Just by looking into Erend's eyes, they all knew he was deadly serious.
There truly was a place where they could grow stronger, one that had once been accessible only to him. But now, that door has opened for all of them.
Adrius and Lysander exchanged glances again, uncertainty flickering between them.
"What do you think, Master?" Lysander asked quietly.
Adrius exhaled, shoulders dropping. "We don't have a choice except this. So let's accept the opportunity."
Aesa still looked dazed, her thoughts drifting somewhere dark.
Erend walked toward her, his steps slow and careful. His expression softened with a guilt he rarely showed.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Erend said. "I can't imagine how you must feel."
Aesa gave him a bitter smile. "It's awful. But… just like you said, it already happened, and I can't change it. I can only try to make sure your world doesn't experience the same fate as mine."
