Kamrynn’s POV
My heart races in my chest as the reality of my situation sinks in. I’m about to be sold at an auction like some piece of livestock. My skin prickles with humiliation, but the fear is stronger. I can’t let them take me. I can’t let this be my end-not after everything I’ve endured to get this far. I tug at the ropes binding my wrists, my movements desperate and futile. The rough fibers dig into my skin, biting harder with every struggle, but the knots hold tight.
Think, Kamrynn. You need a plan. You have to get out of here.
But my mind feels like it’s covered in a thick fog. I can’t think clearly, can’t focus. The noise of the auction, the lewd murmurs from the men, the cries from the other girls-it all swirls around me like a storm. I clench my jaw, fighting back the panic threatening to swallow me whole. I don’t have my wolf to help me, but I’m not giving up. I’ve come too far to let it end like this.
I glance around, scanning the crowd and the platform for anything-anyone-that might offer a way out. The men up front are laughing, their eyes sweeping over us like they’re picking out their next meal. I swallow hard, forcing myself to stay calm.
I refuse to be helpless.
Before I can think of another plan, I hear the voice of the auctioneer booming over the microphone, his words grating on my ears.
“Alright, gentlemen! Up next, a true gem!” He grabs my arm roughly and hauls me to my feet, dragging me onto the platform. “Feast your eyes on this beauty!” His voice is a sickening mix of excitement and sleaze as he gestures toward me, his hand sweeping down my body. “Young, healthy, and just look at that figure! Perfect for breeding or whatever else your heart desires!”
My stomach twists with disgust as the crowd erupts into murmurs, their eyes leering at me like I’m nothing more than an object. I can feel the heat of their stares on my bare skin, and I want to scream. The auctioneer grabs my chin and forces my face toward the crowd, displaying me like a prize.
“Let’s start the bidding high, shall we?” he continues, a greedy gleam in his eye. “This one is worth every penny. Who’ll give me five thousand to start?”
Hands shoot up instantly, and the bids begin to climb. The numbers swirl in my head, each one pushing me closer to the brink. I can barely hear the words over the pounding of my own heart. The walls feel like they’re closing in, but just as I’m about to be sold, chaos erupts around me.
A loud crash echoes through the barn, followed by shouts and the heavy sound of boots. I whip my head around, straining to see what’s happening, when I notice the back doors being kicked open and men in uniform storming inside. A raid. The place is being raided.
Panic spreads like wildfire. The people in the crowd start shoving each other, scrambling to escape. The auctioneer drops the microphone, his face paling as he tries to push through the chaos. The other girls who were tied up near me are being untied, some running for the exits while others stumble, still bound.
I take my chance and run, my legs still unsteady beneath me, but I force them to move. The floor is a mess of shuffling feet and broken chairs, and I struggle to keep from getting trampled as I weave through the crowd. The noise is overwhelming, a mixture of shouts, screams, and heavy footsteps. I stumble over a piece of broken wood, nearly falling, but I catch myself at the last moment and keep moving.
“Not so fast!”
A rough hand grabs my arm, yanking me backward. I spin around and come face-to-face with the auctioneer, his grip tight and his eyes wild with desperation. “You’re coming with me!” he snarls, dragging me toward the back exit.
I claw at his hand, twisting and kicking with all the strength I can muster. “Let go of me!” I scream, trying to pull free. My heart races as his fingers dig painfully into my skin. He’s dragging me through the chaos, and I know-if he takes me out of here, I’ll never escape. He’ll sell me again or worse.
I struggle, my feet sliding against the dusty floor, when suddenly a strong arm shoves the auctioneer away. “Get your hands off her!”
The auctioneer stumbles back, releasing my arm, and I fall to the ground. I look up to see a warrior standing between us, his expression one of disgust as he glares at the auctioneer. The man tries to make a break for it, but another warrior grabs him, pinning him to the ground.
The warrior who saved me turns to face me, his eyes narrowing as he looks me over. “Are you alright?” he asks, his voice deep and commanding.
I try to speak, but my voice catches in my throat. I manage a shaky nod, my limbs still trembling from the adrenaline. “I… I think so.”
More warriors flood into the room, rounding up the people who were involved in the auction. The chaos begins to die down, but I feel no relief-only a growing sense of dread. I’m still naked and vulnerable, my arms crossed over my chest in a feeble attempt to cover myself.
The warrior’s gaze sharpens, his eyes flicking over my disheveled appearance. “What’s your name?” he demands.
I hesitate, my mind racing. I can’t say Kamrynn Delamorte. The name carries the weight of the past, of the crimes I’m accused of. And now, I’m no longer a part of the Obsidian Pack.
“I… I don’t…” My voice falters, and before I can think of a response, another warrior strides over, his eyes cold as he looks down at me, gaze scrutinizing, as if seeing past my skin.
“She doesn’t have any markings and she smells odd. No pack brand,” he observes, his tone suspicious. “She’s a rogue!” He growls.