An auction for Tranquility Park opens at 50 million and quickly surges to 100 million as bidders gape and guests whisper that Ms. Tedds must be backed by an arranged marriage with the Whitmans. Mid-sale a disruption draws attention: Zayne confronts the room, taunting that mortals can be controlled, time manipulated, even have their souls taken. Pressed, he says he first wanted to train on the Tedds' luck-filled land but now declares, "I want your karmic merit." The crowd reels; the auction shifts from property sale to an explicit threat against Ms. Tedds, leaving her fate uncertain.