TWENTY-TWO
SKYE’S WORDS FELL likelittle stones into a pond, causing silence to ripple around them in ever-widening circles.
The first two challenges issued were expected. Some might even say they were half the reason for the quorum.
However, Kira's challenge was different.
She was a nobody. Even when she'd been the Phoenix, not many knew her face. She was a call sign they brought out when the situation turned dire.
If they reassigned that moniker to someone else, Kira doubted anyone would even realize.
She was famous and nondescript at the same time.
Kira disregarded the shock from those around her, staring up at the top of the pyramid and the royal sitting there.
"A puzzle master who doubles as a waverunner. That’s an unexpected combination,” Kira observed in a bland voice.
Especially for a Haldeel.
Skye fidgeted with her sleeves. When she realized Kira was watching her hands, she dropped them and straightened.
"Theza na ri nasays the depth and breadth of a master’s experience can only enrich the flavor of their puzzles,” Skye said stiffly.
Jin hovered over Kira’s shoulder. “Didn’t you say something similar to Tierni once.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Kira caught Yukina's approach.
Her lips quirked as she kept her focus on the adolescent Haldeel before her. “I wasn’t nearly so poetic. I believe what I said was more along the lines that one never knew which odd skill they picked up by chance would come in handy when faced with danger.”
At the time, Tierni had questioned Kira’s preoccupation with the stratagem and the way she focused on each version and skill until she mastered it.
Tierni had implied it was a waste of time since Kira had no intention of making her fortune as a stratagem master.
Kira had never seen it that way. Every skill or stray piece of knowledge she picked up was another weapon in her arsenal. Yes, the purpose behind them might not be immediately clear, their use unknown, but she believed they’d come in handy one day.
Case in point—the current situation.
“Do you like being a waverunner?” Kira asked.
Skye’s expression was serious as she met Kira’s eyes, as if she understood that her answer affected the outcome of this request.
Slowly, she dipped her head in a somber nod. “I do.”
“Why?”
Skye hesitated before lifting her chin. “It makes me feel free.”
The truthful answer made Kira like the girl a little bit more. She reminded Kira of Tierni at that age. Both were willing to step out of the boxes others placed them in.
Tierni wasn’t willing to go quietly into a life she hadn’t chosen. Skye yearned to be more than what she was.
It was obvious she was a genius. The Haldeel took the title of puzzle master serious. There were many trials and obstacles one had to overcome to earn the label.
