Bab 15: Chapter XIV — Auction
When the witches had shut themselves in whatever room that had kept them busy, leaving Victoria with her two pack leaders, the former had excused herself. She had left the hotel and wandered down the same bustling streets as the night before and then some.
She had sensed them way before they had a chance to sense her, catching a whiff of the distinctly distasteful, bitter, foul musk that marked them as rogues among the whirls of smell of the city.
Her wandering thoughts about a certain pureblood and her current...predicament immediately evaporated from her mind that had otherwise been preoccupied with it since she left.
She was about to go out of her way avoid the pair when her instincts told her not to.
Within her, her wolf stirred, hackles rising, making her become increasingly alert as they neared, the two unbeknownst they were in the same area as a pack wolf.
She has been tracking them since, proceeding to get as close as possible to eavesdrop on their conversation — not that they had been very discreet, possibly under the impression that in this large capital city, they wouldn't cross paths with any pack wolves — without being too inconspicuous. Her tracking skills honed over the years combined with the fact that with the swirl of human scents and other smells, she went undetected.
Their conversation had been mundane — talks of the weather, of obtaining food, of the boredom of waiting around — before it took a turn into something akin to gossip with the dip of their tones and wary glances around. The mention of a name, and a rumour of another group expecting to arrive in the city just in the nick of time because they had nearly been caught by a pack for trespassing two days back and had to take a detour.
Victoria pursed her lips and her eyebrows drew together — the situation too much of a startlingly coincidence to pass up.
And when the pair was joined by two others, she knew her hunch had been right. These rogues travelled in groups, similar to the ones that had trespassed, to the ones Cassandra were after.
It was in the late afternoon when Jayden had returned from the office.
"A group of them are residing in the Tambourine Motel, seven streets down from here. Their strength remains unknown but from those present and names mentioned in their conversation I would say a total of six just like the group that trespassed our pack borders three nights ago. But they're not the only group. There seems to be others — many others — littered throughout the city, lying in wait."
"And Rosalieé?"
"She's with High Priestess Cassandra and High Priestess Valèrie — Valèrie LeBlanc — yes Enchanté's, that Valèrie apparently also known as High Priestess Valèrie of the House of LeBlanc of the Covens. A black witch. She arrived this morning after you left. Upon High Priestess Cassandra's request it seemed. They've been locked up in the next room preparing what we presume to be a potion that High Priestess Cassandra has commissioned. Rosalieé is currently assisting them." Dylan briefed his Alpha on what had transpired in his earlier absence.
"They haven't emerged since. We ordered takeout and Lucas was worried about her skipping her meals, had mind-linked her but she had shut him off saying something about needing concentration."
And that had left Lucas frowning, coupled with the previous wave of alarm it had made him agitated, despite her reassurances. Jayden noted his third's restlessness with his glances at the door every few seconds.
He briefly wondered what Cassandra had them making in the suite's room but knew it was pointless asking those present. If his second and third had known, they would have already informed him. He had also tapped into his enhanced senses to probe the inner happenings of the sealed suite but soon discovered and was told by his third not to bother — it was sound-proof and magic-proof.
"One other thing Jayden..." Dylan hesitated, debating for a second whether it was worth mentioning.
"Something happened in the room." The rest saw their Alpha tense. "We do not know what was...discussed but not long after the three of them had entered, Lucas felt a...spike in the mate bond — akin to a foreboding sense of danger-"
"Explain." Jayden demanded and they did, relaying the encounter, and the former knew then why his third had been so on edge.
There was a momentary silence as each wolf in the room was lost in their own thought. Jayden had been the first to gather his and questioned Victoria whom had been listening but not said a word so far, "There was no indication of the place they might gather?"
Victoria snapped out of it and slowly shook her head, knowing the 'they' was referring to the rogues encountered.
"No, not even a specific time." She replied, shaking her head. "There's something....Those rogues...they're gathering for....a purpose- a cause. Someone- Something is gathering- rallying them. It's not just some casual meet-up between two or three groups of rogue. They're moving in organised formations dispersed wide. The one that trespassed our pack is just one of many isn't it, Alpha?"
