Arthur stepped toward the cloaked figure, chin raised like a noble addressing a peasant. "You've got ten seconds to start explaining who you are, or we cut you down. I'm not in the mood for cryptic garbage."
Luka winced slightly but said nothing.
The stranger didn't move. Just studied Arthur in silence, a flicker of amusement in those pale eyes.
"My name isn't important," the figure said calmly. "What matters is what I can offer: knowledge. About this corruption. About what's coming."
"Oh, how convenient," Arthur sneered. "A robed weirdo shows up just as we're mopping up the mess. Sounds like a setup. Maybe you're the one spreading this blight."
Serene shifted slightly, shield half-lifted—not at the stranger, but at Arthur.
"Arthur," she muttered under her breath, "maybe dial it back? We're not exactly in a position to throw away leads right now."
