"Who cares about that?" he snapped. "You damn near died."
"I care. I went to quite a lot of trouble to ensure our win. I'd like to know it was worth it," she said.
"Idiot."
She made a face, but didn't disagree. Right now, she felt like an idiot;lu-ongmouths and human bodies didn't agree.
"So, did we?" she asked, looking at Finn.
"No one won," Graydon said from the doorway.
"That's a pity. I feel like the win should be mine by default," Kira said. She made one aborted movement to rise, before letting herself ease back. The wave of dizziness that preceded the attempt wasn't worth the possible humiliation.
"That's a bold statement, considering you needed both of us to save you," Graydon said, arching an eyebrow.
Gone was the concerned and slightly distraught man who'd whisked her out of the water. The untouchable commander was firmly in control.
Kira gave him a lazy smile. "All part of my master plan."
"You planned to nearly die?" Graydon asked skeptically.
"Yup."
Kira's thoughts felt floaty and far away as Jin groaned. "She doesn't know what she's saying. Ignore her."
"I do, too," Kira said, glaring at her friend. She turned to Graydon. "I planned to get shot by the drones and fake drown. Finn would have come to save me. Wasn't sure about you, but either way Raider would have been the first across the finish line."
She smiled at them as she outlined her brilliant plan. Her head listed to the side and she let it fall onto the pillow.
"How devious," Graydon said, not sounding as impressed as he should.
She nodded into the pillow. It was so soft and snugly. "I know."
"Too bad you didn't tell your friend that. He came running when you were attacked. From reports, he took down several drones before they managed to overwhelm him. The Luatha are quite impressed," Graydon said.
Kira groaned. Of all the times for Raider to express concern for her wellbeing. "He knows better than that."
"Evidently not," Raider said dryly from the doorway.
Kira's head popped up, her hair a tangled nest around her face as she glared at him. "We should have won."
"Instead, no one won," Graydon said smoothly.
Kira's head sank and she curled around her pillow.
"What's wrong with her?" Raider asked.
"She's under the influence of the sedative they gave her. One of the side effects is lowered inhibitions and a susceptibility to suggestion," Graydon said.
Raider's gaze was speculative as he glanced at Kira.
"Where did thelu-ongcome from?" Raider asked.
"That is the question everyone is after, and one I’ve already set my people to answering," Graydon said. "Thelu-ongare sacred animals to the Tuann, but they're not normally aggressive unless provoked."
"I know a secret," Kira said in a sing-song voice. She paused afterward and frowned. This sedative was powerful if it could make her sing. She hadn't so much as whistled a note since—her head tilted as she considered. She didn’t want to think about that.
She tuned into the conversation to find all three men staring at her. She blinked at them. "What?"
