𝓓𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓮

𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍

𖥔 ݁ ˖    ⭑
       ‧₊˚ ⋅   જ⁀➴๋࣭ ⭑๋࣭ ⭑

The rain pattered softly against the library windows, filling the quiet space with a steady rhythm. The warm glow from the overhead lamps made the wooden table feel a little cozier despite the stacks of books, scattered papers, and the half-empty coffee cups they had no business drinking.

Dominic sat in front of the computer, scrolling through article after article, his fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard. Adrien was slouched next to him, his curls an absolute mess as he leaned over Dominic's shoulder, chin propped up on his hand. His knee bounced under the table, and every now and then, he'd fidget with the bracelets on his wrist or tug at the strings of his hoodie.

Across from them, Elara sat with her arms crossed, pretending to read a book. She wasn't, though. Her eyes weren't moving, and every now and then, she'd flick her gaze toward the computer screen, then back down, like she was waiting for something.

"We should've never agreed," Dominic muttered, not looking up.

Adrien let out a breath, stretching his arms over his head before letting them flop back down. "There's no turning back now," he said, shooting Dominic a pointed look. "We're in too deep."

Elara didn't react, but the way she gripped the book a little tighter was enough to tell Adrien she was listening.

Then Dominic's fingers stilled on the keyboard. His brows furrowed, and he leaned in a little closer. "Found something."

Adrien perked up, immediately scooting in, practically pressing his face against Dominic's shoulder to see the screen.

The article was from some collector's website, featuring a fancy-looking photo of a smooth, white stone resting on a deep blue velvet cushion. Thin silver veins ran through the marble-like surface, making it look almost like cracked ice. The headline read:

Εκλειψη Stone to Be Auctioned at Thorne Museum—Open to All Ages!

(Formal Attire)

Adrien tilted his head. "Hey, at least they're making it accessible," he joked, nudging Dominic. "No rich guy 'invite-only' nonsense."

Dominic gave him a flat look. "Yeah, I'm sure that was their top priority."

The article went on about how some wealthy collector was putting it up for auction in a few days, claiming it was a "rare and mysterious artifact with origins tracing back to both Greek and Roman mythology."

Adrien whistled low. "That's convenient."

"Suspiciously convenient," Dominic muttered, leaning back in his chair. He tapped the screen. "A supposedly 'one-of-a-kind' stone randomly showing up at an auction just when we need it?"

Adrien shrugged. "Or maybe we just have insanely good luck."

Dominic gave him an even flatter look. "Do you hear yourself?"