The quiet hum of the academy echoed in the stillness of the dormitory. Azhaan sat at the small desk, staring at the Shadowstone he had been studying for the better part of an hour. Its smooth, dark surface shimmered faintly in the low light, a reminder of the steps he needed to take for Shade's evolution.
"You're staring at it like it's going to evolve itself," Kaela's voice broke through his thoughts.
Azhaan turned to see her leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and a faint smirk playing on her lips. Lirian perched on her shoulder, the small dragon's crystalline wings glinting faintly in the light.
"It's just… a lot," Azhaan admitted, leaning back in his chair. "Evolution, compatibility, finding the right materials—it's like learning a completely new language."
Kaela stepped into the room, her boots clicking softly against the floor. "It's overwhelming at first, but that's normal. You're not expected to know everything right away. That's why you're here—to learn."
Azhaan rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not just that. Every time I think I'm getting the hang of something, the stakes feel like they're getting higher. And it's not just about me—it's about Shade, too."
Kaela's expression softened. "Shade trusts you. That's more than most tamers can say at this stage. The rest will come with time."
Azhaan nodded, her words settling some of the unease in his chest.
Kaela glanced at the Shadowstone. "You know, there's a small market on the lower level of the Spire where you can trade for evolution materials. You might not find a Moonlit Ember there, but it's worth a visit."
Azhaan raised an eyebrow. "A market? Why didn't you mention this sooner?"
Kaela shrugged. "You've been busy. Besides, I wanted to see if you'd figure it out on your own."
Azhaan rolled his eyes. "Of course you did."
The Market Below
The lower level of the Spire was a maze of narrow pathways, illuminated by the faint glow of enchanted lanterns. Azhaan followed Kaela through the bustling market, his senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around him.
Merchants called out to passersby, their stalls overflowing with strange and colorful wares—glowing crystals, jars of shimmering liquids, and stacks of rare herbs. Beasts of all shapes and sizes lounged beside their tamers, some watching the crowd with keen interest, others dozing lazily in the warm glow of the lanterns.
"This place is incredible," Azhaan said, his voice barely audible over the din.
"It's one of the busiest markets in Skyreach," Kaela replied. "If you need materials, information, or even a little help under the table, this is the place to find it."
Azhaan's gaze wandered, taking in the variety of items on display. A merchant with a wrinkled face and a sly grin held up a vial of golden liquid, claiming it was the essence of a sun beast. Another stall showcased what looked like scales from a crystalline dragon, their iridescent surfaces catching the light.
Shade padded silently beside Azhaan, its red eyes flicking back and forth as it scanned the crowd. The bond between them hummed faintly, a quiet presence in the back of Azhaan's mind.
"What are we looking for?" Azhaan asked.
"Anything that might be useful for Shade's evolution," Kaela said. "But don't buy the first thing you see. Some of these merchants are better at spinning stories than selling quality goods."
Azhaan stopped at a stall filled with small, glowing stones that pulsed faintly with energy. The merchant, a short woman with sharp eyes, leaned forward with a knowing smile.
"Shadow-aligned beast, eh?" she said, her gaze flicking to Shade. "You've got an eye for quality, I'll give you that."
Azhaan hesitated, glancing at the stones. "What are these?"
"Spectral Fragments," the merchant replied. "Rare and highly sought after by tamers with shadow beasts. They enhance agility and stealth, perfect for creatures like yours."
Azhaan reached out to pick one up, but Kaela grabbed his wrist.
"Not so fast," she said, turning to the merchant. "Spectral Fragments are valuable, but only if they're authentic. How do we know these aren't fakes?"
The merchant's smile faltered, and she huffed. "You've got a sharp eye, miss. Fine. I won't waste your time. But if you're serious about finding something rare…" She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "There's an auction tonight in the underground chamber. Exclusive entry, but they've got some of the best evolution materials in Skyreach."
Azhaan's interest piqued. "An auction? What's the catch?"
The merchant smirked. "No catch. You just need an invitation—and enough coin to keep up."
Kaela sighed. "Auctions like that are risky, Azhaan. You'll be bidding against nobles and guild elites. They won't take kindly to losing."
Azhaan frowned. "If they have what we need, it's worth a shot, isn't it?"
Kaela hesitated, then nodded. "It's your choice. Just be careful."
The Underground Auction
The underground chamber was dimly lit, its walls lined with enchanted runes that pulsed faintly in the darkness. The room was filled with an eclectic mix of tamers, merchants, and nobles, all dressed in fine cloaks and armor that shimmered with subtle enchantments.
Azhaan felt out of place immediately.
Kaela had stayed outside, leaving Azhaan to navigate the auction on his own. Shade moved beside him, its presence a small comfort as they made their way to the edge of the room.
A raised platform stood at the center, where items were displayed one by one. The auctioneer, a tall man with a booming voice, introduced each item with dramatic flair.
"Next up, a rare Moonlit Ember!" the auctioneer announced, holding up a small vial filled with glowing orange liquid.
Azhaan's breath caught. That was it—the material Shade needed.
"Bidding starts at fifty gold pieces," the auctioneer declared.
Azhaan's heart sank. Fifty gold was more than he could afford, and the bidding only escalated from there. Nobles and tamers called out their offers, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony of competition.
"Do I hear seventy? Seventy-five? Eighty gold!"
Azhaan clenched his fists, frustration gnawing at him as the vial slipped further out of reach. Shade growled softly, sensing his tension.
Before he could decide whether to bid, a voice from the crowd called out. "One hundred gold."
The room fell silent.
Azhaan turned, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the source of the bid. A tall figure in a dark cloak stood at the edge of the crowd, their face obscured by a hood.
Something about them felt… wrong.
The auctioneer grinned. "One hundred gold going once, going twice—sold!"
As the figure stepped forward to claim their prize, Azhaan couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the last time he'd see them.