Abruptly awakened by the tumultuous clamor of the crowd, I struggled to open my weary brown eyes, only to be assaulted by a blinding onslaught of stage lights that prompted me to squeeze them shut once more. Disoriented and disheveled, I attempted to make sense of the chaos unfolding around me.
"Introducing... Number 92!" boomed a commanding voice, slicing through the air and electrifying the atmosphere. Slowly, I opened my eyes again.
Wait, am I... on a stage?
"Behold the epitome of beauty before us," he declared with grandiosity. "I know this special lady is the one most have been waiting for tonight. Let the bidding commence at a staggering one million dollars!"
My eyes widened in sheer disbelief. Straining to see beyond the blinding lights and the absence of my glasses, I attempted to decipher the faces before me, their features merging into an indistinguishable blur.
Is this some twisted form of human trafficking?
A heavy lethargy weighed upon my body as I realized I was being supported by a wall. Struggling against my restraints, I discovered that my hands and feet were bound, rendering me immobile. Panic surged within me as I glanced downward.
I was entirely exposed, stripped of all clothing. A tight leather harness encased my chest, accentuating my bosom, while I stood at the mercy of the anonymous figures who peered intently, engaging in a bidding war for my very being.
The bidding had escalated to an astounding sum of ten million dollars.
What will happen to me? I wondered, closing my eyes tightly, desperately hoping this was nothing more than a nightmarish figment of my imagination. A life enslaved, trapped forever in this sinister existence.
Suddenly, a profound silence fell over the crowd, accompanied by a hushed stillness that enveloped the man clutching the microphone. Lost in my thoughts, I had neglected to keep track of the bidding. Why would I?
The bearded man cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the sudden hush. "Going once... going twice... sold! To number 109, at a staggering three hundred million dollars!"
I froze. Three hundred million?
Carried off the stage by a burly figure, I felt a predatory hand cup my left buttock, a grotesque violation that accentuated my vulnerability as I was gently deposited onto a leather couch in the backstage area.
"Wh... who..." I attempted to speak, but my words faltered, failing to find their way past my trembling lips.
"Your ability to speak will return in due time," the man replied, a malicious grin playing upon his lips. "You have a few hours to regain your composure before your new master arrives."
Standing over my feeble form, he scrutinized me with a lecherous gaze, his vile cologne permeating the air between us. I longed to escape, to repel this intruder, but my weakened state rendered me powerless. His large hand groped at my breasts, exerting a nauseating pressure, while his hips pressed against my side with an unwelcome display of his arousal.
To my relief, an unseen force yanked him backward with such brutal strength that he crashed onto the plush carpeted floor, eliciting a cry of astonishment from his lips, followed by a vehement, "what the fuck!"
A voice, dark and commanding, growled menacingly, reverberating through the room and sending a chilling shiver down my spine.
As my vision began to blur once more, I fought against the encroaching unconsciousness, struggling with every ounce of strength I could muster. Then, I felt a comforting touch, cool and gentle on my arm. "Relax," the man's voice reassured me. "Everything will be alright."
Those were the last words that reached my ears before my head slumped forward, succumbing to the enveloping darkness.
How did I even find myself in this bewildering predicament?
My name is Evelyn Yun, a software engineer working remotely for VeridiumGames, a video game company with several triple A’s under its belt. Several months ago, I landed this position after enduring grueling stints in retail and coffee shops.
Admittedly, my life lacks excitement. My mother passed away when I was in high school, and my father and I maintain a distant relationship, barely communicating with each other. I rarely venture beyond the confines of my abode. I find solace in staying home, immersed in the virtual worlds of video games, accompanied by my adorable white Pomeranian, ChooChoo. Even though I reside in a town where most individuals revel in hunting, fishing, and hiking, I am content as a self-proclaimed homebody.
While working at Chuff's, my small town’s local retail establishment, my life took an unexpected turn when I crossed paths with a man who seemed to have stepped out of the pages of a romance novel. However, at the time, I did not realize the significance of our meeting. Towering in height, with a chiseled jawline adorned with a hint of stubble, mesmerizing green eyes, and meticulously groomed blond hair, he exuded an air of timeless charm. My breath caught in my throat, and my ability to breathe escaped me momentarily.
It was a dreary autumn day, and I found myself stationed in the garden department, tending to the plants and fielding customers' inquiries—an activity that often required me to consult Google for answers. It was during this mundane routine that he approached, casting his captivating gaze upon me.
His alluring lips began to form words, but my mind entered a trance-like state, rendering me oblivious to his voice.
Blinking, I managed to stammer out a feeble, "Huh?" Heat crept up my neck, and I knew that my cheeks had flushed crimson. Concealing embarrassment proved futile for me, no matter how hard I tried. I was certain that my face mirrored the color of the tomato plant adjacent to me.
"The water..." he repeated, suppressing a laugh that threatened to escape. I glanced downward, only to gasp in horror.
