The week before the auction, a letter arrived during breakfast.
Aegis was eating with Lune and Sophie when a messenger in Vermillion colors handed her the sealed envelope and left without a word.
Sophie leaned over, trying to peek.
"Ooh, fancy. What is it?"
Aegis broke the seal, scanning the contents.
Lady Starcaller,
Your presence is requested at the Vermillion estate at your earliest convenience. There are matters we must discuss before the Summer Auction.
Lady Cassandra Vermillion
Short. Direct. Not particularly warm.
[That's... odd. Last time we talked, she was all smiles and wine. What changed?]
"Everything okay?" Lune asked.
"Yeah. Just business. I need to head out."
---
She finished her food quickly and made her way to the Vermillion estate, a sprawling mansion in Rosevale's noble quarter that made her manor look like a garden shed.
