Page 70 of The Divine Lies We Weave

And how do you know it would work?

You said it yourself years ago, the wish-fulfilling tree would be my best bet to get rid of you.

The Scorpion’s tail reared. And what of my revenge? I’ve waited a long time for her to come to me. And now, here she is. She finally found the Vessel she needed.

I think you forgot—I don’t give a shit about your revenge.

The Scorpion clicked his pinchers. I will help you find this tree if you let me get my revenge first.

Rajesh stilled, the glass halfway to his lips. The Scorpion had never offered a bargain before. Not in the generations before Rajesh, and he had never wanted to help find one of the Awakening tools either. What changed? Did the Scorpion really want his revenge so badly? Rajesh supposed the Scorpion had waited this long. Why would the Scorpion want to waste the one chance he might get to destroy the one thing that destroyed him? That cast him from the Awakening and cursed him to spill monsters across the world…?

Exactly.

You would actually help me find this tree? Do you know where it is?

I might.

You either do or you don’t. Which is it?

I do.

Rajesh’s chest tightened, hope seizing every bone in his ribcage and forcing the air from his lungs. He couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t begin to fathom how it was possible after all these years.

I promise you, Rajesh. If I get to kill her, I will lead you to the wish-fulfilling tree myself.

How do I know you’ll keep your word?

Have I ever let you down? The Scorpion said calmly.

Rajesh sighed. The Scorpion had a point. He had never taken control of Rajesh unless Rajesh ordered him to or needed him in a fight. He had been the easiest Flame to deal with, yet his stubbornness toward revenge was his only flaw. Now, all Rajesh had to do was try to kill the Viperess, and he would be able to get rid of the curse. He could eradicate the sandstorms and stop the monsters.

It’s a big prize.

But does this mean Leela dies?

The Scorpion fell awfully silent.

Rajesh hissed. Answer me!

I can’t guarantee it won’t happen.

Rajesh stood, accidentally shattering his glass on the ground. I don’t want it. I don’t want to agree to a plan where she dies.

Then I cannot help you, and without my help, you know you can’t find this tree.

I don’t give a shit about your revenge! How can I do this without endangering her?

Why do you care so much? I thought you didn’t love her.

I don’t. But it doesn’t mean I want her dead. I don’t want part in this centuries-old revenge.

Perhaps there is a way to save her. But give me some time to think.

Think fast, then.

A knock on the door drew Rajesh’s attention. The Scorpion slunk away down his spine.

Who could it be at this hour? Most of his crew were asleep, except for those awake to keep guard, and they all knew never to disturb the captain when he was asleep. He hesitated, wondering if it was just someone who had knocked on another door or if it wasn’t a knock at all.