Page 45 of The Arbiter

I stand and walk to the door as she draws closer, seeing she’s guarded by more Lupin bastards like I am. I really hope Saul has nothing to do with them here. As much as I’d like to hurt the shit head because of his overall attitude toward pretty much everything, I’d take no joy in killing another Infernal. We’ve all been the leaders of our races for so long, and we know how each other work. Though I won’t be surprised if this is all his handiwork.

My stomach drops at the pallid color of Nocturna’s skin. It’s far paler than usual. Her body is wrapped tightly with thick silver chains that are practically melting into her skin. Ever the strong woman, she doesn’t look like she even cares about them. Her expression is determined and calculating instead of pained or defeated.

That’s my girl.

I hate what they’ve done to change her appearance. They’ve smothered her beautiful face in makeup she doesn’t need and put her in a dress I’m sure she’s imagining burning right about now. I know I am.

Her eyes find mine, and I see relief light up in them. Shaking my head at her when she looks like she’s about to come my way, I mouth for her to keep walking, giving her a wink to let her know I’m okay.

She gives me a soft smile and a subtle nod before continuing forward.

When she’s out of sight, I pound my fist on the door. One of the guards turns to look at me, an expression of disgust marring his face.

“What?” he snarls loudly at me through the door.

I smile and shout, “I need blood. If you want me to stay alive in here, I’m going to need some to survive.” Little do they know, I’d be fine without blood for a few weeks before losing it.

He frowns then turns to one of the other guards to say something. The guard nods then walks off.

I only have to wait about ten minutes before he returns, a bottle of what looks like blood in his hands. I highly doubt he made a run to a blood bank, so odds are that blood belonged to a prisoner.

They’re going to regret their life decisions when get my hands on them.

I back up and pretend to sway as they watch me through the glass and unlock the door. Two of the guards walk into the room, while the other four remain in their positions. I step back and fall clumsily to the bed, letting out a heavy sigh as I hold up my hand.

The guard who brought the blood goes to hand it to me, and that’s when I strike.

Moving faster than even a Lupin can track, I grab onto him and tear out his neck with my teeth. The second guard goes down before the first even falls to the floor.

The others start to rush in, but with the added strength from what little blood I just consumed, I’m far too fast for them. Clawing and biting my way through the six of them, I take my time, actually drinking the blood of the last guy to make sure I’m at max strength. I lick my fingers as I watch them all die, their blood coating the walls and floor of my temporary cell.

“Adieu, assholes,” I say, saluting their dying bodies. “Now, time to find my Arbiter and burn this place to the ground.” I stroll out of the room in the direction they took my girl, whistling “Bayou Baby” as I go.

***

Nocturna

When they push us through the door, its only to find ourselves in yet another type of backstage area. Only in this one, you can see onto the stage and the opposite side where other Damned are lined up.

I watch in silent rage as the Damned are led out one by one, and bidding begins. Some from the other side notice me and seem to be both happy I’m here yet discouraged to see me trapped in the same situation. I can see it in their eyes as they each walk hopelessly off the stage toward their auction winners, looking more defeated than they had when they walked onto it. I have a feeling by the defeated looks I receive from the ones who have yet to be auctioned, that they’re losing faith in me to be their protector.

It hurts, but I know how it must look. I’m not giving up, though.

I’m the last remaining on my side of the stage and continue to wait patiently for my turn, hoping I’ll get the chance to make my escape before I’m bid on. I can feel my power almost back to full force, and the chains wrapped around me steadily stop burning as much.

“Now! The moment you’ve all been waiting for! We have ourselves something quite special and one of a kind tonight, ladies and gentlemen! This gorgeous specimen being led out by our specially trained team is a being these creatures claim to be called The Arbiter. She is both heaven-sent and hell-fueled. Her power is unlike those we’ve ever auctioned before and will likely be the only one we’re ever able to auction again! So, for that, her bidding will start at an astounding one million dollars!”

I’m pulled to a stop, and a brilliant spotlight is flashed into my eyes. There’s a slight gasp from the crowd, likely because my eyes are glowing from the return of my power. I’m mere moments away from combusting as it builds. Only another minute and I know I’ll be able to shift forms and break from these chains.

I finally scan the room and see at least thirty people all dressed in their finest clothes. They’re all sitting at white-clothed tables and are drinking what looks like wine or champagne. The tables are situated on platforms that go up as you go further back in the room, much like a theater only smaller.

The room is shrouded in darkness, only lit by candlelight on the tables and the spotlights that show myself and the announcer standing off to the far side of the stage. I’m shuffled forward by a hand to my back, pushed toward a small catwalk that’s attached to the front of the stage. It puts me in between some of the tables in the crowd while my guards stand just behind me in a row, holding on tightly to my chains.

The crowd applauds lightly, and I sneer in disgust at them as they smile up at me in awe.

Keep smiling, humans. They’ll be the last ones you get to have before I have my way with you all.

“Now that you’ve all had a look, shall we start the bids? Do I hear one million?”

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