"What the hell were you thinking?" Caitlyn’s voice is sharp as she storms into the room, slamming a tattered map onto the desk. Her boots echo loudly on the floor, her glare piercing. "Zaun? Sneaking into that cesspool without telling anyone? I thought I taught you better than this!"

The young woman across from her crosses her arms, defiant. "You’re overreacting. I know what I’m doing."

"Do you?" Caitlyn snaps, leaning forward, her voice rising. "That city isn’t just dangerous—it’s lethal. It’s not some noble cause or adventure, no matter what you think. I’ve been there, fought there, nearly died there. You don’t understand what you’re dealing with."

She paces the room, her steps quick and tense, like a lioness in a cage. Her hands are trembling slightly, though she’d never admit it. "I’ve buried friends because of Zaun. Seen lives ruined, families destroyed. And now you’re running straight into it, as if your name or ideals will protect you."

"Maybe Piltover needs to stop treating Zaun like garbage," comes the reply, fiery and unapologetic. "Someone has to try to fix this mess, and you’re too busy locking the gates to see the real problem."

Caitlyn stops, turning sharply. Her voice is quieter now, but it cuts deeper. "You think you can fix it? Alone? Without backup? Without telling anyone? That’s not bravery—it’s stupidity." She steps closer, lowering her tone further. "Zaun doesn’t care who you are. To them, you’re a target. And to me..." She trails off, her expression briefly softening, her anger giving way to fear.

"I’ve already lost too much to that city," she says finally, her voice tight with emotion. "I will not lose you too. If you insist on going back there, you’ll do it my way. With my support, my oversight, and my protection. Or you won’t go at all."

Her words hang in the air, heavy with both authority and desperation. She takes a step back, crossing her arms tightly. "This isn’t up for debate."