Wings of Beasts: Claim It Read online

  She is pretty. Not beautiful, but not ugly. Her attire is dirty and torn, but it is the best they could do on such a short notice.

  The female Aubadian who leads her out is dressed in a long silver silk gown with her blonde hair perfectly pinned up on her head. A silver headpiece rests on her head elegantly.

  Those looking to beef up their stock of slaves will not be choosy. Not unless they have other work or intentions for their slaves in mind. The best of the human stock is saved for the royal family, and those of higher status.

  The bidder looks at the young girl with no interest, then places the microphone to his mouth. “We’ll start the bidding at one Batari cube!”

  One spectator calls out, “Two!”

  “Five!” another bids.

  It gets completely quiet.

  “Do I hear six Batari cubes?” He searches through the crowd of well-dressed bidders as it remains silent, then turns around to the young frightened girl, scanning her from feet to head.

  “Six Batari cubes?” he repeats.

  Nothing can be heard from the crowd but a few coughs and clearing of the throats. The young girl trembles with fear as all gray eyes are fixated disapprovingly of her. She is but an innocent sheep amongst the gray-eyed wolves.

  “Okay then. Very well. Sold, to the Aubadian there!”

  The beast who has won the bidding snaps his fingers for his slaves to prepare his winning. She will be bathed, dressed with his signature design of clothing, and marked with his runes for future identification if she ever escapes.

  Each Aubadian has their own runes, and design of clothing, much like their own personal flag. An Aubadian can distinguish each one’s property by markings and by the clothes they wear.

  The poor girl is quickly whisked away for the sale of another. She has been purchased by the beast as a gift to his wife.

  No sooner than she leaves, appears a father up in age. Immediately, the crowd sneers. He is unattractive and not worth even one’s stamp of approval on his body. Tension builds in the crowd that the bidder even wishes to waste their time. They are not the royals, but they are still a race of dignity and class, and would not be caught dead having him as of one of their servants. The bidder notices the evil glares and tension rising in the room. He takes a few steps back on the stage and chuckles an embarrassed laugh, then motions for his assistant to remove him immediately.

  He follows behind her, past the curtains. “What the hell, Kirelle? How many more of these older human beasts do we have?” he asks her.

  “Not many, my love. Let me go see.”

  He grabs her wrist, snatching her to him as she tries to walk away. “Whatever we have left, kill them. We cannot afford to lose this crowd. There are many more bidders. They must know that my human slaves are the best. Any others that we would not bring home ourselves, kill them.”

  She looks him directly in the eyes without trepidation. “Yes, my love. I’ll have Vinaygus take care of them,” she confirms. “I shall bring in the next one.”

  “Do that,” he says, preparing himself to walk back on the stage, “And quickly.”

  As he walks back on the stage, he fears losing his life from the disgruntled crowd of Aubadians.

  Chapter Three: Amyna Carter

  Dallas, Texas

  After days of traveling, we stop to take another break. Not our first and certainly not our last. It’s nighttime. The night air brings with it much relief from the heat. Even though we have a sufficient amount of shade from the trees, the heat alone is almost unbearable.

  So far, we have managed to stay in the woods as planned and off the main roads. With the exception of mosquito bites and possible chiggers, everyone seems to be doing okay. Everyone that is, except Kate. I watch with apprehension as Nina gives her another puff of her inhalant. By my count, that makes her third time in less than five hours. There is no way her medicine is going to last.

  We get ready to set up camp. The sun will be back in the next eight hours. We agree, we just need six hours of sleep.

  My mom passes around cans of tuna fish for everyone and bottles of water for us to share. We try to make one bottle of water last a day.

  Sara passes Kate and Will some crackers, and meat sticks, seeing as how both of them refuse the tuna. She even adds a flavor packet in their bottles of water as juice for them to drink. They both eat with content. Will looks about Robbie’s age when he died. Old enough to take care of himself if he has to, but still wanting his mother’s help.

