The massive windows to either side of the arched doors and above allowed shafts of sunlight to trickle into the hall creating pockets of light. The antique looking sconces and light fixtures dangling from the ceiling added to the somber atmosphere of the hall.
Their footsteps echoed against the stone floor as they moved toward the double staircase located on the other side of the hall.
Kira paused at the sight of Raider and Elena waiting for her on the landing at the center of the staircase where the two sides met.
“What are you doing here?” she asked with a frown as she selected the left flight of stairs to climb.
Raider’s shrug was awkward as he folded his arms to rest against the banister as Elena fidgeted by his side.
Kira raised her eyebrows at them both. “Something tells me this isn’t what Harlow meant when he warned us to keep our distance.”
Elena’s fidgeting stopped. “I don’t care what he wants. There is no one around anyway to tell on us.”
Kira sighed at her niece. “To have the misplaced confidence of youth again. Ask your Uncle Jin how many times the Tuann have managed to sneak up on him.”
The number was higher than any of them would like.
Elena’s face showed obstinance as she jabbed Raider in his side.
Raider straightened, his gaze somehow avoiding hers as a hint of uneasiness escaped. “We maybe overheard a little of what you said to those three from House Kashori.”
Kira stared at him. “Are you trying to comfort me right now?”
Raider’s awkwardness vanished as a familiar scowl settled on his face. “The kid was worried.”
Kira nodded. “And you wanted to make it all better.”
Aw. How adorable.
Raider’s lip curled in a sneer.
Kira was a little surprised when he didn’t stalk away. Old Raider would have. Elena’s influence no doubt.
He didn’t want to disappoint his daughter.
Kira didn’t know why that made her smile. Just that the sight of her amusement made Raider’s scowl deepen.
“Tell her,” Elena urged.
Kira leaned a hip against the banister as she folded her arms across her chest. “Yes, Raider, tell me.”
Raider glared at her from under lowered brows. “You’re not making this easy.”
Kira’s laugh was a snort. “Payback.”
He sighed and shook his head before turning serious. “You’re not the only one.”
Kira’s amusement faded.
“We’re all killers. Monsters.”
The smile fell from her lips. Of course, he would have caught that.
This was Raider. A brother to her in the same way Elise and Selene were sisters. He would know why she’d chosen that manner to reveal her childhood to Harlow. The motivation behind her choices.
“Don’t forget that,” he told her.
Kira blinked, pretending she didn’t feel the sting in the bridge of her nose.
