His gaze lowered in defeat. “The arena.”
Kira turned on her heel. “Good decision.”
Now, it was time to teach House Votair a lesson they wouldn’t soon forget.
Kira was grateful for Finn’s presence as he led them to a path that was much quicker and more direct than the tunnel she’d used to arrive at the sanctum, as Graydon had called it. Cheers assaulted Kira’s ears as she appeared at the top of the arena’s stairs, looking down at the floor where two figures were locked in combat.
“Well, well, there’s quite the audience,” Kira said softly.
Almost every initiate who had elected to continue in their adva ka was present along with any friends and family members who’d come to offer their support and guidance.
It was quite the crowd.
All to watch Joule be taught his place.
His wasn’t the only duel being fought, but it was the one that drew the most attention. Initiates ringing him and his opponent.
Kira started down the steps to where Raider leaned against the railing, Blue beside him.
Raider straightened at Kira’s approach. “Don’t do anything crazy.”
How well he knew her.
Kira looked away from him to Elena and Ziva, setting a hand on each of their heads and ruffling their hair.
“Don’t look like that,” she told them.
Elena was as angry as Kira had ever seen her. Furious to the point Kira thought about warning Raider that Kira wasn’t the one he needed to worry about.
One more challenge and Kira was betting Elena would do something he’d classify as unwise.
Ziva was more subdued. Her eyes and nose red as she fought not to cry.
Kira patted them both once more. “It’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”
She’d make it that way.
Raider shook his head and sighed. “Whatever you’re going to do, you should hurry up. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll last. He’s on his third opponent already.”
“How many duels have you fought?” Kira asked, noting the tiredness on Raider’s face along with the signs he’d been in a scuffle.
“A few. They’re more focused on the kid.”
Of course, they were. They’d been after Joule from the beginning.
Raider probably got swept up in events when he tried to redirect the focus from Joule to himself.
It had worked but only temporarily.
“What’s he doing?” Kira asked, tipping her chin at Devon where he stood between Joule and his opponent saying something.
“Acting as referee.” Raider leaned one arm against the railing. “You should be grateful. He’s ensuring Joule gets time to rest between each challenge. It’s letting the boy hang on but barely.”
Jin let out a harrumph. “I guess he’s not totally useless after all.”
Kira’s lips twisted as she turned to look up at the stands, locating her quarry easily. “Don’t sound so approving while you say that.”
There Terrel was, looking just as smug and arrogant as the last time she’d seen him.
