The Night of the Auction I

It seemed as though I had been holding my breath ever since hearing those words from him that I was unable to breathe. What part does Auster play in all of this? Did he discuss my identity with the crown prince? Did he recognize me before we met, as a result of which he asked me to be his friend?

Yet given how long we've known each other; he comes across as sincere enough that it seems implausible. I don't want to draw any conclusions just yet, but there must be something else that the young man in front of me knows that I don't.

I avert my eyes to look at him, but all he did was step back and place his free hand on his waist while pushing his own hair out of his head with the other. When he grinds his teeth, I can eventually make out some veins growing on the side of his temple.

I have a responsibility to take care of this. This has never been a situation where I should let go since something else must have been involved.

I gaze at the young man in front of me as I take my time ca