The Date Auction

Chapter 18: The Last Date of the Year

I worried I wouldn't be ready for finals with all the romantic disruptions in my life. I figured I'd talk to my professors to make sure I was ready.

"What should I know?" I asked Professor Starlook at his office hours.

"The conjunction is near." he said. I scribbled it down in my notes.

"Anything else?"

"I've spent too long looking into the sky. Have you heard the song?"

I didn't remember anything about any song. I noted it down so I could study up later.

My other professors told me I was very good and knew all the material really well, and when finals came along, I did alright. I got one A-, in a relatably flawed way. Unfortunately, it was now the end of the year, which meant everyone would be going home to their families. If Blaise left for the break, I wouldn't see him for weeks! The thought distressed me. I needed to find a way to get him to plan our next date beforehand.

My phone buzzed. Unfortunately, it was only a text from Jake. He wanted me to go visit some coordinates. I guessed I would. But before I could get ready, I got a text from Blaise. He wanted me to visit the same coordinates? Was this a surprise date?

The limo was waiting outside. Driversby looked like a completely different person. I guess he'd gotten a haircut to go with his new robes? The ride over was bumpy and I spilled nearly all of the mimosa that had been left in the back for me. I guess I didn't need to drink all of it. It must have been really strong, because even with just a little bit I had I was extremely sleepy.

Still, I was excited to see this double date they'd planned, and nothing could ruin my mood. Except maybe one person. Lena jumped on the back of the limo, pounding on the windshield. Ugh. Could she be any more dramatic? Luckily once she fell off the limo drove much faster than she could catch up. What was her problem? Why did she keep showing up on my dates with Blaise?

I must have passed out on the way there, since I woke up to the new Driversby throwing me over his shoulder. This was service, being carried to the date. I liked it a lot. I don't know how Blaise arranged it, but the sky went from a starry dusk to red, the color of romance, and I could hear the strains of a haunting chant begin to fill the woods around us. Had Blaise hired a choir? Oh my gosh! So much effort for plain old me!

Driversby carried me to what looked like an old silo, but inside things were shiny and new, decorated with more of those symbols I remembered from my dad, who'd gone missing. He gently set me down before a massive circle drawn on the floor. Then I saw something that worried me. The last people I expected to be there. Horace and Prudence Reader. I'd never be able to exchange a nervous cheek kiss with anyone now!

"Madison. We have your... lovers." Horace intoned, "And we can release one of them, but you must step into the circle."

"You must choose to step in of your own free will." Prudence said.

A mechanical whirring ensued, and two clear pods descended from the ceiling. Jake was in one, obviously nervous around his grandparents, since he was pounding against the sides and mouthing something.

"Jake, I can't hear you, you need to speak up," I said. I turned to look at the other pod.

Inside was Blaise. A thick smear of red covered his shirtless chest, and he didn't seem to be moving. Manacles and heavy silver chains held his limp body still. I didn't know he was into that sort of thing. Was he? What if Blaise was really into a variety of kinky things I could never imagine myself doing, like handcuffs or blindfolds?

"Which one will you free, and which one will you sacrifice?" Horace asked.

Should I free Blaise if he hadn't safeworded yet? It didn't seem polite.