"In addition to my meddling, I did a little investigating while I was down there." Talon tapped the stone she held. "Everything I found is on there."
Kira looked at the memory device with renewed excitement. There was no telling what information Talon had found, but she suspected whatever was on this would be of considerable value to Jace. Maybe enough to help him in the shit storm that was sure to come his way for going rogue.
"There's a price though," Talon told her before she had a chance to thank him.
Kira bit back her words, watching him warily. "Okay."
"Don't worry. It's not going to hurt you." He smirked as he knelt in front of her. "I will be your shield."
Kira's eyes widened. "No. Absolutely not."
"You will be my sword," he continued.
"I don’t accept." Kira looked back at Auralyn. "That's how it is supposed to work, right? I have to agree?"
Auralyn's gaze was speculative. "That’s how it's usually done."
Talon's expression was impassive as he pointed at the storage device in her hand. "If you want that, you don't have a choice."
Involuntarily, Kira clutched the device to her chest.
Talon smiled. "Glad we're in agreement."
"We're not though," Kira called at his back as he made his way back to where Finn was lying.
She cursed when he gave no signs of hearing.
"Congratulations on your new oshota. Your uncle will be pleased," Auralyn commented.
Kira threw an arm over her face. One oshota was bad enough. She refused to accept a second.
Maybe there was a way to convince him to take back the oath he'd just made. No one except Auralyn had been paying attention. Kira was sure the other woman wouldn't contradict them if she and Talon pretended this hadn't happened.
Graydon's presence beside her registered a second before he lifted her arm off her face.
She stared up at him grumpily. "Don't say it."
His eyes laughed down at her.
"I mean it, Graydon. Not a word."
It had been a long day, and she wanted to hide from the inevitable just a little while longer.
Graydon's face was soft as he took in her features. "Alright, coli. Have it your way."
She turned into his touch as he gently brushed a finger across her face.
"We did it," Kira said softly.
She was still having trouble believing that.
His nod was small. "We did."
She sent him a crooked smile. "I told you I wouldn't die."
"You did."
Now that it was over, Kira could feel herself relaxing. Elena was safe. Jin would wake up. And for now, the Tsavitee had been routed.
