Chapter 29 - The Diamond No One Saw
"Well," Thalos finally spoke, breaking the silence at last. At least Tave wasn't left suspended in that awkward pause for too long.
"That's quite tricky," the Commander added thoughtfully.
Tave remained still, offering no response. He waited.
"Because the squad for the Rift, the one where Lily will be assigned, has already been formed."
So there's no more room? Tave thought quickly. He hadn't yet confirmed the expedition details with Lily, but it seemed even she might not know the final squad composition. But more importantly, was this the Rift he had in mind?
Thalos continued, as if answering his unspoken thoughts.
"We value Lily's talent very highly," he said. "Especially her affinity with water. And the Rift this squad will be attempting to conquer appears to be situated in a volcanic environment."
Got it. Tave almost smiled, but kept the expression locked behind a composed exterior.
He had been right. His instincts were dead-on about the Rift's elemental nature. And if Lily was being deployed there, it meant he'd just aligned himself perfectly with his target.
"There's good news and bad news," Thalos went on.
Tave responded only with a slow, respectful bow, placing his right hand over his chest.