Luna Brightbloom sits in a dim lit backstage room. Anxiously awaiting her turn to be auctioned off. Her hands tracing over the fine stitches on the expansive underwear she is wearing. It was not to her tastes, but it was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The delicate frills cascading graceful, forming intricate patterns that dance along the edges. She sighs, gazing anxious into the mirror before herself. Her thoughts retrace the steps that led her to this moment. The abrupt loss of her job at the sewing factory three months ago. Serving as the catalyst for her current predicament.
It was a mass layoff, but the shared fate with her colleagues wasn't Luna's primary concern. It was her newfound unemployment. Her knowledge of the industry told her it would be increasingly difficult to find a new job. In recent years, many sewing companies have moved their production to cheaper countries. This left her with few opportunities for a new job. She applied despite her doubts. Her desperation grew with each passing day as her savings dwindled. Her dream of selling her own creations dwindled with them. After three months of unemployment. She even debated applying to jobs outside of her home city, Nocturna Quadra. The thought of leaving behind her familiar surroundings was terrifying to her.
When she stumbled upon the advertisement for this auction. While scouring the internet for jobs, she was skeptical. The promises made in it almost seemed too good to be true. A secure accommodation. Her new boss would provide for anything she needed. Storage for her belongings and a huge sum of money after the end of her contract. All she had to do in return was to donate her blood. For one year to the vampire who would bid the highest for her at an auction held for so-called blood donor's.
Blood donor – she had heard that term before in news articles, tv shows but mostly on the internet. Humans, who were willed to offer their blood to vampires, who in turn provided for them. She never paid much attention to what was going on in the city. Her mind focused on her own needs and dreams, but now and then she stumbled upon an article here and there. Blood Donor's talking about how good their lives now are after their contract had ended. The things they could do with the money and the dreams they could fulfill. Other reports about deceased blood donor's killed by their patron. Some of them even dying tragically in mysterious accidents. None of them inspected further or greater detail. because of the laws in place for such arrangements.
She had delved into research. Revealing things that made the alluring offer. Despite its dangers even more attractive to her and in the end she couldn't deny the fascination that it had on her. She called the number in the advertisement and was invited into the auction house in the center of the city. She was required to bring all sorts of documents with her. Most important to the lady on the phone was that she would bring all the medical reports she had on herself. When she arrived a couple of days later to her appointment in the auction house. She was stunned at the sheer opulence of it. She hadn't expected it to be of such high caliber and she felt a sudden uncertainty taking her over. She shook it off, determined to see it through for her dream.
She stepped inside and approached the reception with a shy demeanor. She was greeted friendly and led to her appointment. The woman who had the appointment with her, Eleanor Stonegate. Wore a beautiful costume and she almost forgot to look into her face while talking with her. The intricate work of the stitching and fabric distracting her. Making her mind less nervous. In the end she managed to get through the appointment. She felt humiliated, having gone through several exams on her body. Some extremely personal and intimate talks about her life and behaviors. She was told someone would call her in a few days and let her know if she would be a participant in the upcoming auction.
Luna had returned home, waiting several days for the call. She met with her friends and family to distract herself from the anxious wait. She didn't tell her family about her plans. She knew her mother would for sure lock her in. Not letting her leave until the auction was over, but she did talk with one of her friends about it. She had met him back when she started working in the tailoring factory. Immediately after her apprenticeship they became close friends quite quick. Sharing the same dream of one day being able to sell what they had created.
Cassian is a man of vibrant flamboyance. Adorning himself in outfits as colorful as his upbeat and joyous personality. His hair, a kaleidoscope of hues. Echoing the exuberance within, but his face had turned worried when he heard her plan. Reminding her of the dangers that come with being a blood donor. She understood his concern but she wanted her dream to come true. Then she joked that she would hire him when she opened her business in a year. Shifting the conversation onto the latest trends in fashion.
They talked until late in the night. She had slept over Cassian's place, not wanting to walk home that late alone. When Luna's phone rang the next morning. She was still half asleep when she picked up. Waking up within seconds when the man on the phone explained who he was and why he was calling. She had been accepted as a participant in the auction, which would be held in a week from that day on.