The three best friends exchanged a look with each other. Jayden knew she was sharp — she would have been appointed his Head Tracker if she did not put pursuing the medical field first. Hence, it was no surprise to Jayden, that she had been quick to catch on. He nodded and with his second and third supplementing, explained what Bryan had shared with them.
"If High Priestess Cassandra had known to track them all the way here to the city even after losing them at our pack territory,..." Victoria trailed off. She needn't complete her sentence, all of them knew what she was going to say.
It was likely she also knew the exact location of the gathering.
Jayden's however went a step further, Did she intend to infiltrate it?
He frowned not liking the dangerous notion of the idea one bit, his wolf stirred but he pushed it to the back of his mind.
"We don't have much time. It takes place tomorrow night according to Victoria's sources. For now, Lucas, have Rosalieé make a potion that can mask our pack scents as soon as she comes out of the room. In the meantime, help me with the paperwork regarding the proposal with Ren de Lorwth." Jayden instructed his third. "Dylan, Victoria, scout all nearby locations for any of those rogue wolves see if you can glean any other knowledge or insight of the specific location on the off chance Cassandra doesn't know the location." -or if she chooses not to tell us. "Be careful to keep your distance, we don't want them alerted in anyway."
Jayden kept the last thought to himself as he received the affirmative nods of his friends before they dispersed to carry out their respective tasks.
..........
Carefully, Rosalieé poured the green-ish liquid into the final vial using the ladle, her hands steady. The heat emitting from the pot of cauldron slowly waned as it cooled off, her magic slowly disappearing as well as it completely infused and imbued itself into the liquid.
The smell of the leftover herb ingredients and different potions wafted through the air, mixing together.
Rosalieé let out a slow shuddering breath as she wiped the bead of sweat on her forehead and glanced at the several vials containing a clear, lime-green liquid, on the table in front of her, feeling albeit accomplished. It had been no easy feat, especially since such potions had never been a specialty for white witches like her; she even had to change up the formula with Valèrie's assistance. Antidotes, cure solutions for basic sickness, sleeping draughts, healing potions, even enhancement potions were relatively simple for white witches. But a potion of this nature was considered mid-grade potions, difficult for even a Priestess level witch to make but not completely impossible. Still even with her fellow coven witch's assistance and guidance, it had left her more drained than usual but she brushed it off.
While her job was done, work for her fellow coven sister in the same room was far from done.
The black witch on the other end of the wooden desk was neck deep in concentration as she focused on channeling her dark magic into the pot of cauldron swirling and bubbling with a pale pink liquid, exactly as she had been for the past two hours and would be for at least the next four. It was a very delicate act that required prolonged hours of concentration and stamina to keep the balance; ensuring that a continuous and consistent amount of magic was cast into the potion. And not once had Valèrie stumbled nor faltered and Rosalieé couldn't help but be in awe of it.
In the darkly lit room with flickering candles littered everywhere, Valèrie LeBlanc was shrouded in her own sphere of inky black shadows as it worked with her to concoct the complex potion. There was a pale blue glow in the darkness, radiating strongest from the pale pink potion, and black magic was potent in the air, flowing all around, intimidating to even Rosalieé.
Rosalieé rolled back her stiff shoulders, turned on her heels and made way to the door, taking care to close it as silently as possible on her way out.
She glanced at the open window and noted the dark twilight sky that indicated the sun had just set. Her stomach growled — having skipped lunch it was no surprise — and she contemplated what she should order for dinner and possibly also for High Priestess Valèrie. But then thought of Lucas, whom she had closed out of their mind-link. She resolved to seek him out first, knowing he and his wolf was likely anxious for not seeing her for nearly the whole day. She decided her food could wait; finding Lucas came first and maybe they could have dinner together if he too hadn't had his.
She probed their bond, seeking him out and he responded immediately.
