Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles #1) - T.A. White Page 0,87

things I will never learn then," Kira said with fake disappointment. Her expression sobered. "You may not like them, but the humans are my choice. They will always have my loyalty. If you can't accept that, I suggest ending this now."

Movement from the forest caught Kira's attention. Raider and Finn moved through the trees at a fast clip.

As they neared, Kira saw Raider's furious expression, his face sporting fresh bruises and a cut on his cheek. Finn stalked at his side looking no happier. Unlike Raider, he showed few signs of their disagreement anywhere on him.

The slight tightening of the skin around Liara's eyes and mouth said she saw them too and didn't approve. Her bright eyes came back to Kira's. "We do welcome you, but I have a duty to all those I've pledged to protect. I can't afford to place my trust wrong."

To her credit, she seemed apologetic about that.

Kira gave a shrug. "You'd be an idiot if you didn't have some reservations."

Liara inclined her head, the corners of her lips tilting up.

"Just like I'd be an idiot to place my trust in you," Kira continued, wiping off the ease that had been forming on Liara's face.

"You're family. We don't intend you any harm," Liara said, the words stilted.

A rusty laugh escaped Kira, her expression sympathetic but firm. "We're not family. You're several decades too late for that. We're strangers who happen to share blood. Maybe we can be more, maybe we can't. Only time will tell."

Kira paused, her expression hardening. "Our relationship would be much easier if you drop this ridiculous claim and stop treating me like I'm a child."

Liara's expression remained set, her eyes stricken. "That isn't an option. My station requires I ensure your protection and those who've pledged loyalty to our House."

Kira sighed. She hadn't thought it would work, but she'd needed to give it a try.

The Tuann seemed obsessed with the concept of protection and duty, dedicating their entire society to its altar. They'd turned their values into a noose and wrapped it so tight around their necks they were going to eventually strangle themselves.

It was like a giant, never-ending circle. The overlord protected her people and was protected in turn.

Oaths and honor defined their lives. Break one or step out of their pattern and you were thrown away.

In a way, it reminded Kira of the code of bushido, the way of the samurai from feudal Japan. The samurai had understood being a warrior was about more than your prowess on the battlefield or how skilled you were with your sword. The measure of your worth was in the people you protected, and how you treated them and they you.

They believed in honor, respect, courageous heroism, righteousness, benevolence; all markers she saw in the Tuann to some degree. A few things were different, but the underlying principles remained the same.

It didn't give Kira a lot of hope for herself of ever fitting in. She was a tiger among wolves. A survivor, ready and willing to do what was necessary. It didn’t always leave a lot of room for such luxurious notions as honor. Their way of thinking and acting weren't hers. She doubted they'd ever be.

If Liara knew the real Kira, she'd waste little time in kicking her off the planet. If she didn’t finish what the assassin started first.

That left Kira trying to win her freedom without showing too much of her more ruthless self.

“What if I was too weak to ever be an asset to the House?” Kira challenged

Liara shook her head. “Everyone has a purpose, whether it be big or small. Either way, we would protect you, even onto death.”

“And if I was so strong, I could fend off a hundred enemies?” Kira tested.

“We would use your skills to protect others,” Liara said simply.

So, she was damned if she revealed the depth of what she was capable of, and damned if she didn't.

“Doesn't give me much incentive to trust you either way,” Kira concluded.

Liara inclined her head. "I can see how it might seem that way. Unfortunately, the House test will reveal the depths of your soul one way or another."

"House test?" Kira asked.

"The ruma ah. It's a series of tests all Tuann seeking to join a House undergo. When you reach the point where you can pledge your loyalty, you experience this as well," Graydon supplied. "I wouldn't waste time trying to fool it into thinking you're weaker than you are. The test will figure out your potential no