The week passed slowly and she felt more nervous the closer the date for the auction came. They had told her she would need to bring her rental agreement and a few other legal documents of her person. In the case that she is auctioned off. Her new patron would take care of her personal belongings and other legal matters that would come up. The man on the phone had also made it very clear to her. That the chance that no one would acquire her was very slim and she should prepare herself thus. Luna grappled with the notion of drafting a will, but as the week drew to a close, she dismissed the idea. Determined, she resolved to navigate the challenges ahead. Committing to not only endure the upcoming year but also to realize her dream of opening her very own boutique.
She jolts out of her wandering thoughts. When the door to the room opens and a worker from the auction house stands in it. He calls out her name and motions for her to follow him. She gets up from the chair and follows him, the noises of the crowd getting louder as they approach the stage. Her anxiety and nervousness skyrockets, as she comes to a halt behind another woman. Who volunteered to be a blood donor like her. She was wearing somewhat different underwear from Luna's. But it was no less frilly and expansive. The woman appears anxious and, at her cue, walks on stage with trembling legs. The crowd buzzes with excitement as the stage light shines on the woman. Luna observes the fear etched across her face as she stares into the sea of expectant faces. For a fleeting moment. Luna senses the woman's internal struggle. As if she is contemplating an escape from the daunting stage.
Yet, the Auctioneer seizes the moment with masterful control. His voice, dripping with dramatic flair, resonates through the venue. He begins the introduction, unraveling the layers of the woman's life. With an unsettling level of detail. He moves without effort from talking about her job. Into describing her body in unsettling detail. Luna, on the sidelines, senses a collective fascination in the vampire audience.
Then, the Auctioneer delves into the woman's medical history. Each revelation met with hushed curiosity from the vampire crowd. Luna feels a surge of empathy for the woman on stage. Whose privacy is laid bare for the sake of this unconventional auction. The atmosphere in the room intensifies. When the Auctioneer blurs the line between the personal and the public. Turning a private individual into a commodity up for bid.
As the bidding commences. Luna is gripped by an escalating horror as the realization sets in. She would soon undergo the same intrusive scrutiny. A tremor courses through her body, and her breath quickens. Desperate to regain composure. Luna closes her eyes, shutting out the harsh lights and the intense atmosphere. In the cocoon of darkness behind her eyelids. She takes a deep breath, attempting to anchor herself to the purpose driving her to this auction. The thought of her very own boutique, a beacon of independence and success. The thought steadies her resolve. She exhales slow, refocusing her mind on the distant reward that awaits.
Opening her eyes. Luna averts her gaze from the woman on stage. Choosing instead to fixate on the rhythmic cadence of the auctioneer's voice. The bidding process unfolds. Each increment a nerve-wracking step closer to her own turn in the spotlight. Luna listens, the rising bids punctuating the air like a disconcerting heartbeat. With every call from the auctioneer, Luna's anxiety mounts. Yet, she clings to the belief that enduring this discomfort is the pathway to a brighter future. As the bidding for the current donor reaches its peak. Luna braces herself for the imminent moment when her name will be called.
The victorious bidder revels in their win. While the Auctioneer announces his winning bid. Luna watches the emotional turmoil etched on the departing woman's face. Tears stream down her cheeks. She rushes past Luna, hands covering her face, seeking solace in the hallway behind. Luna can't help but feel a profound empathy for the woman. Who is navigating the emotional aftermath of this peculiar transaction. Taking a deep breath, Luna attempts to steady her nerves. The hallway behind her is a temporary sanctuary. Shielding her from the intense scrutiny of the stage. She reassures herself with the conviction that this sacrifice. Uncomfortable as it may be, is a means to an end—a stepping stone toward the realization of her dreams.
The Auctioneer, sensing the conclusion of one chapter. Signals for Luna to step forward. As she makes her way towards the spotlight. The echoes of the departing woman's distress linger in her ears. Luna hopes for a different outcome. Her steps are purposeful, driven by a determination to endure what lies ahead. She stops at the marked spot on the stage. Lifting her head. Fear rising within herself when she sees the many hungry gazes on her body.
"Dear attendees," the Auctioneer's voice echoes through the venue, commanding attention. Luna stands at the marked spot on the stag. Her head lifted in a display of resilience, though fear simmers beneath the surface. The hungry gazes of the audience fixate on her. Creating an unsettling symphony of anticipation.
