Applause and a few cheers ring out. The others close ranks around me, as if they might be able to hide me from the stares of those watching us.
I push my way out between Aiden and Buck.
I will not hide. I keep my chin raised as I stare at Red, refusing to look away.
“How delighted I am that so many of you could join us in person.” She waves a hand, encompassing the dozens of blinking red cameras that surround us. “And for those who can’t, we’ve installed additional cameras for this evening’s entertainment. And what an entertainment it will be!”
Red leans closer to the microphone as if she’s imparting a secret. “Now, then. I know that some of you were expecting an auction this evening…,”
The breeze that ripples across the clearing is the only sound. Although… I can hear rushing inside my ears. My legs suddenly feel unsteady beneath my feet.
Auction.
I’d almost forgotten about that possibility. Considered my death, examined it from all angles and decided that if it absolutely had to happen now, then at least I might see Adam again.
But to besold—
“Steady.” Buck has his hand on my elbow, his voice urgent. “Breathe, trouble. She’s changed her plans.”
I force myself to breathe. To listen.
Red smiles, but tension lines her forehead. “My apologies for the mix-up. Whilst we will not, in fact, be holding an auction this evening due to all parties being purchased ahead of time, we will nevertheless have a treat for the eyes.”
Buck’s low curse barely registers.
All parties being purchased ahead of time.
We’re not going to be sold. We’ve alreadybeensold.
Chess is speaking, his hands on my face. Aiden is beside him.
And Kayden – Kayden is roaring something up at Red, his face flushed as Buck grips him and pulls him back.
Sound returns in a rush.
“We’ll work this out,” Chess says desperately. “We will, Lyss. And if we don’t… I’ll find you. You hear me?”
I force myself to nod.
Red’s voice rings out. “Participants. Welcome… to the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Please take your allocated seats. Immediately.”
What?
Guards appear in the edges of my vision, guns raised. I let Chess pull me along, his hands settling me into a seat.
His lips brush my hair. “We’ll be fine.”
But even I can hear the lie in his voice. The shaking.
None of us are going to be fine.
Behind me, Kayden is still yelling. Buck and Aiden have their hands on his shoulders, pulling him back.
“Kayden.” My voice is steady as I call him, glancing down at the seat along from mine. “Sit by me. Please.”
His name is there, written in a flowery script.
“Wonderful.” I glare in Red’s direction as Kayden drops into the seat beside mine before I turn my attention to the spread in front of us.
