The Results

The morning after the auction closed, Elias sat in his leather armchair in the living quarters, tablet in hand, reviewing the final sales report. Mara and Sofia stood elegantly posed on either side of him — silent, beautiful, and eternally attentive. Perfect companions in his mind.

Elias took a sip of coffee and began reading the biggest winning bids.

“Let’s see how much the world values your former classmates, shall we ladies?” Elias says aloud. Mara and Sofia do not respond.

“Let's start with Tyler Brooks,” he said with clear satisfaction. “Sold for 71 Bitcoin to a wealthy Emirati collector in Dubai. He wanted a strong athletic male for his penthouse. And look at this… Natalie Brooks, Tyler’s cousin, also sold to the same buyer. It looks like they will both be going to Dubai together. A nice little family trip for them.”

He glanced at Mara. “Imagine that. Tyler and his cousin standing side by side in some Dubai penthouse, for the rest of eternity.”

Mara stared blankly back. Elias scrolled further.

“Jasmine Washington went for 68 Bitcoin to an art collector in New York City. He specializes in ‘human-like sculptures.’ She will be displayed prominently in his private gallery. I suspect she will get plenty of attention there.” He allowed himself a small smile.

“Emily Harper sold for 64 Bitcoin to a middle-aged film producer in Hollywood. He also bought Ava Thompson and her brother Miles. I imagine they will spend their days reclining beautifully on a daybed in his mansion, becoming part of his private collection of ‘eternal muses.’”

Elias continued down the list, noting several other strong sales — Isabella Morales, Kayla Reed, and a few others had gone for solid prices.

Then his expression cooled.

“Hannah and Noah Patel… failed to meet their reserve,” he said, frowning slightly. “Pity. The sibling set had potential, but the bids did not get high enough. They stay with us.”

He looked toward the main bay where the students stood. “Laura and Chloe Bennett also failed to meet their reserve,” Elias continued, a note of mild surprise in his voice. “The mother-daughter pairing was risky I guess. Too taboo for some buyers. Or the reserve was simply too high. Either way… they stay here.” Elias did not seem as disappointed with this result.

He leaned back, tapping his fingers on the armrest. Then he paused, staring at one line with visible confusion.

“Abigail Torres did not meet her reserve,” he said slowly. “But her twin brother, Julian did. He sold for a respectable amount to a buyer in Texas.”

Elias frowned deeply, genuinely perplexed. “Why would someone want the brother but not the sister? Abigail is perfectly serviceable. Decent figure, pleasant enough face. Julian is not even particularly standout. Strange taste.”

He shook his head, mildly amused by the unpredictability of his clientele. “Human preferences continue to baffle me,” he muttered, glancing at Mara and Sofia. “But it does not matter. We move forward.”

Elias set the tablet aside and stood up, walking over to gently stroke Mara’s cheek, then Sofia’s hair.

“Ultimately Forty-seven sold. Seven staying with me. Not a bad result for the first harvest.”

He raised his glass toward the two frozen girls. “To profitable mysteries,” he said softly. Elias Crowe was already planning the next harvest.