Give the Bull some encouragement

If you must sell your virginity, it ought to be to one of your own kind. You catch the Bull's gaze. "Please, bid on me," you beg. "I want to go with you."

He looks back at the Jaguar, making impatient gestures. The Jaguar finishes counting and looks up, giving him an emphatic nod. The Bull spins around and jumps up on the edge of the dais. "One thousand!" he shouts, ending the auction. You breathe a sigh of relief as the crowd begins to disperse.

Angelica steps over to you, pretending to arrange your hair as she speaks. "Make him happy," she says in that sweet, vaguely threatening tone. "A satisfied client means bonuses for you--fine clothes, wine, special foods, the ability to choose your clients, all kinds of privileges--and you won't have to learn the consequences of displeasing Simon. Understood?"

You nod, your mouth dry, your heart hammering in your chest. You watch the Jaguar hurry over and hand his money to the Bull, who gives Simon a large bag of crowns. They shake hands and the Bull turns to you, his excitement evident.

"Hello, I'm Kevin and this is Inca," he says, gesturing to the Jaguar. "Our friend over there is Vexilarin, but you can just call him Vex." You glance at Vex, the scarred dark elf edging toward the side door.

"Is he going somewhere?" you ask.

Inca growls under his breath and hurries over, catching Vex and practically dragging him back.

"I told you, I don't want to be here!" the dark elf says to the floor, his head down to hide his face.

"And we told you, this'll lift your spirits, give you something to live for."

"You really think some freaky bitch with a giant cock is going to give me a reason to live?" Vex snarls. "Just go enjoy your whore and let me die in peace." He tries to walk away, but Kevin grabs him by the arm and pulls him back.

"No way, bro," he says. "I promised to take care of you, and I'm not giving up until you forget this crazy idea of killing yourself! Now, c'mon, this nice girl is waiting for us."

You lead them back upstairs and down the hall to your room. Kevin drags Vex inside and starts trying to take Vex's clothes off of him. The dark elf fights like a wildcat, scratching and hissing. You're not sure you want to get near him, let alone get into bed with him.

"He's really a nice guy," Inca says, shutting the door and stepping up beside you. "We grew up together, best friends. One day, we were messing around in Kevin's father's forge--he's a blacksmith--and there was an accident. My mother is descended from a line of powerful shamans and was able to save his life, but not his looks. He used to be so beautiful--and he was vain, I'll admit it--and now he just wants to die. We just want to remind him that life can be beautiful, even if he isn't."

Inca goes to help Kevin, and the two of them wrestle Vex out of his clothes. Naked, you can see the extent of the terrible burns he suffered, and you can't even imagine how much pain he must have been in, or how much he still hurts. Physical pain fades and heals, but the emotional and mental anguish he must still be suffering...no wonder he's acting like such an asshole.

Kevin glances over his shoulder at you as he holds the squirming Vex. "How do you want to do this, Miss?"