Gem’s giggle was a thing of beauty as she darted back to join the rest of the children.
“Do we want to know where she got a sapphire that size?”Raider asked as Kira rose.
“In cases like these, I’ve found it’s better not to ask too many questions.”
Even if Kira found out that Gem had appropriated that sapphire from its rightful owner, it wasn’t like she had any intention of returning it.
“What promise was she talking about?”Quillon asked.
Kira sent Raider a look that said, “see what you did?”
He folded his arms and glared right back.
“I’m not sure,” Kira told Quillon.“Could be anything.”
Raider’s soft snort had her curling her fingers into a fist.What she wouldn’t give to be able to kick him right now.
Quillon’s glance was probing.“Is that right?”
“It is.”
Technically, Raider and she were only guessing as to what “promise” the girl was referencing.
“I’m going to let this go since neither of you seem willing to share,” Quillon explained, his expression making it clear that he knew they were lying.“But I expect to be informed if this matter threatens to affect the children.”
“It won’t,” Kira promised.
“You hope,” Raider muttered.
Kira glared at her friend.“It won’t.”
“Yes, because things always work out the way you want, Nixxy.”
With that, Raider stalked off, leaving Kira rubbing her temple and wishing the pain there would go away.
“Another headache?”Quillon seemed concerned.“You’ve been getting a lot of those.”
Kira dropped her hand.“It’s nothing.
“Are you still having those dreams?”
Kira looked away, avoiding the question.
Quillon’s sigh was filled with frustration.“One of these days you’re going to learn I’m not the enemy.”
“I never thought you were.”
Otherwise, she would never have let him examine her.
“You’re as stubborn as your uncle.And sometimes just as blind as him.”There was resignation on Quillon’s face before he mercifully changed the subject.“I assume your next stop will be to check on Elise.”
Kira didn’t know about that.She had a lot of unresolved issues with her friend, and she wasn’t sure if now was the time to address them.
And yet, the thought of walking away was like a dagger in the heart.
Agonizing.
“How is she?”Kira asked in a low voice.
