Bait

"I have listened to their report directly," Aillos replied, not one bit threatened by Lucian's rising energy. "They relayed what happened in the tower in full detail. I'll answer your questions myself."

Lucian's frown deepened at Aillos's unyielding defiance. He had anticipated resistance to his demand, but not to this degree. He had hoped that Aillos would at least consider his proposal, but Aillos's loyalty to his clan was unshakeable. The clash between Lucian's pursuit of justice and Aillos's steadfast loyalty created a chasm that seemed insurmountable.

"The more you refuse to hand them over, the more you admit that you have something to hide."

Aillos shrugged, "It is pointless to reason with you since you'll doubt anything I say. For this reason, I cannot allow you to take any of my people."