"Rose?!"
"Hey Lucas I'm done. Where are-"
She wasn't able to complete her sentence before turned the corner of the hall and barrelled into him. He caught her by her waist and steadied her. Her heart pounded.
Her eyes met his and she shot him a grin. The worries plaguing Lucas the entire dissipated instantly at the sight of her sweet smile.
Rosalieé noted how tense and more haggard he looked than usual and the relief that washed over him when he took her in and knowing she had been the cause, she felt guilty.
"I'm so sorry, Lucas. I didn't-"
He stopped her apology by cupping her face and bringing her lips to his with a kiss which she returned enthusiastically before hugging her and burying his nose in her neck. She smiled letting him inhale her scent as she brought her own hands up to stroke his head, gently weaving her fingers between his tousled hair.
"I'm sorry Lucas. It had been urgent the first time, I had to diffuse the situation before it escalated and couldn't allow my thoughts to be elsewhere. And-"
"It's okay, Rose. It's okay as long as you're fine." Lucas reassured her, "Have you ea-"
His unfinished question was met with an embarrassing growl that came from Rosalieé's stomach, causing her to blush. And at the sight of her mate's frown, she giggled.
"You skipped lunch, didn't you?"
Rosalieé's expression turned sheepish as she nodded guiltily. Lucas sighed and shook his head, exasperated but still finding her adorable at the same time. Feeding her was first priority he decided, so Lucas dragged her to the living area where the rest were gathered at a dining table to order takeout for the second time that day all while asking what she wanted to eat.
..........
Over the Thai take-out they had, while those around her discussed their encounters today, Rosalieé found herself more and more surprised as she listened because slowly, but surely, the details fell into place. And when Jayden had directed the question to her she knew her suspicions had been right.
"-Though, the location remains unknown. It's best to be prepared. Rosalieé, how long does it take to make a potion that masks our scent?"
"Five to six hours at least, at most over half a day..." Rosalieé slowly replied, as she still sorted her thoughts in her mind.
"Would you be able to-"
"Jayden, it's already been prepared."
At her declaration, there was a dumbfounded silence.
"What d-?"
"I was making it just now."
"In the other suite." Dylan said, but not in the form of a question.
Rosalieé nodded anyways.
"So you're saying what you've spent half the day locked up in the room making is-" Lucas asked, just the tiniest bit of incredulity seeping into his voice.
She nodded again, "With the help of High Priestess Valèrie."
"How did you-"
"High Priestess Cassandra's instructed me to make it before she left the potions room." She answered immediately.
And watched as they all shared a look, each drawing the same conclusion; Cassandra had anticipated this; that they would need it.
"And she said to warn you, that in the event it'll be used, the spell will break if you shift into your wolf forms."
Countless questions swirled in all their heads, Rosalieé could see it, she herself had some of her own.
"Will-"
As if on cue, the air around them tingled and the room darkened, akin to a shadow cast over it. On cue, all occupants shot their heads towards a purple magic circle that appeared next to the couch in the living area with Cassandra herself materialising in the centre of it. Her signature dark red cloak concealed whatever clothes she wore underneath, giving no indication of where she might have came from. Her cool, violet gaze swept over the entirety of the room, meeting each of their eyes and inclined her head in subtle greeting.
"Have you-" Jayden began, wanting to ask her if she had eaten. But she did not give him the chance to as she cut straight to the chase.
"I trust Priestess Rosalieé has informed you that the potion has been prepared and the precautions needed when using it.-" Her eyes went to Rosalieé briefly and received an affirmative nod from the latter.
"Yes, but the loc-"
"-The gathering will be held at the abandoned Malrow Warehouse, located in the northeast section of the city outskirts. It starts at ten p.m. sharp."
"Who? How?" Jayden had blurted out the question before he could stop himself.
And though he did not ask specifically, everyone knew what he meant to ask. Including Cassandra who simply shot him a look that told him they both knew the answer without her having to say it. It took everything in him not to look away from those piercing violet eyes as the bitter thoughts swirled in him.
