Chapter 4

Erhan

Erhan slithered into the dimly lit briefing room, a space that smelled like sweat, metal, and cleaning oils. His tactical team immediately coiled at attention, their faces solemn. Maps lay spread out on a long table in front of them.

He took his spot in front, taking the time to look each of them in the eye. “Is everyone ready?”

“Yes, sir.” Their voices rang out in the small room, the holograms displaying intel illuminating their serious faces.

He grinned, fangs glinting in the low light. “Tonight, our hard work and hours of research will pay off. We’ll rescue these women and remind everyone back home why we’re considered an elite tactical team.”

His teammates chuckled and nodded.

“Let’s go.” His voice was stern and commanding.

I can’t wait to take care of the slave-dealing scum. They’ll regret ever touching human females.

Disguised as wealthy off-world buyers, the team exited the room and effortlessly blended into the bustling crowd.

Satisfied that the darkness provided enough cover, Erhan overtly signaled his men to follow him closely. He moved with the confidence of those with power and immense wealth, which wasn’t far from the truth. Passersby didn’t even think twice about his presence in the area. He looked like he belonged.

Erhan’s eyes scanned the environment for any sign of the kidnapped women or slave traders. His eyes were sharp and well-trained, so even the smallest details didn’t go unseen.

The crowd was thick and busy, making the task of blending in much easier.

As the team made their way deeper into the throng, the delicate, floral perfume of exotic flowers mingling with the citrusy tang of fresh fruit overwhelmed their senses.

“Bah, what an intense smell!” the tallest of the team exclaimed, his tongue flicking as if nervous.

“It’ll pass. Or you’ll get used to it. Either way, calm down, Mr. Sensitive Tongue.”

They chuckled at the shorter team member’s joke but quickly fell silent when Erhan gave them a stern glance.

He studied the faces of those passing him as he led his team ever forward, searching for any clues, no matter how subtle.

It’s time to find out for good where the females are held. I’ll rescue them and show those Jorvlens they’re not to mess with the Niri.

As they slowly made their way toward the suspected location of the secret auction, the sound of the crowd began to fade, replaced by the distant hum of electricity and machinery. The occasional drip of water in the damp, narrow passageways broke the eerie silence. The walls, covered in grime, seemed to close in as he went deeper, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down like a physical weight.

I can almost taste the desperation and pain in the air. Vile creatures. They turned an ordinary city into their disgusting little hellhole.

He knew his mask was perfect and that he appeared stoic and cold from the outside, but a simmering rage was warming him from the inside.

His hands clenched into fists as he silently vowed to put an end to the human trafficking blight.

A creature clad in dark brown robes bumped shoulders with Erhan and gave him a wicked grin. “You here for the auction, too? I can see you’re a man who knows how to spend his money.” The man rubbed his taloned hands together. “I’ve been told this auction’s got some great specimens. Looking forward to it!” He cackled and disappeared into the darkness before Erhan could question him about the auction’s location.

He glanced around, and when he was sure no one would see him, flicked out his tongue to find the man’s scent. He quickly picked it up and signaled his men to follow.

The team remained close to each other while simultaneously going their own directions, picking up on small clues and indicators that the auction was nearby.

Using years of training and innate skills, they pieced together the intelligence they needed from secretive whispers and rumors.

It didn’t take long for them to accurately pinpoint the building that would host the secret auction, and Erhan’s heart raced. His tongue flicked out in excitement.

They met up on the corner of an alley, heads low.

Erhan spoke softly but clearly. “Are we in agreement that the building with the yellow lighting is highly likely to be our target destination?”

The others nodded, glancing at the building. They looked disgusted by its mere existence.

A chill permeated the air, and the tension had built to an all-time high.

Erhan could sense his team’s anticipation and wariness. He appreciated how seriously they took the situation.

I trained with these males for so long… They’re making me proud tonight.

One of the men, the shortest of the group, spoke up. “This building is a nest for illegal dealings. Everything from slaves to minotaur body parts and the internal organs of demons can be traded here.”

Another male spat on the ground. “What a filthy place. I would have burned it to the ground if I could.”

Erhan nodded, frowning. “That would be most satisfying indeed. But we’re here on covert operations, so none of that tonight, I’m afraid.”

A moment of silence enveloped them as they stared at the building.

“I’ll go in and gather intel to make sure we’ve got the right place.” Erhan adjusted his robes, making sure to cover his face and shroud his identity in darkness. “The last thing we want is to swoop into the wrong place.”

The team looked at each other with doubt at this risky idea but dared not say anything. He gave them a final nod before slithering into the alley in the direction of the secret auction. As he neared the building, he could see it was an old warehouse with small windows at the very top. There was no hope of peeking through them, but that wasn’t necessary. He could detect the smell of the man who bumped into him earlier.

He also picked up another smell—blood. There was no doubt in his mind now. This was the target location. He entered the building with ease, noting that no guards were protecting the entrance.

Perhaps that would have made it too obvious, and the guards are located inside. That’s what I would do if I was a slimy slave trader.

He glanced up and wasn’t surprised to see small cameras monitoring the entrance and hallway.

Fortunately, I’m wearing an effective disguise.

Erhan navigated a maze of crates and shadows, searching for evidence or captives. His heart rate was steady despite the imminent danger. Going in alone was risky, suicidal, even. He knew he could get into trouble for his actions, but he didn’t want to put his team in danger. It was quicker, too, heading in solo when things were unknown.

His mind was focused as he smoothly glided along, his tongue occasionally peeking out to get a sense of his surroundings.

The air was tinged with the acrid scent of sweat and fear, mingling with the metallic tangs of rust and blood. He rounded a corner when a guard walked toward him, studying a small hologram floating above his hand.

Erhan quickly darted back, but judging by the surprised noise coming from the guard, he’d been spotted.

With a sigh, he rushed forward, grabbing the still-surprised guard by the neck. The sheer power of his grip prevented the guard from making a sound.

He subdued the creature, calling on his training to swiftly and noiselessly take out the threat before fading into the darkness once more.

He silently disposed of the limp body in a small utility room before continuing down the hallway, thanking the god Atia that there were no cameras in this area to catch his actions.

He paused at the end of the hallway, listening intently. His tongue flicked out to taste the air. From his left, he could hear parts of a conversation and he closed his eyes, straining his ears to hear better.

“…later tonight. They’ve got to be scrubbed clean now…”

“Yes, I know… They’re not fighting back, at least most of them aren’t…”

“…beat them… submissive and docile but alive…”

He spun and slithered back the way he came just in time. Behind him, he could hear the footsteps of at least a dozen aliens coming his way.

He hastened his pace and narrowly escaped, slipping out of the warehouse undetected. With a triumphant smile, he returned to his team silently waiting in the shadows of the alley across from the warehouse.

Ehran dropped his voice and spoke. “That’s the place, undoubtedly.”

They looked at each other, their faces mirroring each other’s resolve to carry out their task with success.

“It’s time. Finally.” He turned to the building and gave the signal.

The rescue mission had begun.