Page 119 of The Divine Lies We Weave

The cocky attitude of Navya was simply swept away with a mere frown.

Leela didn’t wait around to hear anything else. She sculled the rest of her wine, letting it hit the back of her throat, and walked away.

28

LEELA

The red sands turned yellow. Days turned into more days. Each one more agonizing than the last.

Leela stood on the deck as dawn rose with another blank page. Her thoughts were a jumble of what had happened, and she kept tossing and turning the moment with Rajesh. She felt trapped within its thorns, unable to dislodge from her memories.

So what do you plan to do now?

Nothing.

You don’t want to kill him?

Why do you care? Are you, too, not hurting?

Hurting and healing. Leela took a deep breath and ran a hand over her face. She was tired of staring at the captain’s quarters, waiting for Rajesh to come out. But he had shut himself away for days, and now she was worried the Scorpion had done something. Do you think the Scorpion forgives you?

Judging by our last conversation, yes. His shock was enough for me to really feel it.

Ah yes. I’m sure.

Will you forgive Rajesh?

This isn’t about forgiveness. This is about the future and the state of the world. If I love him, I risk more lustishas being born. If I haven’t already.

He was quite heartbroken the other night, mortal.

Leela clenched the railing. Gee, thanks. Your support is always welcome.

The Viperess slithered from the darkness. I have come to know you and Rajesh, mortal. There is love, and then there is love. And what you two have is beyond even what I had with the Scorpion. He will come around. You two will conquer.

The words oddly didn’t calm Leela. She was more frustrated than anything. Their circumstances meant they couldn’t love one another, whereas the Viperess’s circumstances meant she didn’t love the Scorpion. There was a clear, distinct difference.

Leela still loved Rajesh.

That was what hurt the most.

Would you, if he did not harness the Scorpion?

Of course I would. As long as he doesn’t have the curse on him, which, funnily enough, you put on him.

The Viperess hissed. He deserved it. At the time, he wounded me, and he deserved to feel all the emotions I felt during my descent.

Leela sighed. I understand. A scorned heart will make anyone bleed fire.

Where did you hear such a line?

Never have. Just thought of it then.

The Viperess made a noise, almost like a chuckle. Something Leela hadn’t heard from her before.

For what it is worth, mortal, I am sorry your circumstances are this way.

The knot in Leela’s stomach rose into her throat. It is what it is, right?