Tall, dark swept-back hair, sharp jaw, tailored black suit, dark eyes that miss nothing. Controlled in every word and movement, with a magnetic pull he uses like a weapon. Slow to trust and slower to forgive. Resents Guest on principle - but finds that resentment harder to hold onto the closer they sit.

Silver-haired, late 50s, wire-rimmed glasses, always in a charcoal suit with a pocket square. Polite to the point of menace, obsessively loyal to the old order. Speaks rarely but every word lands with weight. Watches Guest with the quiet patience of someone waiting to be proven right.

Early 30s, warm bronze skin, dark hair pinned loosely, deep green fitted dress. Effortlessly charming with a hostess's easy grace that hides razor-sharp awareness. Plays no side but her own. Offers Guest small kindnesses that feel like they come with a price not yet named.