Not Eva's family. At least not the one she was born to.
Eva waved up at the spot she knew the Tenrin was hiding. Unsurprisingly, the girl remained out of sight, not even a single feather showing.
"Lady Tenrin, could you stop scaring the horses. My apprentice tends to get a tad cranky when he's without sleep. Please and thank you."
Jason glared at her. "That's it?"
Eva lifted a shoulder. "What do you want me to do?"
"I don't get cranky," Jason flared.
"If you say so."
But that wasn't going to change the truth. Jason was a cranky pants when he didn't get enough shuteye. Everyone knew it. Eva. The horses. Everyone.
Before Jason could argue any further, Jane closed in on Eva. Jason went on alert, forgetting his anger.
"Movement in the sky," Jane informed Eva.
The Tenrin finally stirred from her cover, poking her head out enough to watch the approaching blobs of color before withdrawing after one penetrating stare.
Jason reached into his sack and pulled out a stick wrapped on one side with rags. He tossed it at Ollie before retrieving a second one along with flint and stone.
Eva watched with some amazement as they lit their torches with efficient movements.
"We practiced a little," Jason explained, seeing her gaze.
"Maybe more than a little," Ollie corrected.
With the familiarity both had displayed, they must have repeated the action dozens of times to be able to light the torches that quickly.
Warmth spread throughout her chest as Jason gave a jerky shrug.
"It only seemed appropriate to protect ourselves and the herd," he said.
They didn't have time for any more conversation as the blobs in the distance took on shape, revealing the Kyren as their unexpected visitors.
"I've been wondering when they'd show up," Ollie said.
Eva nodded, not entirely surprised that the Kyren were making a move on the very same morning she was allowed out of the tent.
They waited as the Kyren neared, landing a few feet away from them.
"Polaris, Danyon," Eva greeted, noting that Sebastian wasn't with them.
As the Kyren most friendly to humans, she took his absence as a sign that things weren't off to a very good start.
Jason drew close to Eva's back.
Eva gestured toward him and Ollie. "These are my friends—"
There's no need for an introduction to those who aren't important,Danyon interrupted.
Eva's shoulders tensed. Ollie and Jason, picking up on her mood moved closer. Their gazes jumped from her to the Kyren, their faces uncertain.
Eva gave her friends an awkward smile that felt stiff and unwieldy.
You said humans would prove themselves worthy. You were wrong,Danyon continued.
