Page 34 of The Divine Lies We Weave

“Only a few days ago,” Leela said. “I ran away from a rebel group when they forced her on me.”

Rajesh’s brow flattened. “Oh… Oh. This was forced onto you?”

Leela shuffled. “Yes.”

He bit his lip, the fury softening then returning. Anger swam within the dark depths of his eyes, clinging to every clench of his jaw. “Why did they do that? What has she said to you?”

“Not a lot really.” Leela approached the table, lowering her voice for fear of others overhearing. She didn’t know this place, and she only knew Rajesh. But even he had changed, so who knew if she was really in good hands. “She’s quite moody, that’s all I know.”

Something thudded against her skull, like someone was banging a door. Leela gripped her head and staggered forward, feeling a pull within.

Rajesh stepped back. “She’s trying to get out, isn’t she?”

“I… I think so. Do you know why she’s here?” she asked.

Rajesh held her gaze, jaw ticking. “She hasn’t told you?”

“No. She refuses to.”

Another thud. Leela tried to hold her position, but it was as if invisible strings were tugging her forward. Something beat against her skull like a drum. The Viperess. She wanted out.

“Fucking Flames,” Rajesh hissed. He shook his head and shut his eyes. “Well, I guess I should probably tell you. But not without people here. I don’t trust her.”

Leela frowned. “Sure.”

“I’ll be back. Do you have any weapons on you?”

Leela thought of her katar left back in the village. “No.”

“Has she controlled you yet?”

Leela flinched. “Yes.”

“Stay put,” he said. He tiptoed around her, keeping her in his sight as he headed for the exit.

The thudding in Leela’s brain escalated with a shot of warmth up her spine. She cried out, bending over as her limbs propelled her forward on their own accord. Her arms flung out, reaching for Rajesh’s neck. A snarl gripped her lungs.

Rajesh’s eyes widened and he unsheathed his weapon before Leela could attack.

Leela felt like a puppet, her arms and legs moving without permission. Each movement was awkward and stilted, as if the strings were loose. That gave Leela enough strength to hold herself against the ground. The heat coiled at her nape before sliding away.

“See? I don’t trust her,” Rajesh said, pale. He left without another word.

Leela’s mind was blank, panic setting its icy breath inside her. The Viperess was going to break free, and she was going to attack Rajesh. It took everything inside Leela not to burst into tears at the thought of losing herself—losing her body—to a monster. She already lost her mind once a month… and now…

What the fuck is going on? You’d better speak before I⁠—

What, mortal? Try to kill me? I think I have already suffered enough. Death is not quite as bad as it seems. The Viperess seethed.

Tell me what is going on? Are you putting me in danger?

Probably.

Leela clenched her hands. Can’t you just be amicable with me? Maybe I’d even help you? Like you said, we’re in this together now, whether I like it or not. I’m not dying because you decided to control me.

Fine. But when he is back, I want to hear his side of the story.

Leela was surprised the Flame had given in. But she had to. They were stuck together now. Perhaps Leela could help her? Although, judging from the look on Rajesh’s face and the Viperess trying to take control, having the Flame inside her was not a good thing.