Chapter 23: Holy Auction

*** WARNING: This chapter contains foul language.

***Alright Now Continuation Of Chapter 23...

-Inside Auction house, main hall-

"Welcome Lady and Gentlemen can I see your ticket?" (Men in charge of main sections, asked)

A well-dressed man in uniform asked politely to see which assigned seat they had.

Since there were lower, middle, rich, and extremely rich they had assigned seatings of who could afford the seats so there were many doors in this bright golden colored and red hall.

He seemed to be the man in the front in charge of guiding them to the men who stood at the end of each closed door and some who stood on a large double door.

'Extend'

Dorion extended his ticket but this time to give it to keep to the men in charge of the front sections.

'Grab'

"Ah...!" (Men in charge of main sections, asked)

His eyes widened in shock and surprise but he said no disrespectful words as he had heard the rumors.

"Please let me guide you to the VIP area" (Men in charge of main section, said)

To even leave his position to guide them the the VIP area was either because he was afraid to risk his life of displeasing him the tyrant bloody Prince or he was excited about how much money would they spend on this auction.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

He had stopped at a golden door that had a simple flower vase with only one small flower and next to the vase was a golden bell resting on a glossy polished dark brown tall circular table.

'Grab'

'Hold'

'Bow'

He held onto the golden bell on top of his palms and bowed his body as if to take it as an offering.

While the two assigned VIP workers that stood on each side of the VIP left and right door opened the door for them.

This room was actually the most expensive in the whole auction house.

"Please ring the bell if you need any refreshment or food our team shall deliver immediately" (Men in charge of main sections, said)

"Also your number should be in the center little table as well" (Men in charge of main section, said)

"...." (Dorion)

Dorion and Aurora said no words however Dorion's hand had extended to grab the golden bell with his gloved hands.

He only said that this bell was for calling for assistance.

In beverages and food but the man had not specified that it could be used for other purposes if he felt like it.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

'Halt'

Dorion and Aurora walked together in sync still being escorted by him as they entered the large VIP room with wine-red velvet curtains with a thick golden curtain holder.

Two velvet cushion seats that were right next to each other while on the left side there was a table similar to the one that the bell was sitting at.

Except for this table, it had a circular black voting number.

Number 13.

The VIP had its own washroom where if the Lady needed to touch up there would be a sink and a mirror while near the walls a loveseat wine red coach with golden borders was just in case the VIP guest got tired.

And in front of them they who had acquired the top floor with a floating balcony that had pearl white colors with golden border designs and A wine red flower design.

Although the light was pretty bright it was perfect for this kind of atmospheric auction.

The whole Auction was illuminated with high-quality around as long red velvet curtains hung from the very very top of the ceiling wall while the down rows had lower balconies far apart and finally getting to the top section where there were simple velvet chairs.

Another row the middle row, and finally the lower row seats.

The auction stage was pretty large itself even the floor looked very polished as a man in uniform held onto a their curtain to addjust sliding retrieving the wine red thick stage curtains.

No one other than the curtain men was there.

There was a tall dark brown oak expensive and personally carved podium stand with a microphone.

However, compared to the empty stage the auction seats itself were petty full with a lot of chatter while some were trying to find their seats.

'Dim'

The lights had dimmed indicating that the auction soon would start however Aurora felt a very strong stare.

'Turn'

Aurora turned to look to her right and just across them on the left section, the second VIP room that was less expensive than the VIP where Aurora and Dorion were at was no other than Adelina and Arian.

Both wearing matching sets of a dark blue and gold embroidery masks and capes.

Just like them, you didn't need to know who was wearing the mask to know who they were.

'Point'

Dorion's gloved finger raised up to point directly at Adelina as his other hand was placed on top of Aurora's shoulder.

"Lady, look isn't that your ugly looking snake reptilian shapeshifting sister over there?" (Dorion, asked)

He leaned near her ear as if he was having the time of his life with that sly smile of his snickering and criticizing.

It was obvious he was doing it intentionally and he was only starting.

"...." (Aurora)

Aurora who was starting to get used to the way of his words said nothing only stared at Adelina making eye contact with her.

Aurora did not react bothered by Dorion's words it was as if she let him speak ill and he instigated more that she had not scolded him.

