Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,34

"It's best if we don't meet for now."

If the quals were arranged anything like they had been in previous races, those who registered around the same time would be dumped into a group.

"Aw, aren't you the sweetest, not wanting to knock him out of the competition on his first race," Jin crooned.

Kira ignored his teasing in favor of studying the crowd. Humans made up the majority of those signing up. Most of those present were newcomers to the races, not having earned a reputation or ranking yet.

Racers who'd won on the circuit and made a name for themselves could skip this part of the process and simply submit their name to qualify.

Kira could have done that as well, but this way seemed more inconspicuous.

"I took a look at the brackets. Devon's has already been filled. You should be okay to sign up now," Jin said.

Kira started forward, threading her way through the clumps of people before joining the queue for sign up.

Dozens of kiosks with Haldeel attendants positioned next to them guaranteed the process went smoothly.

Finally, Kira stepped into the space where the sign up was taking place. She picked the kiosk with the least number of people in front of it.

She'd have chosen differently if she'd known what awaited her there.

A group of humans clumped around the much smaller form of a Haldeel—one familiar to Kira.

It was the teen from the dropship. Her face remained expressionless as she inputted her information in the kiosk, handing her identification and pilot's license to the Haldeel attendant.

"A squid using a waveboard—that's something you don't see every day," a young man jeered.

"How would a squid even ride it?" the woman next to him asked.

"Maybe by wrapping its tentacles around it?" another person answered.

The Haldeel race representative frowned, asking if the teen needed assistance with one subtle hand gesture.

The teen responded with a negative. The entire silent conversation went unnoticed by the group.

"Zepher again," Jin muttered. "Could they please refrain from perpetrating certain human stereotypes."

Kira stepped forward amid the taunts. "I'd like to register now."

"We were next," the young man from Zepher argued.

Kira didn't face them. "Oh? I could have sworn you were too busy hearing yourselves talk to bother."

Heated glares burned into Kira's back as she approached the two Haldeel, one taller than the other.

The attendant didn't react to Kira's cutting the line, showing just how dissatisfied she was with the Zepher representatives behind her.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" someone demanded.

Kira didn't answer, handing her credentials to the Haldeel woman instead.

The teen's neutral expression shifted as the kiosk exposed Kira's details.

Call sign: Sparrow.

Status: Expert.

Titles: Champion of the Dragon Circuit, Champion of the Fanged Winds, Champion of the Broken Levels

There were other titles, but those were the ones that stood out.

Seeing the information, the attendant bowed. "This is a rare honor. You did not need to sign up in person."

Kira shrugged. "I had the time, and the view was well worth the trouble."

Hushed whispers came from those behind her.

Kira hid her smile. She thought that would be enough to shut them up.

It was one thing to tease a kid, another matter entirely when faced with someone who had already reached the pinnacle of the mountain you were trying to climb.

The Dragon Circuit alone enjoyed a bit of a reputation among racers. The race was considered highly dangerous with only exceptional pilots ever attempting it.

Winning the crown could launch you into fame and fortune. It was one of those rare titles that most could only dream of attaining.

Yet here Kira stood.

"I suggest you let your talents speak for yourself," Kira warned, not looking back. "Otherwise, you may find yourself eating those words."

Kira focused on the Haldeel teen. "I am looking forward to seeing you race."

A small glint shone in the teen's gaze.

"I'm Skye."

"I'll remember it," Kira said, smothering her smile at the girl's serious expression.

Still cradling Jaks, Skye glided away, disappearing through the doors as she headed for the race’s preparation area.

Kira ignored the hushed whispers behind her as she completed her registration.

The attendant glanced at Finn. "Will this be the entirety of your team?"

"There is one other who should be joining us shortly. I've included his name and details in the data packet."

The Haldeel checked over the information, nodding her approval. "Do you have a compatible device for the race packet?"

Kira nodded, holding up the thin Scroll Odin had given her.

The Haldeel's movements were quick as she transmitted the information, keeping up a running commentary. "You've been placed in bracket two