"I was going to say you lack sufficient motivation," Charles said with a grimace. "Nothing quite so human."
"You mean a purpose beyond strategy," Jonny said, hands going to his hips.
"If you're not fighting for something then why bother?" Ashley replied before Charles could. She looked around to see most of the vamps in camp had formed a ring around them to watch their god battle the Natural.
"There's no place for emotion in what I do," Jonny said.
"You have feelings whether or not you want to. And suppressing them is stupid and will backfire on you."
He considered her before looking to Charles. "I don't want to go down that path."
"Ikir, you will have to choose one of the path you detest in order to win. Either the White God assists, your develop sufficient motivation beyond strategy." Charles moved closer, as if concerned the other vamps might hear him. "Valon is faster, stronger and smart but not as smart as you. This won't be a game to him, ikir. This won't be completely about the implementation of strategy."
A flicker of something - unease? - went across Jonny's normally impassive features. Ashley watched the two of them for a moment, sensing the battle with Valon was of more importance than either was letting on. She didn't know why when Jonny couldn't be killed.
"I'll work on it," Jonny said finally. "Right now, I'm starving." His focus slid to her.
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Do I get to go out tonight?" she prodded.
"I haven't decided yet."
She almost erupted at him but ground her teeth to keep from saying something that might prevent her from ever going out to search for Brandon again. His indecision left her scared he meant to keep her at the camp while the others fought rogues.
"We could use the help, ikir," Charles' words were almost too quiet to hear. "Especially after last night."
She gazed at him quizzically. Charles was harder to read than Jonny, who had tensed either at the reminder or the soft-spoken support of her going on raids.
"Ash, let's talk," Jonny said and stepped away.
The crowd around them dissipated as they left the sparring area. Ashley trailed him, her insides twisting and her nerves on end as she considered what she'd do if he refused to let her leave.
Jonny returned to his suite without speaking. She was close to screaming when she closed the door behind her. Brandon wasn't much of a talker, but he was better than Jonny about not leaving her hanging. He sat on the barstool of the pub-style dining table tucked near a corner and leaned down to untie his shoes.