Chapter 25: The Architecture of Revenge
For the next several hours, Elena moved through the vault with a terrifying efficiency. She didn't marvel at the beauty of the artifacts; she appraised them as weapons. She directed Smith and Blood Beare with a sharp, biting authority that left them scurrying to follow her orders.
"The heavy chests first," she commanded, pointing toward the back of the chamber. "And the black powder flasks stored in the corner. If Jackson wants a better life, I’m going to show him exactly what he traded away before I burn his world to the ground."
Kai watched her from the shadows of the entrance, a heavy knot forming in his stomach. He had seen men consumed by greed, and he had seen men consumed by hate, but seeing it take hold of Elena—the girl who had giggled at his politeness only the night before—felt like watching a darkness grow and he liked it and a smqll part of him was scared of her.
"Elena, listen to me," Kai said, intercepting her as she carried a small, heavy box of uncut emeralds toward the boat. "Revenge is a thirsty business. Is this what you want? To trade peace? Is that what you really want?"
"I don't want peace," she said, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. She stopped, staring him down. "I want him to feel as small as he made me feel. I want him to know that I know. And I want you to take me there, Captain. That was the deal, wasn't it? You get the girl, you get the gold. Well, you have both. Now do your job."
Kai grinned, "Alright. As you wish."