Kira was the only other person who could surprise him as easily as the emperor did.
“I found far more than I imagined,” Torvald said, his gaze lingering on the sphere lying next to Jarek’s fallen body.
A hint of apprehension stole through Graydon’s thoughts as the air around Torvald sharpened, indicating threat and danger. A demand for submission that was difficult to resist.
“Is there something you’re keeping from me, my Storm? Something related to my firstborn?”
Graydon held very still, conscious that Kira wasn’t the only predator present. “There are many things. You know that.”
One of the most difficult things a Face learned was the balancing act that came with the position. The emperor couldn’t be told everything. Plausible deniability was a powerful weapon.
If he knew, he’d have to act.
Particularly in the instance of a soul bound who was also Torvald’s firstborn.
It was Graydon’s job to protect him from the regret that would follow such an action.
Though a part of Graydon wondered if the other reason he kept this secret was because he knew Kira would view it as the ultimate betrayal if he didn’t.
“It’s strange. It’s almost like she has a third heritage beyond that of Roake and Luatha.” Piercing golden eyes pinned Graydon in place. “One that bears a striking resemblance to my own line.”
Graydon’s heartbeat was loud as the moment lengthened between them.
“It is not time,” Graydon said carefully.
Torvald’s chest rose as he inhaled, a brief crack appearing. The emperor looked away, composing himself.
When he focused on Graydon, the pressure he’d exerted before was gone. He was just a man. No longer the terror that made even Graydon stiffen his resolve.
“I will trust you know what you’re doing for a while longer.”
“I’m honored,” Graydon drawled, knowing the concession Torvald was making.
Graydon’s gaze landed on Kira as she reached Jin, snagging him off the ground from where he’d fallen with one hand as she grabbed Jarek by the throat with the other.
She didn’t know it yet but her time for keeping secrets was quickly ticking to an end. Graydon only prayed that when they rose to the surface, they wouldn’t destroy the woman he’d come to love.
Kira froze as a blade touched her neck, cutting gently into the skin as blood oozed to the surface.
Not much could hurt this form. Even less could kill it.
Despite that, instinct warned the woman holding the blade might be capable of both. What was even more interesting was the fact that the primus could sense no hostility in the other.
Only a calm assurance.
“I would prefer not to use violence to settle this situation. Rescind your primus and put the inquisitor down.”
Kira turned her head to fix a glowing violet gaze on Amila. Her silent stare more intimidating than a roar.
In this form, she was the apex. Faster. Stronger. More resilient than the other.
Others feared her. Not this woman though.
Kira struggled to understand why.
Reason still existed for her in this form. Though the first few seconds after a transformation were always a little hazy, her control at its worse.
Right now, she was still Kira. Just a more blood thirsty, merciless version of herself.
