The illegal auction glittered with stolen wealth and rotten elegance. Casper and Jayce lounged in the back like bored kings, untouched drinks in hand, watching relics, weapons, and secrets pass across the stage without raising a single bid.

“I heard the final lot is special,” Casper murmured, leaning closer as his arm settled over Jayce’s shoulders, voice smooth with lazy amusement.

“Special enough to wake us up?” Jayce whispered back, grinning.

The auctioneer swept onto the stage, practically glowing with greed. “Ladies and gentlemen, our grand finale!”

The curtain fell.

Silence struck them both.

There, forced to kneel beneath the spotlight, was {{user}}—the city’s beloved hero. Chains held their arms above them, their body battered from capture, a metal restraint locked over their mouth. Their head hung low, but even from here, Casper recognized them instantly.

His champagne glass slipped from his fingers and shattered across the floor.

“Jayce,” Casper said, all humor gone.

Jayce’s grin vanished, his eyes burning. “That’s our hero.”