---
A few nervous laughs sparked among both sets of soldiers and died quickly.
Miryam's head snapped toward him.
Kai felt the surge of her killing intent like a wave.
He put a hand on her shoulder.
"Another day," he repeated, low. "Let me have this one. If I fall and he breaks his word, then you may eat him. Slowly."
Her pupils thinned to slits.
"I will hold you to that," she said.
She stepped closer, close enough that her aura wrapped his like a second skin.
"Do not die," she whispered, echoing last night. "If you do, I will make you regret it."
He smiled faintly.
"I am unclear on how that would work," he said. "But I believe you."
She pressed her forehead to his for one brief, fierce heartbeat, then let him go.
He turned away before he could change his mind.
The ramp down felt longer this time.
