"Because they're mine," Elise declared. "They deserve better than this fate. Just like we deserved better. I had no part of their making but that doesn't change the fact that they're embedded in my soul the same way you are."
Elena couldn't control her tears. They fell from her eyes. A lifetime's worth.
Uncle Jin draped his tail around the back of Elena's neck, giving it a small squeeze. A hug. Her first one from him.
"You lied to Kira," Uncle Jin said quietly. "You're not here for the generals."
"I did; and I didn't. Lothos and his allies are trying to do something important. They're worth saving. I know you and Kira don't see it because of your history with them, but I'm betting she’s beginning to."
Elise nodded at Elena.
Uncle Jin's silence held a grudging note, but he didn't argue.
"Never doubt my love for you," Elise told Elena, rising. "It's the only thing I have left to offer you."
A whimper tried to crawl out of Elena's throat as Elise strode out of the room without a single look back. Tears were useless. They wouldn't bring her mother back. And they wouldn't save her when the Osiri came for her.
"It will be alright, dear heart," Uncle Jin whispered, cuddling against her neck as she walked over to close her door. "We'll find a way through this. I promise you, Elena."
Elena barely heard him as she caught sight of Kai watching Elise from the shadows of the rock garden. "Oh no."
"Shit," Uncle Jin cursed as Kai looked in their direction.
He tucked himself under Elena's hair, going very still as Kai crossed the room.
"You're familiar with the masters' toy?" Kai asked, arching an eyebrow at Elena.
She stiffened, her eyes narrowing at the pejorative term in reference to her mother.
Uncle Jin squeezed the back of her neck. "Easy."
Elena took a breath, expelling it lightly as she met the other's probing gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about. She was in my room when I returned. I thought you sent her."
"What did you two talk about?"
"You'll have to ask her." Elena sent the Sye a cocky look. "I'm not at liberty to say."
Elena gave herself a mental pat on the back. With how rigid Tsavitee society was, Kai probably wouldn't question her further if the Sye thought the discussion was considered Top Secret.
The trick always worked for Tommy. She hoped it would do the same for her.
The moments dragged by as the Sye studied her.
"You're doing good," Uncle Jin whispered. "You just have to fool them a little longer."
Elena really hoped so. Maintaining an innocent expression for this long was difficult. Any moment she might break and give away her fib.
Fyr cleared his throat, making his presence known.
The Sye frowned at him. "What is it? Can't you see I'm busy?"
Fyr's expression remained blank as he stepped closer, lowering his voice to speak into the other's ear.
"I see." Kai looked over at Elena to give her a cold smile. "We'll pick this up at a later date."
"Looking forward to it," Elena chirped.
Kai strode away. Fyr lingered, studying Elena for a moment before following.
