Zane's gaze drifted lazily toward the dwarf who had been staring at his wrist for the past ten seconds. Dwarf's eyes were locked onto the technowatch like a predator spotting prey.
The dwarf finally stepped forward, beard swaying, voice rough and confident.
"Give me that artifact on your wrist. I'll pay you."
Zane didn't even look bothered.
"No."
The word dropped into the room like a stone.
The two other guests — the tall human woman in white robes and the serene elven sage — blinked in mild surprise. Even Lucen's smile twitched.
Grom frowned, leaning in. "Do you even know who I am, lad?"
Zane tilted his head slightly. "Do I need to?"
Before the dwarf could bark back, Lucen smoothly stepped between them.
"Alright, Zane," Lucen said, rubbing his forehead, "let me introduce our guests first."
He gestured to the human woman.
"This is Elena Voss, the newly appointed chairwoman of the Dawnspire Institute of Solvanyr. Youngest archmage in the kingdom."
