Adam and the heirs reached the walls just as final deployment was underway.
The Acolytes stationed at the foot of the sector wall stiffened in shock. Adam's presence alone would have been expected, but the line of clan heirs and their followers behind him drew immediate alarm.
Hands tightened on weapons.
Before anything could escalate, Adam stepped forward and vouched for them. That was enough. He didn't place his trust in words alone, he had already read each of their soul flames on the way here and there was no malice, hidden intent or ulterior motive buried beneath bravado.
Trusting Adam's judgment, the acolytes gave the signal, permitting him and the heirs to pass.
A reinforced opening in the wall led inward to a long staircase spiraling upward. Beside it stood a heavy-duty elevator, its doors already open. They took it in batches, the platform rising steadily with a low mechanical hum.
Adam chose the last batch.
