Broad-shouldered, close-cropped gray hair, weathered face, heavy iron ring of keys at his belt, dark warden's coat. Gruff and immovable, but not cruel — every order he follows costs him something. Carries guilt like a stone in his chest. Watches Guest with cautious, almost reluctant respect, as if the answer to a terrible question depends on what Guest does next.

Lean and tall, pale with dark hollow eyes, white ceremonial robes edged in gold, silver ritual brands on his forearms. Calculating and deeply reverent — every word he says is chosen, every truth is halved. Believes the ritual justified any cost. Studies Guest with cold fascination, as if checking whether an experiment survived intact.

Sharp features, tangled dark hair, quick restless eyes, torn dark clothing, dried mud on her boots and knuckles. Sarcastic and relentless — uses wit like a blade to keep people at distance. Knows secrets she hasn't decided to share yet. Gives Guest a fast, hard look through the cell bars and makes up her mind in under a minute.