Amusement still lingered on her lips as she murmured something to Alexander before changing course and heading in Kira’s direction.
Alexander’s reluctance was almost comical as he trudged after Selene.
“Problem?” Kira asked, picking up on the subtle aura of animosity coming off Raider.
“No problem.”
Kira had a hard time believing that with the way Raider continued to eye Alexander.
Alexander’s manner was almost dismissive toward the other. “The human is not worth the time or effort it would take to become a problem.”
Aggression rolled off Raider.
Kira moved between them. “That’s good because I have no intention of being either of your babysitters.”
She meant it too.
“Does anyone have an idea of what we’re supposed to do?” Kira asked, hoping the question would make them focus on the task at hand.
Joule raised his hand tentatively. “I think I do.”
Joule fought not to shrink in on himself as he became the focus of attention. In the end, he stood his ground admirably. No easy feat given Alexander’s and Raider’s glares.
Kira beckoned for him to continue. “Go ahead.”
“It’s a puzzle.”
None of the transparent circles had been breached yet. After the first few attempts failed, the initiates seemed reluctant to waste any more time on them. Particularly since the drones’ avenue of attack was focused on the immediate area surrounding the circles.
“What does it mean?” Selene asked.
Joule shook his head. “There’s a piece still missing. Until it reveals itself, I don’t think anyone is getting inside one of them.”
“Lovely,” Raider muttered.
“You don’t have to be here,” Alexander pointed out.
Raider’s response died as the ground shifted. The sandy particles piled one on top of another, erecting a stone-looking wall. A pair of drones affixed to the top.
Kira grabbed Raider’s collar, dragging him back as Joule and Selene stepped forward to erect shields in front of them.
“Thanks,” Raider said as Kira let him go.
Above them, a set of symbols appeared.
“What do you want to bet that’s our missing piece?” Raider said, his eyes on the symbols.
“I don’t need to.” Kira was certain it was.
“It’s a timer,” Joule exclaimed.
Kira squinted as the numbers changed. The same symbol that was on one of the circles flashing.
A Tuann broke toward the circle, racing across the sand as drones converged on his position as if trying to keep him away.
He dodged, reaching the circle by some miracle. Strain showed as he forced his way forward, one slow step at a time.
Finally, he breached the perimeter, collapsing into a heap seconds later.
