Chapter 122 Auction for Slaves

The library, once a place of hushed whispers and leather-bound knowledge, was now a grotesque parody of itself. Ornate birdcages lined the perimeter, each one holding a young woman. Their faces, etched with fear and despair, were lit by the harsh glare of gaslights. A gaggle of well-dressed vultures circled a central podium, their eyes gleaming with avarice as Black Bart, a mountain of a man sporting a purple cravat that could blind a sailor, held court. "Lot number three up for grabs, fellas!" Black Bart boomed, his voice bouncing off the high ceiling. "A young lady with looks that could melt glaciers and hair like spun gold!" A spotlight flickered on, illuminating a terrified girl with fiery red hair. She huddled in the corner of her cage, tears tracing silent tracks down her face. A wave of nausea washed over Jane. Anger, hot and potent, bubbled up in her gut. This wasn't some fancy party; this was a nightmare. There was no way they could just stand there and watch. "Alright, sh