Chapter 0009

We found the spot that was reserved for time slot 50.

For me, I realized, swallowing hard.

The viewing seats were located on a darkened platform connected to the main stage by stairs that led down into the lit center of it all. Where they had us sitting was dark enough that it would black us out from the audience should they wish to. Looking up, there were dozens of lights that pointed in all different directions.

"Spotlights," whispered a voice slightly behind me to my right.

I looked back at the older man, chewing my lip.

Glancing back up at the lights when he just stared at me with a goofy smile on his face. They were probably used for when each lot number was initially called and we'd be strutted across the stage to show the buyers the goods. Leanne had described to me in detail what would happen and what would be expected of me.

I felt like a piece of meat being put on display in a butcher's window.

A very rare piece of meat, at least. I allowed myself to think, remembering the