Page 57 of Wrapped in Their Arms

A massive white structure loomed in the void—gleaming and sterile, shaped almost like a giant, multi-level shopping mall turned inside out.Endlessair-tight windows gleamed along its flanks, arranged in neat rows that made her think of boutiques…of escalators…of department stores.

But instead of hope or comfort, the sight chilled her to the bone.Becausethis was no mall—this was theFleshBazaar.

And she andBrightandBurnwere on their way to besold.

The shuttle nosed forward toward a wide bay at the base of the structure, guiding them into a hangar that looked like the yawning mouth of some great mechanical beast.

Noelle held her breath as the ship landed with a jolt.Theguards ordered them out, and once again, the three of them were herded—this time into a massive staging area that echoed with metallic clanging and low voices.

The back room of theFleshBazaarwas enormous—a warehouse of sorts, all harsh lighting and cold tile underfoot.Theair smelled sterile, like chemicals and burning metal.Noelleglanced around nervously, but there were no other prisoners in sight.JustmoreSkowguards and…

“Gods, look at that,”Brightmuttered.

A new figure approached—unmistakably flamboyant, thoughNoellecouldn’t quite decide if they were male, female, or something else entirely.

The alien’s skin was a shimmering opalescent lavender—smooth and nearly translucent.Itwas tall and willowy, wrapped in swaths of floating silver gauze that seemed to shift color with every movement.It’sface was elongated—almost mask-like—with enormous black almond-shaped eyes and four symmetrical beauty marks running down each cheekbone, like constellations.Atowering headdress made of silver feathers and tiny flickering lights crowned their head.

When the alien spoke, it’s voice was lilting and musical—layered as though two people were speaking at once.

“Oh,lovely!Freshmeat for the auction!Howdivine.”

“Three prisoners for theAuction,” one of theSkowguards said, his voice a dead croak.“They’reto be sold as a trio.Dressthem accordingly.”

“But of course,” the alien purred.“Comewith me, my dears.We’llget you lookingfabulousin no time.”

Bright andBurnexchanged a look overNoelle’shead.Shecould feel the tension radiating off them and felt her own pulse spike with hope.Theguards were leaving them alone with the alien stylist.Wasthis the moment?Adistraction?Achance to run?

But the alien turned to the guards and clapped dainty, webbed hands together.

“Oh, but before you leave—let’s be sure they’re all controlled.”

Noelle’s heart sank.

The guards raised their weapons again as the alien floated toward a silver trunk on a pedestal and opened it.Inside, nestled in black velvet, were three collars.

Two were solid black metal, thick and utilitarian, with silver spikes spaced evenly around the edge.Thethird was completely different—a delicate silver filigree, almost beautiful, like an expensive choker.

The alien lifted the black collars first and stood on tiptoes to fasten them aroundBurnandBright’sthroats.

Noelle saw the way the big warriors flinched—saw their fists curl—but they didn’t move.

Then the alien took the third collar and turned to her.

Noelle swallowed hard.

“This one’s for you, precious,” the alien said, fastening the silver piece around her neck with surprising gentleness.“Sodelicate, don’t you think?Likea little decoration on the perfect package.”

Noelle didn’t answer but the moment the delicate collar clicked into place, she felt a chill run down her spine.

The alien stepped back and held up a small silver disc with glowing green buttons.

“Pay attention—this is the controller.Onetouch, and all three of your collars respond.”

They pressed a sequence of buttons—and then it happened.

Pain.Everywhere.

Noelle screamed as lightning shot through her nerves, her muscles locking tight.Shecollapsed to her knees, gasping, her whole body buzzing with unbearable agony.