"No. No, they will not," Dimitri agrees. His eyes flash; his lip curls; a growl like distant thunder rolls behind his voice. "I can't promise you this place is safe, but I can tell you this -- I know of no one here who would harm them, and many who would swear to their protection. Myself included."

The flare of anger fades. Dimitri rolls his shoulders back, keeping his hands loose and open at his sides. More softly, he goes on, "I can explain, if you like, but -- perhaps somewhere more private."