The salt-laced wind whipped through the open port of Khan Rokkun's flagship, the Iron Dragon. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of ozone and polished brass. Azula sat opposite him at a small table, her amber eyes flickering with a mixture of amusement and suspicion.
"Why didn't you tell me about your little... diversion at Bin Er?" she inquired, her voice a silken hiss.
Rokkun leaned back in his chair, a wry smile playing on his lips. "That, my dear Azula, was a delicate operation. Oghuz and I hatched the plan before the siege even began. Secrecy was paramount. I couldn't afford any leaks. You understand, don't you?"
Azula raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk curving her lips. "And I suppose I should be impressed with your... resourcefulness?"
"Perhaps you've found a new appreciation for your humble partner," Rokkun chuckled, reaching across the table to briefly brush her hand with his.
Azula withdrew her hand swiftly, but a faint blush crept up her neck. "Don't flatter yourself, Rokkun. I simply find it... interesting how you managed to manipulate the situation to your advantage."
"Always a pleasure to entertain you, my dear," Rokkun said, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint.
The two locked eyes. Azula smiled faintly for a brief moment, then looked away.
"Enough of idle chatter," she said, changing her tone. "What are our next moves?"
"We continue along the coast," Rokkun replied, his voice turning serious. "Rejoin the Southern Army. Then, the next phase of our plan begins."
Azula leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And what is this 'next phase'?"
Rokkun leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Patience, my love. All will be revealed in due time.
He watched as a flicker of impatience crossed Azula's face, but she said nothing. He knew she wouldn't. Azula, despite her fiery temper, was a patient predator. She knew how to wait, to bide her time until the moment was ripe for the kill.
And Rokkun, he knew, would not disappoint her.
YOU ARE READING
Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix
FanfictionBook 1: Five years following the defeat of the Fire Nation, the world experiences an unprecedented age of peace and prosperity. All seems well; however, danger looms as the resurrection of old and new foes threaten to upset the balance and plunge th...