Unbeknownst to me, the watering can in my grasp had tilted, drenching my shoes in a cascade of water. Hastily, I placed the can aside and stepped away from the puddle, emitting a sheepish laugh.
"Oops!" I exclaimed, vigorously shaking off the moisture from my feet. "I guess I'm just exhausted!" It was a blatant lie, as I had enjoyed a full nine hours of uninterrupted slumber.
His smile, slightly lopsided, accentuated the dimple on his right cheek.
Did I appear presentable?
Panic began to set in as I mentally assessed my appearance. My long black hair was haphazardly tied up in a messy bun, my glasses likely smeared with dirt due to neglecting to clean them throughout the day, and I wore a stained apron bearing the cursive inscription of "Chuff's" in vivid red.
"Can... Can I assist you with something?" I stuttered, a part of me secretly hoping he would leave.
"Actually..." he purred, the smile still lingering on his lips. He circled me like a vulture, scrutinizing me from head to toe. An uncomfortable sensation crept over me, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from this captivating man. "I was drawn here for a specific reason—to meet you."
"Me? What for?" I managed to utter, my confusion etched across my features. I arched an eyebrow, facing him directly as he stood before me once more.
“Because it has come to my attention that there is a half-fae nearby, and I just had to see her.”
I cocked an eyebrow at him. “Huh?” I said again.
He inhaled loudly. “You smell…absolutely divine.” He sighed. “I’ve been waiting a long time to meet someone like you. A long…long time.”
I didn’t know what to say, other than, “oh?” I didn’t know what to make of this conversation. Was he flirting with me? It was hard to gauge.
His phone started to go off, and after checking on the device, he looked up at the sky through the clear greenhouse we stood in. “It looks like I have to go,” he started urgently. He gave me another smile and said, “I’ll see you soon!” Before turning on his heels and rushing out the door.
My mouth hung open as I watched him disappear into the parking lot.
“But…” I said quietly. “Today is my last day…”
Since I hardly go out, I usually have my groceries delivered to my doorstep while I’m plugging away at my computer working on two different games at once. Ever since I got my new position, I have been so preoccupied that I almost completely forgot about that man.
Half-fae? I knew supernatural creatures existed - everyone did. The most notorious being werewolves. However…me? A supernatural creature? I let out a small chuckle and thought, if I were one of them, wouldn’t I be living it up like the rest of them do?
They were like celebrities. Werewolves, vampires, dragons, demons, angels, and more. They had special abilities that made them a wonder to us regular folk. The boring ones.
Several months after my departure from Chuff’s, I opened my food delivery app to order dog food for ChooChoo, but it kept on crashing before I could place an order. Frustrated, I got in my black sedan and made my way to the store for the first time in a while.
I knew exactly what I was grabbing from Chuff’s and where they would be located, so I was in and out within seven minutes. After packing everything into my backseat, I headed for the driver’s side. I shut the door and was about to turn the engine on when I caught a glimpse of movement from my rear view mirror.
And the movement was coming from inside the vehicle.
A man appeared, face obscured by a black ski mask with holes cut out for his eyes and mouth. A grin played on his lips before he reached behind me and forced a pungent rag over my face.
“Goodnight, Miss Yun.” The man said before I lost consciousness.
******************
My eyes slowly fluttered open to the melodic symphony of chirping birds nearby, their cheerful tunes piercing through the haze of slumber. As consciousness seeped into my weary mind, I couldn't help but be drawn to the marvel above me—the meticulously crafted medieval coffer ceiling. Its intricate design, unlike the mundane white popcorn I had grown accustomed to, spoke of a world steeped in artistry and mystery.
Shaking off the remnants of sleep, I took stock of my surroundings. The sheets beneath me, cool and inviting, boasted a regal shade of deep purple satin, while the plush pillows nestled beneath my head were a few tones darker, beckoning me to sink back into their soft embrace.
With a groan, I pushed myself upright, a jolt of bewilderment coursing through me as my gaze fell upon my own form. Clad in a silk tan nightgown, a garment I was certain did not belong to me, I couldn't help but wonder how I had come to be here in this unfamiliar place.
I noticed my glasses found their way to the nightstand. Relieved, I unfolded them and pushed them onto my round face.
The room exuded an aura of timeless elegance, a sanctuary where past and present entwined. Standing resolute against the wall, a large wooden wardrobe caught my attention. Its meticulously carved surface showcased scenes of nature and folklore, an artistic testament to craftsmanship long forgotten.
I approached the wardrobe cautiously, my fingers trailing along the intricate patterns as I opened its sturdy doors. Within, a treasure trove of garments awaited—a myriad of dresses in sumptuous fabrics, a palette of burgundy, midnight blue, and rich velvety black.
The memories of the previous night shot through my mind like a lightning bolt, and I collapsed onto the bed, my legs giving way beneath me. This beautiful room that surrounded me had become my prison. I gasped, thoughts of work and my beloved ChooChoo flooding my mind.
