Her green eyes widening in horror as she saw the three of us. Without warning, she dashed forward, her long, curly wheat-colored hair flying swirling in the air. She grabbed a long, thin piece of scrap metal and swung it at Levent’s neck.
“Whoa!” Rio yelled as the kin threw himself backward.
The sharp metal hissed as it snagged on his collar, tearing a section of fabric away. He froze as she swung the metal beam back and pressed it to his throat.
The blonde’s lip curled back in a snarl.
“What are you doing here?” She hissed, and I finally recognized her. I knew why she had reason to swing a jagged metal weapon at us.
“The soldier,” I whispered, but I need not have.
Rio seemed to have realized what I did in the same moment. He stepped in front of me. I pretty was sure that Levent recognized her from the beginning, and he was standing very still for good reason.
“Why are you here? How did you find this place?” She growled, backing her father toward the door. As Rio stepped forward, his hands up in surrender, she swung her weapon to face him.
“I do apologize, miss. This is a terrible coincidence. As it happens, we had business with Mister Aenlilea and will be paying him for his troubles. We did not mean to alarm you nor intrude upon your property.” The half-blood’s voice was like silk as he talked the blonde down.
At the mention of money her weapon lowered a fraction, but she was still frowning.
“Now, why don’t we settle down and talk this over like civilized individuals?” he said.
“There’s nothing to ‘talk over.’ My father will not be taking money from his kind,” she nodded toward the kin, whose eyes narrowed in response. I grit my teeth to keep from interrupting Rio as he continued.
“I’m sure that is up to your father, miss. I can assure you that Mister Itzallion here is not near as evil as he looks. Though, of course, you can only take my word on that. We did break him out of your jail.”
Rio’s musing brought the scrap metal to his throat.
“You!” The soldier growled.
“Now, now. Ladies, stop fighting,” Mister Aenlilea droned.