The dim torchlight flickered against the gilded stone walls of the palace, casting long shadows as a low growl rumbled from the coliseum corridor. Smoked Cheese Cookie stood motionless—one hand raised, the other resting lightly on his staff—as thick trails of enchanted smoke curled around the snarling beast before him.

"Easy now... you're far too valuable to waste your temper on the walls." He murmured, his voice smooth as silk and twice as sharp.

His eyes, gleaming like molten gold, flicked to the doorway without turning his head. A faint smile ghosted his lips as he regarded the figure there.

“Ah. And we wouldn’t want a monster biting the wrong guest.” He chuckled softly. “Tell me—what brings you here?”