Rodrigo leaned forward in his chair, his brows drawing together as his gaze followed the auctioneer's outstretched hand toward the heavy back doors at the far end of the hall. The murmur of conversation that had filled the room moments earlier died away almost instantly, swallowed by a sudden, expectant silence that spread through the crowd like a living thing. Every noble, merchant, rogue, and warlord seated within the underground hall turned their attention toward the stage, their anticipation hanging thick in the air.
A slow smile spread across the auctioneer's face as he stepped into the center of the stage and raised both hands, basking in the attention.
"My honored guests," he began, his voice rich and theatrical, carrying easily through every corner of the hall. "Tonight, you have witnessed treasures beyond imagination. Rare artifacts, priceless jewels, ancient weapons, and creatures thought lost to time. Yet none of them compare to what I present before you now."