'Point'

"Ah, and there Lady look as well next to that thing is your strawberry daddy's little boy brother" (Dorion, said)

His gloved finger pointed at Arian next who was gritting his teeth in anger that Dorion was clearly ticking him off.

It wasn't that Dorion was humiliating Adelina or Arian himself but rather that Dorion knew exactly how to tick him off and that was simple.

The proximity between Dorion and Aurora.

'Eye contact'

Aurora's dark blue eyes glanced at Arian and as if he realized Aurora was staring at him his expression had somehow eased and reflected guilt and heartbroken expression while Adelina looked at their interaction with a dark displeased expression.

'...' (Aurora)

But their eye contact did not last long due to the man standing next to her.

Dorion had raised his lips and his hand had slickly slid his hand and wrapped it around Aurora who was wearing the cape.

And withing swift movement he had moved her sides as now he stood on the left and she on the right.

'Release'

He released his grip away from her whose eyes had widden a little in surprise.

She stood on the right without moving while her dark blue eyes and head followed Dorion who walked around the back of the seats and made his way to the right side of Aurora's right wine-red cushion chair.

Her gaze followed him who had gone behind her chair pushing the seat so she could sit down.

'Extended'

He extended his gloved hand for her to take it and help her sit as gently.

'Step'

Aurora took a step and turned and grabbed his hand.

She grabbed his hand and turned around as he naturally pushed the wine-red chair and lowered the hand escorting Aurora gently down.

'Sit'

She sat down as she closed her eyes gently limiting elegance and beauty even dressed with a high-end cape it was obvious she was a very attractive woman.

Dorion waited for her to sit down.

As soon as she sat down this time he passed in front of her rather from the back to help her pull and sit down her seat.

He purposely had gone from the front to block her from seeing both Arian and Adelina.

'Sit down'

He arrived at his seat and sat down as he looked forward down to the auction stage.

"I don't want the lady to be stared by those things" (Dorion, said)

Because he was now sitting on the left his body was pretty muscular and tall to cover her from seeing them.

The auction house speaker was finally entering the stage as Dorion continued to speak to Aurora who had turned to look at the auction speaker.

"Don't pay any to those things...you have your rich handsome husband sitting next to you so shop till your heart's content to whatever pleases the Lady's eyes" (Dorion, said)

He said proudly and arrogantly as he knew how handsome and rich he was.

'...' (Aurora)

'Smile'

Her dark blue eyes did not part from the auction men who had finally stepped up and pointed at an assistant who had brought a cover piece.

Her lips slightly raised as if she were to laugh at this man.

She could tell this man was trying to distract her from seeing Arian and Adelina in his own way.

"Then don't regret it I might want to shop for something after all" (Aurora, said)

She said in a teasing but calm tone.

'Tap, Tap, Tap'

"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you are all enjoying this fair night" (Auction announcer, said)

The Auction announcer tapped on the microphone to greet the guests attending.

"As of many have heard tonight the auction house will be auctioning items that we usually don't auction" (Auction announcer, said)

'Extend'

The auction announcer extended his hand to give the man holding a golden candle holder and uncovered it as he grabbed the red silk cover fabric.

'Stare'

The audience stares in curiosity.

"Yes, curious gazes I see" (Auction announcer men, said)

"Indeed today's auction we will be auctioning some holy divine items from everywhere around the empire and foreign countries" (Auction announcer men, said)

'Raise'

The man holding the golden candle holder raised it as if presented.

"This first item is called Golden candlelight, a golden candle holder with the carved design of the god of wealth" (Auction announcer men, said)

"This item does not only have a very high-end carved sculpture face and body of the god of wealth in gold but was blessed by one the old Bishoph Mesimor before his service" (Auction announcer men, said)

"!" (Audience)

The audience's eyes widened in shock and became crazy to get their hands on that item.

This wasn't just any item it was an item blessed by the former Bishop Mesimor the most famous Bishop in all of the years the temple had been established.

His legacy was so great that even foreigners traveled to be blessed by him.

He not only had the power to use divine holy power but was a very wise man.

Bishop Mesimor had the power of foresight and was like a grandfather to the old deceased Saintess Aliana.

However, before the deceased Saintess Aliana died Bishop Mesimor had suddenly disappeared without a trace they never found him or his body however the only thing they were able to find was a written paper with an oracle prophecy he had received known as the current prophecy.

Sadly besides that, they couldn't find his body after many years and so on a new Bishop took over.

