Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles Book 3)

by T. A. White

  Graydon couldn't remain seated any longer, standing in one sharp movement and pacing over to the balcony.

  He stared into the night, struggling to make peace with what he'd seen. One thought stood out in his mind, resisting any effort to bury it. Kira could have died. From the state she'd been in that first video, she'd come very close. He didn't think anyone around her realized just how over the edge she'd been.

  The loss of personal connections was viewed as a grievous injury to the Tuann. They had stories of those who'd survived the initial loss only to fade in the end.

  Couple that with her repeated use of the Heaven’s Wrath, which had likely damaged her ki and its channels even further, and it was a surprise she’d survived as well as she had.

  Now that he'd seen her in that state, he couldn't make himself forget. It took an insane amount of will power and discipline to drag yourself back into the land of the living. To do so without building new connections was a level of hell Graydon didn't even want to imagine.

  A simple tap on the shoulder would have been enough to send her into the abyss.

  He'd have never known all that she was. Graydon could have lost her before she was ever his.

  *

  The next morning, Kira and Finn left their temporary lodgings wearing the same thing they’d worn when they’d left the race bay. Finn looked uncomfortable in his hoodie and jeans as the city came alive around them.

  Kira’s purple wig drew people’s attention away from her face. Her jacket protected her from the faint chill of the morning hours as they merged into a crowd predominantly comprised of human and Haldeel. Every once in a while, Kira caught the odd Tuann as well.

  The mood was festive, food hover stalls were parked along the side streets, traders among them.

  Jin trailed them from the building tops, being careful to stay out of sight.

  The battle over whether he’d hide out in her or Finn’s clothes had been hard fought. The volume of the argument had ensured they’d need alternate lodging for the night.

  When she'd finally conceded, Jin had crowed about his "ninja-like" stealth skills enough that Kira regretted her momentary lapse in judgment.

  Although, she had to admit so far, he was doing pretty well in not drawing attention to himself.

  "You hear from Odin?" Kira asked as she strolled down the sidewalk.

  "Nope. I imagine Odin is doing Odin-like things."

  "One of those things better be keeping an eye on Elena," Kira said, studying the crowd.

  So far no one was paying undue attention to her and Finn, but it paid to be careful.

  Jettie was supposed to be safe. The Haldeel were as uptight when it came to planetary security as the Tuann, but unlike the Tuann they had firsthand experience with the Tsavitee. They knew what to be on the lookout for.

  That paranoia and devotion to safety precautions was one of the biggest reasons Kira had left her niece on this planet.

  Granted, the current state of affairs opened a gap in their security, but with Almaluk hovering above, Kira didn't think the Haldeel would take any chances.

  That still didn't stop her from being wary of a tail.

  The person she was meeting today wasn't the forgiving sort. If Kira unknowingly led someone to her, she'd have Kira's head.

  Kira picked a direction seemingly at random, meandering from one section of the city to the next. She strolled past water gardens and along canals, enjoying the beauty of the city.

  Water and its artful manipulation were one of the most common landscape features. In the short time Kira had been on planet, it had come alive, the trees blooming with lilac-colored flowers as they draped their branches over ponds and lakes.

  Kira didn't know if it was truly the time for these trees to be in bloom or if the Haldeel had tinkered with their biochemistry to spark a scene that was sure to be remembered long after the planet's visitors headed home.

  Kira stopped in front of a shop's window, using the reflection to check the path behind her. So far, so good. There was no sign of followers.

  Finn studied their surroundings with an alert gaze. He'd know the second they procured a tail.

  It was now or never. She couldn't keep wandering around the city with no destination. Eventually she'd run into someone who would recognize her even with the wig she wore.

  "You sure about this, Kira? She did say no Tuann. Taking Finn could cause problems for us," Jin said as if sensing her thoughts.

  "He won't reveal their secrets."

  "You and I know that, but do you think she'll believe that?"

  Kira was thinking no.

  That person was even more paranoid than Kira and Jin. That was saying something.

  "If she didn't want an extra party, she shouldn't have let Elena gallivant across the universe," Kira retorted.

  "I'm so glad you're going to be the one who explains that the reason you're bringing a Tuann to the meet is because she didn't keep a close enough eye on your niece. I wonder if they sell popcorn on this planet."

  "You couldn't taste it anyway," Kira told him.

  "You could eat it while you're showing her the error of her ways, and I'll ride your senses. Best of both worlds."

  Kira stepped away from the window, heading into the part of the city often referred to by the locals as the refugee quarter. When the Haldeel had allowed those humans displaced by the war to immigrate, they hadn't placed any restrictions on where they could settle on Jettie.

  Humans, however, were creatures of habit and often preferred to be surrounded by the familiar. That first wave had stuck together even after reaching the planet, settling within blocks of each other. When the next waves came, they settled around the humans who'd already started their new lives.

  Since then, the refugee quarter had grown to encompass a small slice of the various human cultures. From the spicy cuisine of Galileo, to the creamy desserts of Merit and the smart fashion of New Lexington, all of it mixing into a melting pot and emerging as something entirely new.

