Put that down, it's not a toy

Adaria’s head tilted some, gaze shifting to study the cup of tea in her hands. She had her suspicions of Leandro, but she was grateful for the assassin’s frank appraisal of the man and how his allegiance changed with the wind. Sensing his curiosity, her brow arched. Well then. We should keep an eye on those with fickle loyalty. As you say, it’s hardly news, but then our home hasn’t suffered this level of instability in some time. If the Second Talon is wise, he’ll keep to his lane and not inconvenience me.

She had few allies, even fewer when she considered her close circle. It would be easy for their enemies to outmanoeuvre her if it was infiltrated or one of her remaining loved ones were used as leverage.

A shadow would be wise. Not that he is incapable of defending himself, but we both know what can happen without some precautions. Her family had been forced into hiding for a period before their position had firmed, but the disappearance of her Father had splintered them all into self-preservation.

There was the slightest hint of a grin that flashed as his face lit up, the pieces falling into place. Does it? she’d chuckle, settling back into her chair. While she had been accustomed to dealing with her problems, it was a complete shift from verbal undressing and a tweak of the mindset to murder. I’m not quite over it. I can’t… quite bring myself to talk about her without playing over and over again how she betrayed my father. How she used his kindness and devotion against him.

Her expression hardened, the youthfulness of her face replaced with a cold exterior. She was weak. I don’t plan to be weak, but I would be lying if my mind and heart weren’t torn over lying to my sister. Fran would never forgive her and Adaria couldn’t afford to lose the one family member that had her back.

@Rafael Acosta