[His warning bells had already been going off, but they're almost deafening now and his sense of self-preservation is truly warring with his desire to do what's right.

Does he call her bluff, or retreat?

Lance really doesn't want to be stabbed. He's been shot before, which honestly wasn't as bad as he would've thought, but he's heard stabbing is worse and in a place like Hadriel it'd be very dangerous even if the initial injury isn't serious. And just because his pain tolerance is high, that doesn't at all mean he's reckless with being hurt.

But on the other hand, all the reasons he hasn't already left are still there. Walking away now would be knowingly turning his back on Maketh either being hurt or doing something really reprehensible, and if he did follow through on his threat to call the others he might be putting them in danger.

There's also the matter of needing to establish, very firmly, that he isn't an easy target or someone who can be intimidated into compliance; that's a reputation that would likely prove to be very important here, well beyond this one situation.

And a part of Lance is also just really, really hoping Maketh has it in her to make the right decision. So he takes a deep breath, willing his voice not to waver.]

Is this something you really want to do? After everything you told me about not wanting to be that kind of person anymore?