That would never change.
“You hate me for what I tried to do, but have you ever considered that I may have had my reasons?”Jarek’s expression was open and earnest.“You consider the soul-bound a friend.It’s admirable how protective you are.But then, you’re very young.And so is he.There hasn’t been time for either of you to experience the full horror of his condition.”
From the way he spoke, it sounded like he thought that would change.
Jarek set a hand on the stack of books that Kira hadn’t noticed by his side.“These are accounts of the soul bound going back thousands of years.In them, not a single one maintains their sanity for longer than a few decades.I’ve read the records of what happened next.It’s not something you want for someone you profess to care about.”
Kira’s gaze darted to the stack of books, curious in spite of herself.There was a lot of mystery surrounding what Jin was.These books might contain answers.Even now, when his circumstances had changed.
Suspicious, Kira frowned at Jarek.“You talk like you think Jin is still a danger.He’s not.”
He was Tuann now.Any threat of insanity should be gone.
“Is that what you think?”Jarek probed.
“It’s what I know.”
Jarek considered Kira before giving his head a tiny shake.“The crucible of life has a way of impressing on us the most enduring of lessons.”
Kira frowned, her gaze following Jarek as he rose.“What does that mean?”
“I’ll leave the books for your edification.There’s also an account from the last Tuann to kill an Osiri.I think you’ll find the contents interesting.”
“Hey!You never answered my question!”Kira called as the door to the cell opened and Jarek stepped outside.
The inquisitor glanced back at her.“Everything is so simple to you.”
Kira rolled her eyes.“Don’t be a fool.Nothing is ever simple.”
But it wasn’t that complicated either.For Kira, it boiled down to sides.Jin and Kira’s—and anyone who meant them harm.
“You can try to escape but upgrades have been made to prevent further prison breaks.”Jarek nodded at someone out of sight.“I suggest you settle in.You might be here awhile.”
The door to the cell reformed, fading back into stone within seconds.
“You could have at least told me if Jin was okay,” Kira complained.
Would that have been too much to ask?
With a muffled groan, Kira picked herself up off the floor, taking a moment to stretch out the kinks before settling onto the bed and lying back to stare at the ceiling.
Jarek had gotten one thing right.This was going to be a long wait.
Five
Kira
Himotoalwayssaidthatthe hardest parts of war were the times between.After one battle but before the next.When you were on standby until the next scary thing arrived.
Never had Kira felt those words more keenly.
Uncertainty was a thorn under her skin as her mind went back and forth on possible outcomes.All the while her inner demons whispered of her failures.The things she could have done but hadn’t.
Kira closed her eyes and slowed her breathing.
In.And then out.
Over and over again until her fears receded.
