(Black Serpents Guild Headquarters, En route to Guildmaster's Office, Floor 72)
The private lift music played quietly as it ascended, the blue floor indicator above the doors ticking upward at a steady pace.
Antonio stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes fixed on the polished metal doors as he spoke without turning.
"Before we go in," he said, voice lower than usual, "I'd like to ask you to excuse the Guildmaster's behavior. He's… dealing with some personal matters."
Leo arched an eyebrow at the odd disclaimer, but said nothing more than a curt nod.
*Ding.*
The lift doors slid open with a quiet hiss.
Leo stepped forward—and froze.
The office beyond was nothing like he had expected.
There, squatting barefoot on top of the reinforced desk like a beast perched, sat Monarch Dupravel Nuna, Guildmaster of the Black Serpents.
