“Just let me know if you need to leave for any reason,” said Isa to Samantha as she helped her walk to the Garden.

After the better part of three weeks, it was clear Samantha would survive, but no one knew how much she’d recover. She still couldn’t speak, and walking remained difficult. Her hands shook, she could only eat soups and stews comfortably, and more than anything, she missed home.

But she was alive.

Samantha nodded, leaning hard into her. She swallowed hard and opened her mouth, but only a little rush of air came out. Isa imagined it to be ‘thank you’ or something like that. Not for the first time, Isa’s heart burned with a controlled, pained rage. Kelli wouldn’t survive this if Isa had anything to say about it. No matter what happened, Isa swore she’d end her for her crimes.

People filled the Garden, at least one patron for every girl and guy they had. All of them vetted extensively and promised a night of delight and depravity in exchange for their help. The entire special event had been Razia’s idea, and Isa made sure it would go off without a hitch, or else heads were going to roll. The party was already underway, complete with a small band playing music off to the side.

Eyes turned to them as Isa pushed their way through, all of them on Samantha. The redhead trembled a little. Isa squeezed her shoulder reassuringly before helping Samantha down into Quentin’s oversized chair. She sank into the cushions, looking comically small. More than anything, she seemed comfortable, and that meant more to Isa than anything else.

“Do you need a drink?” she asked. “Lucy, get Samantha some water!”

Lucy, who had been passing by, jumped to it, running into the kitchen and coming back with a water skin. Isa took it from her and handed it to a grateful Samantha. Nodding to her, Isa scanned the room and made sure she knew every single face at least passingly. If not her, then someone had to know them for them to be welcome. The past two days were the first in over a week where no one showed up to try to pick a fight. Things had to be safe for the auction.

It took a couple of minutes, but soon Isa was satisfied there were no uninvited guests out to finish them off. Maybe tonight would even go off without a hitch, but she didn’t dare let herself dream of no complications or hiccups, no matter how safe it seemed. Not long after, the first well wisher came along.

“Hey Sam,” said Marian Mahoney, an up and coming merchant based out of Carolas. Isa didn’t know too much about him, other than being one of Samantha’s regulars. “I’m…I was sorry to hear about what happened to you, and I’m glad to contribute in any way I can.” He tentatively reached for her.

Samantha took his hand and pressed it up against her chest. She smiled at him, tears welling in her eyes. Mahoney looked uncomfortable, and despite his pretty words Isa knew he’d probably never go for Samantha again after this.

“I’ll make a good bid, just for you.” He took his hand back, nodded at each of them, and left.

He was only the first. Isa stood guard while over a dozen men came by to see what became of their favorite and see what their shards would go towards that night. Most of them saw Samantha’s thinner, frailer form and purplish throat and winced. To a one they were gracious and well behaved, and Isa fully planned on taking credit for it. She stood guard and even managed to watch her mouth and keep things moving along. It continued until she was relieved.

“Hey, I’ll take over for a bit,” said Lynne, coming up. While she and Isa had never been friends, a love of Samantha brought them together for the time being. Isa ducked out of the way and Lynne took her spot, leaning over and planting a kiss on Samantha’s forehead. “Sorry it took me so long. Wanted to look my best for the auction.”

Samantha beamed at her, and for a moment she almost looked like her old, vivacious self again. The way she and Lynne looked at each other…was nauseating. Isa turned away, willing her stomach to stop churning at the sight. They were lucky to have each other, but did they have to be so gross about it? She left them behind, looking for something to take out her stress on.

Quentin and Razia were out in the garden, sitting on a stone bench together. They looked just about as gross as Sam and Lynne, only this one was worse. Quentin got this stupid smile on his face when he looked at Razia. “You two planning on sitting on your asses while the rest of us do all the work?” she snarked.

Razia looked at her with that same knowing, infuriating smile she had whenever she saw Isa these days. “You know, that sounds fantastic. Maybe we will. Why don’t you ask her, Mr. Q?” Razia turned around and tugged on Quentin’s toga. Isa sighed as they kissed in front of her. A long, lingering one before Razia got up and sauntered off, leaving the two of them alone.

