Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles #1) - T.A. White Page 0,130

of the commander's people helped in the escape but not which two."

"You're taking a chance they won't arrest all his people on sight," Kira said.

Despite her argument, Isla’s assessment matched hers. She doubted Alma and the other conspirator realized she'd eavesdropped on their plans. They'd think the Curs' escape worked in their favor—odd timing or not.

If she was caught and immobilized, her credibility would be stripped and they could easily kill her. Freeing the Curs had made her situation more precarious, but it was worth it.

"Some risks are worth taking," Isla said as if reading her mind.

Finn offered his hand to Isla. The two clasped hands before slapping each other on the shoulder.

"I'll see you when this is done," Finn told her.

"I look forward to it. Don't forget you still owe me a drink," Isla said before slipping out the door without a backward glance.

Kira waited, her senses straining for signs Isla had been spotted. Clear so far.

"What will we be doing while she's locating Graydon?"

"You will stay close and follow my every order," Finn said, the words terse. "If I could, I'd secure you somewhere safe."

His dissatisfaction over not being able to do exactly that showed.

Once the Tsavitee battle cruiser landed and the planet descended into a warzone, there would be no safe place left.

"That still doesn't answer my question," Kira said.

Finn's voice was grim. "There's a chance Graydon is no longer at the ceremony. He's probably noticed your absence and has gone in search of you. While Isla checks the gathering, we'll try other places."

"And me? What should I do?" Jin asked. He did a figure eight in the air. "I can scout ahead or manage comms."

Finn jabbed his finger at Jin and then Kira. "Stay with her. Don't go wandering off. In fact, how about you stay quiet for a little bit."

Jin's sphere dipped in disappointment. "Rude."

Finn shook his head at Jin before checking outside the door to see if anyone was coming. With one last disgusted look at the drone, he made his way silently out into the hallway.

Jin tucked himself into the crook between Kira's neck and shoulder, his metal casing warm and comforting against her skin as she followed Finn.

"Just like old times," Jin whispered.

"Let's hope we don't leave behind the same body count," Kira said.

The three remained silent as they moved through the Citadel. This wasn't the time for idle chitchat or distractions.

The last time Finn had given her a tour of the Citadel, the artwork and carefully designed architecture had seemed coldly impersonal, despite its beauty. Tonight, it felt like those same statues and paintings watched Kira's every move, setting the spot right between her shoulder blades to tingling. She could almost anticipate the cold metal of a blade in her back.

Every twist and turn of their path came with an increased feeling of pending disaster, a perfect place from which to stage an ambush.

Tension sat heavy in the air. In war, you got used to the never-ending strain as you waited for the next awful thing to happen. You learned to ignore the ever-increasing tightening of your nerve endings as your entire body attuned itself to the possibility of what was coming.

Himoto had once called war ninety percent boredom so extreme you'd do anything for relief and ten percent sheer, unrelenting terror.

By now, everyone in the Citadel likely knew of her betrayal. They would come looking for her, if they weren't already. All she could do was wait and hope she survived the ten percent of terror.

Kira was content to let Finn take the lead, remaining several feet behind him. His knowledge of the terrain was greater than hers. It made sense for her to follow.

As they approached another intersection where their hallway joined with several others, Kira's shoulders tightened, her senses hyper-alert.

Finn held up one fist, signaling a stop.

She nodded, placing her back against the wall so she could see in both directions. She remained in place as he disappeared around the corner.

She held her breath, straining to pick up even the faintest of sounds. She released the air when there wasn't an immediate furor. Good, that meant the coast was clear—for now.

"If you're going to put your plan into motion, the time is now," Jin said into her ear, several minutes later. "There are four heat signatures moving toward us from our three o'clock."

Kira hesitated, torn.

Finn rounded the corner. "Run."

Kira didn't wait to be told twice, turning and sprinting back the way they'd come. Jin flew before her, taking