“I'm not giving you the commander. That was just my way of informing you that he's alive. You have six Nethren privates. I will give you six Paradefense privates in return.”
General Caden's expression hardened. “You have hundreds, you say. If you want your soldiers back, I want double their number. Six Medeans and six Aethari. Their rank doesn't matter.”
“You may have four of each. That's all.”
“Eight total. Allalive, Commander.”
“Yes, of course. We are not the monsters they say we are.”
General Caden nodded. “Deal.”
“What about my sister?!” Liria shouted.
“Mrs. Rennux, your sister is safe and unharmed.” Commander Vor met her stare across the distance. “I swear to you. She is under my protection and treated as a valued guest, not a prisoner.”
“She had better stay unharmed, or I will tear you apart, piece by piece!”
Vor inclined his head to her. “On my honor, she will be safe with me. She is important to my entire race. I would never abuse her.”
“What the fuck is happening?” Thax whispered.
“Ten minutes, General,” Commander Vor said. “I will drop the ward in ten minutes to allow your people to leave. You will have my soldiers ready, and we will make the exchange simultaneously. If you attempt any treachery, I will kill all the hostages, starting with your commander.”
The general cursed under his breath, then spoke into the amplifier. “Agreed.” He clicked the thing off and handed it to his assistant. “Do not interfere with this exchange, Rennux. If you fuck this up, it will cost soldiers their lives.”
“I understand, General.” Liria kept her stare on the commander as he left the wall walk. “I'll find another way to get my sister back.”
Thax took her hand. “We already have a plan, destra. We just need to be patient.”
“I'm done with patience.” Liria let go of Thax and headed for Rinna's tent.
Chapter Nineteen
Lena
Lena had heard most of the exchange at the wall. Sitting at the window, with the pane lifted, she had the perfect view of Vor and even a little of those who had spoken to him. She knew her sister was there, but to hear Liria threaten Vor had made her chest hurt. She wanted to rush out there and assure Liria that she was all right. But Vor had done that. Lena had been shocked to hear him make the same promises to her sister that he had made to her. He even told Liria about his wild notion that Tech had led him to Lena.
She had heard Rallorival as well, even though he had used no amplifier.
Of course, Rallorival was there. The Aethari warrior wouldn't miss an opportunity to play the hero, especially if Lena was involved. But when he said that she belonged to him, she nearly shouted out of the window for him to go fuck himself, because she wouldn't be doing it. Which was completely out of character for her. Lena didn't say such things. She didn't like confrontation or cursing. But she was tired of men claiming to own her. Lena hadn't shown any interest in Rallorival. What made him think she was his?
Source. That's right. Just like Vor, Rallorival had cited Source as his guide, and therefore, he got some kind of pass on gaining Lena's affection. If Source was behind it, she couldn't refuse. Or so they seemed to think. But this was her life and her body, damn them! Neither source had the right to give her away.
The door to the corridor swung open. Lena spun, realizing too late that she had forgotten to lock the door from her side. Vor stormed in, slammed the door shut, and locked it. Then he remained there, staring at the door, his metal hand over the lock.
Lena edged away from the window, backing toward the safety of the bedroom. There was a lock on that door too.
Vor turned around.
Lena froze.
“Who is he?” Vor asked in a calm, even tone.
“Who is who?” Lena eyed his clenched fists.
“The blond Aethari with gray wings. I know you heard him claim you. Who is he, Lena?”
She just stared at him.
