Against The Eternity Chapter 109: [108] Chapter - 64: Auction Begins (Part - 2/2)

Read chapter 109 of Against The Eternity by Phoenixfly_steller on NovelPedia.

[108] Chapter - 64: Auction Begins (Part - 2/2) Before the bidding for the ninth item had fully settled, Anshvi turned slightly toward Aashi, lowering her voice. “Aunty… I wanted to ask something.” She paused for a moment, then continued more quietly, “Is Uncle Ishant… okay? After Eklavya left that night…” Her gaze dipped slightly. “When he read the letter… he didn’t look alright.” Aashi didn’t respond immediately. Her head lowered as she looked at the floor, her expression softening. For a brief moment, silence lingered between them. “That night…” she said quietly, “he lost his composure.” There was no attempt to hide it. “He’s a father, after all.” She let out a faint breath before continuing, “But by morning… he had already steadied himself.” Anshvi frowned slightly. “Then why didn’t he send anyone to search for him? Outside the city… into the forest?” Aashi lifted her head and looked at her gently. “He wanted to,” she replied. “But he stopped himself.” After a brief pause, she added. “He trusted Eklavya… more than his own fear.” Then a faint smile appeared on her lips—soft, almost teasing. “And besides… It’s not like you managed to change his mind either when you met him.” Her eyes shifted toward the orb as she added lightly, “You came back the next morning… didn’t you?” Anshvi smiled faintly, a shy warmth touching her expression as she parted her lips to respond—but before she could say anything. A voice from below cut through the moment. “Now… it is time for the final item.” Her attention shifted instantly. She turned toward the viewing window, her gaze sharpening. On the platform below, one of the attendants stepped forward, carrying a tray draped in deep red silk. The colour alone felt different—heavier and deliberate. It was enough to quiet even the restless murmurs in the hall. The attendant approached the centre, stopping just beside the host. Her hands moved toward the silk but halted. A presence entered the hall. From the side stairs, a man walked forward. His steps were unhurried, yet each one carried a weight that silenced the hall more effectively than any command. The Head of the Patee Family—Jaism Patee. The woman hosting the auction turned immediately. Without hesitation, she joined her palms and bowed her head respectfully, then stepped aside, descending the platform without a word. The shift was subtle—but absolute. All attention moved to him. A deep, commanding voice spread across the hall. “Thank you, everyone… for participating in today’s auction.” He paused, his gaze sweeping across the chamber—not searching, but measuring. “As you all know, today’s auction is… special.” A slight emphasis rested on his next words. “Because of the final item.” Then suddenly the air changed. A pressure descended. It was invisible yet undeniable. The aura of a Spirit Warrior spread through the hall like a silent tide, pressing against every presence, every breath, every thought. Conversations died instantly. Even the most composed figures stiffened, their expressions tightening under the weight. It was not an attack but a warning. “Please,” he said calmly, though the weight behind his voice remained, “do not do anything rash… that may put you in difficulty.” No one misunderstood the meaning behind his words. When the head of the Patee Family spoke, it was not merely authority; it was law within this space. Without another pause, he reached forward and removed the silk covering. The moment it fell away, the hall seemed to draw a collective breath. Resting within a square case lay a bracelet unlike anything seen before. It looked like it was crafted from rare, interwoven materials. Its surface carried a natural elegance, yet what truly drew the eye were the Rudraksha beads embedded within it. Each one of the Rudraksha was faintly glowing and releasing a deep, steady aura. The light it emitted was not bright, yet it felt… ancient and profound. As if it carried a presence beyond mere craftsmanship. “Spirit Rudraksha Bracelet,