"Tonight, we have the privilege of presenting another exceptional donor. A woman of grace and determination," Luna's heart races as the Auctioneer's words wash over her. The spotlight intensifies, its unforgiving brightness revealing every contour of her nervous expression. She resists the urge to fidget, her hands clenching at her sides. The Auctioneer. A master of theatrics, continues the unveiling. Effortless transitioning to Luna's profession and the intricacies of her craft. He describes her as a blossoming talent, poised to make waves in the world of fashion.
"Now, let us delve into the intimate details that make Luna Brightbloom a unique offering." the Auctioneer declares, his voice a sinister whisper that hangs heavy in the air. As Luna stands, exposed and vulnerable. The Auctioneer begins to dissect her medical history with clinical precision. Each revelation pierces through her like a needle. Leaving her feeling exposed and violated. The audience's gaze remains fixated on her, their hunger palpable. Luna's anxiety mounts. As the Auctioneer reaches the entry about her brief encounter with alcohol at the age of 18.
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"Ah, Luna Brightbloom, a paragon of virtue," the Auctioneer remarks, a hint of mockery in his tone. "But let us not forget the one time she succumbed to the temptations of youth." Luna feels a chill, as the Auctioneer recounts the spring break incident. The only time she indulged in alcohol. The details spill out like a dark secret laid bare for the world to see. The room seems to close in on her as the Auctioneer embellishes the narrative. Emphasizing the vulnerability of that moment. A youthful indiscretion magnified under the scrutinizing eyes of the vampire elite.
The audience responds with a murmur, a blend of amusement and judgment. Luna's cheeks burn with embarrassment as she relives the memory. The shadows of that distant night haunting her on this merciless stage. She wishes to disappear, to escape the prying eyes that dissect her past. "And yet," the Auctioneer continues, his voice dripping with a sinister delight. "this momentary lapse only adds to the allure. A rare gem, untouched by the vices that plague the mundane."
The crowd seems to revel in Luna's discomfort. Their reactions a disconcerting chorus echoing through the auction house. Luna, now a pawn in this macabre game, forces herself to maintain composure. She steels herself against the invasive scrutiny. Clinging to the dream that propels her forward. The Auctioneer, having combed through Luna's personal history. Shifts the focus to the potential benefits of acquiring her as a donor. He extols her dedication to the craft. The promise of a fruitful future under the patronage of the highest bidder. Luna becomes a commodity, a canvas upon which the vampires project their desires.
"Now then let the bidding commence. The starting bid is 10.000$.", the Auctioneer's voice cuts through the tension. His eyes scan the sea of bidders. "Do I hear 15,000?" he calls out, his tone laced with calculated excitement.
Luna drowns out the sounds around her. Her eyes wander over the crowd before her. Dread washing over her when she realizes that at least two of four vampire lords of Nocturna Quadra are in it. Konrad Eisenhart, Lord of northern district Ebonreach. The other being Solvår Asketre, Lord of the western district, Duskfall. She swallows once more becoming aware of the sweat on her skin, her blood rushing in her ears. When she sees Lord Asketre lift his bid sign. Her eyes focus on him. His gaze is intense and possessive with a subtle hint of something else she can’t quite place. The bidding continues to rise with Lord Asketre outbidding all completion.
All of the sudden, the door crashes open. Making Luna flinch and a figure strides into the auction hall with an air of confident rebellion. His movements are purposeful, each step echoing with defiance. Dressed in punk-rockish attire. He exudes a rebellious energy that disrupts the opulent atmosphere. His short, blond hair contrasts with his piercing ice-blue eyes. A full Irish rune tattoo adorns one half of his toned body. The room shifts in response to his entrance, tension hanging thick in the air. Lord Asketre, fixated on Luna with possessive intent, narrows his gaze at the newcomer. The vampire beside him. Whose eyes burn with searing hatred, mirrors the tension radiating from Lord Asketre.
The rebellious figure strides with confidence to an empty chair. Slumping down with casual disregard. He props his feet onto the back of the chair in front of him, a gesture dripping with insolence. The atmosphere in the room tightens as the vampires in attendance. Especially Lord Asketre and his companion, react to the disruptive presence. Seated comfortable. The man's voice cuts through the tension like a dry, sarcastic breeze. "Well, well. What do we have here? Another exquisite offering up for sale?" His words carry a disdain for the proceeding. A revolt against the very concept of blood donors and the societal norms that bind them. The tension in the room escalates, and the Auctioneer. For a moment taken aback, regains control. "Ah, it seems we have an unexpected participant. Do I hear a bid from... our rebel friend?" The man's icy-blue eyes fixate on Luna, she shivers in fear at his gaze and a dry chuckle escaped his lips. "Let's not waste any time, shall we? I bid 50,000," he declares, his tone dripping with mockery. The auction hall, once hushed. Erupting into murmurs and whispers as the rebels against his convention offers a bid for her.
