Xilos stood where she was, watching the Myriad Hearts Stone hover quietly ahead, still surrounded by rules that had settled back into calm. Beside it, Shen Yi's eyes remained half-closed as he sank deep into contemplation. Flames flickered faintly in her crimson eyes.
Not far from her, the two Guardians with their restrained, formidable auras remained respectful and silent.
Suddenly, the Guardian who resembled an upright beetle and carried a starlit spear turned his head slightly toward Xilos and spoke.
His voice reached her directly through a vibration of rules, clear and steady, with a respect it had not held before.
"You are honored guests of Hall Master Byron. We will naturally see to your needs without fail."
His compound eyes shifted between Xilos and Shen Yi in the distance before he continued.
"The Hall Master has invited you to visit. If you wish to go, we will look after Shen Yi while he remains in contemplation."
His companion, the Guardian whose aura was even more restrained, gave a slight nod and added,
"If you would rather not, you may wait until Shen Yi awakens before going to meet Hall Master Byron."
They spoke calmly, without emotion, merely conveying Hall Master Byron's wishes.
Xilos frowned slightly at their words.
She looked at the two Guardians before her.
Their manner was respectful and their words proper. Their gazes were steady, without the slightest flicker or hint of anything amiss.
She recalled how Hall Master Byron had personally appeared to clear the area, descending in a form condensed from rules. He had been forceful and direct throughout, but had shown no malice or intent to make things difficult.
Byron's manner had been almost indifferent in its detachment, without hostility.
Besides, if she had truly wanted to harm Shen Yi or Xilos, she