Page 95 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Clenching his fists, he got up and stormed off to find Leela.

21

LEELA

What was that!?

What?

Leela wanted to hit her head against the wall. She couldn’t keep up. When the Viperess took over her when she was with Rajesh moments ago, Leela managed to tune her out and break out. It was tough, but with deep breathing and banging against the glass, she managed to crack it just enough to squeeze through and slink back into her body.

Now, Leela was soaking in the bathing chambers, her hand still pulsing with the feeling of her hand around Rajesh’s neck.

I don’t understand what you want. You want him dead, so why haven’t you killed him?

Have you not wondered why the Scorpion has not made one move, mortal? The Viperess said, a tinge of fear notched in her words.

Leela frowned. What’s that got to do with anything?

He has not made a move. Not one until he tried to get me out. Do you not think that odd?

We were doing it to stop you.

I know. So it makes me think the Scorpion has something planned. Something we are not going to like.

Yes, because I’ve loved being along for the ride so far.

The Viperess hissed. Think, mortal. Be strategic or die. He’s on his way to find this wish-fulfilling tree. Why do you think he is suddenly helping Rajesh?

Leela hadn’t really thought about it. She was just glad one of the Flames was finally on their side. All she knew about the Scorpion was that he was from the Awakening.

Being from the Awakening does not mean much. It simply means he is from the Awakening, in purer lands. I, too, was once in the Awakening. Until they sent me down to the Netherworld for a simple act of defiance. It so happens that if one does not dance for a man, one is seen as defiant.

Leela didn’t talk, eager to finally learn the Viperess’s story.

Those from the Awakening can be cast aside, like any of you mortals. You show a sign of standing up for your rights, and you are cast aside. As a female, Leela, I would hope you would know what that means. To have powerful men dictate how best to behave. To have men push you into an unlovable marriage.

Leela ignored the split of sympathy racing through her. How could she feel sorry when she could control Leela at any time? When she had this hunger for vengeance and was using Leela’s body to do it? Leela wasn’t callous. She had pity stirring somewhere, but it did make her think.

Yes, well, next time, could you not fling him across the deck? It just makes it awkward when I see him next.

You just did not want me to interrupt the important moment. How could I help myself? Angering him is all I want.

Yet, he hasn’t killed you. Funny, right?

The Viperess stirred, flicking her tail. What are you implying?

Maybe he still has feelings for you. Maybe he actually wants to make amends, but you’re too busy trying to kill him.

The Viperess stayed awfully quiet.

Leela rolled her eyes and sank deeper into the waters. A chill ran up her legs, past her fingertips, until only her head was held above the water. The liquid washed away all the grime and stickiness she wasn’t used to. She waded through the depths, able to keep her head just above the surface.

A pool cut the bathing chambers in half. Arched windows lined the walls, letting in the heat from outside. The room was stifling, the long stretch of clean water inviting. Plants rose in all directions, with leaves as big as she was, or smaller ones in pots scattered by the sides of the pool or marbled walls.

She tilted her head back against the cemented edge as the gentle tug of the ship moved the water around her. A bird chirped in the distance as the sunset streamed across the skies in faded oranges and bloody reds. It was one thing she liked about the desert. The sunsets and sunrises were most beautiful when it was just her.

“There you are.”