Game of the Vampires

Chapter 19:

    

     “Wake up,” a familiar voice said.

     A  small hand nudged my shoulder. I forced myself to open up my eyes. I didn’t want to escape the comfort of my little cot. I blinked a couple of times before Phoenix’s features finally started to come into focus.

      She wore a cream-colored, sleeveless dress that clung to her slim figure. Her ginger-colored hair fell down her bare shoulders in long, fixed waves.

      Phoenix began to move about my room as I sat up on the cot, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

      “What’s this about?” I murmured as I let out a yawn.

     Phoenix tossed me a new set of clothes. Among the pile was a blue, long-sleeved shirt, worn black pants, and a pair of black boots. I looked down at the clothes in confusion before swinging my gaze up to Phoenix.

     “The choosing.” Phoenix said. She turned away and began to walk out before adding, “Hurry, we need to be going.”

     With that, she exited the room. I was left to be with myself. I remained seated on the cot. I didn’t dare attempt trying to get up just yet. My senses were still jarred, and I felt like my head was going to explode at any given moment.

      I finally took in a deep breath when I figured that my current state was as good as it was going to get at the moment. I rose to my feet, grimacing at the pain that shot through my limbs and muscles. Turns out, last nights events had taken its toll on me. Certain events from last night were still sketchy.

      I remember running away when realizing where I was and what was going on. Then, I ran to the shelter trenches. The brothers were there, and… Adam was there, too. Col… Col had found me… and now I’m in my room.

      Who brought me, though?

      I shoved that thought far back in my mind, fearing that I wouldn’t like the answer. Turns out, the new clothes I had were practically new. Sure, they had been roughed up in some places, but I had had to wear clothes worse than this. I tucked the bottom of my pants' legs into the boots.

     Before Phoenix could barge back in, I emerged from my room. Phoenix glanced at me as I closed my bedroom door behind me.

     "We need to get going," she said, quietly.

     It seemed like I almost had to run in order to keep up with Phoenix. Despite the towering heels she wore, she didn't miss a step as she took long-legged strides towards wherever our destination was. I almost tripped on my own feet while trying to keep up with her a few times.

     We eventually came to a ginormous room that immediately reminded me of the auctioning rooms. Chairs lined in rows filled most of the room. All the chairs were facing towards a stage that was at the front of the room. I noticed that many of the slaves were already ocuppying the seats. Their attention was directed almost about anywhere except for the stage.

     Phoenix began to lead me towards the middle row. She then gestured for me to take one of the seats. I warily took a seat as she walked away.

     I was left confused. Were they actually selling us off? Or were they just going to kill us all off? I guess last night wasn't good enough for them.

     I sat straight in my chair as I took in everything around me. In truth, I was on edge. Part of me had a bad feeling about this entire thing.

     I glanced around for Mai, Grayson, and the others. Of course in this large sea of people, I couldn't make out anyone.

     It wasn't long before I caught sight of the head clan. The king lead the group forward. Among them was Adam, two other men I didn't recognize, the brothers, a watcher, and Col.