Kira twisted in Graydon's arms to see him better.
His expression was complicated. "That does seem to be where this all points."
"You don't look happy about that," she observed.
"That's not the right word for it," he said after a moment. "More like it worries me that after being content with the seat empty for so long, they're suddenly driven to fill it."
"Almost like they know something is coming and are busy fortifying their defenses," Kira said softly.
Graydon nodded, his eyes not leaving hers. "And I suspect you're the lynchpin behind their plans."
Kira's frown was troubled as she stared beyond him, barely noticing when he resumed playing with her hair.
The room was silent as they each descended into their own thoughts.
It was several minutes later when Kira slid him a look. As important as this information was, it didn't demand his presence here.
No, he was after something else.
A look at his intent face had Kira revising that statement. Perhaps more than one something else.
Their gazes met, anticipation descending.
Kira was the first to break the stare, looking down and fiddling with the edge of her robe. "I know you didn't come here just to tell me all that."
Graydon’s fingers moved to the hair at her temples.
Kira closed her eyes under his ministrations, the gentle combing turning into a scalp massage.
Lethargy stole through her limbs as she leaned toward him, feeling like a stray comet caught in the gravity well of an inescapable star.
Her eyes snapped open, and she sat back.
He smirked but didn't pursue her. "I wanted to know what else you were holding back."
Kira had a feeling it was something like that.
In their short acquaintance, it had become clear that Graydon knew her better than those who'd been with her far longer.
Kira lifted her chin. "What makes you think there's something else?"
Graydon's smile was sly. "Isn't there?"
Kira turned her head, giving him access to a new section of hair.
A few weeks ago, she would have kept Elise’s possible capture a secret.
She would have gone it alone.
No Raider.
No Graydon.
No backup except for Jin.
"The person the Haldeel caught—she wears Elise’s face."
Graydon's hands paused.
