The rain continued its relentless fall over the high passes as the Jiunsu clan guards closed in around the massive serpentine form of Jake and the smaller dragons behind him. Their spears and swords remained leveled, though the fear in their eyes was unmistakable. The ground still trembled faintly from Jake's landing, mud and shattered stone scattered across the courtyard. Raani sat tall on Syreth, her golden eyes scanning the guards with calm readiness, while the other Dragon Maidens held their formation, hands resting on weapons but making no aggressive moves. The air was thick with tension and the constant patter of rain on armor and scales.
After several long, silent moments, a senior guard stepped forward, his scarred face pale beneath the hood of his cloak. "You will come with us," he said, his voice tight. "The Matriarch will see you. Shift back if you can. We will not allow a beast inside the hall."
