The Paris auction house loomed ahead, its old-world architecture contrasting sharply with the shadows that clung to the narrow streets surrounding it. Inside, the world's most dangerous players gathered to bid on rare, often illegal, artifacts. Serena had been to places like this before, but each time the stakes seemed to get higher. Tonight was no exception.
She adjusted the collar of her tailored black jacket, making sure it sat perfectly. Beside her, Rebecca, dressed in a sleek dress that matched their new cover identities as wealthy buyers, slipped a small earpiece into place. Alex, still recovering from his injuries but refusing to be left behind, stood with his posture slightly slouched to conceal the pain that was still lingering.
"Remember, we're here for Elena," Serena murmured, her eyes scanning the grand entrance to the auction house. "We get the information we need, and we get out. No unnecessary risks."
Rebecca nodded, her expression serious. "Right. In and out. And let's hope Elena's in the mood to talk."
Alex, though quieter than usual, gave them both a grim smile. "I'll hang back and keep an eye out for trouble. If anyone recognizes us, I'll cause a distraction."
Serena's gaze lingered on him, worry flashing in her eyes. He wasn't in top shape, and the last thing she wanted was for him to endanger himself. But she knew better than to argue with Alex when his mind was made up.
"Just be careful," Serena said quietly.
They entered the auction house, blending seamlessly with the crowd of high-profile guests dressed in luxurious clothing and expensive jewelry. The grandeur of the interior was striking—crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft golden light over the ornate decor. Waiters moved elegantly between the guests, offering trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, while conversations in multiple languages filled the air.
Serena's senses were on high alert. This wasn't just any auction. This was a gathering of the most dangerous people in the artifact world—mercenaries, smugglers, and black-market dealers. If Elena was here, she would be watching her back just as much as Serena and her team were.
Rebecca whispered into her earpiece. "I've got eyes on the guest list. Elena's name is there, but it's listed under one of her old aliases—Isabelle Moreau. She's definitely here."
Serena's pulse quickened. "Where?"
"North wing," Rebecca said, her voice calm and efficient. "Private booths for the high-end buyers. She's probably waiting for something big to come up in the auction."
Serena scanned the room, her eyes narrowing as she took in the layout. "Let's go. Stay close and watch for anything unusual."
They moved through the crowd with purpose, keeping their heads down and avoiding drawing too much attention. As they neared the north wing, Serena's mind raced with what they might face. Elena was notorious for being slippery, and while Serena believed she could get the information they needed, she also knew Elena wouldn't give it up without a fight—or at least a price.
The private booths were guarded by a pair of burly men dressed in dark suits, their sharp eyes scanning everyone who approached. Serena gave them a cool smile as they stepped forward, flashing the forged invitation Rebecca had secured earlier. The guards examined it briefly before stepping aside, allowing them entry.
"Nice work," Serena muttered under her breath as they passed through the doorway into the quieter, more secluded section of the auction house.
They reached Elena's booth, a small, luxuriously appointed space overlooking the main auction floor. The woman sitting inside was unmistakable—Elena's striking features, framed by dark, wavy hair, were as familiar to Serena as the last time they had met. She wore a sleek, tailored black dress, her eyes fixed on the auction below as she swirled a glass of wine in her hand.
"Elena," Serena said as they approached the booth.
Elena's lips curved into a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Serena," she purred, not turning to face them immediately. "What a surprise. I didn't expect to see you at an event like this. Last I heard, you were keeping a low profile."
Serena's gaze hardened. "We need to talk."
Elena finally turned to face them, her smile widening as she looked Serena up and down, then glanced at Rebecca and Alex. "You brought company. I didn't realize I'd be entertaining guests tonight."
"We don't have time for games," Serena said, stepping closer to Elena's table. "We know you've heard about the Sangreal and the Crux Ignis."
Elena raised an eyebrow, her expression intrigued. "Ah, yes. Two very dangerous artifacts. I assume you're not here to sell them, though that would certainly make this evening more interesting."
Serena leaned in, her voice low and tense. "We need information. Adrian warned us that other players are in the game. We need to know who they are and what they want with the artifacts."
Elena's smile didn't falter, but her eyes flickered with something more dangerous—a hint of calculation. "Adrian? Of course. Always one step ahead, isn't he? But you must realize that information like that comes at a price, Serena. I don't work for free."
Rebecca stepped forward, her gaze sharp. "What do you want?"
Elena's smile widened, and she set her glass down delicately. "Nothing too complicated. I want protection—something only you can provide."
Serena frowned. "Protection from what?"
Elena leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming against the table. "From the Covenant. They've been making moves, and I have something they want. I don't intend to hand it over, but it's only a matter of time before they come for me."
Serena's mind raced. She wasn't surprised that Elena had crossed the Covenant—it was only a matter of time before her dealings caught up with her. But offering protection from the Covenant wasn't something Serena could promise lightly.
"What do you have that the Covenant wants?" Serena asked cautiously.
Elena's eyes gleamed. "Information. Information about a third artifact—one that's connected to the Sangreal and the Crux Ignis."
Serena's heart skipped a beat. "A third artifact?"
Elena nodded, her expression growing more serious. "The Sangreal and the Crux Ignis are powerful on their own, yes. But together with the third artifact, they form something far greater. A trinity of power—capable of unlocking something… devastating."
Serena's pulse quickened. This was the missing piece—the reason the Covenant was so desperate to get their hands on the artifacts, and why Adrian had warned them about other forces. A third artifact meant the stakes were even higher than she had realized.
"And you have information on this third artifact?" Serena asked, her voice low.
Elena's smile returned. "I do. But as I said, I need protection. Get me out of here before the Covenant finds me, and the information is yours."
Rebecca shot Serena a warning look, but Serena knew they didn't have a choice. They needed this information—needed to know who else was hunting the artifacts, and what they intended to do with them.
"Fine," Serena said, her voice steady. "But if you try to double-cross us, we'll leave you to the Covenant."
Elena's smile never wavered. "I wouldn't dream of it, darling."
As the auction continued below, Serena's mind raced. A third artifact, a looming threat from the Covenant, and now, Elena in the mix. They were treading in dangerous waters, and the storm was far from over.
The clock was ticking, and they were running out of time.
But now, they had a lead.
And Serena was determined to follow it—no matter where it led.