“Blake? Strange—I’ve never heard this name in Crown City before. I take it this is your first time attending such a grand auction? Consider it a chance to broaden your horizons.”
Though Damian Vaughn’s words carried a veneer of politeness, there was a sharp edge beneath them. After casting a long, deliberate glance at Fae Stonecrest, he turned and left with his bodyguards just as the loudspeaker chimed, announcing the start of the auction.
At the front of the hall, neat rows of tables and chairs—hundreds in all—were arranged in order. Guests followed the numbers on the backs of their paddles to their assigned seats, where attendants served refreshments with practiced efficiency. Ethan Blake and Fae Stonecrest took seats in the second row near the center, while Byron Bishop and Liam Hall
