Graydon waited for his oshota to escort the Overlord away before looking at Baran. “What else?”
The oshota took a deep breath. “Devon was mortally injured.”
Graydon’s stomach clenched, his expression still outwardly calm.
Baran flicked a glance in Jarek’s direction as he struggled with how to say the next part. “I suspect a soul bound was instrumental in saving his life.”
Graydon’s eyes closed in defeat as Jarek reacted, the words pulling him out his shocked state.
Fuck.
“Kira went missing in the aftermath,” Baran finished in a low voice meant for only Graydon’s ears.
“The soul bound must be destroyed,” Jarek started.
Graydon didn’t think, grabbing the other man and yanking him to face him. He placed a dagger against Jarek’s throat.
The inquisitor was careful not to move. “I advise you to rethink this action.”
It was almost admirable how calm Jarek was in the face of death. Had the circumstances been different and Jarek not a zealot, Graydon might have found him a worthy adversary.
As it was, Graydon struggled not to end the man where he stood.
Ultimately, killing Jarek wouldn’t solve Graydon’s problem. Too many had seen Jin exposed for what he was.
No action on Graydon’s part would change that.
“I want you to listen carefully,” Graydon said in a controlled voice. “That soul bound is the emperor’s son and Devon’s brother. You will not harm him. Apprehend him if you must but you will leave his fate to the emperor to decide.”
It was Jin’s only chance of coming out of this alive. A small one at that.
Graydon thrust his face closer to Jarek’s, invading the other man’s personal space. “Kill him and I will hunt down every member of your order and force you to watch while I end them.”
Jarek was a true believer. The possibility of his own death meant nothing to him.
The continuation of his order, on the other hand, would hit him where it hurt.
Graydon would do it, too. He’d dismantle the order one by one until there was no one remaining.
He’d like to see them guard against the soul bound then.
Graydon might do it anyways when this was over. Insurance for the future.
Graydon shoved the other Tuann away from him.
“Kira would have gone to the Mea’Ave. I plan to follow her,“ Graydon informed Solal and Baran. “Ensure he follows my instructions.”
This close Kira could see that the rock formations and the glowing ribbons of water that wound through them was a maze in truth. Paths led over the rocks, water flowing under and around them in a steady trickle.
She could feel a tug in her chest as the pools created by the meandering maze beckoned her to step into the water’s depths. It promised her everything she wanted if she’d slow down and stay a while.
Kira set her gaze on the cavernous maw and what lay beyond. She didn’t let herself stray, not even when she caught glimpses of the individuals she’d loved.
“They’re not real.” A sob tore at her throat. “Don’t look at them.”
She continued, her hurry forcing her to backtrack several times as she took the wrong path.
A third of the maze was all that lay before her when Bayside’s voice brought her to a halt.