But my phone was nowhere to be found, leaving me unable to contact my neighbor for help. Tears streamed down my face as I imagined my precious dog, left all alone and frightened.
A soft knock on the door startled me, and I quickly sat upright.
"Are you awake, ma'am?" a mature voice called out.
"Y-yes?" I stammered, my voice quivering.
The door creaked open, revealing an older woman dressed in a white blouse and a long black skirt. Her gentle blue eyes met mine, and she greeted me with a warm smile. "I'm so glad you're finally awake! I've been wanting to meet you all morning. It's already eleven."
In her hands, she held a glass of water and a small bowl of yogurt and fruit. With a careful step, she made her way towards the bed. "I'm sure you're starving."
I reached out and took the bowl from her while she placed the glass on the nightstand. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, but confusion and fear still gripped my heart.
Please, don't let this be poisoned...
"My name is Betty," the older woman introduced herself, her smile unwavering. "Master Hazel has informed us that you will be staying here as an important resident, and we want to ensure your comfort and well-being."
Frowning, I spoke with a shaky voice, "I was kidnapped, and now I'm imprisoned."
Betty nodded sympathetically. "I understand that this must be terrifying for you. But please know that Master Hazel went to great lengths to rescue you from the Occult Auction."
I couldn't help but scoff at the notion. "Occult Auction? Rescued me?"
Her expression turned grave. "Your fae heritage has made you a target for many wealthy and powerful individuals. Fae beings possess extraordinary powers, and their blood holds incredible potential for medical advancements. Half-fae individuals like yourself are virtually unheard of, and I'm afraid there are people out there who would go to great lengths to get their hands on you."
I struggled to accept this reality. People searching for me, trying to experiment on me?
"But... I'm not half-fae. I'm half Korean," I protested, clinging to the fragments of my known identity.
Betty's expression softened. "I hate to break it to you, dear, but one of your parents is fae."
Memories of my mother's tragic death in a car accident flooded my mind. That meant my father...
I shook my head, still grappling with the shock of this revelation. Were there truly individuals out there, hunting for me?
"Regardless," Betty continued, her voice soothing, "to protect you, an obituary has been published, and a death certificate has been created. You are officially considered deceased."
I coughed, nearly choking on my yogurt. "I'm... I'm dead?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
Betty nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. "Yes, my dear. Being declared deceased ensures that no one will continue searching for you. But rest assured, you are safe here under Master Hazel's protection."
My heart ached with worry for ChooChoo. "But what about my dog..."
A knowing smile played on Betty's lips as she called out, "Derek! Bring her in!"
At that moment, a young man with perfect brown curls on his head entered the room cradling ChooChoo in his arms. He carefully set the Pomeranian down on the wooden floor, allowing the little ball of excitement to find her way to me. Overwhelmed by emotion, I dropped to my knees, opening my arms to welcome her. ChooChoo eagerly jumped into my embrace, showering me with affectionate licks. She felt soft and smelled faintly of lavender, and I noticed her perfectly rounded paws as if they had been meticulously trimmed.
"I took the liberty of grooming her a little," Derek mentioned with a warm, friendly smile. "I'm excited to have her here with us. As soon as we learned you had a pet, we made arrangements. We even brought your belongings from your apartment. I'll bring them up shortly."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, I struggled to find the words. I had believed I had lost everything, but ChooChoo's presence filled me with renewed hope. "Thank you," I managed to whisper.
Betty rolled her eyes playfully. "Evelyn, this is Derek. He has been working for Master Hazel for three years, and he simply adores little dogs as you can tell."
As I rose to my feet, ChooChoo by my side, my gaze flickered towards Betty and Derek, a newfound trust forming between us. The echo of footsteps reverberated through the halls, causing a momentary pause in our conversation. We held our breath, listening as the steps drew near, then faded away.
Betty leaned in, whispering something to Derek who nodded in response. He quietly exited the room, the door closing behind him with a soft click. Betty took a seat beside me on the bed, a solemn expression etched upon her face.
"Evelyn," she began, her voice hushed. "Besides Master Hazel, Derek and I are the only ones in this castle who know your true identity. To everyone else, you're just a regular human."
"But I am just a--"
Betty raised a finger to her lips, silencing my protest. I acquiesced, a sense of urgency creeping into my bones.
"Both humans and supernatural beings are drawn to fae blood. You're not safe anywhere you go," she warned, her tone laced with concern. "Be cautious about who you trust with this knowledge." Rising from the bed, she made her way to the door, turning back briefly. "Take your time freshening up. When you're ready, make your way to the dining room."
With that, she departed, leaving me and ChooChoo alone in the unfamiliar surroundings. The weight of her words lingered, casting a shadow over my thoughts.
What have I gotten myself into?
56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zvmlRVPgh
