Chapter 11 · Pick Your Owner

I'm halfway across the East Gate courtyard when Marcus Vane steps into my path.

He's not alone. Six Core Zone kids flank him, all wearing the same smug look, and behind them the morning crowd slows down to watch. Someone wolf-whistles. Someone else laughs.

I stop. My pulse kicks up but I keep my face smooth.

"Ivy Gray." Marcus says my name like he's announcing a purchase. "We need to talk."

I glance past him. The hunt board's already lit up on the far wall, names scrolling in red. Mine isn't on it yet.

Yet.

"About what?" I ask.

He grins. "About who you belong to."

The crowd tightens around us. I catch Lila at the edge, arms crossed, watching like this is exactly what she expected. Maybe it is. Maybe she sold me twice and pocketed both payments.

"I don't belong to anyone," I say.

Marcus takes a step closer. He smells like expensive cologne and entitlement.

"Wrong answer," he says. "I put my name down three days ago. Paid double the starting rate. You're mine."

I tilt my head. Let my lashes drop just a little. "You paid Lila?"

"I paid the broker. That's how it works.