"Are you certain we're not to accompany you?"
I flinched at the hurt in Luxxa's voice, but forced myself to face the stern knight.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have the mana to take you all with me."
The Star Guard looked aghast, fidgeting with their gear. Even Kahlen, the blade demon, looked like he was about to protest. Behind them, Fyren glowered at the ground, opening and closing his fists in anger.
"Damned World Barrier," he muttered.
"You already knew about that!" I complained, rubbing my horn.
"But that doesn't mean I have to like it. If this weren't imperative to our mission, I would never allow you to walk into danger without me," he said.
"Or us," Luxxa said, putting a hand on her chest. "We swore to protect you!"
"And you will, but ensuring we have a place to return to safely."
She froze, looking around the small courtyard outside the elves' cathedral where we stood. "You don't trust them?"
