Chapter 109

"You're here!" The moment Aurora stepped into the room, Kevin Morse, the manager of the auction house, quickly approached her. His eyes were filled with respect, almost reverence. "Yeah," Aurora responded, her voice slightly hoarse. She waved off everyone else, leaving only Kevin in the room. She took a few steps forward and placed the sleek black briefcase on the table in front of them. "Mr. North… What's this?" Kevin asked, his tone laced with curiosity as he stared intently at the case. Without a word, Aurora keyed in the passcode, pressed her thumb to the scanner, and opened the case. A radiant glow spilled out, illuminating the room with an ethereal light. The air seemed cooler and fresher, carrying a strange tranquility that made it hard not to feel at peace. Kevin froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. Inside the case was a pearl-sized gemstone that was perfectly translucent and surrounded by intricately carved miniature figures of four mythical guardians.