Of Blood and Roses: Black Skull Chronicles: Book 2 by Ziegler Samantha

Author:Ziegler, Samantha
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Finished Fiction LLC
Published: 2023-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

- Elyse -

The Diamond Room was exactly like the Sapphire Hall except for two things. The first was, of course, the incorporation of diamonds. They glittered, nearly blinding, across every wall and column, their decadence overpowering any sort of elegance. The second difference was that a dais stood at the far end of the room with three chests atop pedestals, and a stout man with a ruddy face. He was dressed in a simple suit, his expression all business as he watched Elyse and the other attendees file into the room.

A murmur swept over their small group as anticipation set in, spreading from one party-goer to another. Elyse was not immune to the excitement as a mixture of curiosity and apprehension mingled in her stomach.

“What are the other two items?” she asked Jaime, who had joined her and Manny. She had been so absorbed with plans to steal the rose that she hadn’t bothered to ask sooner.

“The first is a necklace that will keep the wearer from being cursed,” Jaime explained. “And the second is a pair of gloves said to be worn by Death.”

Elyse nodded, her eyes fixed on the dais. That explained Mr. Grayson’s interest in being there. He would probably use the gloves as some sort of bargaining tool with Death. Perhaps the gloves were the final piece he needed in his eighty-year quest to bring his wife back to life.

“And the third is the rose,” Manny said. A statement, not a question. He too, stared up at the chests atop their pedestals, a sort of determination in his eyes.

Elyse used the moment to sense the wards, getting a feel for what she would be up against. Her magic brushed against a protective wall that surrounded the dais, safeguarding the artifacts and the man accompanying them. The wall was complex, like layered bricks, but not impossible to tear down.

“Are you ready?” she asked, turning her gaze on Manny.

His answering smile was roguish. “I feel like I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.”

Elyse couldn’t help but smile back at him, her anxiety transforming into excitement.

The stout man on the dais raised his arms, signaling for everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming to this auction, and thank you Professor Belledieux for hosting,” he called out to the room.

Belledieux waved his hand as the attendees politely applauded him.

When everyone quieted down again, the man continued. “I will be auctioning off these items on behalf of my employer, who has decided to part ways with them in exchange for your generous offerings.”

“Who is his employer?” Manny asked Jaime in a low voice.

Jaime just shrugged. “He’s selling them anonymously.”

That was curious—but fortunate for them that this mysterious person had decided to sell the rose.

“Funds will be collected at the end of the evening, and you will be given your purchased artifacts along with letters of authenticity,” the man added. “If you wish to bid on an item, simply raise your hand.”

Seemed easy enough. Elyse glanced around at the others, noting their eager looks.

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