That was as far as Kira was willing to go.
“You don’t have to worry about that. They won’t let it go that far.” Selene nodded at Auralyn and then several other oshota who’d appeared in the crowd.
Their expressions were attentive as they watched the confrontation. From their postures, Kira could tell they were prepared to stop the fight if things went too far.
“Tuann society is so weird,” Kira muttered with a bit of disgust.
It was obvious the group facing Joule were all much older than him, but because of some archaic rule that those who’d passed their adva ka couldn’t interfere in the duels of those who hadn’t, no one would intercede on his behalf.
The complete ridiculousness of it made Kira want to kick something. “This fucking sucks.”
Amusement touched Selene’s face as she looked at Kira out of the corner of her eye. “Would you still be saying that if you were over there and not here?”
Kira gave Selene a sulky look. She really hated it when the other was right. “Yeah. Yeah. You know me so well.”
Kira looked over to find Elena’s eyes trained on her, a small frown on her face.
Elena’s mouth opened to call Kira’s name before she thought better of it. She pressed her lips together and darted a quick glance in Auralyn’s direction.
Smart girl.
But then she always had been. She was like her mother in that way.
Kira dropped one arm, giving Elena a hand sign that meant “I am here.”
Useless, at the moment, but she had hopes that wouldn’t always be the case.
There was a renewed sense of confidence in Elena’s expression as she focused on Joule’s confronters. Her eyes contained a brightness that had been lacking before.
She seemed almost perky as she waited for the others to make their first move. Anticipation showed on her face as she squared off with the Tuann from the opposing House, a similar cocky smile to that of the other side’s leader playing on her lips.
“I find your arrogance offensive.” Notus slapped a challenge coin against Joule’s chest. “Someone needs to teach you how the world works.”
Joule caught the engraved piece of metal before it could fall. “Someone already has and she’s far more qualified a teacher than you.”
Selene shifted closer to Kira as the crowd around Joule and the other moved back, giving the two space. “I think he means you.”
Kira didn’t respond as she studied Joule’s opponent. Notus appeared unarmed but such things were always deceiving with the Tuann.
“He’s issued a challenge that relies on pitting their soul’s breath against each other. Weapons won’t be allowed,” Selene informed Kira. “I’m guessing his is one of the more combative types. Your friend may be in some trouble since he’s a shielder.”
“I think he might surprise you.”
He would surprise them all.
A circle formed around Joule and the man as the crowd debated who would win.
“Kick his ass, Joule!” Ziva shouted.
His opponent focused on the girl. “Little one, confidence is admirable but too much makes you look foolish.”
Ziva glared at the man with a fierce look that was surprisingly at home on her young face.
Joule made a quick gesture. Ki exploded out of him, his hands quickly shaping it to the form he desired before thrusting it outward. It rushed in a narrow line at his opponent, striking him in the chest with enough force to knock him off his feet.
The crowd went silent.
Selene gave Kira a considering look that Kira ignored.
