Eva released the breath she'd been holding. That was something at least.
"Alright. I'm ready."
An intelligent gaze met hers.No, you're not.
Astute of him. But it didn't change what was coming. Eva would prefer to get it over with rather than dwell.
Do you fear the night?Polaris asked out of nowhere.
Eva's forehead wrinkled and shot him a perplexed frown.
Polaris looked back at her with a placid expression.
Eva started to answer and then hesitated, something warning her against flippancy. Her gaze turned distant as she gave the question serious consideration.
Was it the night she feared? Or rather what the night hid?
She didn't know.
"Sometimes," Eva finally settled on.
There was something about the night hours that had always drawn her. The time when the world was quiet and hushed, allowing a person to bask in their solitude as they reflected on their decisions.
The dark provided respite from the harsh light of day, softening a person's edges and giving them time to come to terms with their own inadequacies.
It was beautiful and fierce. And yes, sometimes it was dangerous.
But just because something fearsome may wait around the corner didn't mean she shouldn't enjoy the rest.
Eva sensed Polaris coming to some type of decision.
You came to us too early. Those of us who survived our incarceration in the Badlands haven't allowed the memories to fully fade, and you're a reminder of all that.
There was a pause as Polaris sank into thought.
Fate doesn't always operate on our time schedule, I've come to learn.
No, it did not. It would be far easier if it did.
You might have prevented this outcome had you allowed yourself to be trained,Polaris remonstrated Eva.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Your defenses are pitiful. A swarm as weak as the one you encountered should not have had that effect on you. Had you not lost consciousness, your lover wouldn't have been forced to take the actions he did. You could have sought council with the Kyren and avoided this whole chain of events.
Eva's anger changed to outrage. "Kind of hard to 'seek council' when there are no Kyren in sight."
And that is your first mistake.
"Enlighten me, oh knowledgeable one."
Eva didn't bother hiding her sarcasm. With the alliance finished, she didn't have to play nice anymore. It was the only silver lining in this situation.
How are you communicating with me right now? Is it with your voice?
Realization dawned as Eva's mouth flattened into a grim line.
No, it's with your mind.
