Kira’s eyebrows ticked up in surprise.Was this actually working?That was a first.
Jin’s spawn crawled into view on the ceiling.Its upper half let go until it was dangling by its back two legs.With its pincers, it grabbed one of the chain’s binding Caius’s wrists.
“You don’t have to do this.We can walk away,” Bez pleaded.
Az’s shoulders shook as a laugh spilled out of her, growing more hysterical with every second.“And go where?You know Caius.He doesn’t forgive.He’ll hunt me to the edges of the universe for what I’ve done.”
“She’s right.I will,” Caius agreed.“I had a lot of friends in that enclave.”His smile was flinty.“You know how I like to settle debts.”
Yes, please taunt the people holding you hostage.Because that always worked out so well,Kira internally grumbled.
Bez deflated.
Kira sympathized.He was caught between the man he’d sworn fealty to and a woman who’d probably served at his side through thick and thin.
A bond like that was difficult to discard.
Az drew a dagger.“I never asked you to follow me or be part of this.You’re free to walk away.”
Bez didn’t move as Az shoulder-checked him on her way past.He remained motionless, frozen in place by indecision.
Come on, Bez.Step up.Don’t let her do this,Kira urged.
Despite her hope, Bez didn’t move.Even when Az lifted the dagger in preparation to slit Caius’s throat.
“Pye and Arly,” Bez said suddenly.“Were they in on this?”
Az paused, the dagger lowering slightly as she glanced back at him.“What do you think?”
“I don’t know anything anymore,” Bez admitted, sounding defeated “Just tell me please.”
Az considered him, her expression hard to read.Eventually, she shook her head.“Tage and I acted alone.Pye and Arly weren’t in on this.They’re too stupidly loyal.”
“Good.That’s good.”Relief slackened Bez’s features as he nodded.“Heir, Caius, is that enough to serve as evidence?”
Alarm filled Az’s face as she twisted in Kira’s direction.
“Works for me,” Kira chirped.“How about you, Caius?”
“I’m satisfied if you are,” Caius rumbled.
He gave one sharp jerk of his arms.The chains binding him shattered.Free, he seized Az by either side of her jaw and twisted.
Her neck snapped.
“Very satisfied,” Caius drawled, a cruel look in his eyes as he watched Az flop to the ground.
“That’s nice,” Kira said.“We should probably get out of here now,”
They were a little light on manpower if any of the Tuann rebels happened upon them.There was also still Jin to consider.
Caius winced as movement pulled at the wounds on his chest and back.“There are children here somewhere.We can’t leave them behind.”
“Way ahead of you.They were my first stop.”
A tiny giggle came from behind her.
Kira looked back to find three sets of eyes peeking around the corner.
