"A corruption," Elian replied, already turning to lead the way. "One of the priests in training... his power has inverted. He's tearing the garden apart, and the Purifiers cannot get close enough to bind him."
Julian's heart dropped. For some reason, when hearing that, his mind went to one specific chestnut boy.
Julian turned to a reluctant Lucius.
"Lucius, you have to stay behind," he said, placing his hands on the boy's shoulder. "It's dangerous so I don't want you getting hurt, okay? Lock the door. I'll be back soon, do you hear me?"
Lucius's eyes were wide and filled with worry, burned into Julian's mind, but the manifestation grounds were no place for a child right now.
"Come back," Lucius muttered, holding Julian's hand. "Soon, Master."
"Yes, I will," Julian said and then got up to face Elian. "Please position two guards to watch Lucius. I do not want an inevitable situation to happen."
