Ethan's POV
'Thank you, Ethan. Lucien is very clingy and annoying. But be careful, he holds grudges even for such trivial matters', Virelle's sweet voice carried a rare hint of laughter.
Her tone which was usually indifferent sparked a genuine smile from me. I nodded slightly, appreciating her subtle show of trust.
A comfortable silence settled over us until an authoritative voice echoed through the hall.
"Good evening, fellow clansmen. I am your host, The Blood Arbiter and I will be presiding over tonight's auction in the Crimson Cellar. I'm certain you all are eager for the proceedings but let me assure you tonight's event will be unlike any other. Two items up for auction tonight will leave you astonished and eager."
