----


    I rubbed my waist and back slightly as we walked into the mansion,


    through the morous foyer, and down a discreet staircase


    leading underground.


    Down a dimly lit hallway, I could hear the hushed murmurs of


    many people ahead.


    We passed other guests, also cloaked in shadows.


    T could feel the supernatural power in each of them—most were


    women.


    "This is your private box, mydy. Can I offer you anything else?"


    ‘The attendant pulled back a ck curtain, gesturing toward the


    interior.


    "No, that will be all," I replied, stepping into the small space,


    which held afortable armchair and a small table.


    "s, stand by the curtain and keep watch—make sure no one


    spies or tries to enter," I instructed, settling into my seat.


    The entire atmosphere was drenched in secrecy and mystery.


    ‘Through the discreet curtains, I peered down from the high


    balconies toward a small stage.


    ‘That was where the merchandise would be disyed.


    Not everyone here could afford the exclusivity of these elevated


    booths.


    ‘Through the dim lighting, I could make out the silhouettes of


    those seated below, closer to the stage.


    ----


    After awhile, just as boredom was setting in, the much


    anticipated auction finally began.


    The spotlights illuminated the stage, and the auctioneer kicked


    things off with his usual crude jokes, discussing the lots and the


    evening’s surprises.


    Iwas prepared for the horrors I’d witness here, but then—after a


    few artifacts had been presented—something happened that


    changed everything.


    “alright, you’re going to love this one," the auctioneer announced.


    "Here we have some ancient lunar runes—extremely rare and


    highly valuable for crafting dream-rted artifacts. But..."


    The room stirred with excitement over the runes. I hade for


    them as well.


    "Thighly advise you to spend your coins wisely because after this


    itemes something... hmm... how should I put it? Something


    delicious." Heughed lewdly, making a suggestive gesture.


    The sound of wheels rolling over wood echoed as a massive round


    structure was brought onto the stage.


    However, it waspletely covered by a red velvet cloth, though


    even so, it was unmistakable—it concealed the shape of a person.


    Ieaned forward, nearly at the edge of my seat.


    For some reason, my heart started beating strangely.


    My head felt light, and my eyes couldn’t tear away from the fabric,


    as if trying to pierce through it, desperate to see whaty hidden


    ----


    beneath.


    "300,000 gold coins from bidder number 67! Anyone willing to


    offer more for the lunar runes?" the auctioneer’s exmation


    snapped me out of my confused thoughts.


    My foot pressed the pedal beneath my boot’s tip, and a light


    flickered on in my private booth.


    "300,100 gold coins from bidder number 23!""


    Not even a second passed after my bid before number 67 raised the


    stakes again.