Page 44 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Leela met Navya’s dark green eyes, a smile twitching on the woman’s face.

“Yes, well, I was just giving her some examples,” Iravan mumbled.

Leela frowned. “So how come the Golden Viperess picked me, then?”

“Why else?” Navya continued. “Revenge.”

Leela’s brow lengthened, and the realization made heat rise to her cheeks. She told herself she needed to brush up on her Vessel and Flame knowledge. While she knew the tales, the Vessels were completely new to her.

“Not many Vessels to the Peacock exist.” Navya shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever met another like me, if I’m honest. So as you can see, the Flames can be quite selective on who they harness.”

“I’m learning that,” Leela said, mouth drying. “What else should I know…?”

“One thing at a time.” Iravan patted her on the back. “Let’s get you settled first, shall we?”

Leela was about to respond when a reverberating whoooooosh cut through the air. She glanced everywhere, trying to decipher where it came from as it echoed and caused her muscles to lock in place. She really wished she had her katar right about now.

“What is that? What is happening?” Leela asked.

“It’s the conch, it calls us when there are missions,” Hema explained as she grabbed a bloodfruit and tossed it in the air. “Why don’t you come on a call?”

Navya scoffed and walked away rolling her eyes.

Leela ignored the tiny spit. “I…”

“Might not be a bad idea,” Iravan said. “Gives you a chance to get to bridge the gap with Rajesh. You can come and find me when you’re back, and I’ll catch you up on this Flame knowledge.”

“Come on! It’ll be fun,” Hema squealed.

Before Leela could protest, Hema hooked her arm with Leela’s and guided her down the halls. Footsteps echoed off the cave walls. Leela struggled to keep up. Despite Hema’s small frame, she was very quick.

Hema led Leela into the stifling heat at the docks. Several ships floated off and flew into the opening before zooming in different directions.

Rajesh stood at the closest ship, hands on his hips, and watched as his crew rushed up the ladder.

Leela met Rajesh’s gaze and froze.

“What is she doing here?” he snapped at Hema.

Hema let her go. “I thought she could come!”

“No,” Rajesh said. “Not until she can learn to harness the Viperess.”

“Oh…” Hema gave Leela a gentle smile. “I’ll catch you another time, yeah?”

Leela focused on Rajesh, who stared her down with hatred she had never seen before. Not from him. Not ever. It was almost like he was driving a dagger through her heart, repeatedly, with a simple look.

Before Leela’s emotions spilled, she snapped and walked off.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

11

RAJESH

It was torture. All of it.

Leela was alive. Very much alive. It was a miracle, sure, but it was torture because he couldn’t have her. And yet, all Rajesh could think of was appeasing the Scorpion in his mind to ensure she wasn’t going to die as he flew across the desert in search of monsters to kill—or perhaps to let off some steam.