138
~Elara's POV
The next gowns continued. More bids. More applause. More congratulations whispered across the table like blessings.
At some point, a server passed by offering wine. I declined. I needed my head clear. Darlon accepted his but barely touched it, like he didn't want to be distracted.
The last auction piece rolled in. Not a gown. A suit.
A black suit with gold threading and embroidered constellations. I had made it at the beginning, before I knew anything would change. Before I knew I would ever be standing here, seen.
The host placed her hand on it gently.
"This is the final item tonight. A limited custom piece. A masterpiece, if I may say so."
A few people laughed softly, but not mockingly.
"Starting bid: one hundred thousand."
It rose quickly.
One twenty.
One fifty.
One seventy.
Two hundred.
Two twenty.
And then silence. Not empty silence. Heavy silence. The kind of people make when they are thinking too much.
Until a voice spoke from the far right.
