Alexander gave her a sharp smile. "You're welcome to try."
The forty three quieted. Having seen replays of Alexander's battle with the face changer, Graydon understood their caution. The man was a worthy foe that would have made for an interesting opponent.
"Pallas, how did Kira perform during your duel today?" Ryan asked, his quiet voice interrupting the growing discontent.
Pallas cracked an eye from where he was sitting with his chin on his hand. "Passable—but barely."
Selene's scoff held derision. "You were evenly matched."
"And your partiality toward our youngest sister has always been obvious," Pallas returned.
Selene looked like she would have dearly loved to argue before thinking better of it.
"Explain," Ryan ordered.
Pallas lifted his chin off his fist, dropping his hand as he straightened. "Her reflexes are better, but her stamina is still shit. It's not what it was at her peak. However, she is better with her soul's breath. More adaptive. Less clumsy. Her time with the Tuann has benefited her. She's no longer so reliant on her physical characteristics."
Graydon looked at the other man, impressed in spite of himself. Pallas's analysis matched his own of Kira's skills, pointing to the fact that there was more to him than just the deranged persona he presented.
"Would she survive?" one of those in a mask asked.
Pallas's gaze turned inward, his face thoughtful. "Debatable."
The news was met with silence.
Graydon had to admit, the forty three's control was admirable. They displayed a depth of discipline similar to those who occupied a position in their House's higher ranks.
"Let's put this to a vote," Ryan announced calmly.
As an emperor's Face, Graydon had gotten used to reading people at a glance. Deciphering their motives and agenda in an instant.
This Ryan, though. He wasn't so easy to see through.
"Alexander, what's your opinion?" Ryan asked.
Alexander glanced in Selene's direction. "My decision was made months ago. The forty three face a new paradigm. I am willing to see where Kira's path leads us."
"Marie," Ryan said.
"Against."
"Cole."
"I have no opinion one way or the other at this time. I reserve my vote."
After that, Ryan didn't call out anymore names, allowing the forty three to cast their vote on their own time.
Graydon took careful note of the voices, storing them in his memory in the event he ever came across one of them again.
The forty three were a cunning bunch, but they were fools if they thought Graydon wouldn't be able to recognize them off the little information they'd given him. He'd always been a patient hunter. A year or a thousand, he'd find them if he ever desired to.
"You know my thoughts," Selene said. "I support Kira's stance."
"Thea, you're the last one," Ryan said.
The woman from earlier blew a raspberry. "Ah, what the hell. I'm in favor of Kira. Who doesn't love a good war?"
Of everyone, her choice surprised Graydon the most. From her actions, he'd assumed she and Kira didn't get along. Since their arrival, she'd been combative and aggressive, not even sparing her other siblings. It was almost like she was hoping for a fight and didn't care who she had to make angry to get it.
