The room had finally settled. Plates piled high with exotic meats, glowing fruits, spiced drinks, and tiny desserts decorated in alien designs were scattered across the low table. Lyra was gnawing through a thick, roasted slab, tail flicking lazily. Viola had a platter of fruits and small pastries, delicately picking pieces while her eyes never left the table's edge. Angel sat upright, slowly sipping a faintly luminescent beverage, eyes half-closed but sharp as ever.
Xavier leaned back on the couch, taking a bite from his own plate. The room smelled rich, almost intoxicating, spices and sweet meat mingling with the faint metallic tang of the auction hall. He chewed, swallowed, and then… it hit him.
