Ferra adjusted the narrow extraction guide until the opening reached no wider than two human fingers.
The curved pathway wound through the nullstone barrier, avoiding the reflective surface of the spatial glass before resting against the child's soul membrane.
The aperture offered zero clearance for weapons, offensive constructs, or a secondary hand to force its way inside.
If the internal wards snapped shut, Ferra could collapse the guide's release collar in an instant before any inward shearing occurred.
"Guide is in position, so do not make any sudden moves!" she warned from behind her monitoring panel.
"I will treat her with the utmost gentleness," Vella replied softly, lowering herself to the ground.
Vella knelt on the flagstones outside the tiny aperture, keeping both luminous palms completely open and visible.
She spoke directly through the physical atmosphere rather than using telepathy, ensuring the frightened girl could observe her lips.
