"Put your hands on your heads and do not move!" Julian's voice roared through the microphone, echoing off the high stone walls of the auction hall.

Before Chloe could even react, the glass ceiling smashed open. Dark, heavy ropes dropped down into the hall. Elite tactical guards in black armor slid down the ropes, landing on the cold marble floor with heavy thumps.

Chaos broke out instantly. Chloe’s personal guards reached for the guns inside their sharp suits, but they were far too slow.

"Drop your weapons now!" the tactical leader yelled, kicking the first guard in the knee. The sound of a bone snapping echoed in the room. The...