The hallway outside the prep suite was warmer than before. Too warm. The carpet brushed the soles of my bare feet. Every camera in the ceiling seemed angled at my skin.
A male attendant waited at the next door in a black suit, hands folded in front of him. He kept his attention fixed on the space past my shoulder, trained by practice or fear.
The woman with the tablet led. Polina stayed behind.
I turned once.
Polina stood in the doorway of the prep suite with her arms folded, her wine-red nails tucked under her elbows.
Then the door shut between us.
The next room was small and dark, with black walls and a curtain ahead. The piano was louder here. So were the men.
A voice carried from beyond the curtain, smooth and male and amused.
“Gentlemen, we’ll continue with a late addition to tonight’s presentation.”
Late addition.
My bare toes curled against the floor.
The attendant beside me touched his earpiece. “Wait for the mark.”
“What mark?”
He pointed at a small brass circle set into the floor just beyond the curtain gap.
I could see a slice of the room beyond it. Gold light. Dark suits. Crystal glasses on round tables. Small amber lamps withblack shades. A low stage. Men waiting like this was dinner service and I was the next course.
My stomach turned so hard I pressed one hand against it.
The attendant noticed. “Do you need water?”
“I need about twenty-eight thousand dollars and a different life.”
His mouth twitched, then stopped before it became anything a camera could catch.
Beyond the curtain, the smooth voice continued. “Verified untouched. Twenty-three. No prior contract. Full settlement terms apply tonight.”
A low murmur moved through the room.
Cold spread under the silk, over my ribs and down my arms.
The curtain opened.
Light struck my face.
For a second, I couldn’t move.
Then the attendant’s hand hovered near my back without touching me. “Walk when the light changes.”
A small lamp at the edge of the stage shifted from amber to white.
I stepped onto the stage.
The room widened in front of me, all gold and black and watching men. Chandeliers burned above a ceiling painted in shadow. The walls were covered in dark panels and mirrored sections that reflected pieces of bodies, not whole people. Tables held crystal glasses, folded cards, and small lamps with amber shades. Smoke curled from a cigar near the back, sweet and bitter.
Men turned toward me.
