Kova watched Kana struggle with her own exhaustion. Self-hatred clouded her eyes like a heavy shroud. Behind him, Juno stood rigid. She didn't hide her resentment. To her, the Speedhardts were a plague. An arrogant lineage of destruction. Yet, looking at Kova's back, she felt a flicker of begrudging affection. He had molded her. He had given a weapon its purpose.
"I need you to stop thinking about your own insignificance. I am giving you a chance to show yourself and Koma that you aren't useless," Kova said. His voice cut through the clearing. "I am taking Kaola from the field. She has failed. I will tell her to come home."
Kana looked up. Her eyes widened. "Kaola is coming home?"
"She is," Kova replied coldly. "And that leaves a void in the leadership. If you want recognition, you won't find it by wandering aimlessly. If you want to prove your worth, join Juno."
Juno flinched. Her hand twitched near her hunting knife. She was a fire bearer. She didn't need heavy steel. Her power was her edge. "Master?"
Kova held up a hand. He silenced her without a look.
"I will send Juno and you to backup Hykee and Lokee. Lokee will lead the mission," Kova continued. He ignored his servant's tension. "They are already in position but they lack focus. You will join them and ensure the mission is completed. This is your chance to step out of the shadows and become something more than a discarded memory.
"Kana looked at Juno. The vitriol in the girl's eyes was pure. The hatred was mutual. But Kana's desperation outweighed her pride.
I have nothing else, Kana thought. Without this, I am just a ghost waiting for the dark to take me.
"And what if I refuse?" Kana asked. Her voice was a whisper."
Then you stay here and rot in your own regret," Kova said. "But the world is getting smaller, Kana. You can either be at the table or you can be on it."
Juno stepped forward. Her eyes narrowed. "I do not like this Master. You are all the same."
"You will do what I ask no matter what it is, do you understand, Juno?" Kova's tone was final. "She will serve under you and you will report her progress to me. If she fails, you handle it."
Juno felt the weight of the trust. He was letting her manage his own blood. It was a sign of respect she had fought years to earn. Her expression shifted to professional disdain.
"I understand, Master. If she can keep up then she can come. But if she slows me down I will leave her for the crows."
Kova's eyes lingered on his sister. "The decision is yours, sister. Do not make me regret offering it.
"Kana stood slowly. Her legs shook. Her jaw was set. "I will go. I will show you all I am not weak."
Kova turned his back. "Before you move let me have a quick chat with Kaola. You two get ready to leave."
He closed his eyes. He reached across the distance.
"Kaola." Kova's voice vibrated like low thunder within her mind.
"Kova? What... what are you doing in my head?" she responded.
"Kaola." He said it again. The sound stretched with a chilling, predatory edge.
"Yes, brother? Did I do something?"
"Retreat from the mission Koma gave you. You have failed. I will take over as leader."
"Retreat? Why do I need to retreat if I'm literally miles from catching Kota? I have done nothing but fight towards completing the mission. Why must I retreat now?"
"Kaola." His tone dropped to a whisper. It felt like a blade against her thoughts. "Don't make me repeat myself. Return home immediately. Tell Hykee and Lokee to follow the trail of Kota. You are to come home. Goodbye."
Miles away, Kaola's expression went pale. She looked confused. "Um, Hykee and Lokee, come here."
The twins approached.
"I have to retreat. I have been told by Kova to return home. I failed my mission. He says for you to follow Kota's lead and don't stop."
Hykee laughed. It was a jagged sound. "Bout time I get to let loose and do things my way, haha! Bye Kaola! Guess you weren't good enough to be a leader, haha!"
Lokee turned to Hykee. "Shut up." She looked at Kaola. "Be safe."
Actually stay right there. Give me a moment.
The thought wasn't a suggestion. It was a command.
Kova appeared beside Kaola out of a dark ripple in the air. He reached out. He touched her. In a flash of shadow, she warped away to the Haven.
Kova reached his hand into the empty air. His fingers sank into the void as if submerged in water. He grabbed for Juno and Kana. In the clearing of the Haven, both women felt a violent pull. They were teleported through the blackness. They appeared instantly on the jagged ridge overlooking the borderlands.
"If Hykee becomes too much of a problem don't get in his way," Kova warned. His eyes were devoid of warmth. "You both will die. If he makes a gesture by throwing his sword in the air, just leave immediately. You two are to get far away IMMEDIATELY."
Without another word, Kova fell back into the void.
Juno steadied herself. Kana stumbled. She coughed as the transition forced the air from her lungs.
"You move like a newborn," Juno muttered.
"I have never traveled like that before," Kana gasped.
"Then get used to it. My master does not have time for those who cannot handle the weight of his power. Look down there."
Below them, Hykee had set up a campfire.
Hykee was hunched over. His body was nearly covered in bloodied bandages. He fiddled with charred meat. His breathing was heavy. Beside him, Lokee sat cross-legged. She stared into the dark with a vacant expression.
"Get down there," Juno commanded. She pushed Kana forward. "And remember what I said. One mistake and you are on your own.