Damon walked through the streets of Arven without haste, but also without distraction, like someone who didn't need to look around to know exactly where he was and who was nearby. The city remained alive around him, people passing by, distant voices, commerce functioning normally, but none of that really entered his field of attention. His focus was direct. Objective. He had walked this path before, and his body moved almost automatically, each step firm, steady, without hesitation or unnecessary deviation.
The door was exactly where it should be.
Discreet.
Hidden among ordinary structures, ignored by those who didn't know what to look for. To anyone else, it was just another unimportant secondary access. To Damon, it was a specific point. A direct access to what really mattered below the surface.
He didn't stop.
He just opened it.
As soon as he crossed the threshold of the door—
The attack came.
Fast.
Direct.
Without warning.
