Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,48
in confirmation, a familiar voice said, "I'm afraid that option doesn't work for me."
Raider whirled to face the stranger. "Elena."
The hooded figure took off, evading Noor's grasp and disappearing out an adjacent window in the next breath. Raider followed close on her heels.
In an instant, Graydon's quarry changed from Kira to Elena.
"After her," Graydon ordered.
His oshota leapt out of the window.
"What about Kira?" Wren questioned, his reluctance to abandon the chase clear.
"She's gone, but someone just as good fell into our grasp," Graydon answered.
Wren was no fool. He knew Graydon wouldn't abandon the hunt without good reason. Still, Wren's agenda was clear. Find Kira and protect her. As her seon'yer, he only cared about her safety.
Wren was a highly respected individual among the Tuann. Even Graydon couldn't force his compliance if he truly objected.
"Trust me. If we catch this person, Kira will come to us."
Wren studied Graydon, his thoughts not easy to read. Graydon waited, knowing no amount of demands would sway him. Wren made a sharp gesture and the three oshota who'd shadowed him like silent sentinels disappeared through the window after the rest.
Good.
That was one problem addressed.
"Follow me," Graydon said over his shoulder.
He left the oshota to chase after the hooded figure, knowing the two of them wouldn't add much value to the pursuit. Instead, they took an alternate route, seeking to cut the other person off.
Yet, every time they came close, the person would veer away.
"It seems our target isn't entirely without skills," Wren observed.
Graydon hadn't expected anything else. The target had been trained by Kira. You could see it in the brash confidence that said they thought they were invincible, even as they showcased moments of extreme caution that made them as slippery as a fish.
The hooded figure led Graydon and Wren's oshota on a merry chase through the city. It was easy to see her familiarity with her surroundings just by the paths she chose.
Weaving in and out of the more heavily frequented tourist areas before trying to lose her tail in the streets and alleys was something only a local would know.
Graydon couldn't help but pause to admire the individual and the person who'd trained them. Kira was the only woman who'd defeated him. It made sense her niece would share in some of her skills.
"Flush her out," Graydon ordered from his rooftop seat.
A chorus of yesses sounded through his link.
They closed in on their quarry, coming at her from all sides and forcing her down a dead-end alley.
Graydon took in the view of the city from where he stood. He loved it when things went his way.
"I didn't think you would give up on Kira," Wren said.
Graydon's smile was brief as he tilted his face to enjoy the mild warmth of Jettie's sun.
"Who says I have?"
Wren's frown said he didn't appreciate Graydon's games.
"Just watch. I think you'll find this interesting."
Wren didn't speak as the minutes passed, the silence deepening.
Eventually, they both caught the sound of furtive movements from below.
Wren tilted his head at the edge of the roof in question. Graydon nodded.
He'd thought she'd choose this route. Good to see she didn't disappoint.
In tandem, they both masked their presence, their breathing slowing as they stood still. An observer would have guessed them to be statues for all the movement they gave away.
As a final touch, they ran ki through their bodies, erasing their body heat. Now, no one except a Tuann with a talent for discovery would be able to detect their presence.
Just in time as a set of hands grasped the ledge, a cloaked head appearing next.
Graydon moved, crouching in front of the girl. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened in surprise. She would have shot back the way she'd come if Graydon hadn't been quicker.
With one fast movement, he plucked her off the building's side.
"Damn it, she said you were good." Elena dangled in his grip, a guilty expression warring with disgruntlement as the sound of pursuit grew below.
"You didn't believe her?"
The girl's frown was resigned. "I thought I was better."
At that, Graydon couldn't contain his laugh. "I can see the resemblance between you two."
Like Kira, Elena had no shame. Graydon was pretty sure if asked, the only thing Elena would regret was the fact she'd gotten caught.
With that thought in mind, he deposited her on her feet in front of him.
She bobbed a sarcastic curtsy at him. "Why, thank you, sir. I'll take that as a compliment."