Chapter 83

Harper’s POV

For the hundredth time this week, I scroll through the dark web in search of any more information. Not that I’ve found too much. Other than the chat room that sent me the invitation, a few other sellers have contacted me through the private chat rooms to try to sell me potions, pets, and other indecent services.

I had one seller from a place called Madame Mim’s who was trying to rent out some of her faeries for different nighttime services.

When I realized that people would offer up services like that, I started taking note. I’ve taken screenshots of several conversation starters, especially ones that had to do with potions and spells that I know are illegal.

During this past week, anytime someone tried to sell me a potion, I subtly tried to mention Logan’s name. A few people responded positively that they would love to help me since I’m Logan’s friend, but others quickly turned me down.

I don’t want any of these people to get away with the same types of things Logan did, so I gather anything I can.

At the end of each night, I send my evidence and information to Nora. I give her instructions to pass the information to Lucas. I don’t want any contact with Lucas at the moment, but he’s in a better position to do something about all this illegal activity than I am.

Nora has been keeping me up to date with what’s been going on in the pack. Sierra has been kicked out, which surprised me, but also made me feel a little too happy. I hate that she took an entire year of my life for her selfish reasons, and I’m glad that she’s finally being punished.

One less happy piece of news was when Nora told me her brother died. She promised that she was alright with Logan’s death, since they weren’t really that close and because of all the terrible things he did. But I could tell she was upset.

I didn’t expect him to die, but from what she said, he stopped wanting to live. His wolf stopped healing him and he just gave up on living.

I still feel like it’s partly my fault, but I have to remember that he’s the one who lied to me.

Sighing, I scroll through the page, ignoring the images that pop up and the margins of the screen. The next thing that pops up is a private message, and when I look, a shot of adrenaline rushes through me. It’s the moderator for the auction. I let my mouse hover over the message, and I hold my breath as I read.

The Domain Soul Auction regrets to inform you that the attendance date you have selected has been changed. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the auction has been moved to tonight. The parameters of attendance are the same as priorly stated and the entrance fee will be required. The auction will start promptly at seven.

Crap. I thought I had another week to prepare. I was planning to get a dress and possibly a wig to disguise myself.

Glancing at the clock, I cringe. I have two hours before the auction starts, which means I have two hours to find an outfit, get ready, and make it to the location in the message before seven. Luckily, I still have the money that Lucas gave me.

Jumping up, I rush out to Nora’s car and drive to the nearest mall. I pay the lady at the makeup counter to do my makeup while I search the online shop to find a dress. In the end, I find one that allows me to purchase it online, and rush to the pickup area when the lady finishes my makeup.

The employee must realize I’m in a rush because she allows me to change in the dressing room. I slip into the navy-blue gown, not liking how it clings to my form and ends right below my ass, but I can’t exactly be picky.

After running to a Halloween store and buying a crappy wig that will have to get the job done. I pin it to my head before jumping into my car and racing toward the location for The Domain Soul Auction is being held.

I make it with ten minutes to spare, pass my thousand dollars to the bouncer, get stamped on the wrist, and enter the dark underground market.

Carefully, I follow the man in front of me as he talks about the long tradition of auctions held by the Domain. He goes on and on about the anonymity, but I get distracted by the actual market. Booths line a large underground room that’s like a basement. Sellers call out to buyers as they walk by.

I don’t stop following my guide, but I peek at the booths that I pass by. One woman has large booth with scantily clad women, and I realize she might be the lady trying to pimp out the sprites and faeries.

Another booth is full of old books that could be anything, but the man calling out to people looks to be a warlock if the markings on his face are true. They must be spellbooks.

I’m about to pull my phone out when the man guiding me appears. I drop my phone in my purse and smile, “Are we almost there?”

Did he notice?

The man nods and motions for me to turn left, “Just this way. The auction will be held in a private room.”

Nodding, I follow the man. I continually get distracted, but I don’t let myself get lost. I’m here for one reason, and that’s to check out the auction and get evidence if I can. Although, I know that I’ll probably get in trouble if I’m caught, I still want to try.

My guide is temporarily distracted by another visitor, so I quickly pull my phone out. I open my messages with Nora and type out a quick

Pulling my phone out, I type out a quick message to Nora. She knew about the auction, but I tell her about the changes and that I’m here now.

Before my guide notices, I shove my phone back in my purse. Just in time, too, because he turns and motions to a door.

“Right through here.”

I notice the little upturn to his lips. Is that a smirk?

My gut clenches in warning, but before I can really turn and run, my guide pushes me inside the room. I stumble, and the door slams behind me. Hands clamp down on my arms, yanking me back. I yelp and something is shoved in my mouth before something scratchy comes over my head.

My arms are yanked behind my back, something wrapping tightly around my wrists. The rough material digs into my wrists, making them burn as I shout against the cloth in my mouth.

Lucas’s POV

“Lucas!”

I pull my eyes off the stars above me as Nora bursts out of the pack house’s front door. Instantly, I sit up when I notice the panic on her face.

“What’s—”

“I think something happened to Harper!”

I jump up, grab her phone, and scan the screen.

“If you haven’t heard from me after ten pm, I’m in trouble. Auction moved to tonight. Going in now.”