"How was I supposed to know they were so afraid of mythologicals?"
"Because they're horses," Jason shouted.
"She seems fine with me." Brisa nodded at Caia. Seconds later, a crafty expression spread across her features as Eva got a sinking feeling. "Maybe she'd be fine with giving me a riding lesson."
"No," Eva, Jason, and Ollie said at the same time.
"Absolutely not," Eva followed up.
The last thing she needed was for Caia to try to stomp Brisa into the ground. Eva didn't imagine Covath or the Tenrin would be particularly happy if that were to happen.
"That's it. We have a lot of things to do this morning and no time to fix the problems you cause. Leave. Now." Jason pointed at her.
Brisa lifted her chin. "I don't have to. Covath ordered me to watch the humans, and that's what I'm going to do."
"Did he now?"
Ajari's amused voice made Brisa's face go blank, her expression that of someone who felt death whispering across the back of their neck.
"Covath will be very interested to hear about the creative way you reinterpreted his orders, little cousin." Ajari dropped down from the top of the rock, landing gracefully before gliding in their direction with a predatory prowl.
Eva's lips quivered at Brisa's panicked face.
Brisa spun to face Ajari, an ingratiating smile ready. "I don't suppose we can keep this between the two of us, my favorite cousin."
"What's in it for me?"
Brisa's eyes flickered as she considered. Her face brightened. "My undying esteem and devotion?"
Jason made a derisive sound and Eva nodded in agreement. Did Brisa really think that would work? On Ajari? A mythological as tricky as the day was long.
Eva shook her head, almost feeling sorry for the girl. Brisa had no idea what price Ajari was about to extract from her.
"Very well," Ajari said with a smile. Before excitement could finish spreading across Brisa's face, he held up a finger. "You will owe me a favor."
Brisa's face fell. "That's not fair. Your favors always end with blood."
"Such is life," Ajari said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "If you're unhappy, you can return to the rookery and this can all be forgotten."
Brisa looked peeved as she gave a disdainful snort and spread her wings to take off.
"Don't go far, little cousin," Ajari advised. "We still have the matter of that favor to discuss."
Brisa shot him a quick glance before changing the angle of her destination from the upper parts of the cliffs to the rest of the herd.
Jason squawked in anger, darting after her. "What did I say about staying away from my horses?"
Ollie gave Ajari and Eva a respectful nod. "I think it's best I keep an eye on those two. Otherwise, there might be bloodshed."
"I hope not. Brisa is Covath's favorite cousin," Ajari said lightly.
Ollie shot Eva a glance that asked if she wanted him to stay, ignoring Ajari's words for the moment.
Eva shook her head. He might as well save himself. Even if she walked away, Ajari would only follow. Ollie sent her a look that wished her good luck before ambling after the other two.
"She's taken an interest in you," Ajari remarked, his hands clasped behind his back.
"I'm not sure why."
