"We were about to attack you?" Zenon asked, realization dawning. One glance at the cold, clenched faces of Magnus and Aric confirmed they had come to the same conclusion.
Atticus gave a small nod.
Their expressions darkened. Magnus and Aric clenched their fists, while Zenon sucked in a sharp breath.
Atticus could see the turmoil in their eyes. He understood. None of them expected to become a burden, not here, not now.
But there was no time for reflection.
"They planned it this way," Atticus said, gaze steady. "The will restriction was so I wouldn't be able to shield you. And they're changing the mana signature constantly, so negation wouldn't work. They were expecting us."
The words hit hard. Magnus, Aric, and Zenon pushed aside their frustration the moment they heard them.
"Then how did you free us from the illusion?" Zenon asked, glancing around at the dome still surrounding them.
