Inferno: Azriels Unexpected Love - Azriel x Female OC - ACOTAR

Chapter 13

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 Azriel's POV

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"What is in this wine?" Scarlett loudly whispers next to me as we sit around the large circular table.

"Alcohol." I dryly retort with a smug smirk.

"Ha-Ha." She gives a mocking fake laugh as it becomes quite obvious she is already becoming tipsy before the event even begins. With well over 300 attendees, the Autumn Equinox charity auction is packed with some of Velaris' wealthier citizens.

Soft piano music begins playing as the voices from surrounding tables quiet down with Elain walking on stage wearing a floral inspired pink gown. I look to the other side of Scarlett where Lucien seems awestruck by his mate.

Scarlett somehow managed to convince me to pay for Lucien's bid in the event tonight... she justified it as him, not being here long enough to form enough savings... but truthfully it wouldn't matter... if she had asked me with no reasoning I still would have agreed. I continue to smile as I watch Scarlett giving a whispered pep talk to her uncle in how he'll win the bid at the end of the night. I rarely spend my money and after centuries in this role, the Mother knows I have more than I can imagine spending... I will gladly give it to Scarlett for her to make her family happy...

Half listening, Elain kicks off the opening by discussing how the money raised today will go towards rehoming those still affected by the Hybern attack and that the High Lord and Lady have promised to match every dollar raised... applause breaks out with news of their rulers being so generous.

"As always, the auction will be a collection of items, some donated from other courts, some from businesses throughout our lovely city, and some from you wonderful citizens who wanted to support this cause. What will be new this year however, is after our items are sold, we will begin our eligible bachelor and bachelorette night on the town!" Nesta's wild idea... a human custom she'd witnessed back when she was younger that she suggested be added. "15 volunteers are offering up an experience to have a lovely dinner date with the highest bidders. Sooo without further ado, let's begin!"

Turning it over to a woman who I've recognized from the past equinox auctions, she begins introducing item after item and bringing up the bids. A spell scroll donated from Helion... a rare knife collection I donated... a bundle of free dinners for various restaurants in the city... A painting made by the High Lady... My eyes catch with that one...

The large canvas shows a forest, but every leaf both falling and on the tall trees is ablaze. You can almost feel the heat come off the canvas...

The Burning...

I look over to Scarlett who is now whispering to Feyre about how she was able to capture it so beautifully.

"7000 going once... going twice-"

"7500." I call out, raising the paddle I wasn't planning on using tonight.

"7500 bid." She accepts it with a nod, pointing at me. "Going once, twice, and sold." I feel Scarlett's eyes on me, but I keep my face forward as I rest the paddle back beside my plate once again.

"Why did you buy it?" She finally speaks, curiosity evident in her tone.

Forcing my eyes over to her, I fight the desire I have to immediately smile at the look of intrigue in her eyes. "It's a beautiful piece."

"Yes... it is."

"Was it a memory you showed her?"

Nodding, she smiles before glancing at the High Lady whose eyes are already on us. "She wanted something autumn themed for the event."