Kira started to lunge forward when a sheet of ki came out of nowhere to whack Kashori’s oshota in the side, making them stumble. A second shield rose from beneath their feet, physically lifting them and sending them careening over the balcony.
Kira was quick to react, manipulating the air molecules to guide their descent just the tiniest bit. Enough so Boden crashed into Joule’s new challenger and Edris into his companions.
Selene arched an eyebrow at Kira in question.
Kira shrugged. “You can’t blame me for a little interference.”
She was sure people would hardly notice.
Selene’s smile was gentle as she shook her head and glided toward the balcony railing, lifting her long dress so she could climb on top of the chair and then onto the railing. She stepped off, ki forming under her foot and then dissipating as soon as she took her next step.
Selene descended toward those on the ground. A goddess deigning to spend time with her supplicants.
“I’ve decided you’re right, Kira,” Selene said over her shoulder. “The boy shows promise. I’ll have a word with him before I go.”
Selene stepped onto the ground next to Kashori’s oshota who still lay on their backs, staring up at the sky and looking like they weren’t sure what had just happened.
Selene inclined her torso in a shallow bow. “I understand it is unorthodox for someone who hasn’t passed their adva ka to challenge one who has. Should you wish, you may file a complaint with the emperor over my behavior.”
From beginning to end, Selene’s tone was polite. If she felt anger, there was no sign of it in her voice.
Jin moved up beside Kira as Selene stepped past the Kashori oshota, gliding toward an awestricken Joule.
“Why do I feel like we don’t understand Selene and the rest as well as we thought we did?” Jin asked.
Kira shook her head as a shield of ki formed around Selene and Joule, cutting them off from the rest of the crowd for a private conversation.
Joule was safe—for now.
Finn moved up beside Kira, radiating unhappiness. “This makes the second time you wound up attacked while in the company of that woman.”
“Technically, I wasn’t attacked,” Kira corrected.
Jin snickered. “That’s because you were the one doing the attacking.”
“My argument holds.”
Being attacked and attacking were two very different things.
Frustration detonated in Finn. “You two are ridiculous and you know it.”
Kira and Jin shared a look that ended with her nodding. “That’s a fair assessment.”
“What are you even doing here?” Finn snarled, for a brief moment looking like he was on the cusp of violence.
“Saving the day—like always?” Jin questioned.
Finn’s mouth flattened as he reached for control. “You’re supposed to be keeping a low profile.”
Jin moved closer to Kira as she reached for her mug. “You never answered my question earlier—is that chai?”
There was an almost tangible snap as Finn lost the tenuous hold on his temper. He stalked away, rather than continue to engage with Jin.
“Finally! I thought he’d never leave,” Jin muttered.
“He still hasn’t.”
Finn’s presence hovered on the edge of her senses, a sentinel who had decided to keep his distance but was still within reach should she need him.
