The auctioneer, sensing the climax nearing, raised her voice. "230 million! This is your chance to claim a treasure that could reshape your destiny. Do I hear more?"
The room held its breath, waiting to see who would make the next move.
The tension in the auction house was palpable. Every eye was locked on the glowing screen displaying the current bid.
"240 million," came Loki's smooth, mocking voice from VIP Room 6. His tone was light, almost playful, as if he were toying with the others. "Come on now, surely the rest of you aren't done yet?"
Hades' chuckle echoed through VIP Room 3. "245 million," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "A little shadow trickster like you shouldn't play with the big leagues, Loki."
The jab was subtle but clear. Loki smirked from his room, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned back.