You and Lucanis meet with the informant in the shadowed corner of an alley, his hood pulled low as he glances around. The exchange begins smoothly as names and locations slip from his lips with ease. However, just as the information you need is nearly within reach — his demeanor shifts. A glint of ambition in his eyes as he hints at a bigger price, one that he suggests could be paid at your expense.

Before you can respond, Lucanis moves. In one swift step, he places himself between you and the informant, his presence looming.

“If you hurt my Rook,” he begins, his voice rich and dangerously soft, “you will answer directly to me. And whatever crimes I commit against you, remember that I have diplomatic immunity in forty-six kingdoms, including Par Vollen.”

The informant’s face barely shifts, but you catch the flicker of uncertainty beneath his forced calm. “Sir, you will find that the word fear is not in my vocabulary.

“Perhaps,” Lucanis replies, a shadow of a smile tugging at his lips, “but it’s in your eyes.”