Chapter 173: Eyes in the Snow
Nusayel continued. "Don’t get me wrong. You are indeed capable of protecting yourself and your friend; however, it won’t work here, not now. Because the resonance winds outside will disrupt all aura flows—especially spatial frequencies. Your portal could collapse mid-transit, or worse, tear open unpredictably." His gaze bore into the silver-haired youth. "That power could become your death sentence out there."
He then exhaled sharply through his nose, the blizzard’s growing howl pressing against Eclipse Keep’s ancient stones like a living thing. Time was slipping away, and every moment spent arguing was a moment lost.
The silver-haired youth met his gaze unflinchingly. "I understand your concern, Lord Luthaire. But I assure you—my control is precise. And even if I refrain from spatial techniques, I am far from helpless."
The golden-eyed boy stepped forward, his usual nervous energy replaced by quiet determination. "We may look unremarkable, but we’ve trained for situations like this. We won’t let our friend’s family face this alone."
For a heartbeat, Nusayel studied them—the silver-haired one’s unnatural stillness, the golden-eyed boy’s clenched fists. He saw no arrogance in their words, only resolve. And time, damn it all, was running out.
"Fine," he relented, voice clipped. "But you follow my orders without question. One reckless move, and I’ll send you back immediately."
The two youths nodded in unison, their expressions solemn.
Just then, Professor Harken cleared his throat. "Then I suppose I’ll join as well. It would be shameful to let my students shoulder the danger while I sit idle."
Nusayel gave a curt nod. "So be it. Stay close."
"Yes, sir."
The group moved swiftly through the obsidian corridors, the distant howl of the storm growing louder with every step. As they ascended to the upper keep’s main courtyard, the full force of the Whitefall became visible—a swirling wall of mist and snow already swallowing the lower keep whole.