Page 136 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Blood drained from Hema’s face. If the Viperess killed Navya out of jealousy and Rajesh out of vengeance, she could very well kill Hema out of spite.

Please, not her!

“Let her go,” Hema said, straightening her spine and hands turning into fists.

The Viperess flicked her tongue. “Not yet. I have one last thing I need accomplished before I go.”

“Who says we’d do anything for you?” Hema snapped. “A raging bitch with an attitude problem?”

The Viperess arched a brow. “I want to find this wish-fulfilling tree. I want to see it with my own eyes. Order the crew to take us between the mountains, or you will not get Leela back.”

Hema was quiet for a moment. She nibbled on her bottom lip, looking at Leela as if she were looking past the Viperess. “I… I….”

The Viperess stepped forward.

Hema stepped back.

“Alert the crew of anything that has happened, and I will kill her,” the Viperess pressed. “You know I will.”

Hema’s face cracked. Her body betrayed her thoughts, her fingers clenching and unclenching, foot tapping. She was debating.

But Leela wasn’t worth saving.

Standing, Leela punched the glass once more despite her bruised knuckles. She punched it, again, and again, and again. Until her skin split. Until blood ran down her forearms and her knuckles were surely broken. It didn’t hurt. Nothing hurt more than watching the person you loved die.

Leela screamed, and she finally felt herself waver between the yellow hue and full color, in and out. The Viperess winced and grabbed the railing to steady herself, shutting her eyes to close Leela from the world.

It worked.

It was enough for Leela to realize she could still do this.

If there was one thing Leela had that the Viperess didn’t know about, it was that she had grown in strength, and the Viperess had underestimated her in every step.

No. Leela was going to sit and wait and strike at the perfect time.

Settle, mortal.

Never.

The Viperess regained her composure and shook her head. “Go. Now. Tell them I want to be at the mountainside by the morning. We have some very important people to meet.”

People…?

Who in the flames would be helping the Viperess?

Before Leela could do anything, the Viperess was marching off to the quarterdeck. The Viperess curled her hands on the banister and stared at the horizon.

Eventually, the ship shifted.

“Why are we moving? Where is Rajesh?” Tanmay snapped as he stood beside Leela.

The Viperess did not turn. Merely glared into the dunes. “Fly the ship to the mountainside.”

Tanmay grabbed Leela’s shoulder to turn her around, but the Viperess did not budge.

As if sensing something was wrong, Tanmay dropped his hand and backed away.

“You’re not Leela…” Tanmay murmured. “What have you done? Where is Rajesh?”