Chapter-36 Dangerous Alliance

Daemon followed The Broker to the auction, The broker his presence causing hushed conversations and drawing all eyes to him, he was respected and fear from his command there were some people instinctively stepped, Daemon noticed one man's hand trembling as he hurriedly hid a contraband item under his coat

They all had a right to be in fear because there always have the memory of hearing, what he did in the city's dark underbelly, whispers of The Broker's ruthlessness spread like wildfire. After a group of men betrayed the Iron Chain Cartel by killing his predecessor, The Broker exacted his vengeance in an abandoned warehouse.

By strapping them to metal chairs, the traitors endured excruciating electrical shocks from a modified ECT machine. The ringleader faced a spiked helmet that electrified his skull, his screams echoing through the space.

The traitors' broken bodies served as a grim warning: betrayal meant unimaginable suffering. The Broker's terrifying reputation was cemented, his authority unquestioned.

As they entered a secret elevator, Daemon's cold eyes scanned his surroundings, ever alert.

This place reeks of hypocrisy, Above ground, they flaunt wealth and prestige, but down here, it's all about power and control.

He could almost hear the echoes of countless deals before the elevator descended to the lower levels of the auction house, He positioned himself with his back to the wall, muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike. The Broker glanced at him, a flicker of unease crossing his face at Daemon's readiness for any threat finally revealing the underbelly of illicit activities hidden beneath the prestigious facade.

The Broker led Daemon into a room above all others, where powerful and influential people gathered. The VIP room overlooked the auction below, fifty feet deep beneath the normal auction activities.

"Broker," a voice called out, and la flame sounded, accompanied by smoke in the air. Daemon shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he saw someone h instantly recognized as Detective Adrian lighting a cigar for The broker.

'He's also here... I knew something was off about him so he playing both side of the law,' Daemon thought.

To Daemon Adrian's betrayal was no surprise, but seeing it firsthand stoked the flames of his revenge.

"Mortis, this is Detective Adrian. He helps keep the police off our backs," The Broker said, moving his cigar between his lips.

Adrian's eyes squinted as he nodded at Daemon. 'Again, I'm sure Adriana doesn't know about his betrayal... a mole and a spy,' Daemon thought. 'He probably doesn't tell her a lot for her to lies to be detected or she trust him too much'

Does he know how deep he's in, or is he just another pawn?

While the Broker and Adrian talked, Daemon's attention wandered to the auction, he recognized several officials from years before his death, noting how some were unmasked, flaunting their status, while others remained partially concealed by curtains, their identities known only to a select few.

He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. They played their parts in my downfall. Seeing them here, thriving in this den of vice, only strengthens my resolve. They will pay for what they've done.

then his eyes locked onto one person in particular who had no curtain Aaliyah. 'Even she knows about the auction...' Daemon thought, a faint curiosity stirring within him. 'You're deeper in this than I imagined.'

Daemon then thought and felt something he could find out but first he had to wait until The Broker and Adrian finished speaking before telling him that he saw a friend at the same time he didn't want to become suspicious also its the perfect time because the auction hasn't started yet.

Daemon moved through the crowd with cold precision, his presence parting the sea of people. When he reached Aaliyah room, he knocked, Announcing his presence.

As the door opened to Aaliyah. "Aaliyah, I didn't expect to see you here," Daemon said, he watched her carefully, noting the tension in her stance. 

What are you really after, Aaliyah? Your sister, yes, but there's more to it. 

Aaliyah eyes scanned Daemon, her stance firm but slightly tense.

I hoped to avoid this confrontation.

Seeing him again brings up too many unresolved issues. She forced a calm herself. "You're alive and fine," she said. "Which is good because I was hoping to find you. We need to talk."

Daemon stepped into the room, his gaze icy, his movements deliberate. "About what? Last time we met, we were attacking each other on opposite sides, and now you're in my territory."

Aaliyah took a couple of steps back, her eyes meeting his. "Look, You know I'm looking for my sister. She's might be part of this auction, and I'll do whatever it takes to get her out."

I've searched everywhere, and this auction is my last hope. I can't fail her now. Every second counts, and if Mortis can help, I have to convince him.

Daemon's head tilted. "And you think I will help you with that?" he replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. But beneath his dismissive exterior, a flicker of empathy stirred memories of his sister he couldn't move to help.

Aaliyah leaned in, her voice firm and courageous. "Yes. I know you're driven by revenge. I saw it in your eyes when we fought. We can help each other. You help me get my sister out, and I help you with your revenge."