  Grant takes out a pack of crackers and jerky and passes pieces of meat to each of his crew. He looks over to my father, “Shane, heads up!” He tosses him a whole pack of jerky. Then does the same to Mr. Buchanan.

  My dad flips it over, eyeing it with unease. It’s the large size. “I can’t take this, Grant. But thanks anyway.” He holds it up in the air, getting ready to pass it back, but Grant refuses it, waving one hand in the air.

  “No. Keep it. We’re going to have to take care of each other. That’s the only way we’re gonna make it. Together.” He pauses for a minute. “To make it last longer, just put it in your mouth and suck on it. It makes your mouth water and keeps your body hydrated. Try to make one piece last a day.” Grant smiles. “Now, pass me some of them damn sardines I saw you with earlier so I can slap ‘em on my crackers and have me a feast.” Grant chuckles.

  I think he can tell my dad wouldn’t take the jerky without giving him something in return. I like Grant. At least I want to. But after all the crap I’ve been through with Caiden, Mr. Murphy, and Mac, I have no intentions of trusting anyone else for now. I’ll continue to keep my eye on his crew.

  My dad digs through his bag and pulls out a can of sardines. He tosses them to Grant, who catches them with ease. I almost want to tell Grant he can have all of them. I hate sardines. I hate the way they smell, look, feel, and more importantly, taste.

  I remember the first and last time I tried them. As a little girl, I sat on the workbench in my dad’s garage, watching as he pulled out a can from his cabinet, popped them open, and drained out the juice. He laid out a paper towel, and pulled out a bottle of hot sauce. I watched him eat them like they were candy. He looked down at his little girl, taking notice of me watching him eat the tiny fish. “Wanna try one?” he asked me.

  Of course, I’d try anything once at the time. If my dad loved them, how bad could they be, I thought. I remember putting one to my lips; the smell was the first to hit me – as if the smell wasn’t bad enough when he first opened the can. I placed the cold, wet, dead fish in my mouth and “crunch.” I almost threw up as I chewed on their little bones and heaved at the thought of what else I was chewing on. Eyeballs and guts, I had visualized in my mind. I hopped off the workbench thinking I could make it to the trashcan, but I didn’t. My dad looked more disappointed that I wasted his last sardine on the garage floor, than the fact that I didn’t like them.

  Grant seems too thrilled to open the can of sardines like he’s opening a Christmas present. There’s a child-like smile on his face. “You wouldn’t happen to have any hot sauce on you, would you?”

  A smile creeps across my dad’s face. Grant doesn’t even drain the juice, but instead, slurps that down behind the crackers.

  After that, he gets up. “Time to do a supply count. Shane? Charles? You want to join us?”

  Grant seems to be insisting more than asking. Both men get up, following Grant and the others.

  Rachel looks over at my mom. “So you only have one daughter?” she asks.

  Immediately, I see that look my mom gets whenever she’s asked something that requires mentioning Robbie. I’m not sure if it’s embarrassment or distress. But it’s a familiar look.

  Rachel must know the look herself. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “It’s okay. I had a son.” My mom stops. “He died. Leukemia.”

  “Oh, Melyssa. I’m so sorry. I just … it’s just that I …” Rachel swallows hard. “Nicole went out on a date with her boyfriend. I told her to be back before curfew. She never came home.” Rachel wipes tears away that fall without her consent. “I’d like to think that they’re both safe, just hiding somewhere … but … it’s the not-knowing that kills me. What if they got her? What if she’s lying somewhere dead? What if she’s looking for us, wondering why we’re not looking for her?” She cries more, and I can tell she has cried a lot over her daughter Nicole. She straightens herself up. “At least you know where your boy is. At least you know what happened to him. It’s the not-knowing that’s killing me,” she finishes.

  It gets awkwardly silent. I’m not sure what I feel for Rachel. All I know is I’m angry. Not sad, not scared, not even able to sympathize. I’m just … angry. None of it’s fair. I’d like to think we are the lucky ones. The ones who got away. But truly, we may be the ones suffering. Nicole and Robbie’s problems are over. And our problems are just beginning.

