Chapter 2 /-Selene-/ My father wasn't kidding even if I had hoped he might have said those words out of anger. He was really going to sell me off. I had barely woken up the next morning when I was dragged off the bed. He put chains around my neck as though I were an animal and dragged me off to the auction house. "Father please..." "Another word from you, and I will tape your mouth," he threatened, and I fell shut. He registered me for the auction and the sight of the crowd made me want to disappear. Time passed in a blur and soon it was my turn to go on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, next up is a very unique human, Selene Valencia!" The host announced and I was forced to go up the stage. There was silence at first, then laughter erupted from every corner of the room. Shame washed through me and I fiddled with my fingers nervously. "Who brought in this hideous creature?" "Why would anyone want to buy her?" "She could function as a scarecrow at the borders. Chase away the rogues." "Even my dog has more beauty than this!" The auction house roared with laughter, each word slicing deeper into my skin than any whip ever had. I stood under the harsh lights, chains clinking with every breath, every tremble. My torn dress did little to hide my bruises, and my hair hung like a curtain over my face. I kept my head down, praying for it all to be over quickly. "Come on now!" the host laughed awkwardly, trying to salvage the mood. "Don't be fooled by appearances. She's obedient, hard-working... and, uh, desperate. A real bargain!" Another round of jeers. "She's probably cursed!" "Looks like she already got mauled by a rogue!" My chest tightened, but I didn't move. I didn't flinch. I had no pride left to protect, only the hope that maybe, just maybe, someone would take me far away from the hell I called home. The host cleared his throat, voice faltering. "Starting bid-five hundred." Silence. "Four hundred?" No hands raised. My father's glare from the side of the stage burned through me. I could feel his disgust. Like he was ready to storm the stage and strangle me for being such a failure again. "Three hundred?" Still nothing. "Anything at all?" The host asked, and for a second, all hands were down, then suddenly, at the far end of the hall, someone raised his hand. It was too dark for me to make out anything but his next words made me feel more worthless than I have ever felt. "I have some change left in my pocket. I'll take her for seven cents," he said and the entire hall burst into laughter. Embarrassment flooded me. So that was all I was worth to anyone? Seven cents? The host chuckled nervously, trying to keep up with the energy in the room, though even he seemed unsure how to respond. "Well... seven cents, that's certainly... unconventional. Do I hear a counterbid?" he asked, glancing around. Silence. Everyone was still laughing. No one bothered to take it seriously. No one cared that a girl's life was being traded for the price of a piece of gum. My legs trembled, but I stood still. If I cried, they'd laugh harder. If I screamed, they'd enjoy it. So I bit down on the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, trying to disappear inside myself. "Sold," the host finally declared with a forced smile. "To the gentleman in the back for seven cents." The crowd erupted one last time. Applause mixed with taunts, and someone even threw a coin at the stage that clinked near my feet. I didn't look up. I couldn't. I was led backstage and my father shot me another disgusted glare. "Seven cents! That is all you are worth! I should have forced your mother to get that abortion!" He hissed and the words pierced through my heart. I was taken to meet my new master and he was unexpectedly... beautiful. Shoulder-length silver hair that fell over his milky skin with matching silver eyes that made him look ethereal. Thick brows and lashes with a jawline so sharp that it could cut through anything. He had an earring on one ear and was dressed in a sophisticated robe that screamed royalty. Not to mention the intoxicating milky scent that surrounded him. If this can of man could offer seven cents for me then I was simply worthless. I kept my eyes on my toes, unsure of how to react or face him. He stepped forward and patted my hair gently. That was... that was the kindest gesture anyone had made towards me. "Are you afraid, little one?" His tone was silky, yet likely the deepest voice I've ever heard. I swallowed thickly and nodded. "Don't be, I don't bite," he said softly. "Let's get you home." My heart must have skipped a hundred times in those few seconds. It was ironic how someone who bought for such a meagre amount still treated me like I was worth something. The guard by the door opened the car and I timidly got in. Even the car smelled like him. As he joined me, I stole another glance at him. "Who... are you?" I blurted before I could stop myself. I almost cursed myself for asking such a stupid question. Of course, he was my master. "Kaelen of GoldenCrest Pack," he answered casually and my eyes widened. Did he say GoldenCrest? As in the Lycan pack that controlled all the wolf packs in the west? They were the wealthiest and most powerful in the country but it was also said they were ruthless and arrogant. This man didn't seem like any of that but then, he had the majestic posture of a royal. "What will you do with me now?" I asked. "Me? I don't need anything from you. It is the king who has use for you." I choked on nothing. The king? Me? Why would a king want someone like me? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!