“None of your children are the same as they were when they left you. We all have a few extra odds and ends, courtesy of our masters in their pursuit of a genetically superior creature who would serve at their beck and call.” Pallas lifted one shoulder, ignoring the cold looks on Alexander and Kira’s faces as he revealed secrets no one wanted out. He had a sly expression on his face as he slid a sidelong glance in Kira’s direction. “My sister tried to spare us by sugar coating the matter. What she doesn’t realize is we never expected acceptance from the Tuann. We remember how close-minded you bastards are. The way you refer to humans as half dead because of their inability to sense their soul’s breath. You are far more like our masters than any of us care to be reminded of.”
Danai’s Overlord stood from his chair in challenge. “Then why have you come?”
Pallas looked over at Alexander with a faint smile. “I think that’s your cue.”
Alexander stepped forward, raising his arm and the pinky sized tablet on his wrist. He flicked several data streams to Eurus.
“The Haldeel Royal, za na ri na Tierni, sends greeting and a warning. Should the Tuann choose to persecute her savior, Jin, for the crime of his existence, the Haldeel will see it as an intent to exterminate an intelligent species and declare war,“ Alexander informed Eurus and Torvald. “She also sent a message, ‘if the Tuann cannot recognize the treasures they have in the two souled, Jin and Kira, the Haldeel would be happy to claim them as their own’.”
Eurus took his time to peruse the letter Tierni had written, forcing the rest of the chamber to wait as he considered Alexander’s argument.
Kira felt like she was standing on a bed of hot coals as anxiety twisted in her stomach. Jin held still in his cage, but she knew he, too, was hoping for a miracle that didn’t involve bloodshed.
Finally, Eurus lifted his head and looked at the emperor. “The Haldeel Royal makes an interesting case.”
Torvald’s expression shuttered as he dipped his head. “Since my judgment is considered compromised, I’ll leave the decision to you.”
Eurus dipped his chin in acknowledgement, his gaze catching Kira’s. “I side in favor of the soul bound and recommend the inquisitors re-examine whether a soul bound is automatically deserving of the fate they’ve historically been given.”
There was an outcry from those behind them as Terrel shouted an objection.
“You can’t be serious,” Terrel argued. “That thing is an abomination.”
“You have heard my decision. I suggest you step lightly Overlord of House Votair. You have yet to meet your own judgment for your actions during the adva ka,“ Eurus warned, making Terrel blanche. “We have not forgotten what you’ve done.”
Terrel backed down, chastened. Danai’s overlord shot him a disgusted look as the other withdrew.
Eurus waited until he was certain there would no more objections before turning his attention to Jarek. “Inquisitor, I know this goes against your order’s vows.”
Jarek was staring at the ground in thought. He blinked and raised his head.
“It does—and while we may not be able to touch the soul bound at this time, we will be watching him for the first sign of madness.” His eyes were cold when he glanced at Jin. “At that point, we will not ask for permission but rather execute without regard for the political ramifications.”
Eurus nodded. “That is satisfactory.”
“There is, however, the matter of the soul bound’s creation,” Jarek added before Kira could breathe a sigh of relief.
“No,” Harlow snarled from his seat.
Jarek folded his hands in front of him. “I move for her memories and the soul bound’s to be examined to ascertain the truth behind his creation.”
Harlow’s roar shook the chamber as several oshota appeared to point their en-blades at him. Caius held him back with a tense look on his face.
Kira wasn’t sure what about Jarek’s suggestion had set Harlow off, but it was clear the Overlord of Roake was in the process of losing his shit in a way that might start the war Alexander and Pallas’s interference had just prevented.
“What do you say, little sister? Willing to take a trip down memory lane?” Pallas asked with a wink.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re hoping I agree?”
Pallas’s grin was wicked. “Because I am.”
Kira shot a quick glance at Harlow, giving him a tiny nod to say she would be fine. Her uncle calmed but not before sending a murderous glare Jarek’s way.
The inquisitor had better be careful from now on. He’d made an enemy of Roake’s Overlord—and by extension the rest of the House.
Kira squared her shoulders. “For Jin. Anything. But first—I want the room cleared of all these people.”
“You are the one on trial. You have no right to make demands,” Danai’s Overlord said.
