Roderick hadn't even taken the time to investigate. He hadn't sent his men to sweep the perimeter or make sure there were no other points of insertion. For all he knew, the attack on Kira was a decoy used to gain access to the House for some other agenda.
Was his lack of concern because this was an attack on her? Or was this their normal operating procedure?
Either way, it pointed to a dangerous lack of foresight.
Had the safety of the Citadel and those inside been Kira's responsibility, she would have made sure to hunt the perpetrators no matter who their target. It said bad things about your leadership if someone under your protection could be hurt with impunity. It was only a matter of time before others attacked too.
The same thoughts seemed to have occurred to Graydon, his expression darkening further.
There was a small sound behind them as Amila ghosted out of the woods.
"They got away," she told Graydon.
Impressive. Kira knew exactly how quick Amila and the otheroshotawere.
The assailants would have had to be reasonably versed in the area for them to have pulled off their escape. Kira just didn't see a stranger being able to evade theoshotaotherwise.
A disturbing thought, considering she thought she detected a Tsavitee presence. Her frown grew pensive. She could be imagining things that weren't there, her nightmare influencing her.
"Did you see how many of them there were?" Graydon asked Kira.
"At least two. Other than that, I'm not sure. I didn't get a look at them."
"How do you know there were two?" Finn asked.
"Two weapons," she said. "The energy arrows and these."
She tossed one of the throwing knives at Finn. He caught it easily, lifting it as he examined it closely.
"These are of Luathan design," he confirmed.
"Are you sure?" Graydon asked.
"Very. They're the only ones who bother with the filigree along the sides," he said, tilting it for a better look.
"Form and function. It's practically their motto," Amila agreed.
"Why go after me?" Kira asked. "I haven't been here nearly long enough to make enemies."
"You're of the bloodline. Not just a distant relation but a direct descendant. If you wanted to, you could challenge Liara for her position as Luatha Overlord," Graydon said grimly.
Politics. Great. The last thing Kira liked dealing with.
"Where's your little friend?" Graydon asked, focusing on Kira. "I would have thought he'd be the first one out once the action started."
Kira met his gaze with a cool one of her own. "He's resting."
She didn't let her expression shift, keeping it calm and confident. She didn't want Graydon or the others to know about Jin's extracurricular activities, not now that his spying had become more important than ever.
The look in Graydon’s eyes said he didn't quite believe her. She tensed, expecting him to force her to prove it. If they checked her room, they'd know instantly she was lying.
Graydon turned, saying over his shoulder, "Come."
"Where are we going?" Kira asked.
"We need to report this to the Overlord," he said.
"Haven't we already established the Luatha don't care at best, and at worst she was the one to order the assassination," Kira said, following as he headed toward the manor.
