{IRIS}
"The bidding starts at one thousand gold!"
The host's voice rang through the grand hall, sharp and theatrical, as if announcing a celebration rather than a transaction of flesh.
"One thousand one hundred!"
"One thousand five hundred!"
"Two thousand!"
"Five thousand!"
The numbers climbed with dizzying speed, shouted with eager laughter, punctuated by clinking goblets and the low hum of amusement that spread through the gathered vampires.
Each bid struck me like a hammer against my chest.
My breath came shallow.
That high…?
For a fleeting, shameful moment, a strange warmth bloomed in my chest. Was this what value felt like? To be wanted—fought over—measured in gold and desire?
The feeling sickened me almost as quickly as it came.
