"Quillon gave it to me after explaining how you chose it during your affinity test," Graydon explained.
Kira closed her fist around the stone. "He told me that test was invalid since I was wearing the inhibitor."
His explanation had made sense since the inhibitor interfered with Kira's access to ki.
Graydon nodded. "That could very well be the case."
Kira's gaze dropped to the stone as a buzzing sensation nipped at her palm. "But you don't think it is."
Graydon shook his head, his hand coming up to cover her fist. "It would explain some things."
Kira let him pry open her fingers to reveal the deep blue of the stone.
"Technically, it's not an affinity," Graydon explained.
Kira's forehead furrowed in confusion. "How does that work?"
Graydon brushed a finger across the stone's surface, tickling her palm in the process. "It's an old folk tale among our people. They say the first among us to receive affinities were like clean slates upon which anything could be written. The shape of their soul was decided based on the experiences they accumulated. A person with a strong desire to defend became a shielder. A person who lived on the battlefield developed more offensive capabilities. They adapted to their circumstances and their soul's breath with them."
"That doesn't make sense," Kira said.
Moreover, it totally negated the idea of an affinity.
"That's why almost no one tests for it anymore. There has never been a confirmed case. The only stories we have about it were based upon the first few Tuann to receive their soul's breath directly from the lu-ong. It's mostly considered a legend."
Graydon released Kira's hand.
She looked down at the stone. "What are you saying?"
"Your potential is entirely influenced by your experiences," Graydon informed her.
"And this is supposed to explain what happened with Jin?"
"Partially," Graydon allowed. "Your desire to survive is a defining trait of yours. As is your protectiveness of others. You went back for Jin despite knowing the likely outcome. That's enough to form a bond. Based on his physical condition and young age, Torvald doubts Jin could have used the drone's essence to save you nor could he have transferred your soul. It's more likely you both would have died in the attempt. Your affinity may have recognized that and lent its help."
"But in the process, it wound up costing him his body," Kira finished.
Graydon inclined his head. "That is my theory."
Kira rolled the stone in her hand, contemplating what Graydon had shared. It was just within the realm of possibility. The desperation and fear they’d both experienced somehow enabling them to do what even the Tsavitee's masters couldn't.
The thud of boots against metal announced Pallas and Lathan's presence as they walked out of the ship.
Pallas threw the cloak he was holding at Graydon's head. "It may offend your delicate sensibilities, but wear it."
Graydon caught the cloak, preventing it from hitting his face as he leveled a cold look on the other man. Pallas stared, his tiny smirk taunting. Inhaling harshly, Graydon maintained his composure as he swung the cloak over his shoulder without an argument.
Despite getting what he wanted, Pallas didn't look pleased.
"You owe me money, seon'yer," Lathan observed as he locked up the ship. "You bet me he'd refuse."
"Of course I did," Pallas snarled. "The Tuann are notoriously arrogant. Especially when it comes to their synth armor. Who would have thought an emperor's Face would deign to cover his pride and joy?"
Kira hid her smile at Pallas's irritation. It served her brother right for underestimating Graydon.
Pallas refused to drop the matter. "He should have refused."
His gaze wandered to Kira as if blaming her for Graydon acting out of character.
