I leaned my head back against the bars of my cage. I didn’t know how long I’d been here. Dirt coated my skin, my hair hung in lank, oily strands. I couldn’t even stand my own stench. A bucket in the corner was my only toilet, and I cringed every time I had to use it.

I wasn’t certain where I was. All I knew was that no one here was human. I’d seen being with horns, some with wings, what appeared to be vampires and ogres. So many languages were spoken, and none of them appeared to be English. I couldn’t understand anything. Well, unless my owner wanted me to do something. Then he spoke in my language.

A hoard of demons squabbled nearby. My owner said something about an auction, and I had a feeling I was the item being sold. What would happen to me? Did they want me for food? Or… I shivered in revulsion as I thought about the other uses they may have for me.

The space had other cages hanging, and some on the ground. Each contained a being of some sort. A few were human women like me. Captives. Slaves. They looked every bit as scared as I felt. I didn’t know why we’d been the unlucky ones snatched from our homes.

The doors opened and a hush fell over the indoor market. A tall man with dark hair strode inside, with every gaze in the room following him. Power. Even I could feel it. But what was he? At first glance, I’d have thought he was human. It didn’t make sense. Clearly humans weren’t in charge in this place. No, he had to be something else. The way he carried himself made him appear like royalty. Was he?

He progressed through the room, drawing closer to my cage. In other circumstances, I may have been attracted to him. Had we met on the street or in a café, I’d have been tempted to give him my phone number. Now, I only worried what might become of me. Even if this stunning man bought me, it didn’t mean I’d get a happy ever after. For all I knew, he was like Ted Bundy. Everyone thought he’d been a handsome man. Charming. Except he’d been a serial killer.

I didn’t judge people based on their looks. Never had, never would. Well, not human ones anyway. I had a hard time believing any of the demons or other creatures in this market were actually cuddly sweethearts.

A commotion on the dais drew my attention. The male I’d decided must be in charge rose and watched the dark haired man approach. Lyceon, the one in charge, rose and watched the stranger draw closer to him. His gaze swerved to me, and the leer on his lips made me take a step back. He’d already come over to speak with my owner. While I hadn’t understood their words, it was clear he wanted me. The way his ears slightly pointed, I’d wondered if he might be a fae. I hadn’t realized there were evil ones. Of course, I hadn’t know they were real at all until I came here.

Lcyeon might be gorgeous, but I knew for a fact he was deadly. I’d watched as he’d beheaded demons and orcs for going against his orders. He seemed to rule this market, and for all I knew, other areas too. No one tried to oppose him. His cruelty even extended to his slaves. He’d abused one of the women in front of everyone, lashing her back until I’d worried she would bleed out. Then he’d fucked her, and laughed as she cried.

No matter what happened to me, I knew I didn’t want him to buy me. I’d rather go with the demons.

Looking down, my breath caught in my throat when I realized the stranger was standing under my cage. His hair shone blue-black in the magic lighting. Wondering if it was as soft as it looked, I wanted to reach out and run my fingers through it. Scooting closer, I listened to the conversation the stranger was having with my current owner. Surprisingly, I could understand everything they said.

Had my owner done it on purpose? Did he want me to know what would be in store for me?