerness in Simon’s voice made me ill. “No? Going once, going twice…”

There were no more bids.

“Sold…” His voice faded from my ears as my eyes rolled back in my head.

The Tilt-a-Whirl picked up speed. My stomach dropped to my feet. The room spun faster and faster, and I shut my eyes, trying to get off the crazy ride. My legs betrayed me, and I swayed.

Excited voices erupted around me. Oh god, they were going to punish me but good for this. My body swirled around, my head tilted back, and I fell backward, waiting to topple onto the hard floor.

But strong arms caught me.

Someone whispered in my ear, “It’s all right. I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re mine.”

“No…” It was all I could muster before the darkness closed in, rescuing me from the nightmare.

Chapter Five

Angelo

I struggled to keep my composure as I cradled the unconscious young woman in my arms. Her body radiated an otherworldly light, such a stark contrast to the darkness that had consumed me for so long. She was exactly what I needed. I studied her face, seeing remnants of angelic features, which confirmed her true identity—a Nephilim. She had been the most valuable item at tonight’s auction, and now she was mine. Her power surged through me, igniting a fierce protectiveness in my heart such as I had never experienced. With her at my side, we could bring life back to the dying Aeternum Stone and restore balance to our world. I was certain of it.

I would never let her go. She was mine.

Angels rarely mated with humans, and when they did,they kept any offspring well-hidden. How in the world had Simon stumbled upon this rare gem? Most humans couldn’t see auras, and I doubted Simon, Maximo, or any of their goons recognized what she was. Even Simon’s witch seemed not to know.

Unfortunately, my two rivals weren’t so dense.

I could see the lust and desire in their eyes. Across the room, Keir’s gaze cut through my tight chest, a silent challenge etched in his sharp features. Trystan, always the embodiment of stoic resolve, observed from a distance, his now-glowing golden eyes saying that he would do anything to possess the Nephilim.

Keir and Trystan slowly advanced toward me. For once, I felt like the prey instead of the predator. I flashed my fangs, warning them to stay back, but it had about as much impact as a three-year-old sticking out his tongue. Neither of them cared.

A ball of panic fluttered in my chest, something I rarely experienced. I had to get out of here before I had to fight Keir and Trystan for the Nephilim. Marsha would never stand for that, and I couldn’t afford to have her cast some draining spell on the Aeternum Stone.

Simon rushed over, dabbing at his sweaty brow with a handkerchief. “King Santi, my most sincere apologies. She’s been...problematic. I fear the diazepam dose was perhaps too generous,” he stammered, the worry in his voice bordering on panic.

“You fool.” I flashed my fangs again. “Carelessness with her life would be a mistake you’d soon learn to regret, Simon.”

Sweat rolled down his temples, and the blood drained from his face. He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. My reputation as the Angel of Death preceded me.

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