Luna's eyes flicker back to Lord Asketre. Noting that his gaze has shifted from her to the defiant newcomer. She watches with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Lord Asketre raises his bid sign, with a tense expression. Accepting the challenge of the turbulent newcomer. "60,000," he declares, his eyes locked onto the rebellious figure. The atmosphere in the room grows taut. The clash between tradition and anarchy is palpable. The rebel on the chair smirks in response, his voice a dry retort. "Oh, Lord Asketre himself joins the bidding war. How delightful." His tone is laced with sarcasm, and Luna can't help but feel caught in the crossfire of a power struggle.
The Auctioneer, seizing the moment, amplifies the drama. "We have a fierce competition tonight, ladies and gentlemen! Lord Asketre and our rebel friend fight to acquire the talented Luna Brightbloom. Do I hear a counter bid?" Luna, caught in the whirlwind of this unexpected confrontation. Can hardly believe the turn of events. She shivers under the weight of their competitive gazes. Unsure of where this rebellion might lead. She can't help but feel like there is more to this exchange than she might be aware of. The blond rebel chuckles dark, raising his hand nonchalant, "70,000."
The Auctioneer, reveling in the heightened drama, continues to fuel the bidding war. "A bold move by our rebel friend! 70,000 on the table. Do I hear a counter bid from Lord Asketre?" The tension in the room grows thicker. The competitive energy crackling between the two adversaries. Lord Asketre, his eyes narrowing at the rebel, raises his bid sign with a determined glint. "80,000," he declares, his voice echoing through the hall. The rebel leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. The auction hall holds its breath, awaiting the next move.
The rebel, still wearing a dark amused expression, lifts his hand with a casual cadence. "90,000," he states, his tone nonchalant. Luna, standing on the stage, feels like a pawn in a high-stakes game. Her fate will be decided by the clash of these powerful figures. Lord Asketre, undeterred, raises his bid once again. "100,000," he declares, his eyes locked onto the rebel with an intensity that borders on hostility. The blond rebel leans forward, a glint of challenge in his icy-blue eyes.
"110,000," he responds, his chuckle carrying a note of defiance. The audience, caught between the allure of tradition and nonconformity unfolding before them. Watches with bated breath. The bidding war continues, escalating with each exchange. Lord Asketre and the rebel go back and forth, the numbers climb at a steady pace. Luna, still in disbelief, wonders about the motivations behind this fierce competition. She senses an undercurrent, an unspoken narrative beneath the surface. As the bids reach an astonishing 500,000. The rebel finally leans back in his chair, his smirk replaced by a wicked grin. "Seems I've reached my limit, my friends," he remarks, his voice filled with amusement. The room falls into a stunned silence as the rebel reclines back in his chair, a dark victory etched on his face.
The Auctioneer, seizing the moment, declares, "Going once, going twice... Sold to Lord Asketre for 500,000!" The room erupts into a mix of applause and murmurs as the rebel fades into the background. Luna, now the possession of Lord Asketre. Can't shake the feeling that there's more to this night than meets the eye. The revolting figure's departure leaves a lingering sense of unease. While she wonders about the layers of intrigue hidden behind the façade of the auction. The Auctioneer nods at her and she leaves the stage. Her body trembles with fear ,excitement and relief that the auction is finally over. Guided by the auction house worker, she returns to the room. "Wait here," he says. "Someone will fetch you once all necessary documents and legal matters are sorted." She nods, settling back in front of the mirror, uncertainty welling up within her. The lace and frill of the underwear begin to itch on her skin. Still damp with her sweat from the harsh light's heat during the auction.
