Gilded splendor was the most superficial description of this hall.
The towering dome was painted with vulgar scenes of gods indulging themselves. Every inch of the walls was covered in genuine gold leaf, and enormous crystal chandeliers poured artificial light into every corner, illuminating the drifting dust, mingled with expensive perfume, fine wine, and a more secretive, cloying scent.
Countless distorted, extravagant, unreal figures were reflected in the mirror-smooth marble floor.
They were the Hive City's "nobility."
At that moment, every one of them wore an exquisitely crafted, jewel-studded mask of grotesque, exaggerated design, concealing their true faces and seemingly stripping away their last pretense of humanity.
They wore lavish clothes adorned with lace, fur, and the scales of rare creatures, holding Crystal Goblets filled with wine as dark red as blood. Elegant poses, whispered conversations, and soft laughter formed a tableau of luxury and depravity that was strangely "quiet."
Every conversation was hushed. Every gaze held a hungry glimmer of boredom and morbid anticipation, fixed on the raised platform at the front of the hall, concealed behind crimson curtains.
They were waiting for the final climax of tonight's "feast," the last "course," promised to offer "an experience like no other" and "ultimate pleasure."
"Ladies! Gentlemen!"
A voice broke that carefully maintained silence.
Processed through an amplifier, it carried an exaggerated tremolo and an inciting fervor.
The curtain beside the platform stirred, and a host wearing an equally lavish, feathered mask and an elaborate ceremonial robe strode onto the stage with theatrical steps.
Like a king ascending his throne, he raised his wineglass to the audience. His eyes swept over the silent masks, and his voice abruptly rose:
"Let us—all look forward to it! On this incomparable evening, our final... and most precious—auction lot!"
A roar rose.
The audience erupted