Her actions successfully attracted the Osiri's attention.
"It's strange," he said, cocking his head. "We've tried human/Tuann combinations before, but never with such success. I wonder what it is about you that makes you so special."
Elena stilled, feeling like prey as he made his way over to her. She licked her lips, her gaze darting to her mother before returning to the Osiri. "Why do you care?"
If she could just keep him talking. Stall for time until Uncle Jin got here.
There was also a part of her that was curious. She'd heard Aunt Kira and Uncle Jin's theories. Now it was a chance to learn the truth from the source. Lucky her.
The Osiri looked like he was considering Elena's question. "You know—no one has ever asked me that before."
"That seems lonely," Elena said.
His gaze shifted to her, pinning her in place. The look in them made her heart grow cold. Merciless. So alien in nature, Elena suspected she and others would never be able to understand the Osiri and their motivations.
"There is no loneliness in purpose. Only beauty and fulfillment."
"What purpose?" Elena asked.
"To make the universe ours and obtain perfection in form and spirit."
"Is that why you're obsessed with the Tuann?"
"They are ours," the Osiri hissed. "To do with as we please. Their rebellion will not be tolerated. They will learn, as all eventually do, who their masters are."
"And the generals?"
The Osiri stared at her with his strange mono-colored eyes. "Our harbingers. Responsible for spreading our plan throughout the universe."
The Osiri were stark, raving mad, Elena decided. How else would you explain the nonsense coming out of his mouth?
She'd heard of narcissists before, but the Osiri took it to the next level. An entire species of megalomaniacs.
"Exalted one, considering the prize you've received today, I was wondering if we could reconsider the offering," Kai interrupted, careful to keep their head lowered.
The Osiri glanced at Kai with a predatory focus.
"It's just—I would hate for my crèche's ranking to fall behind the others."
The Osiri straightened. "That is not my problem. The offering stands."
Kai's expression was stilted as they bowed again. "Very well, my lord."
"You're dismissed," the Osiri instructed.
Kai dipped lower before rising. He held out a hand to stop Fyr from following. "Not you, Fyr. You're staying here."
It was hard not to pity Fyr as shock showed on his face. Elena was betting he hadn’t seen this betrayal coming.
"What's this?" Fyr demanded.
Kai was perfectly composed as they met the general's gaze. "The offering was never supposed to be our lowest ranked. It was always to be taken from our best."
To their credit, there was regret on the Sye's face. Though Elena thought that had more to do with losing a talented seedling than betraying a boy who'd given every appearance of being loyal to the core.
"I'm sorry it has to be this way, but your sacrifice will ensure the advancement of us all," Kai explained.
Fyr's face had gone granite hard, his emotions shut down. "Did Ajix know about this?"
