Shalom Kolontarov stood imposing with his long black hair flowing over his leather-clad shoulders, gripping his sword tightly as its metal gleamed in the dim light. His dark brown eyes were sharp and focused. Watching him closely was Alina Zilbershmidt, whose light green eyes reflected both admiration and concern. The city around them was enveloped in a heavy sense of unease, with palpable tension hanging in the air.