(Opening Scene: Zane stands in Astrid's chambers, Eclipse coiled defensively on his shoulder, still coated in lethal black venom. The dead guard lies on the floor, a gruesome testament to Eclipse's power. Lady Elara Montaigne watches Zane with a mixture of fear and accusation.)
The air in the room is thick with tension and the lingering scent of death. The remaining Montaigne guards, though trained to obey, are hesitant to approach, their eyes darting nervously between Zane, the venomous Eclipse, and the fallen comrade.
Lady Elara, her face pale but her voice regaining its usual steel, addresses Zane, her gaze unwavering. "You. Control your… creature. Now." Her tone was a command, but there was a tremor of fear beneath the surface.
Zane's jaw tightened. He understood Lady Elara's fear, but he also knew Eclipse had acted to protect Astrid. He gently stroked Eclipse's scales, a silent reassurance to his familiar. "He is under control, Lady Elara. He acted to defend Lady Astrid. He perceived a threat."
"A threat?" Lady Elara's voice rose slightly. "He killed a man! A trained guard! Because he perceived a 'threat'?" She gestured to the fallen guard with a disdainful wave. "This… this is unacceptable! This creature is a menace!"
Zane met her gaze, his own hardening. "He is protecting those he is bonded to, Lady Elara. And he is incredibly powerful. Perhaps, instead of demanding control, you should consider the circumstances that led to this." He glanced at Astrid, a silent acknowledgment of her earlier distress.
"The circumstances?" Lady Elara scoffed. "The circumstances are that your… familiar… is a danger to everyone around it! It will be contained, and you will explain this… this display of lethal force."
Zane's hand clenched, a flicker of dark energy dancing around his fingertips. He knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn't afford to antagonize Lady Elara further, not with Eclipse still coated in venom and the guards poised to act. But he also wouldn't allow Eclipse to be treated like a wild beast.
"Eclipse acted to protect," Zane repeated, his voice firm. "He is bonded to me, and through me, he extends that protection to Lady Astrid. Any attempt to harm her will be met with his full force. Perhaps," he added, his gaze sweeping over the terrified guards, "a more… cautious approach would be advisable."