Rhen did not lift his head from the marked heretic positions.
Dax crossed his arms.
“What is the final plan?”
Cole leaned back in his chair.
“Are we really going to ignore the fact that you just slept with the fledgling tethered to Rhen?”
The room became silent.
Dax looked toward him.
“Do you want to discuss it?”
“I think we have to. This war was already unstable before you added another possible fracture.”
“Veya is not his.”
“I did not say she was.” Cole’s voice sharpened. “I said the tether exists, and none of us understands what your involvement might do to her.”
Malakai stepped into Dax’s line of sight and signed.
She is still connected to Rhen’s blood. That may have consequences for her, for you, and for the clan.
“I did nothing she did not choose.”
Nobody accused you of forcing her.
Cole pushed away from the chair.
“But this entire house has been collapsing since she arrived. Rhen is leaving drained humans outside the perimeter, Sule has disappeared, and you are prepared to fight your own brothers over a woman you met hours ago.”
Dax’s eyes flashed.
“She is not responsible for any of that.”
“No,” Cole said. “But you are making her your responsibility.”
“Somebody should treat her like a person.”
Rhen finally raised his head.
A slow, unpleasant smile formed without reaching his silver eyes.
“If you want to waste your time managing her, do it.”
Dax’s attention snapped toward him.
Rhen continued in the same indifferent tone.
“She remains useful, and you are keeping her functional. Beyond that, I do not care what happens between you.”
“She has a name.”
“I know.”
“Use it.”
