How to exert power (2)

The moment they stepped into the inn, a tense silence greeted Lucavion and Valeria, and she immediately sensed something amiss. Around them, men gathered in the shadows, their gazes flickering with a subtle hostility that made her spine stiffen. Valeria's brow furrowed—what was this about? Had she or Lucavion done something to provoke them? 

Before she could speak, the innkeeper stepped forward, her face devoid of the usual warmth, her gaze hard as she addressed them directly. "From now on, we cannot welcome you here. Your stay at this inn has been canceled." 

Valeria blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What do you mean our stay here is canceled?" she demanded, her tone sharp as her frustration flared. "We paid for these rooms in advance. You can't simply turn us away!"