Malakai reached the carriage, and just as he was about to step in…
"Ninth Vein."
Hamada's voice called out from behind, and Malakai turned to look.
As he turned, he saw Hamada staring at him with a serious expression. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is it?" he asked.
Hamada stepped closer, his tone low. "Ninth Vein… unfortunately, I've been stationed here in the Blackreach by the Sovereign himself. I can't leave. Otherwise, I would've taken you back to the clan myself."
Hamada's expression was filled with worry, and Malakai understood perfectly where he was coming from.
He too had predicted how dangerous the journey back would be.
Then Hamada's voice lowered even further.
"Pardon my rudeness, Ninth Vein… but you have to be careful. You can't trust anyone within the clan. Although I hate to say it… now that you've evolved, a lot of eyes are going to be on you. And I wouldn't rule out attempts on your life."
