Third Point of View

  From the shadows, Kraken observed the auction through the one-way glass above the stage. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd below, particularly focusing on the mysterious woman who had dominated the bidding. Her aura was overwhelming, her presence almost unnatural. As she secured yet another item, Kraken's lips curled into a thin smile. He swirled the wine in his glass, setting it down on the table beside him with a soft clink.

  "Who is that woman?" Kraken muttered, his voice low but filled with curiosity. He leaned forward slightly, watching her intently.

  One of his employees, standing to his right, glanced down at the papers in his hand. "We're not sure, sir. She's not listed on any of the VIP guest rosters. We believe she might be one of the anonymous attendees."

  Kraken chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It doesn't matter. As long as she keeps bidding like this, it's all gold in my pocket." He sipped from his wine glass, clearly pleased. The room was dimly lit, the luxury of the private viewing box a stark contrast to the clamoring of bidders below.

  The employee cleared his throat, bringing Kraken's attention back to the auction. "Sir, the next item—your aunt's artifact—is coming up soon."

  Kraken's expression soured slightly at the mention of his aunt. He dismissed the irritation with a wave of his hand. "Ah yes, the coffin. A useless, dusty relic." He scoffed. "Let's see how much these fools are willing to throw away on that old piece of junk."

  Just as he spoke, the door to the room swung open, and another one of his employees rushed in, panting and looking pale.

  "Sir! Sir, there's a problem!"

  Kraken narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening slightly on the arm of his chair. "This had better not be about one of those worthless slaves escaping," he said in a low, dangerous tone.

  The employee shook his head frantically. "No, no, sir. It's something else... It's—"

  Before he could finish, a loud explosion rocked the building, followed by a deafening roar. The glass above the auction stage rattled, and a wave of smoke and dust surged through the hall. Panic spread like wildfire among the bidders below, and screams filled the air.

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  Kraken stood up, eyes sharp, turning to face the entrance of his viewing box. Two figures emerged from the smoke: Thailon and Caelum

  Yeah Kraken is doom as hell.,…..

  Lara Point of View

  I held the wolf child close, feeling his tiny frame tremble against me. His fear was raw, tangible—his small body pressed into my side like a cornered animal.

  "Remain calm," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. "I will get you out of here."

  But his instincts screamed danger. His distrust was absolute. With a soft snarl, he transformed into a pup, his fur bristling as he tried to wriggle free. I had no choice. Gently, I placed him into my inventory—a space I had come to rely on when the world around me spiraled into chaos.

  Just as I secured him, the host’s voice sliced through the tension.

  "For our sixteenth item, we have..."

  My pulse quickened. A heavy silence followed as the object was unveiled—a coffin.

  A breath hitched in my throat.

  Recognition struck like a lightning bolt, yet I couldn’t place why. My body moved before my mind could catch up, drawn toward it by an invisible force. The air thickened, my fingers twitching with the urge to trace the coffin’s cool, ancient surface. The symbols etched into its frame stirred something deep inside me—something I should remember.

  Then—

  An explosion.

  A shockwave ripped through the air, sending the entire venue into disarray. Screams erupted, fear spreading like wildfire as debris rained from above. My instincts took over. In an instant, I channeled my power, raising a barrier around those nearest to me, shielding them from the collapsing structure.

  Caelum and Thailon.

  Of course.

  They had made their move.

  Should I join them in their reckless charge? Part of me burned with the impulse to leap into the fray, but another part held me back.

  No. The coffin.

  It whispered to me—called to me. The symbols matched those from the stone where I had gathered my points, their meanings just out of reach, taunting me. They held secrets, knowledge buried beneath layers of time. I needed to know.

  Without hesitation, I moved.

  My hands pressed against the coffin’s surface, and the world shifted.

  A surge of energy crashed through me, violent yet exhilarating. Points flooded in—zero twisted into an incomprehensible number, soaring into the trillions, illuminating the space around me in a blinding cascade of light.

  And then—

  Through the haze, a figure emerged.

  My breath caught.

  "Bruni?"

  Disbelief warred with hope as I stared at her. It was her—but not as I remembered. Her once delicate limbs were now replaced with sleek, mechanical arms, a stark contrast to the girl I had known.

  She blinked slowly, adjusting to the light, and for a moment, the world stilled.

  What had they done to her?