“Really?” Isa said after the islander was gone, hands on her hips.

Quentin at least looked a little embarrassed. “Don’t look at me. It’s not my fault she’s been teasing you a lot lately. I’m surprised she’s managing to get under your skin. You’re usually…Not unflappable, exactly, since you’re always angry about something. But this past while you keep backing down. What’s going on?”

“Something between me and her and none of your business,” Isa said, glad it wasn’t obvious when her face heated up. “What are you supposed to ask me?”

Shrugging, Quentin said, “I was thinking of asking you to host tonight, if you’re willing. I’m exhausted from all the fighting and negotiating and bridge building and I was hoping maybe tonight Razia and I could relax and enjoy ourselves. There’s no one else I’d trust but you.”

Godsdammit, it was easier when she didn’t like or trust him. Every time he said something nice to her after months of being a prickly bitch…She shrugged, arms flopping down helplessly. “Fine, whatever, I guess. It’s part of being management, right? You and Razia at the top, and then me. If this is what it takes to pull my weight…”

Quentin stood up. “I don’t think of it that way. You pull your weight. I just want a personal favor from you tonight, that’s all. Razia convinced me to try something new, and I’m a bit nervous. If I have to host I’ll be distracted and I’ll probably fuck it up. It’ll be good for more people to see you’re in charge too.”

“Okay,” she said.

His face lit up in another dumb smile that was at odds with his hawkish features. He reached out and put his hands on her shoulders, giving them a pleasant squeeze. Something he must’ve picked up from Razia. It was the first time Isa could remember him doing anything like it. He left her there with her troubled thoughts. She took a few minutes to get her head on straight before going back inside.

It looked like everyone with an invitation was there, so Isa figured it was up to her to start it. If they trusted her to run it while they sat on their asses for an honestly deserved break, then she’d trust her best judgment. She made a circuit around the room, getting the attention of all the Garden’s employees, letting them know to get ready. Then she went up to the platform, sans wooden cross and clapped her hands together several times to get the room’s attention.

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“Good evening,” she said, trying not to sound like her usual angry, contemptuous self. “Welcome to a special night at the Moonlit Garden. Tonight we honor our most beloved night time flower, Samantha Barker, who was the victim of an attempted murder by our rivals. Luckily for us, Sam pulled through and is so well loved we’ve organized tonight’s auction. All proceeds go towards helping support and feed her family, and are greatly appreciated.

“Here’s how tonight’s going to work. I’ll introduce one of our companions, and a starting price. It’s on you ladies and gentlemen to try to one up each other for the prize. Whoever you end up with will stay with you until tomorrow at midnight. Just over twenty four hours of having one of the most skilled and enthusiastic lovers in the world to yourself. Do we have any questions?”

One of her regulars, Lee, raised his hand. “You’re available tonight too, right?”

Isa resisted rolling her eyes. “Yes, but given I’m up here hosting, I’ll be last. We have to build up to something tonight, no?” She put on her best smug smile, drawing herself up and looking fierce and beautiful. “In no particular order,” she lied, “let’s start with…Kelli. Kelli come up here and give a wave.”

Kelli grimaced and made her way up to the platform, waving awkwardly. Out of all of them, she was dolled up the least. Isa wanted nothing more than to shove her into the pool and hold her under until the bubbles stopped. That could come later. Still smiling, Isa gestured to Kelli like she was showing off.

“One of our newer hires, Kelli is down to earth, dedicated, and will do any dirty, nasty thing your depraved minds can come up with.” Isa didn’t have to fake the smile. Kelli squirmed as whispers started. “Let’s start the bidding off at 5 qala.”

Around the room, people laughed, while Kelli seethed. Isa looked around, catching Razia’s eye. They shared a moment of mutual joy before Isa laughed as well, “But seriously, the bidding will start at one aquilo.”

An older man raised his hand.

