"Yeah, humans are capable of betrayal, but so are you."
It was a grim truth. Human intelligence meant human weakness. Moreover, she'd already tasted betrayal from both humans and Kyren.
She knew the pain of that blow.
When Sebastian broke her trust prior to revealing his mate was enslaved, it was understandable, but it still stung. Despite that, they found a way forward and repaired what he'd broken.
It wasn't easy and took concentrated effort on her part. What she didn't do was go into the relationship anticipating a future betrayal. Otherwise, she might as well not have made the attempt in the first place.
"Everyone keeps saying they want an alliance, that they want a different future than what has come before, but none of you do. Not really. None of you are willing to set aside your own egos to move forward. You're so caught up in preventing yourself from being hurt that you're missing a chance to truly stop this cycle."
She wasn't speaking only of the mythologicals, but humans as well. For this to work, all parties needed to make the effort.
The hard part was that all three races fostered independence. Even if some agreed with what they were doing, it could be ruined by the actions of a few.
Some of those around her looked shocked at the outpouring of words.
Pride gleamed in Caden's eyes. Fiona's as well. Ghost and Roscoe grinned, looking impressed with her.
"Bold words, but I know you'd show favor to your companions," Covath pressed.
"Of course, I would. They're my friends," Eva answered without hesitation. Before Covath could rejoice in his victory, Eva continued, "Just like Sebastian and Ajari are my friends. I'd protect them too, simply because I care about them. I keep the promises I make, Flock Leader."
In fire and blood if necessary.
Eva shifted her gaze to Polaris, knowing the Kyren needed to hear this too. "When I accepted the position of Caller for the Kyren, I didn't do it on a whim. I considered all angles and the fact one day my loyalties may conflict with one another. I don't know what the future will bring, but I do know that I will never compromise their secrets or safety."
I know you believe that, Polaris said after a short silence. His eyes were almost kind, even as his voice was implacable.
Eva felt disappointment move through her. She'd taken a chance and hadn't got the reaction she'd hoped for.
That was alright. If they needed her to prove it to them, she would. Over and over again until they believed her sincerity in their bones.
Covath let out a light snort as he faced his two companions. "Prepare to leave."
"What about the prisoners, Flock Leader?" the one on the left asked.
"Leave them." Covath slid Caden, silent for the entirety of the exchange, a glance. "Consider them a welcome gift from your neighbors. Do with them what you will."
"I will take you up on that offer," Caden said, inclining his chin. He flicked his fingers at Jane who'd been guarding them from the shadows. "Find Chirron. I want their wounds healed."
"Interesting tactic," Covath remarked.
"I find it's better to insure a prisoner doesn't die before you get everything you want from them."
"I doubt you'll find much. We've already interrogated them and learned little."
Caden's smile was mysterious as his gaze played over the prisoners. "You never know. Maybe my humanness will allow me to better grasp their fears and pry their secrets from them."
Covath studied Caden with an assessing gaze for several seconds before a bark of laughter rumbled from him. "I like the way you think, human."
The corner of Eva's eye twitched. Of course, Covath would like the bloodthirsty side of Caden. The two were practically bonding over their joint viciousness.
Men. She'd never understand them.
"Come, Ajari." Covath's words contained an order.
Ajari didn't move. "I had thought to remain in the human camp."
"No."
Covath made a sharp gesture and two more Tenrin dropped from the sky, startling the Trateri around them. More than one of those present glared into the darkness, searching for what they couldn't quite see.
Van and Gawain shifted subtly as if preparing for an attack.
The Tenrin ignored them as they stepped forward, carrying a modified swing that they set on the ground. Ajari didn't move immediately, staring at the scraps of fabric and rope as if looking at an enemy.
His distaste and desire not to go was easy to see, leading Eva to touch his wrist in question.
If he wanted it, he had a place here. He only had to ask for her help, and she'd give it. He needed to know that.
As sarcastic and vicious as his words often were, he'd proven a dependable ally. Something Eva was in short supply of right now.
More importantly, she didn't like the abrupt manner with which Covath treated him.
Eva wasn't sure how she'd manage to thwart the Tenrin flock's leader, but she'd figure it out. She always did.
Ajari's expression warmed. "Thank you, little rabbit. I will be fine."
Eva didn't stop Ajari as he glided toward the Tenrin and their swing. He passed Covath, who was regarding Eva with a veiled expression.
She didn't let herself back down as she lifted her chin in challenge. If he had something to say, he should say it.
Covath withdrew his gaze, barking a command in the Tenrin's language. Those around him shot into the air in an impressive feat of strength before they were gone.
Covath was the last to follow.
"Well, this has been an eventful night," Reece said into the resulting silence.
Van gave the pathfinder a reproachful glance that Reece ignored as the pathfinder strolled away as abruptly as he came.
Van shook his head as he addressed Caden. "What are your plans for the prisoners?"
"We break them and learn everything they know."
Drake and Jane moved to flank the men, reaching down and forcing them to their feet before escorting them out of sight.
Caden lifted a hand to the back of Eva's neck, pulling her gently toward him and pressing a kiss against her forehead. "You alright?"
Eva nodded, some of the shakiness at the close call coming back to her. "Somehow."
Caden's grip tightened before he re-exerted control of himself, consciously loosening his hold.
"I know," Eva told him, one hand coming up to rest on his wrist.
It had been a close call. For someone as afraid of losing those he loved as Caden, it would bring his nightmares to the fore.
He was already doing well by not surrounding her with a phalanx of guards.
"I have to take care of this," Caden said in an unhappy voice.
There was a small frown on his face and Eva didn't think she was imagining the rare glimpse of frustration she was seeing.
"You do," she said, knowing some part of him was seeking her agreement.
"I can't—" Caden stopped himself and closed his eyes, grief etched in his face.
Eva lifted her face, pressing her lips against his. "Go. I have to check on the herd, anyway."
"I don't want you staying out there. Not tonight."
Eva paused. He had a point. Much as she would have preferred to sleep under empty skies, it wasn't safe.
The prisoners changed things. If they'd really been the ones to bury the red back paws, it meant they'd gotten far closer than they should have without anyone noticing.