Into the mountains - Noctavian's POV

The sound of his mother's voice calling his name lingered in the air. It felt like a gut punch after he had intentionally avoided looking her in the eye just before stepping into that portal. He knew that persuading his mother to forgive his disobedience would be a challenge, but he believed that what he was doing was not just worth the risk but an imperative that could not be ignored.

Egon von Conradie had to face a fair trial, and Noctavian was the only living being capable of conducting it.

At the far end of the tunnel, a faint glimmer of light called out to him. It evoked the advice his mother had shared during their last journey through a portal together: Keep your eyes on the light and let it guide you.

He was ready for the minor disorienting physical sensations that came with this form of travel, particularly since it was his first experience opening a mana portal using four precious mana stones his mother had acquired from Destan.