Jin hadn’t been idle while Kira was training. He’d spent the time looking into everything surrounding blood feuds and vendettas. One of the things he’d noticed was that clear evidence of fault was needed to spark a blood feud that involved the entire House. Let alone draw punishment from the emperor’s Justice.
That was a lot of wiggle room for someone as creative as Jin.
“My hands are clean,” Kira spat.
And they’d never prove otherwise.
Terrel and his companions were speechless as Baran stirred. “Her assessment is correct.”
On screen, the image reformed. A second ship took shape.
Terrel made a pained sound in the back of his throat that was music to Kira’s ears.
That’s it. That’s the reaction she was hoping for.
She didn’t know what it said about her that she was enjoying his pain, but she reveled in it. It was satisfying on a whole other level.
“You shouldn’t have touched the kid,” she told him.
Now, he had to pay. That’s just how it was.
“What do you want?”
Kira tapped a finger on the arm of her chair as she considered the fight taking place below.
Joule was still holding his own. His expression focused and intent as he fended off his opponent’s blows.
“So many things,” Kira said.
If it were up to her, the man beside her would lose a ship for every bruise or scrape Joule received.
Sadly, it would be unwise to take this too far.
Himoto taught her that a cornered beast was unpredictable. She needed to leave Terrel with an avenue of retreat or risk retaliation outside her expectations.
“But in this case, I’m sure you can guess,” Kira said with a sidelong glance.
His chin lifted. “If I refuse?”
On screen, the second ship caught fire.
Kira smiled. “I guess you’ll lose the rest of your fleet.”
It might take Jin a while, but eventually, one by one, every single ship belonging to his House would go to a fiery grave.
Below, Joule knocked his opponent unconscious.
An initiate stepped forth, his mouth opening.
Terrel exploded to his feet with a roar. “Enough!”
Kira uncrossed her legs and rose. “I thought you might see things my way.”
She sauntered toward the stairs.
“This isn’t over,” Terrel snarled.
“I think it is.” Kira paused at the top of the stairs to shoot a teasing smile his way. “If I’m wrong, that could be fun too.”
