"Marcus, the Violet Shard is incredible… but I guess that means my purple necklace is officially off the table," Amber sighed, gazing at the gem with a mixture of awe and mock disappointment. Her tone was dramatic, but her eyes lingered on the shard with unmistakable fascination.
Lily, in contrast, looked positively radiant. Watching Marcus acquire something so legendary filled her with pride, a quiet joy that surpassed what she would have felt if the shard had been hers instead. To her, Marcus's strength was her strength, and every step he took forward reflected directly on her.
"Stonehaven," the appraiser said, his voice turning unexpectedly solemn. "The Violet Shard is one of the Three Sacred Gems, personally awakened by the Goddess of Dreams herself. To see it return to the world, and to have it pass through my hands, is an honor I never thought I would witness in my lifetime."