Of course, it had to be him. It was his city after all.
"And I would advise against staking out the place or arriving too early. It would be best to arrive no earlier than five minutes."
She need not elaborate further. Each of them all knew; the less questions they invited the better. It was too easy to slip up. And they sure as hell were not able to afford that, whoever among them that was to infiltrate, if discovered, they would be hopelessly outnumbered. An extraction by the rest was risky, too risky and even then they might be too late. Their only sliver of hope was to keep their wits about them, and either stall or outwit their way out. Hence, it was also impervious that interaction was kept to a minimal. The primary objective was clear; they were merely going to observe.
"Will you be infiltrating yourself?"
Jayden stared straight into her, eyes seeming to demand an answer, hoping she would say no. They held each other's stare.
Her expression was unreadable as it always was. Their audience spoke not a word, eyes flickering back and forth between the two, seeming to hold their breaths for the black witch's answer. But it never came and the silence stretched.
"It's not too late — to turn back." She spoke softly at last. "You seek answers and I will not stand in your way from obtaining them. However, be warned now that shall you choose to proceed, there is a chance that you are dragging yourself and those around you into a war that is not your own. What you may learn, what you may uncover may not be what you expected it to be. It has the potential to put everything you have and protect now at risk. It could be one that you may find yourself not ready for. And should you regret it after, it may already be too late to turn back."
Her voice though soft and melodious, enchanting even, was clear and toneless that in the quiet that descended in the room, the weight of her words and severity that it carried amplified. Their grim, solemn expressions was met with her own ice-cold mask of indifference.
..........
Seated in front of the vanity mirror stand, she met his eyes as she shifted her now dark auburn hair to the side for it to rest on her right shoulder. She watched through her own half hooded gaze, at the figure that prowled towards her in the reflection, stormy grey eyes darkening as they went to her now exposed back.
A pair of hands found their place on both sides of her waist, before tightening their grip and sliding up. She then felt a ghost of a touch, as slender fingers danced across her bare back. There was the smallest of a pause in her movement of putting on the last of the pair of crystal tassel earrings before she proceeded on as if it did not affect her when it all but did.
The moment the earrings were in place she was spun around in her chair and a pair of demanding lips descended on hers to which she responded fervently with eye lids fluttering shut.
With one hand to brace himself on the armchair and the other still on Cassandra's waist, Lucifer trembled with self restraint. When he had walked into the room and saw her in that ravishing dress that outlined her every curve perfectly, her allure drawing him in, the desire to take her then and there fanned its flames but his outwards expression remained unchanged. However, the exposed back that followed when she had moved her hair, revealing her smooth ivory skin, coupled together with her enticing scent that seemed to fill the room nearly had him tossing it to the wind — consequences be damned.
The Temptress. It was clear she knew what she was doing; what her actions were doing to him.
He had marched to her with a predatory gleam in his eye and despite the desire to rid her of the dress then and there, he instead dipped his head down to claim her ruby red lips in a kiss; the heated, searing kiss that had escalated and will continue to escalate to a point where it would be hard for either of them to stop.
But it wasn't the right time, they both had places to be. Lucifer growled and he felt Cassandra smile into their kiss, as if she knew what it was about and he broke their kiss, tearing his lips from hers, he moved down to her jaw, nibbling as he went. Then he leaned back, and saw the mirth that danced in those vibrant lilac eyes and found himself smirking back.
He would claim his retribution in due time, after it was all over. A dangerous glint in those stormy grey eyes told Cassandra of his unspoken promise; a promise he would pay her back ten folds for all that he was made to endure and wait. Not that she wouldn't enjoy every second of it like she did now. She returned her own coy smile that showed she knew exactly what he was thinking and was looking forward to it.
.........
They exited their respective black sedans when the door was opened for them.
And as if rehearsed, each black witch released the hand that assisted their exit and slid their arms into the one offered to them. On the outside, they looked like any ordinary partner accompanying the men to an event.
