"I remember," Graydon said with a lazy amusement. "You should know by now how committed I am to our people. I don't play favorites, and I don't bow to anyone's demands. Even yours."
"That's what scares me," Harlow said. "Will you sacrifice her too?"
Graydon's nostrils flared as he kept himself from striking out at the man who'd partially raised him. "I won't have to. We both know she'll do it before I can stop her."
Harlow's expression stilled. "It seems we're at an impasse. Perhaps tomorrow while we wait to see if she passes the trial, we can settle this matter with sparring. It'll be like it used to be."
Graydon's chuckle was dark. "I thought you'd never ask."
TWENTY-FOUR
Kira fiddled with the high collar of her jacket, still unsatisfied as she frowned at the reflection in the mirror. The outfit she'd found on her bed last night with a message instructing her to wear it for the trial resembled her old cadet's uniform—if her old uniform one had been considerably nicer and tailormade for her.
Like most things of Roake design, the jacket and pants weren't given to frills. Straight lines and simple details made the fit surprisingly flattering.
Even Kira had to admit she looked striking in the colors of Roake—black coupled with accents of deep blue and silver.
The best part of the uniform was the addition of a thermal regulator, allowing the fabric to warm around her body—keeping her at a perfect temperature. The uniform would provide better protection against the elements than her previous clothes.
Too bad she hadn't been wearing it for her dip in the ocean. It would have made for a much less chilly ride home.
Whoever had commissioned it had spent a pretty penny on its construction. These weren't the sort of garments you'd find just anyone wearing. Their quality spoke of wealth and privilege. The sort most couldn't even fathom.
Kira smoothed an admiring hand on the front of the jacket, trying to puzzle out how she'd come to be in possession of something so nice.
Jin, taking advantage of her distraction, launched a rock at her shoulder. Kira barely felt the high-speed projectile as it bounced off the fabric, a slight shimmer marking the area where it had hit.
Seconds later, the shimmer disappeared, leaving the dark black of the uniform behind.
"It has anti-ballistic properties," Jin observed, drifting closer for a better look. "I've never seen a bulletproof fabric that was this thin or flexible. You'd better keep this out of Blue's hands."
"Do you think it would take a bullet?" Kira asked, twisting and turning as she tested the way the fabric moved with her. It was surprisingly comfortable if you discounted the choke collar.
"We could always test it out," Jin said, brightening.
"Maybe later." The last thing she needed was him poking holes in her right before the trial.
Especially when she was already running behind.
Kira tapped the mirror, turning it invisible before heading to the door.
Jin zipped in front of her. "What do you say I tag along?"
"Isn't that what the lizard is for?"
Jin bobbed in front of her. "My spawn is amazing, but he isn't me. With the Tsavitee presence on this world confirmed, I think it would be best if you had backup."
"I really wish you'd stop calling him that." It sent chills down her spine every time he referred to the lizard as spawn.
"What else would I call him?" Jin asked, sounding baffled. Before Kira could answer, he pressed his argument, "I know he's great, but he lacks my sleek, debonair air. Most important, he doesn't have my offensive weapons. Face it, you need me."
Kira couldn't help poking at his pride. "That sounds like a design flaw to me."
Jin growled. "I was on a time limit. Don't worry, the next spawn will be even better."
What a dreadful thought.
Kira sidestepped Jin, scooping up the lizard and draping him around her neck. The lizard responded automatically, clasping his tail with his paws to create a necklace.
