Kira studied the group across from her, noting the careful way the initiates darted glances that held admiration and a hint of fear in Devon's direction.
For his part, Devon held himself carefully as if afraid moving too quickly might tip him into another transformation.
The young man had always struck her as a bit arrogant. Now, she could see the struggle in his face. He was afraid of himself.
He wasn't the only one, she realized. There was a thread of unease running through the initiates that had its source in Devon’s presence.
They might revere the primus form here, but they feared it as well.
She knew what that was like, to have the people who'd shared meals with you, laughed and joked with you, to suddenly see you as the monster. It wasn't an easy thing to experience.
Silas's gaze was thoughtful and knowing as he studied Kira. "I'll leave you here."
She narrowed her eyes at him as he moved to the other side of the room where Roake's oshota had arranged themselves. Sly old dog. Why did she have a feeling he wanted her to sympathize with Devon? Perhaps he hoped she understood what he was going through.
Maybe so, but Kira had done all she planned to do for Devon. At least he wouldn't have to live with the knowledge his primus had killed one of his friends. That would have to be enough.
Graydon quirked an eyebrow at her from across the room from his position next to Harlow. He seemed to be inviting her to take a seat with them.
Kira shook her head and started for where Raider and Blue sat.
A hushed silence fell over the initiates as several shot furtive glances her way. Kira paused. Ah, so Devon's status wasn't the only one that had changed.
Now Kira saw why Graydon had beckoned her. Any thoughts she might have had of blending in with the rest were over now. She'd done her job of distracting Devon's primus a little too well.
She glanced his way again, to find him staring at his desk.
Ah, well, she couldn't exactly take it back now. She'd done what was necessary.
"Big crowd," Kira said, taking a seat beside Raider.
A smirk spread across Raider's face as he made a show of looking her up and down. "Well, look who deigned to show up. Did you catch up on all your beauty sleep?"
"I did, yes, thank you," Kira responded. She made a show of stretching. "It was lovely. You should try it some time."
Raider snickered as he shook his head.
Kira caught Joule craning his neck to get a look at her. "Kira, you're back!"
She grinned at him, slinging her arms around his neck in an impromptu hug. He held still.
"Are you still upset about being support?" Kira asked softly.
Joule made a soft, muffled sound, emotion clogging his throat.
Kira cupped his cheek with one hand, her smile proud. "If you hadn't held your ground, I never would have gotten there in time. Some of you would have likely died or been so damaged it would've taken years to put you back together."
Joule looked afraid to believe her.
Raider nodded, spinning the stylus he held. "She's right. I saw the video. You did good. If this Overlord thing doesn't work out, I could use someone like you in the Curs." He jerked a head at Kira. "She's shit at those shields."
"They only think that because they're humans," someone muttered below. "Anyone can cast akishield."
Joule stiffened.
"But they didn't," Raider said with a nasty smile. "They stood there like fish in a barrel. Only you cast that shield, and you held it."
Kira glanced at him, a thought occurring to her. "What videos?"