Together, they entered the Imperia's
main lobby, causing many heads to turn and stare in wonder.
Silence fell for all present were entranced at the sight of the two couple that entered. The haute couture, combined with the aura the whole group exuded — the dominance, the elegance, the sophistication — it was so enthralling, exquisite and overwhelming that it was impossible to look away.
Only when the group had swept through the lobby and ascended the stairs to the next level and were out of sight did whispers erupt.
"Was that....Valèrie LeBlanc?"
"It was! What's she doing in D.C.? Last I heard she was in Los Angeles doing a shoot."
"Who was that man accompanying her? I don't recognise him from any recent cover or movie at all."
"More importantly, who is the other couple in front? They looked absolutely stunning together."
"Is she a fellow model as well? She's beyond gorgeous."
"Did you see their dresses? Valèrie's one had to be Enchanté's latest summer collection! And the other had to be wearing a custom made!"
They were met with similar reactions when they had entered the banquet hall where the private product launch was held.
"What group do they represent?"
"It's the Esro Foundation, a subsidiary of the Ren de Lorwth Conglomerate."
"It is?! They weren't on the guest list before though."
"Yes, apparently the invitation was accepted only a few days prior."
"Why though? Is that allowed?"
"Who knows but whatever the case one simply does not turn down the Ren de Lorwth, subsidiary or not."
"But who did they send?"
"How did one even manage to get Valèrie LeBlanc of Enchanté to be their partner?"
"Well, whoever they are, they're certainly not your normal or usual employees."
The group stood by themselves, each holding a wineglass or champagne of their choosing. No one had approached them thus far — likely due to the unapproachable aura surrounding them. And while they had heard every word that was uttered in the overlapping whispers and speculations, they paid them no mind. Each of their gazes had done a sweep of the hall, noting the number of attendants, exits, etc — the standard procedure.
They spoke lowly among themselves, careful not to be overheard.
"It's been a while since I've attended a private business event." Victoria commented lightly.
"It has." Cassandra murmured her agreement, as she continued to watch the mortals around them, while taking a sip from her white wine glass flute.
"But I must say it certainly is the first one I have attended with a demon. One as handsome at that." Valèrie looked to her partner, who was dressed in a dark grey suit that complimented her.
The Legion of Hell's Duke Gusoyn or otherwise currently known as Xenophilus turned his head to the French model next to him, but his expression remained stoic in the presence of his Lord.
"I don't suppose I have you to thank for appointing one that is of such high...compatibility and matches my taste, is it, Prince?" The French model continued, giving a once over of her companion for the night, her gaze flirtatious, sultry even when she met his eyes again.
A low chuckle, as Lucifer's gaze went from her to his own subordinate, which told the latter his Lord had known what had transpired in the car ride to the Imperia.
"And, how pray tell, mademoiselle LeBlanc, would I have known your preferences?"
Lucifer had one hand around Cassandra's waist, as he returned the French model's question with his own, one tinged with dark humour.
"I wouldn't be surprised. You have eyes and ears everywhere; that is to say stretching even far beyond your domain much less the fashion and entertainment industry of the mortal world and its gossip. I'm not one to doubt nor take lightly the network of information the Underworld has." Valèrie shrugged in casual reply.
"You flatter us, Miss LeBlanc, but no, it was Cassandra who requested for Xenophlius' presence today."
Lucifer's reply earned a flicker of shock that passed through Valèrie's face, while his own amused smirk and gaze was directed to the black witch in his arms as he said it before flickering back to catch the emotion of shock on the other.
Clearly, Valèrie was not the only who had shown their surprise.
"Did you think it was a random assignment as well, Xenophilus?"
"No-yes- my lord-"
Xenophilus recalled the evening before when he had received a summon to his Lord's office at the Ren de Lorwth Hotel. And was then bestowed an unexpected request by the Princess who was known to hold as much power as his Lord.
