Leena stepped between them.
“I said that is enough. If the two of you insist upon destroying the war room, wait until a reasonable hour so the rest of us can sleep through it.”
Sule’s attention shifted to her.
For several seconds, he appeared prepared to continue the argument. Then he looked at Rhen once more and disappeared before anger could turn into something more destructive.
Rhen remained where he was.
Leena folded her arms.
“Would you like to talk about it?”
“No.”
“I assumed not. Would you prefer to break something?”
He gave no answer.
Leena moved closer until she stood directly before him.
“Then do me a favor and unclench your hands before you fracture your own bones.”
Rhen did not look down.
Several moments passed before his fingers gradually loosened.
Leena touched his damaged knuckles.
“You are not invincible.”
“I am when necessary.”
“You are not alone either.”
His eyes moved to hers, cold and tired in a way he permitted nobody else to witness.
Leena smiled.
“I know you are mocking me behind that expression.”
Rhen blinked once with slow disdain.
“There you are,” she said.
The memory dissolved.
* * *
The present-day war room held none of Leena’s warmth.
Rhen stood over the central map with his fingers resting near the marked heretic positions. Reports, guard rotations, and known safehouse locations covered the table.
Cole occupied the opposite side. Malakai stood where both brothers could see his hands.
Dax entered quietly and closed the door behind him.
Rhen did not look up.
