I point a finger. “If you wish to join us, you will listen to everything he says.”
They watch us with mistrustful, deadly eyes as I release Ka’Prinn.
“I understand that you are eager to rejoin your people. But much has changed in fifty years. We have new traditions, a new life. This life is gentle and structured, but kind. Humans are our salvation. Learn to soften your edges, or we will banish you to the water.”
The weight of the words sinks in as I bark the orders at them, much like their general.
Ner’Feon looks at me and stands. “And if one of us decides that we would challenge you after all?”
Anger singes at my spine and makes the tips of my ears grow hot. “Do it. It will not be a hard challenge for me to ram a sword through your naked chest.”
He huffs out said chest, and every hunter in the room tenses.
Vann laughs. “You are a fucking simple-minded fool, Ner’Feon. Really, you didn’t seem this thick in your camp.”
I raise my eyebrows at Ner’Feon’s challenge. “Do you thinkany of my men would obey you if you killed me? You want to lead this group, but we don’t function in such ways. They would kill you within the very minute my heart stopped beating.”
The hunters around the room nod in agreement.
Ner’Feon slides back into submission. “You made a blood oath that you would bring the rest of us home to fight in your battle.”
I take a deep breath. These men already have their Fuegorras. They will be powerful, and we have over a hundred more to bring back to this city.
“I will send a team after Mrath meets with us,” I say with finality.
“And how long will that take?” Ka’Prinn demands..
“I do not know. The others have waited since the Great War. An extra week or two will not be the end of everything,” I say evenly.
He glowers at me with a look that could cut through steel. Let him be angry if he uses the fury to change.
“We will go back to our dwellings,” he says, standing. I nod to Lothar, who takes his hunters with him as they follow the men out.
“Your food will be brought to your home. Speak with your new leader, so that he may put you to work,” I say as they stomp out.
As soon as they are gone, I relax once more and look at Vann. He glares at the exit, fuming.
“How dare they say those things,” he grumbles.
I raise my eyebrows. “Not too long ago, you were as angry as they are about the humans.”
Vann turns back to me. “That was then. I have since learned they have their value.”
I narrow my eyes and assess him. “They most certainly do.”
He jerks his head around, and I see the faintest glimmer of light on his neck.
My eyes widen. “Have you found a mate among the humans?”
It all makes sense, the softening, the gentleness. The longing looks at Arlet and the threats of death against Joso.
His expression looks shocked, and his hand flies to his neck.
“What do you mean?” he demands.
I grab his hand and tear it from the spot on his neck that now looks dull. I frown, so assured of what I had seen moments before. “Hmm. Your neck is dark, brother.”
He steps back. “Of course it is. My heart belonged to my betrothed Adra and none other. Recognizing the value in allies means absolutely nothing else.”
