Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 119846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 599(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 599(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Inside, the shuttle was cold and industrial—metal benches, dark walls, no windows. Noelle sat between Bright and Burn, her shoulders pressed into their arms. She couldn’t stop shaking, but she didn’t want to make a sound. It felt like if she breathed too loudly, someone would punish her for it.
As the shuttle launched, a single curved viewscreen flickered to life at the front of the cabin. And outside, Noelle caught her first glimpse of where they were headed.
A massive white structure loomed in the void—gleaming and sterile, shaped almost like a giant, multi-level shopping mall turned inside out. Endless air-tight windows gleamed along its flanks, arranged in neat rows that made her think of boutiques…of escalators…of department stores.
But instead of hope or comfort, the sight chilled her to the bone. Because this was no mall—this was the Flesh Bazaar.
And she and Bright and Burn were on their way to be sold.
The shuttle nosed forward toward a wide bay at the base of the structure, guiding them into a hangar that looked like the yawning mouth of some great mechanical beast.
Noelle held her breath as the ship landed with a jolt. The guards ordered them out, and once again, the three of them were herded—this time into a massive staging area that echoed with metallic clanging and low voices.
The back room of the Flesh Bazaar was enormous—a warehouse of sorts, all harsh lighting and cold tile underfoot. The air smelled sterile, like chemicals and burning metal. Noelle glanced around nervously, but there were no other prisoners in sight. Just more Skow guards and…
“Gods, look at that,” Bright muttered.
A new figure approached—unmistakably flamboyant, though Noelle couldn’t quite decide if they were male, female, or something else entirely.
The alien’s skin was a shimmering opalescent lavender—smooth and nearly translucent. It was tall and willowy, wrapped in swaths of floating silver gauze that seemed to shift color with every movement. It’s face was elongated—almost mask-like—with enormous black almond-shaped eyes and four symmetrical beauty marks running down each cheekbone, like constellations. A towering headdress made of silver feathers and tiny flickering lights crowned their head.
When the alien spoke, it’s voice was lilting and musical—layered as though two people were speaking at once.
“Oh, lovely! Fresh meat for the auction! How divine.”
“Three prisoners for the Auction,” one of the Skow guards said, his voice a dead croak. “They’re to be sold as a trio. Dress them accordingly.”
“But of course,” the alien purred. “Come with me, my dears. We’ll get you looking fabulous in no time.”
Bright and Burn exchanged a look over Noelle’s head. She could feel the tension radiating off them and felt her own pulse spike with hope. The guards were leaving them alone with the alien stylist. Was this the moment? A distraction? A chance to run?
But the alien turned to the guards and clapped dainty, webbed hands together.
“Oh, but before you leave—let’s be sure they’re all controlled.”
Noelle’s heart sank.
The guards raised their weapons again as the alien floated toward a silver trunk on a pedestal and opened it. Inside, nestled in black velvet, were three collars.
Two were solid black metal, thick and utilitarian, with silver spikes spaced evenly around the edge. The third was completely different—a delicate silver filigree, almost beautiful, like an expensive choker.
The alien lifted the black collars first and stood on tiptoes to fasten them around Burn and Bright’s throats.
Noelle saw the way the big warriors flinched—saw their fists curl—but they didn’t move.
Then the alien took the third collar and turned to her.
Noelle swallowed hard.
“This one’s for you, precious,” the alien said, fastening the silver piece around her neck with surprising gentleness. “So delicate, don’t you think? Like a little decoration on the perfect package.”
Noelle didn’t answer but the moment the delicate collar clicked into place, she felt a chill run down her spine.
The alien stepped back and held up a small silver disc with glowing green buttons.
“Pay attention—this is the controller. One touch, and all three of your collars respond.”
They pressed a sequence of buttons—and then it happened.
Pain. Everywhere.
Noelle screamed as lightning shot through her nerves, her muscles locking tight. She collapsed to her knees, gasping, her whole body buzzing with unbearable agony.
Bright and Burn both roared—Burn staggering, Bright gritting his teeth—but they stayed standing, somehow.
The agony seemed to last forever. When at last the shock ended, Noelle lay on the floor panting, her cheek pressed against the cold tile.
“Blessed Virgin,” she whispered. Her whole body was trembling with the aftermath. She had never felt such all-encompassing pain—it was awful.
She reached for her own arm—just to ground herself—but the moment her fingertips touched bare skin, a smaller jolt shot through her. Not as strong as before, but still enough to make her cry out.
“Ow!” She jerked her hand away. Was it just some kind of aftershock? She tried again…and got another zap. “Dios! What’s happening to me?” she gasped. “Why can’t I touch myself?”