He was good, but there was still a long way to go.
He nodded, looking as if he was hanging on every word.
“His seon’yer probably won’t appreciate your bad influence,“ Selene observed in an amused voice.
Joule’s gaze moved to her as his head dipped in a respectful nod. “Lady.”
Selene smiled at him, the expression oddly sweet. “That was a very interesting use of your affinity.”
Joule’s gaze darted Kira’s way. “I would never have thought to use it that way if Kira hadn’t made the suggestion.”
Selene eyed Kira with a probing look. “You don’t say.”
Kira’s response was forgotten as a woman stepped out of the group of Tuann surrounding Joule’s fallen opponent.
Her hand flashed as she hurled a coin infused with ki at Joule’s face. “Answer my challenge.”
Kira’s hand snapped out, intercepting the coin’s trajectory in a lightning-fast movement.
“Kira,” Joule protested as he gave her hand a concerned look.
Kira ignored the sting in her palm, resisting the urge to shake out the appendage to get rid of the sensation.
From the level of pain radiating from her hand, it was clear the woman intended to severely injure, perhaps even kill, Joule.
“It is not your place to interfere in a challenge,” the woman warned Kira.
“A lot of people keep telling me where my place is.” Kira fought to maintain a calm expression as her hand slowly tightened around the coin.
Pain bit into the flesh of her palm from how hard she was squeezing. Anger became a balloon in her chest as it expanded. Bigger and bigger until she felt like her skin would burst from the pressure.
“It’s too bad not a damn one of you are qualified to comment on where that is,” Kira continued.
Those in front of her flinched from Kira’s stare. The wise took a step back, physically removing themselves as if by doing so they could guarantee their safety.
The oshota in the crowd tensed, watching Kira with suddenly alert gazes.
One of the woman’s companions considered Kira with trepidation. “Maybe we should rethink this course, Renata.”
“Yes, Renata, maybe you should,” Kira purred.
Though she really hoped she wouldn’t.
Toying with Renata like a cat with a mouse might be quite fun, all things considered.
It might not be the wisest move, but Kira couldn’t help but feel anticipation at the thought of spilling Renata’s pretty blood all over these lovely cobblestones.
The stench of fear permeated the air as Selene let out a resigned sigh that made one side of Kira’s mouth hook up.
“How insecure your House must be to issue back-to-back challenges to someone who is little more than a child. Is this how your House fights? You wear your opponent down with greater numbers?” Kira asked.
A growing discontent came from the crowd around them as many agreed with Kira’s words.
“Such an act stinks of cowardice.” Kira swept her gaze over those watching from the balcony to include them in her statement. “Is that what you are? Cowards?”
Renata held Kira’s stare for only a moment. Knowing she had no hope of winning either verbally or physically against Kira, she chose easier prey.
Renata looked past Kira to Joule. “I guess I should expect no better from the son of a fallen House. You require others to fight your battles for you?”