"Xenophilus, there is a private launch event that is taking place at the Imperia and my coven sister, High Priestess Valèrie LeBlanc is need of a partner to accompany her. Would you be able to fill that position? You need not worry the preparations for your duties that night will be entrusted to Boris."
"It would be my honour, Princess." He bowed in acceptance of what he thought had been an order; not that he would have refused otherwise.
At that point in time, he had not questioned nor gave it a second thought, it was simply his duty to follow orders, to serve the Princess his Lord has chosen.
"Oh? I'm not sure if I should be flattered or astounded that you actually have taken note of whom I have dated through the years. Is there anything else you have kept tabs on that I should know about?" Valèrie recovered from her shock and asked casually, quirking a delicate eyebrow at Cassandra, playfully.
The latter simply glanced coolly at her, not answering.
...........
It had been relatively easy enough for them to slip from the banquet hall to the grand theatre; their attire matching everyone else and no one questioned or stopped them — the full effects of the potion kicking in.
Laughter and chatter bounced off the wall as the different groups of vampires streamed in and took their designated seats. And when the first child was brought out, the auction began. The calls of the bids only climbing for each round and the resounding gavel that was brought down to close each bid joined the noise that filled the auction hall.
The two of them had watched all of it since the beginning in silence and when the girl and her brother had been brought out in shackles like the other kids, they had sensed it instantly given their strong affinity. But neither had reacted, simply continued watching — Valèrie's only indication of change was the quick sideway glance she gave Cassandra. They analysed the scene that unfolded with hawk like gazes. Their now red eyes shining underneath the elegant masquerade masks they wore — it's real colours concealed by the potion, just like their auras.
While they have heard of it, it was both their first time witnessing it first-hand; the famed blood auctions of the aristocratic vampires. And both felt a torrent of emotions swirl in them — comprising of mostly disgust and ire directed at the vampires' that partook in it. Although Valèrie had managed to hold back from clicking her tongue, she watched the auction progress with the feelings reflected in her eyes. Cassandra, on the other hand, had been better at concealing it, and her attention was trained on how tightly the girl held onto her younger brother — something else stirred within her.
The pair of sibling's dark olive skin and russet brown eyes, an obvious sign of their Mediterranean heritage.
The two black witches had seen the change in the girl's eyes that reflected in the bright stage lights cast on the centre stage. The wariness and fear that turned into horror and panic at the realisation she would be separated from her brother — for they were auctioned to different bidders.
The girl was smart, she knew this was no ordinary auction; whether had it been due to her innate instincts as a witch or her own perceptions. The moment she and her brother arrived at the venue there was a sense of premonition — an unease that only heightened as time passed and when she was brought on stage with her brother, she knew she had been right. She felt chills run down her spine at the hundreds of pairs of blood red eyes — eyes that couldn't have belonged to any ordinary human — that were watching her and her brother like prey.
The widening of her eyes as she shook her head vigorously — while struggling with the two vampires whom were trying to separate her and her brother — and the tremor in her hands had been the first indicators. Followed by the shift in the air and the flash of golden brown that glowed from her eyes. That was when all hell broke loose.
A large force burst forth in the form of a spherical ball of black energy with the girl at its epic centre. The blast sent the two vampires, and nearby auctioneer flying off the stage and slamming into the nearby walls. There were several cries of shock that came from the mass of vampires in the front row seats whom had reacted on instinct with their quick reflexes to safely avoid the blast range that rocked the entire theatre hall.
In the next few split seconds, Cassandra had teleported below with Valèrie close behind. The former had also activated a counter spell to effectively contain the black energy and shadows released by the young girl to prevent it from causing further irreversible damage; a magic circle emitting violet light was underneath the pair of siblings. The siblings themselves were trembling with fear and shock — though for the girl, it was mostly shock at what she had just caused while the boy had his eyes tightly squeezed shut and cowering into his sister.
And by the time the vampires had recovered enough from the aftershock waves of the blast, the two black witches stood between the pair of siblings and the mass of vampires.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone