Severn
The wooden chair in Ceril’s office was just as uncomfortable as ever. Trying to readjust to a more tolerable position, I shifted, and the chair creaked slightly. My head jerked up, eyes quickly locking with Ceril’s.
“Make another sound and the chair is gone.” Ceril’s eyes never left mine as I moved to finish my readjustment. After so many years of this, I wasn’t scared of him anymore, but I definitely didn’t want to be standing in here for the rest of the day.
I sat in the back corner of the office every day like a statue or following Ceril around wherever he went.
His obedient little assistant. My only reprieve was the days he had me chained away to bleed out and paint.
A never-ending cycle of mental and physical torture.
Every glimpse into the future I had was influenced by Ceril because he dictated my life.
There was nothing I wanted more than to be able to see something other than Ceril’s future.
Beings were in and out of his office all day, bringing information and updates about the preparations for the auction the following day.
A small part of me wanted to be excited about my art selling this way.
But I also knew it didn’t really mean anything in the way I wanted it to.
I wanted it to mean I was being recognized for my talents, that I was going to be known.
But being known meant too much. Ceril would never allow that.
So I sat in my chair and waited while my future was decided for me because I would never have a say in what happened.
“We’ve heard back from each of the families in Noirhaven, Ceril. They all plan to send a representative tomorrow.” Tirah slid a piece of paper across the desk to Ceril. Tirah had become Ceril’s bitch, she did everything for him.
“So Vea is the only one not coming. Just sending her usual people. I guess that’s not too surprising.
” Ceril tossed the paper back to Tirah. “I want you and Severn at my side tomorrow. I don’t know what could happen.
We know nothing about these beings,” he pointed to the paper, “we have to be ready for anything.”
When we arrived at the auction house the following day, huge posters of my art were lit up in the windows.
If I hadn’t known my father was doing this for himself.
For the money and the recognition, I would've been touched.
Instead, I rolled my eyes and buttoned my jacket as I walked behind Ceril into the building.
The lobby was already filled with beings from all over Noirhaven.
A beautiful female approached us. She had long, curly dark hair and brown eyes that glistened under the sparkling lights.
The pale greens and yellows of her chiffon dress were magnificent against the rich, dark brown of her skin.
“Ceril, what a displeasure it was to find this invitation in my inbox.” The nymph leaned in closer to Ceril and whispered.
“I’m only here as a formality, so don’t you dare think you’re getting a fucking dime from me, you piece of shit.
” When she leaned away, she was smiling and turned to me, putting out her slender, gorgeously manicured hand. “I am so sorry, my name is Talia.”
Reaching for her hand, I shook it lightly. “Severn, pleasure to meet you.”
Talia reacted at the sight of my fangs. “A vampire?” Her eyes were wide as she looked over at Ceril. “You’ve got a vampire working for you? Does Vea know?”
“Don’t read too much into it, Talia. Long story.” Ceril gripped the back of my neck tightly and guided me away from the crowd toward a dimly lit hallway.