I kept my eyes fixed on the floor, unable to meet anyone’s gaze as the murmurs of the crowd swirled around me.

“One million mora.”

My breath caught in my throat. A cold shiver raced down my spine as that voice echoed through the air. One million? For me? They were willing to pay that much?

I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to steady myself, but it was no use. Before I could even fully grasp what had just happened, I was yanked from the stage, my body jerked forward with each tug. My heart pounded as I was led away, now the property of someone I couldn’t yet see, and the reality of it all sank in.