---
Mira lifted the bell chain again. "The auction begins now," she announced.
A staff member rolled out the first display case. It was not a legendary item. It was a warm-up.
A high-grade piece that would attract bidders without revealing the strongest cards immediately. A polished weapon with visible runes, sealed under glass, aura humming faintly. The crowd leaned forward, interest rising.
Mira described it professionally, including grade, known function, and verified origin. Buyers began bidding.
Numbers rose fast. Not insane yet. But eager numbers.
Sekhmet watched the pattern of bidding more than the item itself. He watched who tried to raise early. Who hesitated. Who waited. Who bid in pairs, suggesting they were coordinating. Who acted alone, suggesting personal wealth.
Iron House participated early, throwing stones with confidence, trying to set a tone: We control this room.
They did not win the first item.
