The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 196

196. UNDERGROUND AUCTIONS

SIGRID

I arrived in the city of Valles, though, in truth, I had no real idea where exactly I was in the realm.

So much had changed over time, and I was relying solely on

Electra’s memories to guide me.

"Where is the auction house?" I asked the guards at the city’s entrance, and they gave me directions.

We navigated through the streets, weaving between carriages and bustling crowds, until we trotted up to an enormous mansion set apart from the noise.

"Ma’am, excuse me, but this is a private residence," two guards stood watch at the tall iron gates.

"I'm an invited guest to today’s event," I said, extending the invitation, which they inspected.

"And him?"

"He’s my slave. Any problem with that?" I raised a brow.

The horse fidgeted, restless from the long journey, and my patience was wearing thin.

"No, no issue at all. Please proceed, Lady de la Croix. A stablehand will guide you."

At last, the towering gates, wrapped in ivy, swung open to reveal a beautiful garden.

"Follow me this way," the stablehand led me toward the back, where more horses and carriages were being arranged in the stables.

"I can handle it myself. Wait for me outside," I ordered, mustering all the arrogance I could.

I led the horse toward the stable front, but the way we were positioned made it impossible for me to dismount properly.

“Are you trying to strangle me to death?" I turned as best as I could.

My waist had gone completely numb from the iron grip that had clamped around me the entire trip.

My gaze met Silas’s golden eye—we were close enough that I could hear his heartbeat hammering against my back.

"My apologies, my lady," he lowered his head and finally released me.

That had to be the most uncomfortable horse ride in history.

“Alright, let’s dismount," I instructed—and that turned into another ordeal.

He almost toppled onto me, nearly crushing me like a biscuit as he got down.

"Silas, my Silas, I should’ve named you Calamity," I huffed, finally leading the horse into the stable and securing it. ""Let’s just get this over with."

I rubbed my waist and back slightly as we walked into the mansion,

through the glamorous foyer, and down a discreet staircase

leading underground.

The spotlights illuminated the stage, and the auctioneer kicked things off with his usual crude jokes, discussing the lots and the evening’s surprises.

I was prepared for the horrors I’d witness here, but then—after a few artifacts had been presented—something happened that changed everything.

“Alright, you’re going to love this one," the auctioneer announced.

"Here we have some ancient lunar runes—extremely rare and highly valuable for crafting dream-related artifacts. But..."

The room stirred with excitement over the runes. I had come for them as well.

"Thighly advise you to spend your coins wisely because after this item comes something... hmm... how should I put it? Something delicious." He laughed lewdly, making a suggestive gesture.

The sound of wheels rolling over wood echoed as a massive round structure was brought onto the stage.

However, it was completely covered by a red velvet cloth, though even so, it was unmistakable—it concealed the shape of a person. Ieaned forward, nearly at the edge of my seat.

For some reason, my heart started beating strangely.

My head felt light, and my eyes couldn’t tear away from the fabric, as if trying to pierce through it, desperate to see what lay hidden beneath.

"300,000 gold coins from bidder number 67! Anyone willing to offer more for the lunar runes?" the auctioneer’s exclamation snapped me out of my confused thoughts.

My foot pressed the pedal beneath my boot’s tip, and a light flickered on in my private booth.

"300,100 gold coins from bidder number 23!""

Not even a second passed after my bid before number 67 raised the stakes again.