“There’s one,” said Isa, pointing to him. Another man raised his hand. “That’s two.” And again two more times until five aquilos stuck. The crowd applauded politely as Kelli stepped down with a fake smile to join the older man who initially bid on her. “Fantastic. She’s yours for a day. Do whatever you like with her, so long as you bring her back in one piece.”

After Kelli came Tenchi. Like the others, he wore just a bit of makeup to emphasize his playful eyes and rich lips. His outfit consisted of revealing straps of leather that accentuated his slim and wiry body. Not Isa’s type, but she couldn’t deny he looked good. He stepped up to the platform and did a slow turn to show his body off.

“Tenchi from Bellamoore,” Isa announced. One fat middle aged woman with too much makeup put two fingers in her mouth and whistled. How annoying. Once the whistles and cheers and the rest faded, Isa continued. “A rising star here at the Garden, time with Tenchi can be best described as indulgent. He loves nothing more than pleasing you. It’s a personal calling for him. Let’s start him at 2 aquilos.”

He sold for seven, a respectable price. All of them would add up to a nice, hefty sum for Samantha to help feed her family and aid in her recovery. More importantly than that, if things didn’t improve…chances were Samantha wouldn’t be able to return to work or make the heaping stacks of shards she used to charge. Helping her out was the least they could do. If the situations were reversed Isa had no doubt Samantha would do anything for…anyone, really.

Next came Lynne, who had more personal stakes in the evening. Isa managed to restrain herself and be kind, knowing she would do anything for Sam. Aside from Kelli who often had to play nurse for Samantha, Lynne stayed by her side the most. Isa just let herself get into the hostess mindset and play nice for a change. She knew she was doing well when she caught Razia’s eye and got a respectful nod from her instead of more of that shit eating grin.

After Lynne came Cullen, who barely wore anything. Just a tiny, bulging cloth around his privates, showing off his muscles. Big, strong, and handsome, Cullen was possibly one of only two people in the Garden Isa actually ogled. Pity his temperament was too soft and go-with-the-flow. He sold for six, and looked happy enough to go with a well dressed couple.

One after another, Isa called them up and sold her friends and coworkers for the next day, even including some of the newer girls working in the inns under some of the Shade’s guidance. They didn’t go for as much. It allowed for a little bit of a lull before Isa went for, in her opinion, the best the Garden had to offer. Isa took a drink of water before calling up her favorite.

“Lucy is something special,” she said, looking around. Half the room weren’t paying attention to her anymore, happy with their current companions. “Aside from being sweet, kind, and beautiful, Lucy has been touched by the gods. She was part of the miracle here a month ago, the willing sacrifice accepted by the Pierced Heart themself!”

That got some whispers. Isa had no idea how many people believed in miracles. Until recently, Isa wouldn’t have believed it either, but she couldn’t deny the truth of what she felt. Lucy looked around nervously, a smile on her pretty face. For a change she was made up to look older instead of emphasizing her youth. Her pale skin and dark hair made her stand out, especially next to Isa’s own dark complexion.

“If you want Lucy as your own personal path to a religious experience of your own, I’m starting the price at five aquilos.”

She had hardly finished speaking when one hand in the back went up immediately.

It was Quentin.

Then she remembered herself. “F-five aquilos over there,” she pointed at him. “She’s worth at least double that. You can do better.”

Their very first customer, the well positioned lawmaker Stavos raised his hand and called out, “You’re right about that. 10!” Around him, people muttered. Isa caught a couple of her regulars eyeing her, probably wondering if she would go for as much.

Quentin held his hand up again and said, “Make that twenty. And I’ll buy Samantha a house.”

The room fell silent. Lucy clasped her hands over her mouth. Isa looked over to Samantha in her oversized chair. Tears filled her eyes again, which wasn’t unusual for her. This time she looked on the verge of ugly crying. She held her hands up at Quentin, clearly mouthing the words ‘thank you’.

That bastard. Razia had convinced him to try something new alright. Isa glared daggers at the islander. Razia shrugged and clung to Quentin’s arm with an infuriating, coy smile.

“Well, I don’t think anyone’s going to top that,” Isa sighed, “and I don’t think it wise for anyone to try, if they know what’s good for them.” She got a couple nervous chuckles. “Our dear Lucy, to Mr. Q for twenty aquilos and a house.”

