"No."
The word cut through the magical vault vault like a blade.
Alex stepped forward, his eyes locked on Rhyena.
"Kyle is in no condition to move and I will not have him collapsing in the middle of the North Ruins where I cannot reach him. He stays here."
"So you do care?"
Alex clenched his fists.
"Don't be a fool Alex." Rhyena argued, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade.
"He's the only one who can track her. You're choosing your own fear over that girl's life."
"I am choosing the survival of this kingdom!" Alex shouted, his voice echoing off the damp stone walls.
"If he loses control out there, it won't just be Lyla who's lost. It will be everyone."
Kyle tried to step forward, his jaw set in defiance.
"Alex, I can do this. I don't care if I collapse, I have to—"
Alex flinched at the sound of his name from Kyle.
"You can barely stand, Kyle!" Alex turned on him, his expression a mask of raw, desperate frustration.
