The auctioneer raised both hands, gesturing for silence.
"Let me remind you," he said smoothly, "that dark elves are a mythical race rarely seen in the kingdoms of men."
He turned slightly, allowing the light to catch the silver hair of the girl in the cage. She didn't flinch or blink, merely stared at the crowd with cool, dispassionate eyes.
"They are born attuned to the shadow. Their bodies are lean, but their strength is deceptive—muscle density, bone structure, reflexes, and nerve response all outclass even trained humans. From birth, they are simply more."
A pause.
"This one," he said, "has been measured at the peak of the Advanced Stage in terms of energy and physical readings. But let me be very clear. That only applies when using human standards."
Michael's eyes sharpened.
