The auction house buzzed with anticipation, a cacophony of voices bouncing off the stone walls. Lanterns flickered in their iron holders, casting a sickly glow over the eager faces of the crowd. Buyers huddled in clusters, some whispering in low voices, others laughing openly, their eyes scanning the stage with predatory interest.

"Next up!" the auctioneer’s voice boomed, commanding attention as the crowd stilled. A clinking of chains followed, and the woman was pushed forward. "Here's our main menu of tonight, a rare Phoenix-kin!"

Her crimson hair caught the flickering light, tumbling down in wild, untamed strands. The buyers murmured, a few gasping at the sight of her striking appearance.

“Look at that! Never seen one like her,” one man muttered to his companion.

“Exotic, but she looks broken,” another commented, dismissively waving his hand. "But, she's from the rare Phoenix-kin! She's quite a fetch!"

The woman’s crimson eyes remained downcast, staring at the floor as if it held all the answers. Her body sagged under the weight of the chains, her shoulders hunched in defeat. She didn’t react to the voices, the leering stares, or the auctioneer’s callous descriptions.

“Five hundred gold to start!” the auctioneer called, stirring excitement. "Any bidding for this exotic slave?"

The air was thick with greed, but the woman stood there, unfeeling, as if she no longer cared who owned her.