The Black Cat, Part Twenty-Four

The Blades of the Church's guildhall loomed ahead, its stained-glass windows casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the cracked pavement as Zenith approached.

Asuka and Emi flanked her, their footsteps echoing in silence of the streets. 

A flicker of movement caught Zenith's eye. The glint of steel as a dozen guards snapped to attention, their weapons leveled in her direction.

"Hold!" one of them barked, his gruff voice laced with hostility.

Zenith raised her hands in a placating gesture, emerald eyes scrutinizing the guards standing before her. 

"I'm here to speak with Damian," she stated, her tone calm yet firm. "We have business to discuss."

The guards exchanged wary glances, their grips tightening on their weapons.

After a tense moment, one of them turned and disappeared into the depths of the cathedral, no doubt summoning their leader.

Asuka leaned in close, her lips brushing against Zenith's ear.