That is why these people here were greedy to get their hands on that item.

'Raise'

"15 million" (Men with number two sign, said)

A man quickly raised his number two sign and offered a price for it.

"18 Million" (Women with number seven sign, said)

Another bidder raised her number seven to bid more.

"25 Million" (Men with sixty-eight number sign, said)

A third bidder raised his sixty-eight number sign.

Quickly more bidders raised their numbers to bid even higher.

'Those fools really think it's blessed by that Bishop...how naive' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

Adelina who watched the people go crazy for the golden candlelight holder.

She thought with a scoff.

Still, it was something the empress had requested, for her to attend and find a supposed neckless that held immense holy power.

But how many falsified items did she have to watch?

The biggest problem was that she didn't even know how the necklace looked.

The empress had only described.

She didn't have any image of how it looked so she had to go from the description and she couldn't feel divine objects because the divine powers that she possessed were not even hers to begin with.

That only brought more annoyance to her.

She knew the golden candlelight holder along with some items that the auction announcer men kept presenting were false at the obvious look of the men who were satisfied that he had fooled them.

Well, that was till an item caught her eye.

'Widen'

A luxurious golden thick necklace with a large heart red-shaped jewel.

'That must be it!' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

That neckless compared to the other items, there was a clear difference.

This item actually looked like a necklace that could hold a lot of divine power.

And the exact description of what the empress had told her to get.

Who knew that she would actually find the item that easily?

'Smirk'

Her lips raised in a smirk as her number 0 raised.

"100 Million Gold" (Adelina, said)

She raised her bidding number proudly as the audience went crazy since that was the highest bidding price not only on this auction necklace but on all the items so far purchased.

'Glance'

"..." (Arian)

Arian sneaked a glance at Adelina.

His expression was unreadable but his dark blue eyes were not surprised.

After all his father had asked him to accompany Adelina who wanted to go eagerly due to the rumored neckless that would be auctioned.

It appears that it was indeed the necklace that she must have wanted to get for her to bid this high.

"Bidder number 0 has bidden 100 Million gold...is there a higher bidder?" (Auction announcer men, asked)

The auction announcer man had a large smile plaster on his face at Adelina's bidding price however a job as an auction holder announcer they must ask again as if there was a stronger bidder.

'Glance'

Adelina's eyes couldn't help but glance at Aurora's side profile which was being mostly covered by Dorion.

Although she could not see a lot of her face she had gotten to see a glimpse of it.

Aurora sat there looking at the auction announcer men with an emotionless face as if she couldn't care less for the item.

In fact it kinda integer her interest.

'Why is she here? Is she not going to bid for an item?' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'This item is the forty-nine item according to the number of items they would hold...' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'There are five more items to go so...' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

She scrunched her eyes in suspicion.

'Thud'

"The red Heart neckless sold to bidder number 0 for 100 Million Gold congratulations dear bidder "(Auction announcer men, said)

The auction announcer banged his judge gravel at the sealed price drawing Adelina's attention back.

'Turn'

After the purchased necklace the auction announcer men had moved onto the next item.

He looked at the assistant men who were carrying a simple closed neckless box in the distance that did not look of very good quality.

"Now presenting to you our 50th auction item, in difference to most of our items this item was traded from simple merchants and does not hold any divine energy" (Auction announcer men, said)

Even though this was an auction that auctioned holy items the auction house had still auctioned items that did not contain any divine energy since they had just received those items anyway and wanted to get rid of some as well.

And in this case, this 50th item was one of the items that held no divine energy.

On the other hand, however, the instant the assistant men had stepped onto the stage as the announcer had just allowed him to walk and make his way to the stage Aurora who had been uninterested in the items had suddenly felt a strange thump in her heart.

'Thump'

Her heart thumped loudly as if her whole body flowed something warm, something familiar to when she first manifested her divine powers, some similar feeling before her death.

Divine power and lots of it.

'Widen'

Her eyes widen.

'Open'

"This item is a very old simple neckless with a thin silver chain and a silver border" (Auction announcer men, said)

"It has a silver oval shape border and low-quality diamond oval shape" (Auction announcer men, said)

The auction announcer men said as the assistant opened the simple jewelry neckless box displaying a very unpleasant to the eye neckless.

'Silence'

The whole auction room went silent.

