"I warned you against getting attached. We cannot protect everyone."
Fyr sent a resentful glare in the direction of Elena's room. She ducked around the corner, hugging the wall as her heart pounded.
Did he see her? Please say he didn't.
Elena wasn't sure what would happen if Ajix and Fyr caught her eavesdropping, but she was pretty sure it wouldn't end well for her.
Elena waited. The moments dragged on. Each more fear filled than the last.
Finally, Fyr spoke, putting her out of her misery. "I'm aware of my limits, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to throw Saros away for a stranger. You've traded her life for that outsider’s."
"I know what I've done. I'll have to live with that," Ajix responded. "But this is the collective's desire. Sacrifices must sometimes be made for the sake of our goals. It's a regrettable fact that we must all accept."
The ugly sound Fyr made had Elena flinching.
"That woman. She has you and the rest wrapped around her finger. Since she came, we've gotten further and further from our true purpose. She's using us like pawns," Fyr snarled.
"This isn't up for debate," Ajix said with forced patience. "You have your orders. Do your duty or you'll be the one the collective sacrifices next."
Elena darted away from the doorway as footsteps approached. She threw herself at the bed, diving under the covers as whoever it was stopped on the threshold of her room.
She lay still, her eyes closed, her heart pounding with adrenaline.
"She'll wake in an hour or two. When she does, escort her back to the crèche and protect her until we determine the level of her usefulness," Ajix instructed.
There was no response from Fyr.
Elena chanced cracking her eyelids a small bit to see what was going on. Just in time to watch Ajix set a hand on the general boy's shoulder.
"Don't lose faith quite yet. Our spies on Ta Sa'Riel are due to report in soon. If you're right and it turns out that woman is lying to us, it won't be too late to deal with the child then."
Fyr's nod was grudging.
Elena held herself immobile, squeezing her eyes shut to feign sleep.
It was hard not to imagine Fyr taking advantage of her defenseless state to strangle her. Or maybe he'd smother her. Less bruising that way.
If it was Elena, she'd definitely go for the pillow over the face. At least if she was hoping to not get caught.
The seconds ticked by, ramping up Elena's stress and anxiety to stratospheric levels.
If he did try to kill her, what should she do in retaliation? She couldn't let herself be snuffed out that easily. She'd have to defend herself of course.
Good thing she'd stuffed her friend the bone pick into her pant leg before departing the crèche.
Maybe she could just give Fyr a little stab. Injure rather than kill.
It flew in the face of Auntie's teachings—always make sure to put your enemy down permanently. Never give them an opportunity to get back on their feet.
Elena flinched at Fyr's sudden and explosive curse.
Luckily, the sound of him moving out of the room covered her mistake.
Elena held still, not quite trusting her good luck. Cautiously and half feeling like this was a trick, Elena parted her eyelids.
The room was empty.
She opened her eyes fully and looked around.
