Robert La Feet adjusted his glasses and stared at the auction house catalog one more time. His paws trembled as he traced the listing for Lot 47. The Whispering Codex. The same manuscript that started everything when he'd glimpsed it as a kitten in his grandfather's study. Now it was here in Tongassia, finally within reach after years of searching dusty bookshops and attending endless estate sales. He smoothed his pinstripe suit and took a deep breath. Tomorrow's auction would change his life forever. But first, he needed to prepare. Robert walked through the market district until he spotted the wooden kiosk with carved details along its frame. He stepped inside and pulled out his list of contacts. His paw moved across the counter as he wrote messages to three dealers who might know about competing bidders. The kiosk operator took each envelope and nodded. By evening, his network would be working. Next, he found the display board mounted with its detailed map. Pins marked locations across Tongassia where collectors gathered. Robert studied each notation, searching for any last-minute intelligence about Lot 47. His claw tapped against a marking near the harbor district. Another dealer. Another possible rival. He copied the address into his notebook. Robert tucked the notebook into his suit pocket and headed toward the brick building on the east side of town. The Rare Book and Manuscripts Research Library stood quiet in the afternoon light. He'd already signed the lease papers last week. Win or lose tomorrow, this would be his base. But if he won, if he actually claimed the Codex, these walls would house the treasure he'd chased for twenty years. He pressed his paw against the door. Tomorrow would decide everything.