As she stares at herself in the mirror, Luna's mind races with a whirlwind of thoughts. The weight of what transpired settles heavy on her shoulders. Her reflection seems like a stranger in this extravagant, unfamiliar world. "What the hell am I doing?" she asks the reflection with a hushed voice. The reality of being sold at an auction, like an object rather than a person, sends shivers down her spine. The room, though adorned with opulence, feels like a cage closing in on her. The mirror reflects her wide eyes, filled with a mix of fear, curiosity, and a spark of resilience. With a determined shake of her head, Luna whispers to herself, "You can do this, believe in your dream." The sound of her own voice serves as a reassurance. a mantra to steel herself against the uncertainty that looms ahead. Taking a deep breath, she rises from the seat in front of the mirror. Leaving behind the reflection of the girl who was, moments ago, a mere commodity on display. As she steps into the waiting silence of the room, a newfound resolve settles within her. The restlessness returns quick as she starts to pace in the room, a silent witness to the passing minutes. The air is thick with anticipation, and the ornate furnishings seem to close in on her once more. Her gaze drifts to the intricacies of the room. Distracting her from the weight of uncertainty that hangs in the air.
A sudden murmur of voices from beyond the door catches her attention. Luna looks up, curiosity overtaking her. What unfolds outside is a cryptic dance of hurried footsteps and distant shouts. A ballet of chaos that beckons her curiosity. With a tentative step, she approaches the door. Her senses reach out to decipher the tumult unfolding in the corridors. Pressing her ear against the cold surface. Luna strains to catch the fragments of conversation carried through the air. The voices are a distant hum, their words muffled and elusive. The urgency in the footsteps only adds to the intrigue. Leaving her on the fringes of a story unfolding beyond her confined space. Luna can't shake the feeling. That this commotion holds a key to understanding the intricate layers of the world she's now a part of. Yet, for now. The answers remain elusive. Echoing through the distant corridors of the auction house, out of reach.
She strains to catch more of the commotion outside, her ear pressed against the cold door. However, the clamor dissipates fast, leaving behind a lingering sense of agitation. When Luna hears approaching footsteps through the door. Anticipation and Curiosity wash over her. With haste, she returns to the chair in front of the mirror. Trying to look as composed as possible, when the door swings open. An elderly man with a kind and calm expression enters the room. He inclines his head with respect as he introduces himself. "I'm Aric, Miss Brightbloom, Chief of Staff for Lord Asketre. He bade me to escort you to your new home." His voice, weathered with the passage of years, carries a reassuring tone. Luna smiles shy in response, rising from her chair once more. "Nice to meet you, Aric," she greets, her voice a blend of gratitude and nervousness. Standing up, almost forgetting that she is only clad in underwear.
She looks closer at him, his suit masterfull tailored. She can spot the care and attention put into every stitch. When he speaks to her again. "Here, Miss Brightbloom, the Lord has provided this for you," he holds up a long black coat. Luna sighs relieved, but sees with one glance that it is way too big for her. She steps closer to Aric, and he helps her slip into the coat with careful hands. When she tugs the oversized coat closer to her body, the scent of damp moss and pine needles rises to her nose. She smiles soft. Her hand trailing over the luxurious fabric. Before she looks back at Aric, her uncertainty returns with a rush. "Is everything alright, Miss Brightbloom?" Aric asks, noticing the worry etched on Luna's face. Luna hesitates for a moment before speaking, "I'm a bit nervous, I suppose. I don't know what to expect." She admits, her voice barely above a whisper. Aric nods understanding,
"I understand, Miss Brightbloom. But rest assured, Lord Asketre is a gracious host, and he will treat you with the utmost respect and care." His words are comforting. Yet Luna can't shake off the lingering unease in her gut. He guides her out of the room, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Aric leads her to the back entrance of the auction house and into the cold night air. Luna takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a brief moment. She stands there for a moment, savoring her last free moments for the upcoming year. Opening her eyes at the sound of a car door opening, she spots the sleek black vehicle waiting for her. Walking over with quick steps. She apologizes. Aric only nods empathetic with a soft smile, "No need to apologize, Miss." She slips with haste into the car, settling into the comfortable seat. Her eyes wander over the expansive interior as the car door shuts beside her.
Aric settles into the driver's seat, and with a deep rumble, the engine comes to life as he begins to drive. The car glides through the nightly streets of Nocturna Quadra. Luna staring out of the window at the vibrant cityscape and nightlife passes. Lost in her own thoughts. She ponders, if the course of action. She's currently undertaking, is indeed the optimal decision she could have made.