The heavy velvet drape gave way before the Watcher's walking stick, revealing an arched doorway carved directly into the mountain bedrock.
Elder Ilyra stepped swiftly into the corridor, raising one embroidered sleeve to block the summoner's advance into the private alcove.
"This inner sanctuary remains a closed municipal matter!" the council matriarch declared, her voice cracking with desperate authority.
"I carried her meals down this winding stair for two long years," the Watcher countered, glaring at the noblewoman with searing hatred.
"You will move aside for me right now, Warden!" she commanded, shoving her gnarled wooden staff firmly against the magistrate's chest.
Ilyra stepped back into the shadow of the archway, her aristocratic composure completely shattering under the weight of her guilt.
Hajin led his companions through the narrow stone opening, leaving the trembling lamp-keeper behind on the lowest step of the stairwell.