'Glance'

Dorion who had been glancing at Aurora each time a new item was brought stared at her to see if she was interested in it even if her expressionless face did not give any sight of surprise her eyes at least should.

But this time it was unexpected since this simple item had not only caused her eyes to widen, her expression was something he could read easily.

'Smirk'

Dorion's lips raised up.

He had gotten the answer.

"Any bidders?" (Auction announcer men, asked)

'I knew those fools should have never bought such trash...this would have never sold' (Auction announcer men's inner thoughts)

'Sweat'

A sweat drops from his neck.

'Ding, Ding'

Suddenly a loud ringing bell was heard from above the auction where the first VIP seatings were at.

Because it was so silent the noise of a bell was heard.

Naturally, everyone's attention went to Dorion who had crossed his legs and held the bell ringing it with his left gloved hand as he tilted his head with a sly arrogant smile.

"500 Million Gold" (Dorion, said)

"500 Million Gold..." (Auction announcer men, said)

He said as if he was trying to process the large amount of money Dorion had said.

Even Aurora.

'Glance'

Dorion who felt that Aurora looked at him turned to look at her.

"That's the item the Lady wants right?" (Dorion, asked)

'How did he know that I-' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"It was written all over the lady's face" (Dorion, said)

Dorion said teasing her a little.

"This is only a little of how wealthy your husband is" (Dorion, said)

His lips continued to move higher as his eyes looked down at her seductively.

He had tried to spend 500 Million Gold on the item that Aurora wanted to get but that was just too much money that he was biding for.

But Dorion who knew that she was making a face worrying for his wealth eased up her feelings.

'Although this crazy man bid 500 Million Gold...I could feel it, this item there's something...it's as if it's calling me' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Should I feel guilty that I would not refuse...after all I want the item' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

But on the other side, a scheming bitch had sensed something off.

'Why is she acting like that? She was unfazed by any item except this one..' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'Turn'

She turned to at the old neckless.

'...' (Adelina)

Aurora was a person who could feel divine energy unlike her so.

'Raise'

She raised her number to bid.

"700 Million Gold" (Adelina, said)

She said with an arrogant smile as stood up from her seat and looked as if she had won drawing the other's attention to her now.

"?!" (Arian)

"Adelina what are you doing?!" (Arian, asked)

Arian turned to look up at her shocked and angry that she'd even spent that type of money on a necklace like that.

So he raised his voice at her but she only dismissed him.

"I want it, so I have to have it" (Adelina, said)

She nodded her shoulders as if it was whatever to her but before Arian couldn't say something.

'Ding, Ding, Ding'

The bell sounded again and even louder.

"2,000 Million Gold" (Dorion, said)

This time Dorion was looking at Adelina with a snickering smile while Aurora had lifted her biding number 23 with her right hand.

"!!" (Adelina, Arian, Auction announcer men, and bidders)

Not 900 Million Gold, not 1,00 Million Gold but 2,000 Million Gold.

This was probably the highest biding in history for an item like this.

No one dared to speak.

Who could have such money to even bid against him?

'Grit'

Adelina gritted her teeth and clenched her teeth in fury.

'Thud'

While the auction announcer men had thud his jude gravel to seal the other deal.

He wasted no time.

"W-Well thank you for your extreme generosity bidders number 23 we are beyond grateful we did not expect so much for this item....congratulations" (Auction Annoucer men, said)

'2,000 million gold for such trash item who in the right mind would purchase such item...well at least the money they offered is so good that it's too beneficial to us' (Auction Annoucer men's inner thoughts)

'Tremble'

Adelina's body trembled in rage as she heard the auction announcer men's words but more was that Aurora's man happened to be so dam wealthy.

She stood there like an idiot.

"I told you I'd get you anything you desired Lady" (Dorion, said)

"I even got to show you the satisfaction of that shapeshifting demon enraged face" (Dorion, asked)

He provoked and teased Aurora.

'Turn'

Aurora turned to look at him as she put her bidding number down.

"When you said you'd get anything I desired in here I didn't think you'd actually bid this high for an item that I liked" (Aurora, said)

Her face was expressionless however her eyebrows somehow furrowed as if she were scolding him.

"Ha, what do you think of your husband after all Lady?" (Dorion, asked)

He said as he lowered the bell and teased her.

