Torvald inclined his head in a respectful nod. “I understand.”
Raider snorted. “I doubt that, but you will.”
Yes, he most certainly would.
Later. When they weren’t about to die.
Kira hit the button that would allow the ship to broadcast her message.
“This is Kira Forrest, daughter of House Roake. I suggest you reconsider firing on this ship. You will not like the consequences otherwise.”
That should do it. She hoped.
The only thing left to do was wait and hope that her House’s enemies didn’t take advantage of the situation.
Her death would be a blow to House Roake. Not just from the position of losing an heir either.
Kira’s existence represented hope to those who’d lost children in the Sorrowing. Losing her would take them back to that time, crushing morale as well.
Her ship chimed, announcing an incoming transmission.
Kira didn’t have time to accept before the hazy figure House Roake’s Overlord appeared next to her.
Raider jerked in surprise at the unexpected arrival as her uncle swept a dismissive gaze over the bridge before focusing on Kira.
Even slightly see through, Harlow’s resemblance to Kira was unmistakable.
As her father’s twin, he was what her father would have looked like had he survived.
Hair the same color as Kira’s, a deep, rich burgundy that was half pulled back from his face. Features that held the same shape as hers.
The biggest difference was in their eye color. Whereas Kira’s were a violet that could change shade based on her mood. Harlow’s were the piercing gold of a hawk’s.
Harlow’s body had been honed into a weapon, carrying a strength and power that hadn’t been built in a day. Scars marked his features. The most prominent of which bisected his eyebrow, just missing taking his eye, before carving a long groove in his cheek.
Another followed the line of his jaw, visible even through the shadow of his trim beard.
“House Roake will consider firing on the heir’s ship as a declaration of war,” Harlow rumbled.
Kira mentally winced. She’d hoped to avoid having the title of heir attached to her name since it would make it more difficult later if she ever decided to walk away from House Roake.
It was much easier for a rank-and-file member of a House to leave versus someone who was considered integral to the House’s future.
Harlow’s words made that a futile hope now.
As if sensing her reservations, Harlow turned to regard her with a steady gaze. “You look like you’re in one piece. That’s good.”
A shiver raced down Kira’s spine at that statement. As if he was saying she needed to be in good shape to face the consequences soon to befall her.
“I look forward to seeing you face-to-face once you land.”
This time Kira could hear the faint threat in his voice as his figure faded from view.
“You’re in big trouble,” Raider observed.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Kira groaned, pressing her head against the back of her seat as the ship’s rocking worsened.
By now, they had entered the atmosphere. Flames licked along the belly of the ship and up the sides as Raider struggled to control their descent.
