This is the best outcome.

That’s what you keep telling yourself as you stand on stage, the lights nearly blinding you from all directions so the audience could have a clear view of what they’re bidding on.

It had been your choice to be here- unable to afford anything anymore. But it certainly didn’t feel like it was your choice.

The vast crowd was clearly not human, and rowdy to get their hands on such a specimen. Most had on a mask or a cloak of some kind, preferring to be anonymous. The numbers got higher and higher at a dizzying rate.

A group of three were bickering back and forth before one raised their hand, bringing a hush over the crowd with the finality of their bid.

“$350,000.”

The rest was a blur. You were pulled off stage and led to the back, awaiting whoever just spent that much to get ahold you.

The three figures from before arrived not too soon after everything had calmed down. What were they? Ghouls? Gargoyles? Sprites?

Their eyes and sharp toothed smiles said it all, as they drew close to look you over.

Vampires.