Atticus didn't know what awaited him once he crossed the barrier, but he had long since accepted one thing: fighting the Marquis was pointless.
He wanted to avoid it at all costs. Each of them was effectively immortal in this world, and any confrontation would only drain time he couldn't afford to lose.
He glanced toward the woman.
"Are you coming with me?"
She paused, her expression briefly distant, almost puzzled.
"Will the elements follow?"
"A simple yes wouldn't kill you."
When she continued to stare at him in silence, Atticus released a tired sigh.
"What does that mean for me?" he asked. "If it comes to a fight, will you step in?"
The last thing he needed was a repeat of their previous encounter, where she had stood aside, observing in silence, only to interfere at the very end.
Before stepping into enemy territory, he needed to know exactly what cards were on the table.
"That would be inappropriate."
"What do you mean…?"
