She knew how bad that would be for her. She'd overheard Aunt Kira and Uncle Jin talking one night. They were two of the strongest people Elena knew. Anything that could put that amount of pain and fear in their voices was better off avoided at all costs.
"I disagree. We need the Phoenix's cooperation. If the child is harmed, she will not bargain," Elise said. "I can take anything the masters throw at me. The child can't say the same. She's far too weak to survive their anger."
Lothos narrowed his eyes at her. "You're not trying to hide something from me, are you?"
"Of course not," Elise answered lightly. "I learned my lesson the last time."
The moment dragged as Lothos stared. Suspicion forming behind his eyes.
Elena found herself holding her breath. What would she do if he realized Elise was lying? Fight? She'd die.
But maybe that would be better. Being ripped apart at the seams didn't sound like a bucket list item.
No. Survive. Those were Auntie's orders. Survive at all costs. No matter who you had to sacrifice or what you had to do.
Easier said than done.
An eternity later, Lothos seemed to come to a decision. "Very well. I'll believe you. For now."
Elise's face remained apathetic. As if it didn't matter to her whether or not Lothos believed her.
Lothos's gaze shifted to Elena. "Does she understand our language?"
"Of course not. She's Tuann. You know their kind. Only ever interested in their own matters."
Lothos's frown sent another jolt of adrenaline through Elena system. "Are you sure?"
Shit. He knew.
And Aunt Selene would have sent her to time out for using that word.
Elena fought the desire to flee, trying not to react outwardly in any way.
Pretend. Pretend.
Of course, a Tuann wouldn't know the Tsavitee language. They would have no reason to. They hadn't fought in a war against them. Even if they had, Elena doubted most would have taken the time to understand their enemy.
A human might have. A Haldeel scholar definitely would have. But not a Tuann, who were the very definition of arrogance.
If not for Elise's disguised warning, Elena would have already given herself away.
She couldn't help but be upset about that oversight. Only a few minutes in and she'd already endangered her cover. She needed to be better than this.
"If she knows a little, it's probably due to the Phoenix's influence. She was obsessed with studying the Tsavitee and everything about them," Elise answered, sounding bored.
The comment offered a way for Elena to "learn" the Tsavitee language faster than if she was newly exposed to it.
A door appeared in the same place it had earlier. A second general stepped inside, pausing at the sight of the dead mantis before continuing.
Possessing a smaller stature than Lothos, the newcomer still towered over Elise by nearly three feet. His horns weren't as impressive or as well developed as Lothos's, placing him lower than the other general in the hierarchy. His face was impassive as he stopped a few feet away, clasping his hands behind his back as he waited to be acknowledged.
"Speak," Lothos ordered.
"The masters are aware of her return and have asked for her presence."
Elise's chin lifted. There was a note of fear before it was gone.
"I can't protect you from this," Lothos informed her.
