Page 43 of I Am the Storm

"So, you have made your way into the secret den," she says, softly. "Be careful not to get in over your head. You may not be human, but you've led a very short human life that has not prepared you for this world."

Our conversation is cut short when Nicholas takes the stage and addresses the crowd. The chairs are now full and everyone looks eager to see what will be up for auction tonight.

"We have five very special treats for you this evening," he says, charm oozing out of him. "So, without further ado, let us begin."

There is a chorus of clapping as Nicholas snaps his fingers and in a puff of smoke an ebony box appears on the stage, centered on a table. It's about the size of a bread box and covered in intricate carvings. It's also wrapped in iron chains and has a lock that glows blue and pulses with some kind of runes.

"You've heard of Pandora's Box," Nicholas says, smiling. "A myth, of course, but not without basis in truth. This is the origin of that myth. The original holder of darkness. Open this at your own peril, for only you will be affected. It will give you the power of the dark, but at a steep price. Can I get an opening bid?"

I stare at the box curiously as those around me bid aggressively. What would happen to me if I opened it? Would it corrupt me? Or am I already corrupted? What would it do to Adam, I wonder?

When the winning bid has been announced, the item disappears into smoke to be replaced by something new.

A gold necklace lying against black velvet. It is beautifully wrought in the shape of two serpents with open mouths that form a clasp in the front. The gold itself is studded with emeralds and diamonds that twinkle under the lights of the chandelier. It's a breathtaking piece.

"Behold the Necklace of Harmonia," the Collector says. "Anyone who wears this necklace will be granted eternal youth and beauty. But at a cost. Legend says this necklace brings great misfortune to all who wear it. Is it worth the trade? Let the bidding begin."

"Fools," Lilith says, as the bidding ensues. "They will beg to be released from the curse of that bauble before long. I have seen it happen too many times. There are better ways to attain eternal youth and beauty. Though none without a price, 'tis true."

A beautiful, slim man with raven hair and reptilian eyes wins the necklace and preens like a peacock at his prize. I wonder what tragedy will befall him should he chose to wear the cursed jewelry.

Once again, it disappears into smoke and a marble stand appears with a large tome atop it. The book is bound in leather and stamped with the symbol of a crescent moon lying on its side with a circle above it.

Next to me, Lilith straightens her back and leans forward, clutching her crystal. It appears something has caught the vampire's interest.

"Many of you have come for this treasure this evening," Nicholas says. "I expect some animated bidding for the Book of Thoth, a text said to have been written by Thoth himself, the Egyptian god of writing and knowledge. Whether he actually existed or not, this manuscript contains powerful spells and knowledge found nowhere else in either world. Though many such books were said to have existed, this is the last of its kind. Shall we start the bidding?"

Lilith raises her crystal and a holographic number displays before her as she calls out the first bid. After that, the competition is fierce and the price climbs higher than anything that came before it.

In the end, no one wanted it more than the mother of vampires herself, and though she spends a small fortune, she clearly feels it's worth it.

"This is what I came for," she says, softly. "The greatest power in either of our worlds is knowledge. Remember that."

My curiosity is piqued, and for a moment I consider asking Lilith to see the book, but then the fourth 'item' up for auction appears and my blood runs cold.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat and don't know where to look or how to behave. This isn't what I was expecting, and I feel sick to my stomach. How can I remain silent? But what can I possibly do?

Lilith notices my distress and puts a hand on my knee. "Do not play your cards just yet, my dear. This isn't the fight you came here for."

She's not wrong, but holy hell how am I supposed to keep quiet?

This auction item isn't a cursed necklace or powerful book or box.

It’s a young woman.

With cat ears.

The one who served drinks upstairs and served herself down here.

Now she is being sold to the highest bidder.

The Collector traffics in people.

Alive people.

Not just trinkets and dead body parts.

No one prepared me for this.