The seal

Had beat them to it.

The man was forcefully shoved aside, and a disdainful voice cut through the air, addressing him directly,

"The lady declined. Do you possess no manners?" he proclaimed, assuming the role of a gallant protector.

Mr Dennis Smith, the renowned goldsmith intervened placing a protective hand on his waist as his venerable form positioned itself between the lady and the unruly man now sprawled on the ground.

"Are you unharmed, my lady?" Mr. Dennis inquired, his countenance wearing a mask of feigned concern.

"No bother sir am fine, I guess I should take my leave now" Amira said standing to get feet.

"Arrrghhh" she wince pretending to miss her footing.

Mr Dennis was quick to catch hold of her, Amira almost gag at his touch on her skin.

Zyran walks into the inn to a welcoming scene before him.

His eyes harden, and he dashes forward.

Amira glanced behind the man to see Zyran approaching her with killing intent visible on his face.

She braced herself for the potential conflict that could unfold. She couldn't help but think that this whole situation had been his idea, and now it seemed like he might escalate it further.

Amira grasped Mr Dennis's arm and guided him to face her, strategically positioning herself to obscure Zyran from his view.

"Mr Dennis, I would value your expertise on a project involving some custom jewelry," she said, diverting his attention.

Amira discreetly signaled Ali and Aaron, who swiftly intervened to lead Zyran away. They firmly directed him to observe from a distance, his frustration palpable as he gritted his teeth whenever Mr. Dennis cast an admiring gaze Amira's way.

"Of course, I would be delighted to assist a beautiful lady like yourself," Mr Dennis replied with a charming smile.

Amira nodded and gracefully rose to her feet, ensuring that the coat draped over her gown hung off her shoulder, exposing her flawless skin.

Mr. Dennis chuckled and also stood up.

"Ladies first," he said, as he followed Amira toward the secluded areas of the inn, away from the bustling main floor.

Zyran wasted no time in discreetly shadowing them.

Amira led him to an upper room devoid of any passersby. She turned to him with a disarming smile.

"Oh, I wasn't aware we were getting down to business so quickly," Mr Dennis said, his hand reaching down to unbuckle his belt halfway through.

His movements were abruptly halted as he was forcefully propelled forward, making an impact against the unyielding wall.

"The scoundrel is th_," he began angrily, only to be silenced by a menacing look directed his way.

"What's going on?" he asked, observing Zyran adjusting Amira's coat.

"It's cold outside, raccoon. You shouldn't let your fur down," Zyran said, adjusting her coat and disregarding the man whose wide-eyed gaze was fixed on their intimate display.

"Mr. Dennis, you poor man, you only sought a pleasurable evening. How could this have happened to you?" Ali said, stepping forward to assist Mr. Dennis to his feet.

"You're right, what a rude turn of events. I've been wronged," Mr. Dennis said, his face contorted with anger.

"My apologies, Mr I thought a beautiful lady like yourself deserved better, so I was merely staking my claim," Zyran said, pulling Amira close to him.

"Oh please sir, I am only willing if you are willing to raise the stakes," Amira said, turning to the two men.

Zyran's brow furrowed slightly as he peered down at his petite wife.

"I see," Zyran remarked, retracting his hand from hers and tucking it into his pocket.

"Right, right, my dear beautiful lady, I am exceedingly wealthy, and you will lead a far superior life with me. I offer you 20 teals of gold. How does that sound?" Mr. Dennis proposed.

"A lot you got sir", Amira flashed a smile as she tried to approach him, but Zyran swiftly pulled her back.

"20 teals?" Zyran inquired.

"He's proposing a higher bet," Amira confirmed.

"Indeed, sire, 20 teal can barely take a woman anywhere, women spend a considerable amount," Ali chimed in.

"What do you mean? I have plenty of money," Mr. Dennis protested.

"That's not sufficient sir, I've heard you have a family waiting for you at home. Balancing a mistress isn't a simple matter." Ali chips in.

Amira, turning to take her seat, found herself at the center of attention amid the heated exchange between the men.

"What do you mean it's not enough? I just secured a lucrative contract," Mr Dennis exclaimed, his eyes lighting up before abruptly halting.

Zyran perked up at the man's words, finally hearing what he had been waiting for. He had been toying with the man, and his patience was wearing thin.

"Ah, but that's not enough," Amira said with a glint in her eye, ensuring that the man kept talking.

"My lady, I have received orders from the higher-ups to craft numerous gold seals for an esteemed organization. It has been a smooth process so far, and the compensation is substantial. I will certainly amass a significant amount of wealth," the man explained confidently.

"Are you serious? Then show us how it operates. We all want to reach the same level of success as you, right Mr Dennis?" Ali added.

"It's not simple at all. The person in charge is like the wind, coming and going as he pleases, barely following any orders," Mr Dennis replied.

"Oh no, sir. I can't be involved with you if your life will be in constant danger. I wonder what the seal looks like," Amira said, pretending to look worried and afraid.

"Oh no no my love"

Zyran grits his teeth with a glare directed at the man.

"The seal is of no importance I can show you. Mr Dennis said, searching his pocket he pulled out the seal with a satisfied grin. Here it is," he said, waving it in front of Amira.

"That's more like it," Amira said collecting the seal and gazing down at it, she heard a thud raising her head Amira saw Zyran had knocked Mr Dennis out.

"That wasn't necessary," Amira said, giving Zyran a frown.