[Sarytharn Capital — The Wine Shop — The Next Day]
The wine shop roared with life. Laughter spilled like cheap liquor, coins clinked, and voices tangled, but beneath it another world existed. Behind a concealed door—past stacked barrels and false walls.
A chamber quiet, measured, and waiting. At the center is a table, and around it is silence. Levin sat cloaked in shadow, a black hood drawn low, a dark veil masking his face—yet nothing about him was hidden.
Beside him, Lady Arinaya was composed despite the remnants of recent wounds; behind Raevahn stood silent and watchful.
And near the door a beast. Asha lay stretched, golden eyes half-lidded but aware of everything. Across from them are two figures, Raviel and Zyvera.
They had been talking moments ago; now they were not, because the air had changed. Raviel leaned forward slightly, studying the veiled figure before him, eyes sharp and untrusting.
