Adara was struggling, not because of her injury, no, Eris had long since sorted that out. adara was struggling because of all the items on the auction that she wanted.
From ancient beast eggs to jerky made from a basilisk, as a chef, Adara wanted to buy it all and experiment. But alas, she couldn't. How on earth would she explain the additional finances to Ronan.
As the auction continued, amidst the exotic and alluring items, the object Hypnos sought finally made its appearance—a modest wooden horn. Adara observed its unassuming presence with a mix of surprise and curiosity, considering the vast array of captivating items that had paraded before it.
Raising her hand to demonstrate she was bidding. Eris looked at her with a light rise of her eyebrows.
"Are you sure that is what hypnos wants, it is merely used to capture ghosts and spirits?" Inquired Eris, matter of factly
"That is what was instructed so in my letter, yes," responded Adara, and realising this could of been rude, she added "your magnificence,"
Nodding, Eris turned to Canor, "bring the horn here." She said, resolutely.
"Are you sure my lady, the bidding hasn't yet ended?" Canor tried to argue, but after a glare from his master, he realised he overstepped.
As Canor departed to retrieve the wooden horn, Lucas couldn't help but feel a tinge of curiosity mixed with concern. He turned to Eris, cautiously voicing his thoughts. "Is everything alright? Are we allowed to just take the item before the auction ends?"
Eris regarded Lucas with a cryptic smile, her crimson eyes shimmering with a hint of amusement. "Oh, darling knight, what Hypnos desires is something I prefer to keep at arm's length. If his plans are to unfold, I'd rather they unfold far away from me." Her tone was enigmatic yet tinged with a touch of caution.
Lucas nodded, not entirely sure he understood the complexities of the situation but respecting the boundaries Eris wished to maintain.
Meanwhile, Canor returned, carefully holding the wooden horn. Its plain appearance seemed incongruous amid the grandeur of the auction house, yet its significance was evident in the attention it garnered.
Eris accepted the horn from Canor's hands, inspecting it with a discerning eye. "Very well," she announced, her gaze flitting between Adara and Lucas. "Your business here is concluded. The horn goes with you." Her voice carried an air of finality.
Adara and Lucas exchanged a glance, surprised by the sudden turn of events. Before they could express their gratitude, Eris waved a hand dismissively. "Go now. Deliver this to Hypnos and leave this place. The night is young, and the shadows of this city grow longer. It's best to depart before they claim you as well."
As Adara prepared to depart the auction house, a sudden shift in the atmosphere sent an ominous ripple through the room. The vibrant ambiance dulled into a hush as an unfathomable presence permeated the space—a cloak of authority and darkness sweeping into the room.
The attendees fell into an uneasy silence, whispers dissipating into the air. Adara sensed the shift even before she laid eyes on the figure responsible for this sudden shift. It was as if the very shadows were stirred by the arrival of a formidable force.
Suddenly, the doors to the main auction room, just below the cohort flung open with a resonating thud that reverberated throughout the hall.
A tall, imposing figure clad in a cloak made of the darkest shadows and steel stepped into the room. Moros, the domain lord of Corcilus, recognized by his crown of black steel, exuded an aura of absolute control and authority. His cloak billowed as if alive, responding to his command and weaving and shifting in eerie, dance-like motions.
Adara felt a shiver race down her spine as Moros's gaze passed over her. She instinctively lowered her head in a show of deference, respecting the lord's power and not daring to meet his gaze directly.
Lucas, equally aware of Moros's arrival, stood rigidly beside Adara, his eyes fixed on the ground in a show of respect and submission. He dared not draw attention to himself, fully cognizant of the repercussions of provoking the lord's ire.
And finally, the demon of retribution faced her brother with a cocky smile. Eris released an aura of her own to try and combat Moros.
Canor smiled and shook his head.
"Shit."