"Elise is a traitor. We owe her nothing," someone called.
Selene inclined her head. "Elise, yes. Whatever her mother has done, Elena is innocent."
"Says the woman who helped Kira hide the girl's existence from us. We still haven't settled the account for that or the way you allowed the Tuann to discover you."
Selene maintained her poise at the threat. "The forty three aren't here to control each other. What I do in my free time is my own choice. That includes establishing contact with my birth people."
"You endangered us all."
"How so? Elena was safe until Ryan interfered by sending her to Kira and the Tuann to pass along his little message. As for the Tuann, I told them nothing about us."
"Your actions dragged Alexander into matters."
Alexander stirred, shooting a cold look at the person responsible for that statement. "My choices are my own. You will not hold Selene responsible for them."
Thea cocked her head. "Maybe Selene isn't the only one we should be thinking of punishing."
Alexander gave her a sharp smile. "You're welcome to try."
The forty three quieted. Having seen replays of Alexander's battle with the face changer, Graydon understood their caution. The man was a worthy foe that would have made for an interesting opponent.
"Pallas, how did Kira perform during your duel today?" Ryan asked, his quiet voice interrupting the growing discontent.
Pallas cracked an eye from where he was sitting with his chin on his hand. "Passable—but barely."
Selene's scoff held derision. "You were evenly matched."
"And your partiality toward our youngest sister has always been obvious," Pallas returned.
Selene looked like she would have dearly loved to argue before thinking better of it.
"Explain," Ryan ordered.
Pallas lifted his chin off his fist, dropping his hand as he straightened. "Her reflexes are better, but her stamina is still shit. It's not what it was at her peak. However, she is better with her soul's breath. More adaptive. Less clumsy. Her time with the Tuann has benefited her. She's no longer so reliant on her physical characteristics."
Graydon looked at the other man, impressed in spite of himself. Pallas's analysis matched his own of Kira's skills, pointing to the fact that there was more to him than just the deranged persona he presented.
"Would she survive?" one of those in a mask asked.
Pallas's gaze turned inward, his face thoughtful. "Debatable."
The news was met with silence.
Graydon had to admit, the forty three's control was admirable. They displayed a depth of discipline similar to those who occupied a position in their House's higher ranks.
"Let's put this to a vote," Ryan announced calmly.
As an emperor's Face, Graydon had gotten used to reading people at a glance. Deciphering their motives and agenda in an instant.
This Ryan, though. He wasn't so easy to see through.
"Alexander, what's your opinion?" Ryan asked.
Alexander glanced in Selene's direction. "My decision was made months ago. The forty three face a new paradigm. I am willing to see where Kira's path leads us."
"Marie," Ryan said.
"Against."
