When something’s cost went into platinum valuation, it was called an invaluable or peerless item. Those items were considered life-changing or life-altering; to get them, one would sometimes have to almost sacrifice part of one's humanity or even one’s family.

Eva realized this as soon as Khyrum mentioned that the magical gear being auctioned had probably surpassed the highest monetary value that such an item could warrant.

“The way it’s been publicized, I think it has a chance of going platinum,” I said to Eva.

Eva's gaze met mine. Her face was a canvas of worry and frustration, a reflection of the weight of her predicament.

I tried to do my best to comfort her and assure her the situation would work itself out.

“Don’t worry, beautiful; I don’t believe your dad will sacrifice your family's being for such an item,” I said in a comforting voice.

“I even have my doubts that he will be able to continue with the bid once he realizes the insanity that auction will cause,” I finished saying.

Eva seemed to realize what I was trying to say and nodded in agreement.

“I sure hope it’s that way; we can’t afford to spend money on such things right now,” she said.

Eva took a step back from me while reaching for my hand simultaneously.

“I’m going to miss you, Khy.”

“I really wish I wasn’t going so I could spend some more time with you, but unfortunately, my parents are adamant about me going,” she said, annoyed.

“I know it’s because of Brandon, but I’ll tell you right now, I’m going to lock myself in my room until the trip is over; let's see how they like me then,” she said indignantly.

I couldn’t help but feel something warm inside.

I thought about asking about the Book of Chronicles when she first reached out to me so we could meet, but now, I was having reservations about saying anything. I didn’t want to seem inconsiderate.

“Beautiful, try to enjoy yourself as much as possible on this trip. I know that Brandon, the ass wipe, will be there bothering you but try not to let him get to you,” I said, trying to encourage her.

“We’ll meet again once you come back. Hopefully, by then, everything has worked itself out,” I said, planting a small kiss on her forehead.

Eva just looked at me with sad eyes as she began to walk away. She stopped and turned her head slightly.

“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything since you won’t be there,” she said as she blew me a kiss and continued to walk away.

Back at Cypree Island

Inside the Pafos forest, located in the northeastern corner of the island, lay a small operation base, cleverly camouflaged to blend in with its surroundings.

Inside the base, Alexei and his team sat around a table, discussing the last part of the plan.

Alexei’s team had extensively researched Heritage Auction’s home city of Nikosia inside Cypree. This city would hold the auction of the century, as some spectators called it, and as such, security was ramped up to the extreme over the last few weeks. Alexei had to be sure his team was ready as the auction date approached.

“Kona, you and Finn will provide a distraction for Theo once he secures the objective inside the auction house at Heritage Square Plaza,” said Alexei as the team listened on.

Theo was the last team member of the six; he had been on a special mission and had just recently rejoined the team when they got to Cypree.

“Ranault and Oskana will be the muscle, keeping the few alphas that might get close to us away for at least 5 minutes. That will be our window,” he said with a determined face.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“If we can’t secure the package in those five minutes, we will scratch the job and retreat to the safe house at Beledyesi,” continued Alexei, who pointed to a place on the map on the table.

“Once the package is secure, I will meet Theo at Thessa Park on the city's east side to transfer it. After that, we will all go our separate ways and regroup back at Anzu Island,” Alexei said as he looked at the group.

Even though the tension was so thick that you could cut it with a knife, everyone seemed upbeat about the job.

“We got this bossman,” said Renault with confidence.

“Yeah, those idiots won’t even realize what happened until we're long gone. By then, we will be back at Anzu Island,” said Kona with a smirk.

“Alright, that’s good; that’s what I want to see in my team,” said Alexei.

“Everyone enjoy your last few days of freedom. Come Wednesday, we’ll need to get serious and put the plan in play, “he said as he got up from the table. The rest of the team followed his lead and they all exited the base.

The next few days passed by boringly. The school was half empty on Monday and Tuesday as most students' families had taken advantage of the short work week to go on vacation. Many left for the capital cities to settle in and watch the auctions at the different Heritage Auctions located throughout the various capitals.

