Chapter 560: On Guard
"Haven," I began as we crossed the bridge towards the Heart of Haven.
"Yes?" the spirit replied.
He had taken his escort duties quite seriously, refusing to settle until I had linked my arm with his, my hand resting on his forearm, resembling a noble lady and her escort. Luke trailed behind us, his gaze fixed on the back of Haven’s head for some reason. If I hadn’t known better, I might have interpreted it as jealousy, but it was more likely mistrust. He had every reason to be wary of this realm’s inhabitants, considering their hostility up until now.
"Why must we walk to the entrance gate?" I asked. "Can’t you just send us back from anywhere?"
He shook his head. "Before, when your grasp on this realm was tenuous, it was more akin to a dream than reality. That transience is gone, and we must adhere to stricter laws. It’s not all bad, though. The realm can now sustain many different kinds of existences, like the goddess and her remnants."
"But you’re still the same," I observed.
He chuckled wryly. "In some ways, yes. However, I am merely a personification of this realm. Our interactions will remain the same, but my power is less abstract. Should the remnants fail to defend against intruders, I will act as a last resort. It is a difficult thing to exist in a realm that actively despises your presence."
I shivered, imagining how it might feel if the stars of fate were hostile instead of harmonious. It must be similar to the discomfort and hatred I felt when Haven fell, compared to the peace and beauty of its healthy, starlit skies.
Something he said caught my attention, and I slowed, looking up at his armored face. "What do you mean, intruders? I thought you could decide who enters?"
He met my gaze calmly but didn’t reply.
"Oh," I realized, my expression falling. "Is that one of the stricter laws?"