'...' (Aurora)

'Blush'

"I...thank you Dorion" (Aurora, said)

Her cheeks suddenly painted a very small pink blush as she hesitantly said but firmly thanked him calling his name.

'Widen'

Dorion's eyes widen at his name called.

.......

The holy auction event had ended as Aurora and Dorion had exited their VIP room.

She looked at the back of the neckless that had no clear initials however she could feel warmth from the neckless.

She studied it holding it while her other hand held the simple jewelry box.

It was customary for the VIP guest to get the items they had bid for before everyone else so as soon as she had purchased the necklace they had delivered it to her VIP room.

"Sister" (Adelina, said)

She did not look at it much more since Adelina's voice was heard a couple of feet away and finally stopped in front of them.

Arian was on the left as he held a large jewelry box, the necklace that Adelina had bought looking at Aurora silently.

Adelina stood on the right with a fake smile of hers.

Dorion stood on the left holding onto the bell he secretly took.

And Aurora who held the neckless and the box with an expressionless face.

"I'm so glad to see you again, how have you been?" (Adelina, asked)

She asked cheerfully and pitfully as if she really missed her.

"..." (Aurora)

But Aurora's lips did not move neither did her expression change.

'Ha' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

She scoffed at Aurora's actions of ignoring her in her thoughts.

"Sister are you unwilling to speak to me now that you are a married woman? We are still family after all.." (Adelina, sadi)

She continued her white lout's fake sister act.

"I was very worried that my sister would be unhappy living there and I had heard some recent news that my sister had been kidnapped" (Adelina, said)

'Her act is always the same' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Lady Adelina when have I permitted you to call me sister? I am Duchess Rainers have you forgotten your etiquette before a higher ranking greeting?" (Aurora, asked)

"Even between families I'm sure they must display respect" (Aurora, asked)

Her expression had changed a little as if she were looking at Adelina as if she was a person who lacked etiquette.

'Flinch'

Adelina flinched in anger and embarrassment at her words.

'Turn'

Arian did not say anything only turned to look at Aurora and Adelina.

"Please get out of my way, my husband and I are heading home from this tiring day" (Aurora, said)

She said as if she were cutting any conversation.

'Dam it what if that's the neckless and the Empress got it wrong...Aurora wouldn't be reacting like this if it was just a trivial necklace' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'Extended'

Aurora and Dorion who were trying to pass them were stopped by Adelina who extended her hand towards Aurora to touch her.

"But-" (Adelina, said)

"Have you not heard my wife you reptilian?" (Dorion, asked)

Dorion cut her off immediately with a cold voice as his red ruby eyes seemed as if he were going to cut her hand.

Reflexively she put her hand away.

"Reptilian? Did you just call me a reptilian?" (Adelina, asked)

She was frightened by Dorion's demeanor but as she processed the words she felt angry and embarrassed.

'Smirk'

'Lean'

'DING, DING'

Dorion's lips raised into a smirk and he leaned a little just for him to extend his gloved hand and ring the bell into her ears loudly.

"Ahh!" (Adelina, yelled)

Adelina covered her ears at the very loud bell noise in her ears.

'Turn'

Arian turned to look at Adelina and then at Dorion.

"Duke isn't it too disrespectful to act so rude to you're in-laws?" (Arian, asked)

Arian raised his voice at him.

'Raise'

Dorion raised his left eyebrow as he had already leaned away and stood straight next to Aurora.

"Ha" (Dorion, scoffed)

Dorion scoffed as if he heard something ridiculous.

"In-laws- you say? Really? According to my wife there's no such thing" (Dorion, said)

'Turn'

He turned to look at Aurora who was looking at Arian.

"I don't have a family" (Aurora, said)

"My family abandoned me a long time ago" (Aurora, said)

She said coldly looking at Arian whose eyes widened at her words and his expression crumpled.

'Grab'

Dorion's lips raised satisfied and grabbed Aurora's right shoulder pulling her next to him.

"You heard my wife" (Dorion, said)

"S.T.R.A.N.G.E.R.S" (Dorion, said)

He said with a provocation snicker as he and Aurora walked between them since Dorion had positioned the bell horizontally and used it to push Adelina's left shoulder and Arian's right shoulder away from them.

Like shooing them away out of their path leaving them behind with crumbled expressions.

SPOILERS:  Bishoph Mesimor is not dead, he is good. He told the truth to Aurora's mother and will tell the truth to Aurora.