The Kyren or the Tenrin could overturn that if they were to fight at the Trateri's side, but Caden couldn't rely on that. Not with tensions riding high and the alliance still so new.
Eva's expression was torn, knowing Caden was right but also aware of how the Kyren would react.
"Let me talk to them before we do anything. They might be more receptive if we ask first. I'll find a way to clear it with them. Somehow."
One problem down. Though he didn't envy Eva the conversation she'd have to have with the Kyren.
"Do we destroy the swarm?" Caden asked Reece, knowing the risk involved in such an undertaking.
Right now, the swarm was preoccupied with the trees. Disturbing them could result in them switching focus to the camp or the herd.
Of his choices, Caden would prefer to act. Better to eliminate a potential threat rather than wait for danger to sucker punch them when their guard was down.
Surprisingly, there was an atypical uncertainty in Reece's expression as he studied the swarm. The other man hated not having the right answer to the problem, seeing it as an assault on his pride as a pathfinder.
His hesitation was understandable. He feared making the wrong choice and the consequences that would result from that decision.
It was a fact of life that all leaders had to accept at some point. Something Reece, as a loner who preferred existing outside the hierarchy of power, was only coming to terms with now.
This situation was a test for him. He could defer to Caden's opinion or step up as his cousin would have and use the facts at hand to form a working plan.
If it looked like he was paralyzed with indecision, Caden would step in. Self-doubt would only get other people killed. He didn't plan to risk his people for Reece's ego.
"I say we follow your suggestion to evacuate the valley. Any attempt on the swarm should wait until then."
Good. Caden had the same thoughts.
Roscoe let out a sigh. "Life was so much easier when our enemies were all human."
"Ain't that the truth." Fiona agreed as she and Roscoe shared a commiserating look.
Ghost slapped his neck.
"Ghost," Roscoe said as Ghost's hand remained on his neck, his face slowly turning white.
Fiona pried his hand off his neck. "Were you bitten?"
Ghost remained calm as Fiona revealed the bright red mark on his skin. "I'd like to say no, but I'd be lying."
"Don't joke about this," Fiona snapped.
Anger and fear twisted her expression.
Roscoe's jaw flexed as he cast a considering gaze at the swarm, already fingering the sword at his waist.
Eva's face was agonized, memories of the last friend who was bitten by a mysterious insect rendering her silent.
The lost expression on Eva's face as she met Caden's gaze was a knife in his gut. A reminder that as much as he hated it, there were some things he couldn't protect her from.
"I'd really prefer not turning into a killer plant." There was a faint smile on Ghost's face that didn't hide the terror in his eyes.
"You're not going to turn into a plant," Fiona assured him as Roscoe leaned in for a closer look at the insect's remains.
The crushed legs and transparent wings were all that were left along with a smear of green-brown.
"We need to get out of here," Reece said, his focus on the swarm. "Now."
"I've got him," Fiona told Roscoe, taking Ghost's arm to support him.
