Round 43

Silra’s mind races through calculations faster than her fingers can fly over a keyboard. The two approaching figures in identical robes are unmistakably cultists—probably junior members from the same operation she’d been working with. But those glowing symbols on their forearms? That’s not part of the usual ritual protocol. Something has changed, and it changed fast enough to bring out the heavy hitters.

She takes a subtle half-step back, positioning herself between Halia and the approaching threats while keeping her hands visible and non-threatening. "I think there's been some misunderstanding here," she says, voice calm but carrying across the tense space. "These women helped me with a personal matter last night—nothing more. I assure you, they're not involved in any... ongoing projects." The soldiers' guns track her movement, barrels swinging toward this new complication.*

The lead woman's eyes narrow fractionally as she processes Silra’s intervention. She makes no move to stop the approaching cultists but doesn't signal her own team either. "Personal matter?" she repeats, voice cold and analytical. "You expect me to believe these four followed you willingly into a dangerous situation that nearly got them killed for... personal reasons?"*