It hesitated, and for a heartbeat, nothing moved: The wind through the trees, the crackle of frost beneath shifting weight, and the descent of snow against the earth— but the portal. It pulsed patiently and alive, as its edges warped the air.
For a long moment, silence reigned in the forest, stretching longer than necessary. Finally, it exchanged glances between the portal and Vaeron, who watched him with detached interest, and the portal then landed on him again.
"W-What do you take me for?" It hissed, shooting daggers at him that never quite sharpened into glare. "That I'd risk myself again?"
"I was hoping you'd have learnt the difference between help and release, but it seems the distinction appears more arduous than it ought to be," Vaeron deadpanned. "You've been obedient. Save what little energy you have and return from where you came from,"
