"Graydon!" a familiar voice shouted.
Joule barreled into the Warrior's Hall. His gaze frantic as he searched. Spotting Graydon, he ran toward him, only to find his way blocked by oshota.
He pushed forward anyway, resisting when they tried to force him back.
Graydon straightened, noting the panic and determination on Joule's face even as he tangled with warriors who had centuries of experience on him.
Ice spread through Graydon. There was only one reason he could think of for Joule to behave in such a manner.
Kira.
"Let him through," Graydon barked.
The oshota hesitated until Harlow gestured for them to relax their guard.
They shifted aside, allowing the barest gap for Joule to pass. He stumbled toward Graydon; his clothing disheveled. There was blood on the knee of his pants, and his sleeve was ripped. He’d been in a fight.
Graydon had been right. Something was wrong.
Joule stammered, his words not making sense.
"Enough," Graydon ordered. "Calm yourself."
He waited as Joule took a deep breath. The boy was nearly shaking, his chest heaving from exertion. Now that he was closer, Graydon saw the sweat on his forehead and the terror in his eyes.
Whatever had sent him here, he'd used every bit of his speed to get to Graydon as quickly as possible.
When Joule's breathing had steadied, Graydon set a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, knowing it would steady him. "Good, now give us your report."
Some of the terror leached out of Joule, and he straightened, his expression reflecting a determination and strength that would one day make him a fine leader.
"It's Kira. She's in the Trial of the Broken," Joule said.
Harlow frowned. "She should have hours yet before her time comes."
"She's not alone," Joule said. His composure cracked, grief and shame warring as he met Graydon's eyes. "Wren sent me to tell you they're after Devon."
The mood in the room plummeted, growing heavy and tense as Harlow and Graydon traded a look.
"What of Kira?" Graydon asked.
Joule flinched. "She went after them."
Graydon should have expected as much.
"She's not alone," Harlow said at his back. "Wren is at her side."
"He was injured. I don't even know if he's still alive." Joule's face crumpled, reminding Graydon for all that the boy possessed maturity far beyond his years, he was still a boy.
"And you left her there?" Harlow asked, a dangerous rumble in his voice.
"Ease up," Graydon warned askibuilt, saturating the room.
"You're a long way from being able to tell me what to do in my own House, Little Storm."
Graydon faced his former mentor, not in the mood for threats. Kira was in danger; he didn't have time for this.
Joule surged forward. "It's our fault. She wouldn't have come here if she hadn't saved Ziva and me. She'd be safe. They would never have gotten close if they hadn't threatened me."
