What happened to the big, scary enemy Auntie had always warned her about? Right now, the generals seemed more like pushovers than actual predators.
Kai stepped around Fyr.
"What are you doing?" Elena demanded as the Sye stopped next to her mother. "Don't touch her."
Kai regarded Elise with a half lidded gaze. Almost covetous as the Sye looked her over.
"I never thought I'd get this chance," Kai murmured, glancing Elena's way. "I really have to thank you."
Elena was quiet as Kai went to pick Elise up.
Fyr stopped him. "I can't let you do whatever you're thinking."
"I was afraid you'd be stubborn," Kai said with a regretful sigh.
Fyr jerked, making a pained sound.
Kai looked on with an inscrutable expression. "That's why I made a few preparations beforehand."
Fyr collapsed, falling to the ground.
"Fyr?" Elena called. "What did you do to him?"
Kai squatted beside Elise. "Nothing that will cause long term harm. After all, he is the exalted one's possession now."
Elena's gaze darted to Fyr's still body. "Why would you hurt him?"
Kai looked over at her with an inscrutable expression. "Did you know that when a Sye leaves their haven without the permission of our masters their entire genetic line is stamped out?"
Elena kept quiet, staring at the Sye warily.
The Sye’s gaze deepened. "You've met one of my kind before. I can tell."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Maybe it's not your mother who I should be focusing on."
Elena tried to scoot further away as Kai rose, crossing the walkway to her.
"You have what I want, don't you?" Kai crooned.
There was something strange in Kai's gaze. Obsession and an avarice that made Elena sick.
"I'll ask you one time, child." Kai's hand wrapped around her throat. "Where is that person?"
Elena whimpered, her pulse racing against the Sye’s fingers.
Auntie, if you're going to get here, now would be a good time.
"So stubborn. All the way to the end. Perhaps your mother will be more forthcoming."
Kai started to squeeze.
Despair caught Elena in its grip. No, this couldn't be how she died. She still had too much to do with her life.
A pained grunt came from Kai, the Sye's grip loosening as something wet splashed Elena's face.
There were similar expressions of surprise on her and Kai's faces as they both stared at the blade sticking out of the Sye's chest.