  As soon as you passed into the quarter, you knew. There was a certain atmosphere to the buildings marking their inhabitants as human. It wasn’t that the area looked rundown or dirty—the Haldeel were fanatical about such things.

  There was a certain charm to the quarter. It was filled with warmth and vitality. This was a place where people lived and loved and laughed.

  It was perhaps one of Kira's favorite things about humans. They brought their personality into any space they occupied. Even a Haldeel city. The buildings were as beautiful as the rest of the city, the gardens still plentiful, but everything felt different.

  "I'm noticing a theme in this scenario," Kira said as she made her way through the quarter. "I take all the risks while you reap the reward."

  "That's how our relationship works. I thought you knew."

  A tension in Finn grew as Kira made turn after turn. It was a countersurveillance method designed to expose any potential watchers. Following their meandering path would give the person up.

  "We're being watched," Finn said softly.

  He was good. She hadn't known if he'd realize or not.

  Finn's gaze moved over a pair of children sitting on the edge of a balcony. To a casual bystander, they would appear to be enjoying the ice ball treat they each held.

  Only someone as skilled in picking up surveillance as Finn would realize that their vantage point allowed them to see anyone entering or exiting the quarter.

  Furthermore, they seemed preoccupied with Kira and her party. Nor were they the first or even second instance of children a little too engrossed in her passage.

  "Spare some change, lady?" a young boy asked from the shadows of a porch.

  Had he not drawn attention to himself, he and the girl by his side would likely have gone unnoticed.

  His hair was even more shaggy than yesterday, a cowlick sticking up like a bird's nest on his head. Clear eyes regarded Kira with a demand.

  Next to him, the girl tucked in c
lose as if too shy to interact with strangers.

  Finn's hand on Kira’s arm stalled her approach. She looked up to find his expression cautious as he stared at the children.

  "I've never heard of beggars on any planet belonging to the Haldeel," he warned.

  There was good reason for that. The Haldeel had strict rules about employment. To stay on a planet—especially those who didn't have birth citizenship—they had to demonstrate an ability to contribute to society.

  If you lost your job, another would be found for you. Should you reject the gifts the Haldeel procured in your name, you would be escorted off the planet.

  The only exceptions were for those with injuries or mental health issues who needed time for recovery. Very rarely was an allowance made and usually only if that person had rendered extraordinary aid to society or the Haldeel in general.

  Their rules were strict, but it also meant their citizens enjoyed the lowest level of poverty of any planet Kira had visited.

  The boy made a tsking sound. "Who's begging? We want some money to buy treats for our friends."

  Finn remained unmoved. "What about your parents?"

  The boy's expression hardened, showing the junkyard dog he hid at his heart. Physically, he resembled an eight or nine-year-old, but that one glimpse showed the survivor he'd had to be.

  Beside him, the girl flinched, her eyes dropping to the ground, but not before her mask slipped. Bright amber eyes, slitted like a snake's, appeared. It was brief, but her eyes nictated, once then twice, before they reverted to a more human appearance, muddy brown replacing the former amber.

  Finn's stance stiffened as the children went from cute but harmless to potential threats.

  The children above stopped licking their ice treats, sensing the change. Their focus moved to Kira and Finn.

  "That child—"

  Kira couldn't afford for him to finish that sentence.

  She grabbed his arm and yanked him back. "If you want to live past the next few seconds, you'll keep any comments or questions to yourself."

  Finn didn't look happy about the order, but he also didn't argue.

  Kira approached the two children. "The war left a lot of orphans. Not all of the planets wanted to or could afford to support those they viewed as dead weight during the rebuilding efforts. The Haldeel accepted many of the castoffs and established orphanages for those children who were sent here."

  As she explained, Kira held out the wrist with her id chip. The boy mirrored the action, allowing her to touch her wrist to his and transfer credits.

  "Jettie's arrangements take into account the children's basic care. They don't go hungry, and they always have clothes, but they don't provide any of the comforts that a child may crave—such as candy or treats."

  The boy turned and pressed his wrist against the girl's. She grinned and took off, disappearing into another alley in a blink of an eye.

  "The Haldeel turn a blind eye to the orphans’ money-raising skills," Kira finished.

  The boy aimed a crooked grin at her that didn't hide the sly gleam in his eyes. "The newb doesn't suit you."

  "He has his charms."

  The boy grunted, unconvinced. "I think a mountain is much more your speed."

  Someone had been talking to Elena. That was promising.

  Jin had already informed her that Elena’s MinMin, and therefore her niece, hadn’t slept in her customary bed last night.

  Kira wasn’t too worried. Odin had already told her yesterday the handoff didn’t take place. Elena had likely stayed in a safehouse Odin procured last night.

  Nonetheless, the fact she’d passed information to Tommie pointed to the fact she was still safe.

  The kid lifted his chin at her before sauntering after the girl.

  "You should try the chai," the boy called over his shoulder. "I hear it's to die for."

  When Kira looked up, she found the children on the balcony already gone.

  "That girl wasn't human," Finn said.

  Kira turned, resuming her walk. "No."