  Chapter Four: Calinan

  (Planet Aubade)

  She sits across from her mirror putting on the last touches of darkness. Wearing all black, she rises from her seat and walks hastily to the dungeon of eternal night, where no light can be found. As she nears closer to her destination, the hint of any nibble of light gets weaker. Even in the darkness, she glances to her left and then to her right with suspicion, looking for any last minute witnesses. Calinan has made this trip many times, but must always take all the necessary precautions. If she is spotted entering the room, she will be stripped of her wings and forced to be a lowly servant without question for such a treacherous act. Even her intentions are cause for alarm. She opens the door, leaving just enough room for her slim, delicate body to squeeze in, then enters, closing it behind her. The room is completely dark. But she can feel the creature’s presenc
e.

  “I’m here,” she calls out to the dark spirit.

  She feels a swift breeze circling all around her, which only lets the fear settle in. As always, she contemplates her safety and questions her own judgment.

  “The scent of your feeeaaarrr is strong. Why do you always doubt me, child?” a voice, hoarse and weak, slithers with conversation.

  “Because I know what you can do. I have seen with my own eyes what you are capable of.” Calinan speaks respectably, but demanding it for herself as well.

  “You know I have never hurt you. I could never hurt you. You are like a child to me. I could never hurt my child.” There is a strong gust of warm wind, bringing life to the black room.

  “You do not address me appropriately. You have forgotten yourself.”

  “Ahh. Forgive me, master. It has been too long since you last came to see me. One hasss forgotten her place. Oh, how I have missed your company, my gorgeous master. Speaking of your beauty, I have not seen you since you were a young girl. What does my child look like these days? Excuse me ... master.”

  “You flatter me. But I am not your child. I have a mother. I am your master.”

  “Yes, master. But I have never had a child of my own. I dreamt about you being my child. So in my mind, you are my child.”

  Calinan feels a warm sensation brush against her cheek, making her shudder, and yet, she enjoys the touch of a motherly love.

  “Why do you fear me, master? I would never hurt you. In my dreams, you are happy and safe. But, I cannot see you now. Just a hint of light, to see my child, who I have claimed as my own. Not much, if it frightens you. I can only take shadows with an immense amount of light. Will you allow me to see my child, master?”

  Calinan changes the subject. “Speaking of dreams. You did not inform me that our sister would be dead—”

  “You did not come see me for me to give you the message!” the dark creature scolds. “Instead, just many moons recently, did you come to speak to me through the bolted door, as if I am a threat to you.” The dark creature calms herself, knowing no good will come from losing the young Aubadian’s trust.

  “I am your master. You will not speak at me in such a tone!” Calinan attempts to keep her voice firm — authoritative, but the temperament of the shadow thief’s wrath wraps her with an uncontrollable terror. She has seen things … terrible things that the shadow thief can do.

  “Forgive me, my beautiful, little master.” In the midst of the darkness, all that can be claimed is the slow indention of Calinan’s flesh resurfacing back into place, as another soft touch is placed upon her cheek.. “I did warn you of your brother’s plight. I know what he means to you.”

  Calinan straightens herself, recalling when her young brother was once her favorite. But he has lost himself in wars, as she has lost herself in hate. “He means nothing to me. Because of him, my dear Basina has taken her own life. A sister I held dear to my heart.”

  “As I hold you dear to mine?” The shadowess speaks slowly with temptation. But temptation of what?

  Calinan catches that the creature continues to speak to her with disrespect. She notices the boldness, but also the love. She decides not to press the issue.

  “I am your slave, master. Slaves are meant to protect their masters. Love and adore them. Care for them and serve them. As you once did me, and as I do you, now.”

  “I came to see what more you can tell me about my brother’s demise.”

  “You have several. Which one do you speak of?”

  “Do not play games with me, shadow thief! There is only one brother I mean to discuss.”

