The nobles grew conservative in their bid once the second coat appeared. As Adam expected, it was sold for a significantly lower price—ten million instead of the first twenty. From then on, everything went downhill, with the next eight going for about five million each.
He failed to contain a laugh as sharp as a dagger when Eric secured one with the smugness of a crooked merchant. He almost wanted to whisper to the count that he was the mysterious enchanter, just to see how the count's proud face would crumble. Almost. Safety, unfortunately, predated amusement.
As he ignored Eric's boasting about his house's wealth, the man's words died in his throat the moment the auctioneer brought up the last coat. The entire avenue fell silent as well, all eyes locked on the lifelike representation of Leviathan. Tidal waves twisted to the front of the coat, spreading on the sleeves that shimmered like a storm-churned sea with iridescent bubbles.