The room applauded, but Isa tuned them out. She turned to Lucy, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and drawing her closer to whisper in her ear. “Are you okay with us? You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It’s just an excuse to give money to Samantha.”

Lucy looked up at her, a strange look on her face. “I…I think I want to,” she said, looking over at Quentin. Her face was bright red, which just irritated Isa more. “I’m okay with this Isa, really. No one forces me to do anything. Especially not him.” Lucy leaned forward and kissed Isa’s cheek. “Thanks for worrying about me, but it’s okay.”

Isa watched Lucy make the walk over to where Quentin and Razia stood, apart from the other patrons. The crowd parted for her, and she stopped in front of Quentin. He bent down to kiss her on the cheek and take her hands before they spoke. Isa had no idea what they were saying, and it ate at her.

Someone conspicuously coughed, snapping Isa out of it. There was still one auction left. Hers.

“We’ve saved the best for last,” she heard herself say. “Me. I bid twenty aquilos on myself. Aaaand sold.” Isa stormed off the platform, pushing her way past people until she got to the garden. She went all the way up to the locked gate, looking out into the courtyard. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she felt queasy.

Despite how she looked, Lucy was a grown-ass woman and perfectly capable of making her own decisions. Logically, Isa knew this. It didn’t take the bad taste out of her mouth, or the odd fury at the moonkissed bastard who once swore that none of them would ever have to have sex with him. Well, something had changed and this was apparently their announcement. Isa closed her eyes and willed her breathing to even out.

“Wanna hear something funny?” Razia asked from behind her. Isa didn’t turn around.

“No.”

“Quentin asked me to be nicer to you. He said I’ve been teasing you too much when you’ve been working so hard to help, so please go easy on you.”

“I fail to see how that’s funny,” Isa seethed.

“No, that’s not the funny part.” Razia came up beside her, leaning against the gate. “I tried to be nice to you this entire time. When Quentin agreed to try branching out and exploring a little, I suggested you for tonight.”

“Ha fucking ha,” Isa spat. “Does it amuse you? Knowing what you do about me and throwing it in my face? I regret ever touching his corpse.”

“Still not the funny part! The funny part is Quentin said he would love to, but he didn’t think you would go for it. That’s why he chose Lucy. You were my first suggestion and he thought there was no way you would ever say yes to him, given…well, everything.”

Isa found herself laughing. Not at first. First came the pain of Razia twisting the knife and teasing her further. Then the absurdity of it all hit her and she laughed until tears filled her eyes. “Oh, that’s just great,” she said. “Fantastic. So what’s the deal, you two get bored of each other already?”

Razia shook her head. “Not at all. Let’s just say Quentin got a late start on things and we’re continuing and widening his education.”

“Great,” Isa wiped at her eyes, “you’re going to use Lucy like a customer or any other pimp would. You think I would rather be in her place? Do you really think I want to fuck your man that badly? Please. Maybe I don’t know what I want, but I know I don’t envy Lucy. She’s now just another pretty girl to fuck now.”

“You don’t believe that for a second. Maybe you once did, but you know better now.” Razia’s voice softened. “He thinks you’re beautiful, you know. He respects you. And he’s grateful for you. Tonight and tomorrow, we’re going to relax and I think it’ll be good for both Quentin and Lucy. And if you ever have any interest…”

“Funny, I didn’t peg him for the type of man who wants to be fucked by a woman.”

Razia smiled and put her hand on Isa’s shoulder. “He doesn’t.” And then she walked away, leaving Isa alone with her thoughts.

Isa collapsed onto one of the stone benches, burying her face in her hands. She was supposed to be better than this, tougher than this. Instead, she was weak and greedy, hungry for something she’d never get and maybe didn’t deserve. Razia had been right. Isa didn’t believe Quentin would just use Lucy. And he definitely wouldn’t have used Isa. She laughed again, until her body shook silently. They’d expect her back at the party soon, but…not yet.

She stayed out there a while, staring up at the waxing moon.