Page 37 of His to Claim
"We also have a special guest tonight with us. Anil'ha of the planet Valkrya. He has specifically asked permission to enter the auction. Please accept our greetings," king Zarat says.
A wave of excitement fills the air as everyone begins talking at once. Several aliens rush forwards, reaching out to shake his hand enthusiastically. Others bow deeply. It seems like they're happy to be reunited after such a long absence.
"Thank you," Anil'ha replies calmly. "It's good to meet you all."
As if on cue, the auctioneer steps back onto the stage and clears his throat loudly. Everyone falls silent instantly, waiting for him to begin speaking again.
"Warriors, let's not waste any more precious time. We know you've been looking forward to bidding on this unique specimen."
My heart thuds painfully against my chest as the announcer continues.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce our first item up for sale. This exquisite creature is none other than our new star attraction. She hails from Earth herself and has recently arrived on Vestia. Now, let's get started, shall we?
* * *
"Please place your bids…"
The auctioneer raises his arms high above his head and shouts out. The crowd starts murmuring excitedly, raising their paddles in response to the call.
"Who will start us off?" asks the man.
Someone calls out loud enough for everyone to hear, "One hundred thousand!"
Several people shout out simultaneously, calling out various amounts between one million and ten million.
"Twenty-five mil," whispers Kira quietly into my ear.
"Thirty mils."
"Fifty mils."
Everyone else is shouting out prices too, wanting to be the highest bidder.
"Two hundred mil!"
Then the price climbs rapidly higher until it reaches four billion! The audience erupts into cheering and applause, clapping wildly and waving their paddles in the air.
"Ten billion," a voice shouts from the crowd. It's Anil'ha.
"Five trillion."
Another person adds another zero, making the amount five quintillions.
King Zarat looks around the room, nodding his approval at each offer.
"Eighteen trillion." Anil'ha bids annoyed.
"Anyone offers more?" King Zarat asks the crowd.
No one answers.
"Nineteen trillion." Anil'ha outbids himself.
"What do you think about these numbers?" someone calls out.
"How much would you pay?"
"Twenty-nine trillion." Someone else tries to beat Anil'ha.
