And Kira hadn't noticed that they were being fired upon because of Thea's talent with illusions.
Elena stared at Kira with wide frightened eyes. "Auntie?"
"Stay there," Kira ordered.
At her side, she gave the sign for "Prepare."
Thea rolled her eyes. "Just stop. Did you forget I helped come up with those signs?"
No, actually. That was what Kira was banking on.
"Why?" Kira asked.
Thea shrugged. "Why not? We're weapons, Kira. We're meant to be used. Not rot in darkness."
"That's your justification for working with the monsters who destroyed our childhood?"
Thea rolled her eyes as she shadowed Kira. "Don’t be so melodramatic. A little short term pain for an unlimited future. Once we'd passed their tests, we would have ruled as kings and queens at their behest."
"You would have still been their slave."
Thea lifted a shoulder. "Everyone answers to someone. Might as well be the top dog."
"You’re insane."
Kira couldn’t believe Thea had thrown away her freedom to willingly re-enter hell. That's what awaited her as the lapdog of the Tsavitee's masters. No matter what pretty bow she chose to wrap it in.
Thea’s smile was sadistic. "Yes, I am. Isn't it fun?"
"How long have you been betraying your family?"
Since Rothchild, obviously. But Kira wanted to know how long before that.
"Ah, ah," Thea crooned, shaking her finger at Kira. "I know what you're doing. You're pumping me for information, thinking that you'll get out of this alive."
Kira smirked. "You’ve got that right."
This time she didn't bother to try to hide the movement of her hands as she sent another hand sign to Elena. "Horns. Left."
"I’ve already warned you that won’t work," Thea said with a frown.
Kira continued to sign. "Ten. Bee."
Thea lifted her weapon. "Kira!"
Three.
Kira's eyes never left Thea's as Elena rose, Elise on her back.
Two.
Thea switched her target to Elena. "I said stop!"
One.
Kira lunged. Elena broke right, over the central platform toward the opposite side.
Thea didn't have time to get off more than one shot before Kira was on her. She brought the rifle up using it to stop Kira's akieri from cleaving her in two from forehead to pelvis.
