Page 61 of The Divine Lies We Weave

“I understand,” Leela said. “I will help you hunt the artifacts down and try to destroy these fucking Flames controlling us. But how do we stop them from killing one another?”

Rajesh’s lips twitched. “We will find a way, I am sure. With the Scorpion’s help, I’m going to train you to control her, and you’re going to come and learn how to be a Gilded Thorn.”

He does realize I want him dead.

I’m sure he’s very well aware.

Most likely a tactic. What does he have planned?

Leela swallowed. “Sounds fun.”

Rajesh hovered his hand between them, as if going to brush the loose strand of hair from her face.

Leela tensed, preparing for the velvet brush of his finger against her skin.

But he hesitated enough that he eventually lowered it and walked away.

“I have one last question,” Leela called out.

Rajesh stopped at the doorway, glancing over his shoulder. “Yes?”

“If we didn’t have vengeful Flames in our heads, would you love me?”

He finally turned around and met her gaze. “What is the point in wishing for something that could never happen? That’s just wishful thinking. That is what causes heartache the most. Knowing you could never have what you want.”

Without another word, he left.

15

LEELA

Leela woke the next day drenched in sweat. Nevertheless, she groaned and rolled out of bed, trudged over to the wardrobe, and grabbed a red blouse and a matching pair of flowing pants that curved at her hips and cut into a triangular shape at the ankles.

A rusty orange kissed the horizon in a beautiful awakening dawn, bathing the courtyard in a golden glow.

Leela tiptoed over the courtyard sands and opened the bathing chambers, warmed by the morning sun as it crept over the edges of the open roof. A distant chirp eased Leela into the water.

She threw her sweaty clothes at the edge and laid her new ones beside it. The water eased her muscles, and she sighed, leaning back against the edge. As soon as the water washed away the sweat, she focused on the Viperess.

The Viperess unfolded from the warmth at the nape of Leela’s neck. Are you not concerned…?

Leela sighed. About?

Everything. I’ve never heard your thoughts so quiet. I did not realize you could.

Ha-ha. Of course I’m thinking. I just need time to process.

Think faster, mortal.

What else is there to think about?

The Viperess bristled. Your ex-fiancé says he harnesses a Flame that, when his emotions are left unchecked, makes the monsters that ruin this world.

Shocking, yes. But what shocks me more is: why didn’t you know about it?

Who is to say I did not?

Leela sat up. So you did. Was it you who put it on him?