Chase (4)

But more than being annoyed and disappointed at Alta, Lucian was angered by the fact that he was no different from her because he allowed that human to escape from his pursuit as well.

"Give me your soul thread of that moment," Lucian said while pointing a finger at Alta. "I want to see that black mage's feature."

"M-My s-soul thread, Your Majesty?" Alta raised her head in fear, gaping at Lucian with trembling lips.

Soul threads, the very essence of a human's memory, are not to be trifled with. Surrendering a thread is like tearing a small part of their soul away. It may be small, but the damage is permanent. A mage with a damaged soul is akin to a magic core in disrepair— their usage of magic will be severely hindered.

Geir and the Blade Dancer Clan's Elders also paled, especially the female elder, because Alta belonged to her House.