Figures. They were leaning in Zepher's direction. Kira had a feeling without the Haldeel's interference, she would have been out of luck.
Now that he was here, suddenly they were forced to see the truth of the matter. She didn't remember the race organizers being this biased, but then most of those races were filled with humans.
"I don't see the issue, then," the Haldeel said.
"It's common sense," the man from Zepher burst out. "They shouldn't have to spell out the obvious."
The Haldeel's expression remained unchanged. "Common sense or not, her win stands."
A heavy thud came from a few feet away. Baran straightened from his crouch.
"You—" Kira mentally cursed.
Baran's lips twitched. "I see you remember me. That's good. It'll make things easier."
Kira hesitated, debating the merits of surrendering.
An object flew out of the stands. Kira caught it before it hit her face. She glanced up to find the person who'd thrown it. A human child around the age of eight or nine grinned at her showing a gap where a tooth was missing. He had freckles spread across his nose and his hair was brown, a little longer than most and shaggy as a result.
"For the show, lady," the boy called.
Kira squeezed the ball in her hand, rotating it to see the words written on its side. "Tomorrow. Same Place. No Tuann."
The words faded seconds later, leaving only a normal ball in her grasp.
Kira sighed. That made things a little more difficult.
Baran smiled. "I'm glad you're not going to make this hard on yourself."
The ball dropped onto the ground as Kira shook her head. "This is going to be so disappointing—for you, that is."
Baran's confusion changed to outrage. He reached for her, but it was too late. She'd already whirled and plunged into the crowd.
EIGHT
THE STANDS ERUPTEDat the racer's crash landing—the giddy atmosphere that had been building since the racer began her descent on the tower ignited as the crowd collectively lost their minds.
