Chapter 2: Sold off
1414 Words
Thalia's POV
“Wake up, you lazy bone" I heard a very distant and annoying voice in my sleep.
The urge to shut the voice up was strong but strangely, I couldn't move a finger.
I stood in a dark place, trying to remember how I got here.
Last thing I could recall was seeing rocks clothed with fire above my head. Then…
Wait…was this hell?
No, hell was supposed to be a place surrounded with a scorching fire like the tales we were told as kids.
I sighed deeply.
Either ways, I deserved it. My days of sinning were over.
Suddenly, right in the middle of the dark room, a dim light appeared, illuminating a spot.
“Huh.." I pouted in confusion.
My feet moved on their own, pulling me towards the light. My heart raced as I heard different voices.
Only one voice was clear.
“It's almost time."
The moment I stepped into the light, I felt a sharp pain on my left cheek.
My eyes shot open to see a familiar face staring right back at me with her brows twitching in rage.
“You i***t. Who gave you right to sleep like you own this place?!” Her sharp voice pierced my ears, doubling the throbbing pain in my head.
Ivy, the Madame's favorite. Always ready to pick on me at any slightest chance she gets.
But wait…I was supposed to be dead. My eyes fluttered around to see the same room I owned in the brothel.
Not like it was mine, but you know…
“Madame Lilith wants you in her chamber now" Ivy snapped, her voice commanding. "You've rested well enough to serve your punishment."
Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to her. I was only trying to understand how I'd survived the fire rain.
“Did you hear me?!" Ivy barked, pulling my hair.
I winced in pain, finally giving her the attention she desired.
“I did. I will head to her chamber now" I responded curtly.
Ignoring the excruciating pain in my bones, I got off the Stony bed and headed straight to the door.
I didn't bother looking back. Memories of what happened before that incident flooded my head.
I didn't know what awaited me, but I knew I was about to face worse.
My legs wobbled as I neared her chamber. The door was opened, so I walked in.
“Close the door behind you" Her stern voice broke the silence in the room.
I obeyed and stood by the door, waiting for her next order.
“Come forward" She commanded, her voice cold. "Since I built this brothel, never have I heard or seen a slave harrass my customers.”
I trembled, attempting to defend myself. "Er..Madame Lilith, they_”
"Shut your mouth!” She barked, her eyes red with anger. "I don't recall asking you to speak. Now listen to me. You're going back to finish that job.”
"What?!” I gasped in shock, her words registering in my head.
She was joking, right?
"Those customers will have what they want” She declared, making cold sweat trickle down my spine.
My breathing became ragged. "But..but it's against the rule” I argued with a low voice.
"It's not your place to worry about any rule. I own you” She shot back. "Go back to them and give them what they want. I want a good review this time.”
Words got stuck in my throat, my mouth agape as tears trickled down my face. I didn't dare to make a sound.
The words of those men popped up in my head. They had indeed taken care of her.
I knew she was greedy but didn't expect it to reach the level of risking a life to satisfy her selfishness.
I had survived death once, but I doubt I'd be able to survive this one.
“That reminds me, orders were given to everyone to stay indoor but you chose to disobey. I wonder how you survived” She said nonchalantly with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Go now. You'll definitely get punished later for that.”
I didn't get the order. No one told me. I wanted to tell her that, but it wouldn't change a thing.
Hopelessly, I walked out of her chambers. Other harlots were lurking around, gossips here and there.
Their voices were torment to my soul. Slowly, they died down.
I stood before the same hut, my body shaking with great trepidation. The pain was becoming unbearable.
If only I could end everything, but as usual, Madame Lilith’s guards had their eyes on me.
I knocked, my hand heavy. The door was swung open and I saw a thick hand pull me in by the neck.
The next moment, my feet were off the ground.
“You stinky b***h!" The man, who lifted me up, cursed hard. “How dare you think you can shame us and get away with it."
“I…er…" I struggled to speak, coughing violently as the lanky man tightened his grip on my neck.
“Don't kill her, Ryker" The bald man, standing by the window, cautioned as our eyes met. "We told you we'd take care of that greedy mother of whores. Now, you're ours.”
"I'm.. I'm sorry” I broke down in tears.
For the first time in years, I was afraid of death. I wanted to die but not like this.
The lanky man smiled, his face full of satisfaction. “Beg all you want. By the time we're done with you, we would give you the punishment you deserve."
“Haha..I hope she survives it" The bald man butted in, biting his lips.
Unexpectedly, I was tossed violently on the bed, my back aching.
“Please, don't do this" I tried to scream but my voice cracked. “Please."
“I love to see you beg, you slut. Let's see how long you can keep up with it" The bald man snickered, pulling the hem of my dress.
I shut my eyes, preparing myself for the worse.
At that moment, I heard the door creak open.
“Madame Lilith wants her now" A rugged male voice declared coldly. “You have to let her go."
I peeped, spotting a guard standing by the door.
He walked in with a stone-cold face.
The two men were shocked, but there was also a level of resistance.
“What about our money?" The bald man berated, standing in the guard's way.
“You'll get a refund" The guard replied, and I gasped in disbelief.
Madame Lilith? A refund?
So unbelievable.
The guard grabbed my right arm, pulling me out of the room speedily.
“Don't look back" He ordered sternly.
Few minutes later, I found myself in Madame Lilith's chamber again. But this time, a neatly dressed man was sitting on her chair.
I was stunned. Who the hell was he to enjoy such privilege?
He was definitely rich; I could tell from his outfit, composure and look.
The way he looked at me was quite funny. I couldn't help but wonder what business I had with him.
Standing right beside him was Madame Lilith who kept staring at the man like a lost puppy.
“Hmph..hmph" The man cleared his throat, planting an awkward feeling in the atmosphere. “What I came for."
"Ugh..ugh” Madame Lilith coughed nervously, and pointed her long red finger at me. "Yes, she's the one."
I was so confused.
The man and I seemed to be on the same page. He rose from his seat and approached me, his gaze full of warning.
I subconsciously stepped back, but his hands were fast enough to catch me. He grabbed my arms and twisted it, revealing a mark.
A mark? It was never there before.
How come?
“This is unbelievable" The man gasped in shock, his eyes sizing me up.
“She's the one you want" Madame Lilith broke the eerie silence. “I can bet my life on it."
Her words threw my mind into chaos. What in the world was going on here?
My lips remained sealed as I stared at the man like a fool.
Who was he?
The man let out a deep sigh. “Fine then. The deal is done."
I frowned. “Huh.."
“Good" Madame Lilith giggled excitedly, her cautious gaze fixed on me. “There you go, Thalia. You've been sold off."
- Writer
