Rhea and Ariadne shifted uncomfortably under Kyla’s assessment. Nyx took a small step forward, easing her body in front of the other two, as if she were ready to fight to protect them. As if she were ready to kill.

Any lingering suspicion Eris had wavered. That sort of instinctive gesture wasn’t unfamiliar among Tholosian soldiers, but only with members of their own cohort—those who had been genetically engineered within the same group, with the same traits. Never for strangers—not unless the soldier was truly deprogrammed. That natural reflex to take a blast for them couldn’t be faked.

Kyla smoothed over her own surprise. “I’m Kyla,” she said. “Co-commander of the Novantae.”

At that, Ariadne perked up. “Kyla?”

Kyla’s expression didn’t change. “I hope so.”

Ariadne rushed over and thrust out her hand. “I’m Ariadne.”

Eris had never seen Kyla actually blanch before. “Holy shit,” Kyla exhaled. “The Ariadne?”

Ariadne laughed. “I hope so!”

Clo leaned closer to Eris. “I’m so confused.”

“Gods,” Kyla was still saying, even as she shook the other girl’s hand. “Gods. I had no idea you’d be so . . .”

“Amazing?” Ariadne asked, looking like she was damn well about to twirl.

“Young,” Kyla said bluntly.

Ariadne bristled. “I’m sixteen. Practically an adult.”

The kid looked younger than that. Kyla glanced at Clo and Eris. “For the last few years, Ariadne has been responsible for a lot of our intel and technological advances. She’s the only reason our spies have been able to get in and out of places without the Oracle detecting them.”

Gods. “You really did design Pathos.”

Ariadne tilted her head. “Of course! I’d never lie about my best invention.”

Eris was still skeptical. The Novantae’s tech and spy network had improved leaps and bounds over the last few years, but how could one person—a mere child, really—be responsible?

“Are you sure?” she asked Kyla. “Your tech person could be anyone.”

Ariadne curled a lip. “Are you calling me a liar?”

Kyla held out her hands, placating. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve never revealed Ariadne’s name to anyone, not even Sher.” She softened. “Why did you run? Are you in danger?”

A flicker of fear showed in the young girl’s face. “I was becoming obsolete.” At Kyla’s frown, Ariadne forced a smile. “And I didn’t like it there. So I’m here. We’re here. Okay?”

Kyla nodded slowly. “Okay.” She kept her voice low, soothing. This was more gentleness than Eris had ever seen in her superior. “Can you show me the cargo that was on board?”

“It’s just some weird, hazardous rock,” Clo said. “Ariadne has it.”