The jagged blade of the heavy halberd stopped an inch from Jasmine's throat. Gideon sneered and kicked the black parchment across the solid gold bricks of the plaza. The cartel enforcer wanted the ruler of Pearlstrand to kneel and sign the subjugation scroll before the gathering crowd of veteran deities. The twelve Elite Phantom Knights tightened their perimeter to cut off any route of escape.
Leo stepped out of the shadow of the obsidian fountain. He walked directly between Jasmine and the dark iron weapons. He did not summon his silver Templars or draw a blade. He simply placed himself in the center of the confrontation and looked Gideon in the eye.
"The negotiation is over," Leo stated firmly. "Pick up your trash and clear the street."
Gideon bristled at the insult. The enforcer grip
