Jin hovered over her shoulder as they watched Himoto leave. "That man is as difficult to deal with as always."
That was an understatement.
Jace stepped off the platform as the humans in the crowd started clapping. He smiled and held up an arm as the cheering grew louder.
"You'd think he had returned from battle with the way they're acting," Lorcan said as he joined her where she stood.
"I believe the Haldeel consider this a form of battle," Kira said.
She was quite popular tonight, drawing the attention of powerful people left and right.
She didn't know whether to rejoice or cry.
This wasn't exactly the type of notice she'd hoped to attract while here.
At that thought, Kira glanced at the top of the pyramid, making eye contact with Alexander. Seeing her gaze, he frowned.
Noticing where she was looking, Lorcan said, "Humans have come quite far from their humble beginnings. Who would have thought one would ever be trusted to act as a Haldeel royal’s voice."
Kira finally faced Lorcan. "The Tuann's greatest weakness is their tendency to underestimate others. One might even say you and the Tsavitee have that in common. I'd be careful of that. It could get you killed one of these days."
Kira stalked away, not giving him the chance to respond.
"I'll keep that in mind, lady," Lorcan's sly voice followed her.
Alexander clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the guests once again.
Kira stopped walking and looked up.
"Friends, we have one final entertainment for you tonight. A puzzle from our newest and youngest master."
At that, the last Haldeel standing at the base of the pyramid walked into the crowd.
Shorter than her two companions, the Haldeel was young to be considered a puzzle architect, let alone a master.
As she got closer, Kira realized she knew her. It was the racer Raider had saved. The one Kira had met that first day. Skye.
On her shoulder perched herilsa.
A sense of inevitability filled Kira as the girl bypassed many other important guests, her path leading her straight to Kira.
She stopped in front of her, raising her eyes at last. "Kira Forrest. I challenge you."
