The main hall of the Grand Auction House was alive with anticipation as the evening session began.
Hundreds of wealthy guests filled the velvet seats arranged in neat rows facing the raised stage. Crystal chandeliers glowed softly overhead, casting warm golden light across polished marble floors and ornate tapestries. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes, polished wood, and faint incense. Servants moved silently between the rows, offering chilled wine and small trays of delicacies to the VIP guests.
Draven and his group sat in the front row of the VIP section. Thorne sat to his right, looking uncomfortable in formal clothes. Elowen was on his left, eyes scanning the crowd. Sylara sat behind them, always watching.
Before the auction officially started, Draven had slipped away briefly with his team. They had returned to the left corridor where the iron grate led downward. Draven had placed a subtle detection spell at the tunnel entrance — a faint thread of mana that would alert him if anyone entered or exited the underground area while they were upstairs. It was a quiet precaution, invisible to most eyes.
Now, as the auctioneer stepped onto the stage and tapped the gavel, Draven sat back, the silver-and-black mirror warm against his chest.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests," the auctioneer announced, his voice carrying effortlessly. "Welcome to the evening session of the Grand Auction of Merol. Tonight, we present treasures from across the known world. Bidding begins at the stated minimum. Let the auction commence!"
The first items were brought forward.
Lot One was an ornate golden mirror framed with intricate runes. "The Mirror of Eternal Clarity," the auctioneer declared. "It reveals not only your reflection but the true nature of anyone who gazes into it. Starting bid: 800 gold coins."
Bidding rose quickly. Voices called out from different sections.
"900!"
"1,100!"
"1,500!"
It finally sold for 2,800 gold coins to a merchant in the back.
Draven watched calmly, occasionally glancing toward the left corridor, feeling the faint pulse of his detection spell. No one had triggered it yet.
Lot Two: A set of ancient enchanted daggers that never dulled and could cut through steel. Starting bid: 1,200 gold. After fierce competition between two warriors, it sold for 4,600 gold.
Lot Three: The "Elixir of Eternal Youth," a rare potion said to slow aging by decades. The crowd murmured excitedly. Bidding climbed from 3,000 to 9,800 gold before a noblewoman claimed it.
Then came items that caught Draven's personal interest.
Lot Seven: A delicate necklace of starlight sapphires — deep blue gems that glowed softly in darkness and were said to bring calm and protection. Starting bid: 2,500 gold.
Draven raised his hand. "3,000."
Bidding continued, but he kept increasing calmly. The necklace finally sold to him for 6,200 gold coins.
He imagined Seraphina wearing it, the sapphires resting against her skin.
Lot Nine: A luxurious set of enchanted makeup — powders and creams that could subtly enhance or change appearance for an entire day. "The Veil of Beauty." Starting bid: 1,800 gold.
Draven bid again and won it for 4,300 gold.
Thorne leaned over with a grin. "You're going to spoil her when you return."
Draven smiled faintly. "She deserves it."
He also bid on and won two more gifts for Seraphina: elegant silver earrings shaped like tiny blooming roses that released a faint calming fragrance, and a luxurious silk shawl woven with threads of moonlight that kept the wearer warm in any weather.
The auction continued for nearly two hours. Prices grew higher, items rarer.
A glowing ancient tome that could translate any language sold for 7,900 gold. Enchanted boots for silent movement went for 5,600 gold. A crystal orb that could show distant locations fetched 12,400 gold after intense bidding.
Draven remained mostly quiet, only bidding on things meant for Seraphina. Each time the gavel fell in his favour, he felt a quiet warmth — small tokens for the woman waiting for him at home.
Finally, the auctioneer tapped the gavel for attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen… we now come to the final item of the evening. This piece is unlike anything we have ever offered before."
Two assistants carried a heavy iron box onto the stage. It was the same sealed box Brase had described — unmarked and radiating mystery.
The auctioneer's voice dropped dramatically.
"This is the Sealed Box of Unknown Origin. No one has ever opened it. Scholars and mages have studied it for decades. Some say it contains a power that could change the world. Others claim it is cursed. Its previous owner met an unfortunate end. Starting bid: 15,000 gold coins."
The hall fell into complete silence as everyone leaned forward, eyes fixed on the mysterious box.
The chapter ends here — on the moment the sealed box is revealed on stage, the entire auction house holding its breath as bidding is about to begin.
To be continued…