  "She wasn't Tuann either."

  This time Kira didn't answer.

  They'd reached their destination, a cafe situated next to a burbling brook that snaked its way through and around the outdoor seating area. The jixy trees provided a colorful backdrop for the cafe goers to drink and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

  Kira didn't bother with the hostess, instead crossing the little bridge and taking a seat in the far corner of the patio.

  Finn waited as Kira settled into her seat.

  He hovered over her, his tense energy interfering with her as she perused the menu.

  She jerked her chin at the seat across from her. "Take a seat."

  "I cannot protect you from there."

  Kira considered him with irritation. Why wasn't she surprised about that response?

  His reluctance was understandable. In his mind, she was his responsibility. For him, there was no greater purpose than serving as his sword's shield.

  Kira understood. She really did.

  But they couldn't continue in the same vein they had. Finn needed to bend and adapt.

  Whether he knew it or not, he'd already begun the process. The human clothes he wore instead of his synth armor was the first step. She needed to see how far he could go.

  He'd stuck with her through a lot. It was why she was considering letting him peek behind the curtain.

  If there was one thing she'd learned over the past few months, it was that people were precious. Once gone, they couldn't be replaced.

  Raider had taught her that.

  She didn't want to be on the other end of a friend looking at her like she'd betrayed them. Finn didn't have the same history, but he'd shown he could be as stalwart as any of her Curs.

  "I hate to break it to you, but I've never been in need of your protection," she informed him.

  "Everyone needs someone watching their back."

  "True."

  Finn watched her carefully, not trusting her easy agreement.

  "But if you continue hovering like that, I won't answer your questions.” Kira nodded at the chair again. "You'll want to try the chai. The kid was right; it's world-changing."

  Finn's hesitance was clear, but he reached for the chair anyway.

  Kira took that as agreement, ordering a chai for both of them.

  When she was done, she let her gaze drift over her surroundings. It always surprised her how serene and beautiful this place was. Her contact had made a good choice in designating it their meeting point.

  "You know when Graydon first put you into my orbit, I thought you'd be easy to manipulate and discard," Kira revealed.

  His appointment as her oshota had been as much about Graydon having a spy close to her as it was her safety.

  "You surprised me. Not only were you good at your job, but you didn't reveal my secrets even when given the chance to do so." Even when her actions could be construed as a betrayal.

  He'd remained steadfast, holding to the values of the oshota, even if she wasn't the sword he picked.

  Kira respected loyalty.

  It was all the more impressive given Finn's history with his previous sword. It didn't take a genius to know that a woman had left scars on his soul.

  In his own way, he was as damaged as Kira.

  She knew the cost of abandoning the things you'd built. Perhaps that's why she was acting outside the norm.

  "You're leading up to something," Finn said.

  A server approached, setting their cups in front of them. Kira leaned forward, cupping her hands around the mug and inhaling. The spicy, slightly sweet scent of chai wrapped around her.

  She loved that smell.

  Only when the server left did Kira nod. "There are some things I need to clarify."

  She took a sip of the chai and closed her eyes at the taste.

  When she opened them again, she nodded at the untouched mug in front of Finn. "Not going to try it?"

  "I think I'
ll wait."

  Kira shrugged. His loss. This stuff was amazing. The best beverage humans had ever made.

  After another sip, Kira set the mug aside. "I need to know under what conditions you would divulge information you've learned."

  Finn's expression froze before anger tightened the lines of his face. He glared. Not speaking. Not moving.

  She'd expected this reaction. As someone who prided himself on his honor and devotion to duty, he would have seen her question as an insult.

  "That you ask that shows how little you understand us," he said in a carefully controlled voice.

  "The waters I wade in can't afford such things as easy trust. There can be no misconceptions between us. Your life and many others depend on it," Kira confided, not allowing his affront to shake her. "Before you answer, think carefully. Everyone has a line they won't cross. People they'll protect at the expense of all others. I need to know where your lines are."

  Kira didn't have the luxury of trusting blindly. The secrets she held were too important to too many people.

  Finn shoved down the anger in a display of discipline that was impressive. Not many would have remained seated after having the very core of who they were questioned in this manner. Most would have already walked away. Probably after ending any relationship they might have had with the person insulting them.

  "For an oshota, there is no one higher in our loyalties than our sword. Not a lover, not a parent, not a child. When you pledge yourself as a shield, your sword comes first. Always."

  Kira didn't believe that. The Tuann placed a high premium on the emotional bonds they developed. It was a necessity that kept them from going mad.

  Most of Kira's current issues derived from the extreme isolation she'd inflicted on herself after the deaths of the Curs. Had she replaced some of those bonds with new ones, she might not have been in her current state.

  Finn's definition of an oshota was counter to a Tuann's personality.

  "I think you have a small misunderstanding about Tuann society," Finn informed her.

  Kira lifted her eyebrows at him.

  "You're surrounded by people like Graydon and Harlow who compel the loyalty of their peers. You think all oshota serve a sword. You're wrong." Finn picked up his chai. "In all of Roake there are fewer than forty people who compel an oshota's loyalty."