Zane's eyes widen imperceptibly. For a brief second, his posture slackens.
It's just enough for me to notice, before the hardness returns to his eyes and his mouth pulls into a tight frown. "I assume you will provide some context for these words of yours before I respond."
"Of course. A powerful man like you has no time to listen to vague, empty threats." Lucas settles his hand on the table and smiles. "So I'll make it clear. I'm here with a limited time opportunity: money and the safety of your people. You can have both, or neither."
Lord Zane's face hardens, but he remains silent, waiting for Lucas to elaborate.
"As we speak, the king is sending a division of troops to annihilate you. He knows what you've been doing, creeping around, sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, trying to sniff out the Angel's Tear. And you know what happens to anyone caught searching for the Tear." Lucas leans in conspiratorially.
