The blood guards stood stiffly at the entrance, their spears planted firmly against the stone, yet their voices lacked the iron confidence they usually carried.
One of them cleared his throat, eyes lowered just enough to be respectful without seeming defiant.
"Madam Cornelia," the lead guard said carefully, choosing each word as if it might cut him if mishandled, "it is not that we wish to oppose you. It is only that the rules of the Blood Moon Tower are… ancient. They were written long before any of us were born. Entry is not something we are permitted to grant lightly, even under your command."
Another guard spoke up, his tone just as cautious. "Madam insists that Lord Cain enter with her. We understand this. Truly. But if we allow it without proper qualification, the elders will not look kindly upon us. Our heads would not remain on our shoulders for long."
