No one can stand before me

Venus stood outside Odin's imposing residence, her eyes lingering on the name engraved on the board by the gate. She stepped down from the carriage, a cloud of dust rising as the wheels began to turn again.

The chauffeur, having been paid handsomely, tipped his hat and drove off, leaving her alone in the quiet street. She had deliberately chosen a local carriage, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to her visit.

The mansion loomed before her, its tall iron gates flanked by two stern-looking guards who surveyed the grounds with practiced vigilance. Their eyes narrowed as they spotted her approach, their postures stiffening at the sight of an unfamiliar figure.

"Is Odin inside?" Venus asked them.

The guards exchanged a quick glance, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. One of them, a tall man with a grizzled beard, stepped forward.