Page 13 of The Echo of Forever

We weren’t supposed to be here. Bidding on Everwood property was a death sentence for my family and me.

“Uh… Um…”

I closed my eyes and took a breath, trying hard to quell the irritation building in my chest.

The society didn’t look out for all their people, only the ones who were useful. But the orphans, kids who were wards of the state, didn’t have a choice.

It was either join up or die. Some of them didn’t know I existed; the stories about my family were far from their world.

My goal wasn’t to be a savior; I simply wanted to set them free.

“When the curtain opens, I want you to stand by the call button and bid at my command.”

“O-Okay.”

She was shaking like a leaf, hands balled into fists on her thighs. This one was meant to serve; the one who’d enter during the auction was meant to seduce. To throw high rollers off their game.

The more invested in the experience, the more money spent down the line.

“I.. Are you him?”

Was I him?

I tipped my head back to get a better look. She was still staring at the floor, but her fingers weren’t balled tight anymore.

“Am I who?” I asked, knowing the answer but needing confirmation.

The automatic curtains began to shift as she whispered, “The man who buys our freedom in secret?”

I’d never been sure if word had gotten around about what me and my siblings were doing. Breaking every rule in their book, doing exactly what my mother hadn’t wanted.

“The auction is about to begin,” I said in response. “Move to the bid button.”

She jumped up and scurried to her new spot, slender legs barely covered. It was cold as fuck in this place, and I knew she had to be freezing.

“Knock, knock,” a silky voice called out before thick, barely covered legs appeared in front of me. “I’m here to assist with anything else you’ll need tonight.”

They treated this one with a little more respect. Fed her good, too. With my hood still covering most of my face, I couldn’t see hers.

“No need,” I said, flicking my hand toward the exit. “See yourself out.”

She stayed rooted in place for a beat, more than likely stumped by being sent away twice. And once she got to my sister’s loge, the same would happen. Eventually, she silently slipped out the room.

My phone buzzed beneath my cloak, a single vibration indicating a text.

I slid it out and read Solei’s message.

That new contract we’ve been waiting on just came in. JC is the target. Marked urgent.

Mm.

My inside source hadn’t failed me yet.

The auctioneer’s gravely voice silenced the room and gave me time to think. Urgent contracts always became bigger than initially laid out, needing more attention than most. Attention I didn’t have to give at the moment.

But this job was important and now was the perfect time to execute.

Solei wasn’t ready; she was too reckless, and I needed Oliver for other shit.