  The shadow beast plays coy, still trying to coax the Aubadian into trusting her. But she realizes this will take time. And with time, she will have her revenge. Even the mention of the great young prince brings her into a hateful frenzy, but she hides it well. “The A’Kraine? Ahh, yes … The A’Kraine will die. He will pay for his ways. He shall suffer at the hands of those who call themselves blood. He will suffer at the hands of those he loves most.”

  “And I?” Calinan asks.

  With her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Calinan jumps back at the dark set of eyes staring back at her. A smoky grin and the whites of almond-shaped eyes are all that is visible in the air.

  “And you, my sweet, young master, will rule over it all. The humans … the Aubadians. Even the slaves who are captured. It will all be yours. Do you want it?”

  Calinan thinks about it. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought she could have it all. “Yes,” she whispers.

  “Then you shall have it. Umph … with my help of course.”

  Calinan folds her arms. “Why do I need your help?”

  “Because, I can see the future. I helped you save your mother. Do you remember? You came to me so young and …”

  “And you had taken over my kind. I remember it like it was yesterday, Tera’Dona. I lost several brothers and sisters during your siege.”

  “But I never-hurt-you!” The creature’s dark voice has a tremble, as if tears may flow. There is a sound of sniffling, but Calinan cannot see her.

  The Aubadian princess takes a moment to consider the creature’s words. Since their first encounter and every encounter after that, Tera’Dona has vowed her motherly love for Calinan. She knows her words to be true. Truly, Tera’Dona has been more loving to her than Queen Kaleen ever was. Calinan enjoys the idea of having it all. If you’re not the master, you’re the slave. Even though she stands next to her brother, Dorian, as royalty, he is still her master. Calinan decides to trust the shadow beast slightly more.

  “With your help, what do I have to do?” she asks the shadow thief.

  Like a dark misty haze, Tera’Dona appears as weak as ever, but with a sliver of hope she will have her revenge. “It’s simple … listen to your mother. Because … mother knows best.”

  Chapter Five: Amyna Carter

  After a while, the men all return with Charles grinning more than ever. We don’t make a fire. There’s no use. We’re not cooking anything, and it’s a waste of matches we may need later. We agree a fire is only going to help the Kold Bloods locate us sooner.

  In the morning, we start back bright and early. We continue our journey even exceeding our minimum goal. Before long, we notice there aren’t many trees to hide behind, and we end up needing to make a dangerous decision.

  Grant gets out his phone. “We’re about to be leaving Texas and entering New Mexico. The trees are shorter and more scarce. What do you guys think about us finding a vehicle, waiting ‘til nighttime, and driving from sundown to sunup? We can see how far we can make it. It could help out with the time.”

  Lloyd steps forward. “I don’t know, Grant. It seems too risky.”

  “The night’s get really cold in New Mexico. But we damn sure better make sure to stay out of sight during the day.”

  Everyone stands around not sure what to do.

  “Hell, let’s go for it,” my dad says. “Next vehicle we find, I’ll hotwire it. We’ll wait ‘til nighttime and drive like a bat out of hell.”

  Charles steps forward. “Wait! How in the hell do you know how to hotwire a car, Shane?”

  My dad folds his arms as all eyes on him. It’s awkwardly silent.

  “See, Ethan? I told you that girl came from a bad family. She was going to lead you straight to –”

  “Dad!” Ethan interrupts with frustration in his voice.

  “I used to steal cars and take ‘em to chop shops, Charles. Yeah. When I was sixteen. Is that what you want to hear?” My dad scoffs shaking his head. “I was a fucking mechanic, you asshole.”

  Charles' eyes scan my father from top to bottom. “I knew it. A fucking grease monkey. No wonder you robbed a bank to pay for your son’s hospital bills.”

  I take a step back, predicting the inevitable, as my dad rears back and punches Mr. Buchanan right in the face. Ethan’s dad stumbles to the ground with an appalled, yet bewildered expression on his face, holding the side of his eye.