A steady stream of humans trickled from the Towers’ entrance. Their faces, full of uncertainty, turned toward Veranesh, and fear widened their eyes when they hastily looked away as if afraid to draw his attention or wrath. Fourth Archmage Varessa corralled them all toward the circle… toward his smoke screen. He could sever the connection with the mages as soon as his prison crumbled, but keeping the archmages unaware was more valuable than petty demonstrations of power. For the same reason, he’d agreed to Varessa’s request. Killing a bunch of helpless humans would hardly bring any satisfaction anyway, and could cause a rift between him and his pactee.
The fourth archmage was still watching him, her brown eyes wary and focused. Even when half of the students had already left, she was still
