Kiera's composure, usually an unshakable fortress, cracked.
As Ryu recounted the message, he saw a storm of emotions flash across her face: shock, fury, grief, and a raw, chilling flicker of temptation.
The Vanguard hadn't just sent a threat; they had offered her a poisoned chalice.
The one thing she wanted most in the world—justice for her brother—in exchange for the one thing she was tasked to protect.
"They're playing with you," Joric said, his voice grave. He had woken up during Ryu's explanation and was now studying the blank console screen.
"To bypass our security protocols requires a level of access that is... disturbing. They have agents in places we thought were secure. This offer is a lie, a trap to sow discord."
But the seed of doubt had been planted. Kiera's gaze fell on Ryu, and for the first time since their alliance had formed, he saw not a partner, but a problem. An obstacle.
The analytical, appraising look was back, but this time it was colder, sharper. She was weighing his life against her revenge.
"Get to the training room," she said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. "Now."
The training that followed was different.
The focused, disciplined lessons were gone. The brutal, systematic beatings were back, but this time they were tinged with a raw, desperate anger.
Kiera came at him with a ferocity he hadn't seen before. She was no longer just testing his defenses; she was trying to break them.
She was venting her frustration, her grief, her rage on him.
Ryu found himself on the defensive, his carefully constructed 'center' shattering under the onslaught.
The pain was immense, but worse was the feeling of betrayal. He was no longer her student, or even her tool.
He was the embodiment of her impossible choice.
Every blow she landed felt like a question: Is your life worth more than my brother's name?
"You're too slow!" she yelled, her staff connecting sharply with his shoulder. "The Vanguard is hunting you, and you can't even block a simple attack! How are you supposed to survive?"
"How am I supposed to trust you?" Ryu shot back, staggering to his feet. "They offered you a deal! Are you training me or are you measuring my worth?"
The accusation hung in the air between them, raw and ugly.
Kiera froze, her knuckles white on her staff. The anger in her eyes faltered, replaced by a flash of shame.
She looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
She had been tempted.
The thought was a venomous snake, coiling in her gut. She, a warrior of the Azure Dragons, had considered trading a life for information.
"The offer is a lie," she said, her voice barely a whisper, as if trying to convince herself as much as him. "The Vanguard gives nothing. They only take."
She lowered her staff. "The training is over. For today."
She turned and left the room, leaving Ryu alone, his body aching and his mind in turmoil.
The fragile trust they had built was broken.
He was alone again, a pawn in a game between two ruthless factions.
He didn't know if Kiera was his protector or his executioner, waiting for the right offer.
That night, sleep offered no escape.
He dreamt of Vex and Kiera standing over him, flipping a coin for his life.