Jace had a savior complex.
There was nothing wrong with that—Kira had one herself. But she was smart enough to know two people with the same issues would never last in a relationship.
There was admiration between Jace and her but nothing else. Any other feelings that might have sprouted between them had long since fallen to the wayside.
"Have you made any progress on that matter Jace and I discussed?" Kira asked, changing the subject.
Himoto's eyes lingered on Kent as a mysterious smile crossed his lips. "A little."
Kira was smart enough to read between the lines.
Kent had mis-stepped tonight when he sought to interfere with the Harkening. He’d shown his allegiance to Zepher’s faction. Something Himoto would never allow in the upper ranks of the Consortium’s military.
Knowing her former mentor, he'd use this opportunity to lure out those supporting Kent.
If he stayed true to character, Himoto's next step would be to eliminate those responsible with extreme prejudice.
The next months in the Consortium would be a bloodbath as Himoto cleaned house.
"Don't worry. I won't let what happened then, happen again."
Kira sent him a hard look. "You'd better not. It's not just me waiting for humans to stumble anymore."
Himoto inclined his head but didn't say anything else.
"Do you need help?" Kira asked abruptly, not knowing what compelled her to make the offer.
Maybe it was the years of history centered around this man. Perhaps it was the knowledge she'd long be dead if not for his actions.
Whatever it was, she found she couldn't simply leave him or humanity to their fate.
He was once very dear to her. Still was, if she was being entirely honest.
The bonds forged between a lost and traumatized child and the man who rescued her from hell weren’t so easily severed.
There would always be a part of her concerned with his wellbeing, even if she didn’t show it.
If he needed her—truly and deeply—she’d be there.
"Kira-chan, you're so kind. Always so concerned for this old man."
Kira snorted. "I don't see an old man here. We both know you can take care of yourself."
"Yes," he agreed with a radiant smile that warmed his eyes.
Cheers resounded from the gathering as Jace finished the puzzle. Colors swirled, forming a prism before they were sucked into the sphere.
Himoto turned to go. "I am glad to see you looking healthier. Perhaps my betrayal was worth it. Yes?"
Kira pressed her lips into a flat line, reminded of something unpleasant. "That's right. We never did address the issue of my resignation since you hung up like a coward."
Himoto chuckled. "I’ll do my best to make it up to you."
Fat chance of that. Just remembering the way he'd thwarted her plans had her seeing red.
It was only because she knew how adept he was at gaining the upper hand over opponents who lost their tempers that she held back.
Himoto lifted a hand as he moved away. "Give my regards to Raider later."
