The guard's eyes remained fixed on Raze, his hand resting casually on his sword hilt. The threat was clear without words.
Raze's mind calculated rapidly, weighing options and consequences and risks. Fighting was possible, his team could handle one guard, maybe two, but that would draw attention, more guards, an escalation they couldn't afford. Not in the capital, not when they were still building strength.
Running was pointless since they knew where he lived, where his team was. Running just delayed the inevitable while making them look guilty.
Which left cooperation, the smart choice, the safe choice, even if it tasted like ash.
"I'll come voluntarily." Raze stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him. "No need for trouble."
"Smart choice." The guard gestured down the stairs. "After you."
Raze glanced back once, saw Mariabel's face through the crack, concern and anger mixing in her expression. He shook his head slightly. Stay. Don't follow. Don't make this worse.
