I stood, full height now, and faced him.
"The Rift's shifting faster than anyone expected. The seventh floor spawned a Shard Manifest. The eighth might be worse."
"You go in now, you'll be caught in escalation events designed for Vassals leagues above the public curve."
Noel looked like he wanted to argue—but then stopped. His fingers flexed slightly, knuckles whitening.
"I can fight."
"I know," I said. "But I need you alive, not broken. I was able to heal myself thanks to my Astral Patron. You do not have that skill yet."
His jaw tightened, but after a second… he nodded.
"Fine."
"But you better not die before I catch up."
I smirked, adjusting my mask.
"I'll leave the dying to the ones still trying to figure out who I am."
-
The hallway lights buzzed faintly as we stepped out of my apartment.
Noel walked beside me in silence, the weight of our conversation still lingering between us. We reached the stairwell, and he paused.
