I inched closer to the portal. Just as I was about to examine it more thoroughly with my spiritual power, a slight tug on my wrist pulled me back. "Qing-er," Bai Ye's voice called softly.
I looked back at him. After what he just told me this morning, I knew he wasn't going to stop me anymore, but he must still be worried about me going after her so quickly. "I'll be careful," I promised with a smile. "She's going to be busy, and Wen Shiyin will be there to help me. Don't worry."
He shook his head though. "First, I'm not leaving your side. Take me with you."
I blinked. The way he just said those words … almost didn't sound like him. It was a command, leaving me no room to argue, but it was also spoken so caringly and gently that it didn't come out commanding at all, as if that was the only natural thing he was reminding me to do.
For the third time today, he had surprised me.