Their religion had room for many differing beliefs. From what little Eva had seen, it was much freer and gentler than the one she'd grown up with in the village.
The female's hand dropped as she cocked her head. Whatever she was about to say was replaced by a scowl.
The Tenrin bristled as Jane approached.
The Anateri shot the Tenrin a quick glance before focusing on Eva. "If you're looking for the commander, he's over there."
Jane pointed outside of camp and to the west, far from where Eva thought she'd find him.
Eva frowned. What was he doing outside the camp's perimeter?
She had no time to spare on her questions as the Tenrin bumped Eva, edging as close as she could to her. The Tenrin's glare was murderous even as she hid behind Eva.
Jane's expression stiffened, not knowing how to react.
Eva wasn't sure either.
The Tenrin made a bird like hiss, the feathers in her hair poofing out to make her seem bigger than she was.
The view was almost comical, especially since the Tenrin was still huddled behind Eva.
Jane drew herself up, looking insulted.
Eva sighed and waved her back. The Anateri's reluctance was obvious as she allowed Eva and the Tenrin to take the lead.
Still, the Tenrin wasn't happy, clinging to Eva's arm as her head twisted to keep Jane in sight.
"Shoo. Shoo, mice, shoo."
"That isn't nice," Eva told her, setting off in the direction Jane had indicated.
"Humans are so scary," the Tenrin muttered, getting closer to Eva every time they passed one of the guards stationed around the perimeter.
Eva mentally willed herself to have patience as the Tenrin hissed at the sight of another human.
The guard, a woman Eva recognized, tightened her grip on her spear and eyed the Tenrin closely. Eva shook her head. Only then did the woman's stance relax.
"I don't know how you can stand to be around them all the time," the female said.
"I'm human."
The girl scoffed.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
At the curious look the girl sent her, Eva stopped.
"What's your name?" Eva asked.
The girl's head tilted. "Brisa."
"Alright, Brisa. What did you mean by that? I'm human, aren't I?"
"Maybe on the outside. But here, where it counts." Brisa gestured to Eva's chest. "You're like me."
Eva started walking again, trying not to let Brisa words influence her. She was human. She was.
Even as she thought that she couldn't help but doubt, a part of her unable to deny it. The idea that she wasn't like others wasn't exactly new. She hadn't allowed herself to fully internalize what that meant until this moment.