Daemon's voice was low, his eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You assume a lot. Why would I let you into my inner circle?"

Aaliyah, her voice earnest, her eyes wide with sincerity. "Because I have connections, The Silver Crescent Society that could be useful to you. We both know you can't do this alone."

Daemon's brows furrowing slightly. "I can do this alone, but say I help you. Why should I trust you? What's to stop you from betraying me once you find your sister?"

"Because I'm haunted by the same darkness that drives you. I need to end this, and I can't do it without you. We both have too much at stake." Aaliyah said.

Daemon's voice remained cold, his jaw clenching. "You're playing a dangerous game, Aaliyah. But you might be right. The blood banker, the Iron Cartel its impossible for one person to take down alone... but like I said, I alone possible."

As Aaliyah and Daemon spoke, they didn't notice the auction starting, only hearing the shouts and the auctioneer's hammer hitting pummel.

Aaliyah looked down, hopeful and worried, her shoulders tensing. "Let's work together. You help me find my sister, and I'll use my resources to aid your revenge. We can bring them down, piece by piece."

'Who really taught and gave her these connections in just over a week? She fully changed,' Daemon thought, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Aaliyah's heart pounded with anxiety. She knew the risk of relying on Daemon, a man driven by vengeance and capable of unspeakable violence. But her desperation to find her sister outweighed her fears.

I don't trust him, but I have no choice. He's my only hope.

Daemon slowly nodded, his voice still icy but with a hint of acceptance. "Alright. But make no mistake if you cross me, there will be consequences."

Aaliyah voice was firm, her eyes locked onto his. "I understand. And I won't. We're in this together, Mortis..."

As they finished speaking, the door opened, revealing a young man with a bald head and athletic build dressed in a black suit His brown eyes widened as he approached Daemon.

"Mortis, right? I don't think we've officially met, but I've heard Aaliyah mentioned you're an Iron Enforcer," he said calmly, extending his hand.

'A friend of Aaliyah' he thought then Daemon nodded slowly, his grip firm but controlled as he shook the mans hand.

"I'm... Ethan. Have we met before?" Ethan asked, his eyes squinting slightly.

"I don't think so," Daemon said, his posture rigid.

"Hmm, I swore I saw you three years ago," Ethan said, his gaze scrutinizing Daemon's face.

'Three years ago, I was in university, then my picture were all over after being framed. Does he recognize me?' Daemon thought, his expression remaining stoic. "Might be someone else. I'm not from this country," he said, his tone neutral.

"Hmm... maybe you have a face similar to someone else. Well, it's nice to meet you," Ethan said, releasing Daemon's hand and stepping back, his posture relaxed but attentive.

While Daemon and Ethan talked, Aaliyah attention was solely focused on the auction, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Daemon told her he was leaving, but it seemed to reach her as she didn't answer him, so he went back up to the VIP room.

My path is fraught with danger, and any ally could become a liability. Yet, her determination could prove useful. I must keep a close eye on her.\. I also brought another into my inner circle. Did I make the right choice.

...

In the VIP room, Daemon's main focus was on how the captives were auctioned off. Girls and even men were paraded out, dressed beautifully and handsomely. However, The best captives were always shown on a large screen at the back of the auctioneer, and bidders used fake names, bidding millions. These high-value captives were collected after the auction, not like those presented in person, like dressed in exquisite garments, paraded like treasures, most secret official's attention often drifted to the rare items displayed on a large screen like a Bloodstone Dagger, an artifact rumored to hold the essence of a fallen deity, and the Obsidian Mirror, said to show one's darkest fears.

Moreover, Daemon's attention frequently returned to Aaliyah who attention was on the screen, each time a new captive appeared, her face would frown and her fists would clench tighter until her nails drew blood. After about three hours, the auction ended, and Daemon saw Aaliyah storm out of her room, her face pale and eyes wide with desperation.

He wondered what had happened, not knowing that she hadn't seen her sister she had scoured every face, every item, and still found no trace of her sister, she feared that her sister had been killed for non-compliance or deemed not beautiful enough, gnawed at her.

...

Outside the Auction in an dimly lit alleyway where rain was falling heavily and Aaliyah gaze lingered on an old photograph of a girl similar to her it was the last vestige of a shattered family.

"Could I have stopped them sooner?" Aaliyah whispered to herself, tracing her sister's smiling face in the faded image. "Their mistakes led us here. Now you're gone, swallowed by the same darkness."

She clenched her fists, her guilt weight heavily upon her. "I won't let their legacy define us. I'll find you, bring you back. It's time to make things right, to redeem what's left of us."