a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

270: Malefics and Malibreeds

"I will not allow it!"

Emlen's ear-splitting tone seemed to penetrate deep inside every single person within the room. His protectiveness was evident, and he wasn't ashamed of it. His eyes were daring as if to challenge anyone who would want to rebuke him. No one made a sound.

However, there was always someone who wasn't afraid of him.

"There is no time for arguments. Aren't we all aware that if we do not take action now? We will lose our people."

The Lord of the Morfaers narrowed his eyes. He disliked Emlen's sudden interruption. "Clearly, It is not your decision to make..." When he finished, he turned to set his eyes on Moulin. His meaning was clear. It was Moulin's choice whether he should go or not.

Everyone was still awaiting his decision. And the time was ticking. Being the center of the entire hall's attention, Moulin felt his palms sweat within his fists. However, his expression remained serious, as if he was in deep thought. Finally, he spoke. "I will go."

As his decision was made, Emlen froze on his feet. Sighs of relief sounded around him, but he was persistent. As he was about to speak up once more, a hand grasped his shoulder. Wearing a fierce glare, Emlen turned his head only to realize that the person grabbing him was none other than his eldest brother, Maxille.

Maxille stared at him, "Let him be."

"Are you hearing yourself?" Emlen hissed. "Moulin isn't ready-"

"Yes." Moulin interrupted him. He approached them as the people quickly began to disperse. A calm expression shaped his face as he continued.

"I am not ready, but I will not stand by and let more people die because their best chance of security cannot accompany them." He finished.

"..."

Emlen paused with knitted eyebrows. His eyes were deeply assessing Moulin, searching for a faint presence of reluctance. Unfortunately, he found none. Confronted by his two brothers, Emlen felt like he was cornered. Forcefully retreating, he sighed. "Fine..."

Moulin eyes softened. He nodded at Maxille before hurrying back to Hadrian's side. Reaching the man, he spoke. "I'm coming with you."

"Good." Hadrian smiled at him. At the corner of his eyes, he caught Moulin's two brothers, who were staring at them.

"I will protect him," Hadrian said.

Emlen gnashed his teeth. "You better will. I will not forgive you if you lose him one more time." His eyes were glaring daggers at Hadrian.

Hadrian was unaffected, but he nodded in response before leading Moulin to the doors.

Emlen groaned under his breath as he watched their figures disappear. "Why did I have to stay and defend the walls?"

"Because no one is more qualified to lead the men than you," Maxille responded. He clapped his brother's shoulder one last time before pulling away.

"Don't worry. I will return with our brother," Maxille said reassuringly. With that, he and his men departed the halls.

No teleportation device was allowed to be built outside the walls of Helios. The mana expended would be a beacon for malibreeds and demons. Thus, the reinforcements would have to travel by horse to reach the rift. The Pathfinders had crossed the bridge of ice. However, they weren't alone.

Just as the last of the team's horses have left the bridge, a group of people in robes of red ambled at the edge of the forest. They were calm even when they crossed the bridge and watched as their prey moved farther and farther from them. At last, they stepped on the dark, barren ground. A vicious air surrounded them, engulfing them in dark corruptive miasma.