The Night of the Auction IX

There is a jarring pause in our conversation. I am unable to hear the room's inhabitants' joys or horror. I can only hear my own breathing, my heartbeat, and his deliberate motions. This person calls my entire plan into doubt in every way.

Without the assistance of the two young men, I'm starting to question my ability to even make this work, but this time, reality hits me square in the face. I was aware from the beginning that I couldn't carry out this strategy by myself. Because of how Auster approached me that evening and how I perceived his younger brother, I may have been fortunate.

I try my best to calm myself as I narrow my eyes. My hands, however, continued to be firmly clasped around the bottom portion of my dress. That's impossible. Even if he had before advised me to remain calm, this is the only chance I have to survive.

Perhaps I’m unaware o given that I haven't exacted justice on the crown prince yet. I can't possibly be this timid.

I inhale deeply and open my mouth, but