Nox looked at the black envelope in his hand, then at the hooded attendant. 'A private audience? Annoying. This is going to waste time.'
Vexia stepped forward, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade, and she placed herself between Nox and the attendant. "We will not be separated. We attend as a group, or we do not attend at all."
Elisa just grinned, cracking her knuckles. "A trap? Or an invitation to a private party? I say we go!"
The attendant did not even look at the two elves, and his hooded gaze remained fixed on Nox. "The Collector's invitation is for the Candidate, Nox, alone. The offer is not a negotiation."
'So he knows my name, interesting.' Nox looked at the spire, then back at his companions. Vexia was right, it was obviously a trap, but it was also an opportunity. This Collector person was a major player, and getting a direct line to him this early in the game was a huge advantage. Refusing would be the safe move, but safe was inefficient.
