Cyril can hear the panic in Sam's voice when he's reached and that makes him think something is wrong with the mage. He feels his heart drop as he grabs at his own crystal to respond. He's thinking that Sam has been targeted by some wayward mage hate, or that he's in trouble in some other way.

The thought that it's Merrick that Sam is calling about doesn't even cross his mind.

"I'm here. What's wrong?" And there's urgency. He wants to get to Sam right away if he needs help.