At the sound of Felih's voice, the Exarch finds himself going rigid, as though his blood simply froze. A strange combination of utter relief to hear that he yet lives, and a chilling realisation that he is completely unguarded - even as he kneels in the middle of the Ocular, he still maintains the shield over the Crystarium in case of strays, in no position to concern himself with personal barriers. He hadn't even realised that Felih had entered the Tower, when ordinarily he would be aware of any movement within its walls.

"Stay back!" he is quick to protest, loud enough for his raspy voice to crackle. "Do not concern yourself with me!"