CHAPTER 459: GRIM FATES

To be paraded, observed and priced like a piece of merchandise in front of a ravenous crowd was a fate Arabella wished to never experience.

The music swelled one last time to draw all of the attention in the room before going mute in preparation for what was to come.

The first name on the list belonged to a man that hailed from Regalis... Much to her dismay, it was one the innocent out of the bunch.

Every bit like the others, his family’s safety was at stake and thus he saw no other option but to obey the authorities and turn himself into a tribute.

In an all-white attire Rasmus had been fitted, representative of the region he’d come from. So akin to royalty it seemed that even the prince’s standing paled next to how angelic the man had looked.

There was that and the fact that he was young and extremely handsome. The reaction of the bidders to seeing him alone was a testament enough to that. It was no wonder the duke had scouted him for the cursed task.

Gold and then more gold the bidders threw in exchange for the pick they saw fit their image and needs.

With every name on that list, the sharp ache that struck her heart turned a little duller, ever present and lasting...

Arabella leaned further back against Silas for support which he thankfully provided without any conditions.

The look in their eyes as their stories were being written by somebody else’s hands for them only tugged at her guts, sinking them lower.

In a desperate attempt at finding better refuge than their tear-soaked eyes, Arabella flung her gaze upwards at the balcony.

Although, she quickly came to regret the action as the mortified look on Abigail did not help. Ada’s arm was wrapped around her for comfort, but it was clear as day that Ada did no better than her.

Unfortunately, neither Katherine nor Grace could stomach being there for a second while Allegra was out there, potentially suffering the worst experience of her life. So, Lady Persephone allowed them to leave the manor with the search party.

In fact, had it not been for the obligation to stand there, Persephone would have, null doubt, joined them out there.

It was the oddest thing to behold Persephone’s strained smile after the heart to heart they had prior to the party.

It was the longest they’d ever spoken and the deepest, furthest into the past they dug.

Even though it was mostly her mother-in-law doing the digging, Arabella was just happy to offer a listening ear.

Looking back at Ada and Abigail, it seemed someone else approached them in the seconds Arabella had her head turned.

Sebastian had already started a conversation but it was mainly Ada who cared to reply.

Abigail remained as rigid as ever, her little eyes darting from side to side as though trying with all of her might to hold her most recent meal inside.

His features were somehow... Tamer and his motions weren’t as quick and sharp as before. More importantly, Ada gave off the impression that she was in no rush to get rid of him. There was that, at least.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Silas had whispered in her ear.

Her eyes went up at him, "I think I can manage, thank you," she smiled.

"Perhaps you wish to breathe some fresh air," he suggested, "No one here will hold it against you,"

True that! Upon casting a look around, every vampire’s mind and heart appeared captivated by the lone human on display at the very center of the circle.

"No," she murmured, "I wish to stay and see this through. At least for now,"

Her reflection in his eyes told it all. It spoke of how tired and dim she looked... There was no counterpoint to that. The energy wasn’t there at all.

"... Evina!" that was the last word the announcer had uttered when introducing her as a tribute.

Hearing her name, imbued Arabella with some of the energy she missed and seeing her accelerated her heart.

But hers wasn’t the only heart that raced as it seemed. As soon as the beautiful blonde walked inside the ballroom, every noise, every whisper went dead.

Some gasps even rose from the guests at her sight.

She held her head high and walked with the bearance and grace of a Lady if not a royal. No surprises there... From the colder region she came.

People there knew how to keep a cool head on their shoulders.

When stopping to face the crowd, unlike the rest of the tribute, her winter gray eyes did not shy away, boring into whoever stood in front of them.

There was no trembling riddling her figure, no reluctance in every turn of the head even the golden regalia garnishing her seemed nothing more than a needless touch.

It was no shock that the vampire kicked up a bidding war over her.

Four thousand... No! five! Six, seven... Going up to twenty eight thousand golden coins for her.

It took over five minutes to settle for a price in order for the hall to simmer before the next tribute to be shown.

As she was exiting the room, Evina’s last look was meant for Arabella. A warm, solemn beam decorated her beautiful features.

Arabella offered her the same expression with a few tears at the corner of her eyes.

A few tantrums were thrown as other vampires had held off on bidding on her but felt robbed when seeing that sublime smile. It was too late for that anyways.

"I will take your offer for some fresh air now if it still stands," she murmured at her husband.

Shutting the balcony doors behind them was a bliss as it reduced the booming racket to silence. Well, as quiet as things could be.

Silas did not hesitate for a second and wrapped his arms around her again, "This one too shall pass," he spoke softly.

"I know. I know," her voice came muffled from his chest.