Page 65 of The Divine Lies We Weave

“So the Flames are also able to come out of people who are Vessels. It’s why their shadows are so prominent.”

“And why they can fight for us,” Hema explained. “See?”

Hema shut her eyes and took several deep breaths.

Leela gasped as Hema’s animal shadow slid down her body, along the ground, and then in its place stood a giant silver Fox. It blinked at Leela, its nose wriggling as it sniffed the air. Hema patted the Fox beside her with a beaming smile.

Another thing you didn’t tell me.

I thought carrying you to the village was evident enough. I did not realize I had to spell it all out, mortal.

How… you’re a snake?

A snake when I fight. A woman when I’m not. I can be both.

Leela’s fingers flexed against the cup. “Thank you.”

“It’s quite cool,” Hema continued.

The Silver Fox disappeared the same way it came and was once again Hema’s shadow.

“How…?” Leela questioned.

“The Flames took on their animal names to descend from the Awakening. It was the only way for them to be harnessed and used as Vessels,” Tanmay explained.

“I wouldn’t try it with the Viperess,” Rajesh cut in. “We don’t know what she’s capable of, yet.”

“It would be cool to see, though,” Iravan noted, tipping his cup in thought.

“Yes, how brilliant.” Vedant barked with laughter. “To unleash the very thing that wants our Captain dead.”

Leela glared at Vedant, but realization softened her expression. He wasn’t the only one who thought it. He was just the asshat capable of saying it out loud. She glanced at Rajesh, who turned away. Hema gave her a wry look, and even Iravan’s smile faltered.

A sinking sensation drowned Leela. These people might be peaceful toward her, but it didn’t mean they liked her or the Flame she harnessed.

Leela was glad when the conch rang around the dining hall. A flurry of bodies headed toward the exits like one conjoined wave.

“Come on,” Rajesh said. “Hema, take care of Leela and get her ready for the ship.”

Hema’s face lit up like a candle. “She’s really coming? Oh, yay!”

Oh great.

Oh great, indeed. We get to sail with others who hate us. The Viperess clucked against her teeth.

Leela groaned to herself but let Hema guide her through the halls and out to the docks. Several ships were already flying off, full of crew prepared for battle.

Hema let Leela climb the ladder first before landing beside her on the deck. “Follow me.”

Leela followed Hema downstairs into the belly of the ship. She steadied herself against the wall as the ship soared forward, gazing outside one of the circular windows as the red cave disappeared and blended into the carmine dunes.

“Where are we going?” Leela asked.

“Down to the weapons room. The Viperess won’t be much use in battle until you know how to control her. Do you know how to fight?”

“No.”

Hema stopped, and Leela almost bumped into her. Her honey-soaked eyes blinked several times as she gathered her thoughts. “Oh… Well… I guess we’d better start.”