Wednesday arrived, and as soon as I got out of bed at 8 am, I received a call from Damian on the CAD.

“Prime, I’m heading to your house; be there in 30 minutes. The transport is already here, and they are waiting for us,” he said, sounding rushed.

“Not even a good morning, or hey, how did you sleep Prime? It's straight to business,” I said, sounding irked.

Damian stayed silent for a moment before saying.

“Sorry, it's just that I’ve been under a lot of pressure since yesterday, and I haven’t slept well,” he said, sounding depressed.

“He does know I’m being sarcastic,” was my only thought after hearing him.

After another moment of silence, I finally told Damian I was being sarcastic.

“Damian, you do know sarcasm, right?”

I could hear a muffled grunting sound on the other end of the call, as if he was having a bad stomach ache.

“You ok, Damian,” I asked.

After a minute, Damian answered, “Yeah, I’m good. I just can’t wait to get this shit over with.”

Right after the call was terminated.

I rushed into the RR, washed, and got dressed. I left my room, went to the kitchen, and got myself something to eat as I waited for Damian to tell me he had arrived.

After about 15 minutes, he messaged me. He was downstairs waiting.

I didn’t think anyone was with him, so I didn't bother wearing my cloak. I doubt he was dumb enough to bring anyone to help him pick up Prime. That would let them know where I lived.

I exited the apartment, entered the elevator, and descended to the lobby. Once I exited the elevator, Paige was the first person I saw sitting in the lounge.

She was having what looked to be a heated conversation with someone on her CAD. She looked my way and seemed to want to say something, but I didn’t give her the chance as I quickly exited the building and headed towards the street.

I spotted Damian and quickly boarded the transport vehicle.

“Drive,” I said quickly.

Damian pressed the accelerator on the transport, and we immediately took off. I looked through the rearview mirror only to spot Paige running out of the building as if looking for someone.

“That was close,” I said to myself.

I looked at Damian, and he had this face that said either “I’m constipated and haven’t taken a shit in a week,” or “I’m so fucking nervous I’m going to pee myself.” Either way, he looked terrible.

“Damian, why do you look like that,” I asked.

Damian nodded and said, “It's nothing; I just lack some sleep.”

“We are going to the King National Airbase. The rest of the team is already waiting for us there,” he said, his expression worried.

“Team?” I said with a questioning face.

Damian knew this might cause an issue, as I usually like to work alone, but now I have been thrown in with a team of who knows what.

“Prime, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t convince the commander to let you work alone. He said that you had to learn to work in a team, as no one was strong enough to be a lone wolf nowadays,” said Damian.

“Hmm, so that is what the commander said. I might need to revisit my agreement with him if that’s the case,” I said in an icy voice.

Hearing what I had just said, Damian’s expression changed to one of terror, as he started sweating profusely from his head and forehead.

“Tell me who is on the team,” I said, looking at Damian expressionless.

He blinked a few times and stuttered a little bit as he started to speak.

“The team, I believe, consists of me, you, Ethian, Commander Dythaxio’s son Tixus, Commander Shelong’s Granddaughter Eres, and Commander Kroto's son Kenn,” he said, a little hesitant.

“According to the rankings, Tixus, Eres, and Kenn place in the top 50 among all Alphas under 30 years of age. They're very good. And you know Mr. Richie already, so I don’t have to introduce him,” said Damian.

“Hmm, three young adults and an old man. Alright, I’ll see how they act when we meet. Any other surprises,” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Damina swallowed hard before speaking again.

“Well, although those four are the team, we won't be traveling only with them as we head to Cypree,” he said.

I looked at him, confused.

“Explain?”

“Well, it seems we will be traveling with all three commanders, plus Mr. Ethian’s son Brandon and Zone 16 leader Nikolas and his daughter Selin,” said Damian, sweating buckets now.

Fuck, I could feel a headache coming on.

“Did you say Brandon?” I said in a murderous voice.