"Look, we don't like this any better than you," Raider said, irritation making him snappish. "But she's in berserker mode. It's kill her or let her kill us."
"Your weapons won't do anything to her in that form," Graydon said, forcing reason into his voice. He stepped nearer, placing his hand in front of hers. He ignored the sting of warning, the small snap of pain as he waited for her to meet his eyes.
It took several seconds before she lifted her attention from the humans. When she did, it was like being punched in the chest. Her gaze cut through all the noise, as if seeing into the deepest parts of himself. It settled him even as he yearned to lose himself in her.
There was awareness in those eyes. Intelligence. Feeling. She was in a battle rage, yes, but she hadn't let herself be lost to it.
"You are so beautiful," Graydon said in Tuann.
Kira blinked at him.
"It's time for you to protect yourself now," he said, his voice adopting a soothing cadence.
She drew one sharp claw down the cage wall. A streak of pale yellow followed.
"She's writing," Blue said in a stunned voice.
Graydon gritted his teeth and told himself that strangling the humans might set her off again.
"In primus form her instincts are close to the surface, but she isn't an animal. She's capable of thought and reason," he said, struggling for patience.
Although it was rare for one so young to possess enough discipline to gain control so quickly after the influx ofkinecessary to achieve the transformation.
Ships as promised. Jin has recording. Protect all.
Raider's lips thinned as he considered. He seemed torn between duty and loyalty. That struggle was what saved him and the rest from a painful death at Graydon's hands later.
Raider gave a jerky nod. "You heard her. Get to work on the exit strategy."
"Roger that," several of the humans said.
They moved quickly, bending and placing putty in a ring on the floor.
"Graydon, you’re not going to let this happen, are you?" Silas asked urgently.
His former mentor wasn't going to leave her side willingly.
"I'm not leaving either," Liara said. Her face was pale and slick with sweat. Her objection mostly for form's sake.
A derisive snort escaped him. She should have thought about her cousin's health before making that asinine deal with her in the first place.
Graydon met Kira's expectant gaze. He let out a low sound of frustration. "I'll do it. I'll get them out safely," he told her.
She inclined her head.
There was really no other choice. He had a duty to his people and the Luathan Overlord. As much as he'd like to stay and fight, some things came first. "Follow the humans."
His first task was to see those assembled to safety. He'd come for her after that.
He chanced one final look behind him, mentally ordering Kira to stay safe until then. She'd better be alive by the time he returned.
"Do it," he ordered Raider.
Raider nodded. "Take cover."
Raider and the other humans crouched, curling in on themselves, covering their ears and tucking their heads down.
He looked up at Graydon. "You should do the same."
