Chapter 12

Leofric's crisp autumn air flowed into the auction house's grand, domed space, while the crystal chandeliers cast sparkling fragments of light onto Tara's off-white cashmere coat, giving her complexion a soft, warm glow. Quentin held her hand, his touch familiar and comforting. He spoke in a low voice, pointing out the expensive jewelry pieces about to be auctioned on the stage. His eyes glimmered with tenderness as he reached out to tuck her wind-tousled hair behind her ear, saying, "If you like it, then I'll bid for you, Tara." Tara nodded with a smile, her eyes immediately captivated by the sapphire necklace on display. She noticed that the gem, enormous in size, refracted a dazzling spectrum of colors, and this very brilliance coincided with a dim, indistinct figure residing in the furthest reaches of her recollection. "That sapphire looks so familiar, Quentin," Tara said, furrowing her brow slightly. She suddenly felt a sharp, unaccountable pang hit her heart, suggesting a lo