Page 107 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Rajesh’s blood froze. He caused the monsters, and the Viperess had been painted the villain. Everyone believed her to be the one responsible when the Scorpion really was. His Flame was the reason for the monsters. The Viperess merely wanted to kill the Scorpion for casting her out into the Netherworld, out of jealousy or spite, whatever the fuck it was.

It wasn’t to cast the monsters into the world. Or was it?

Or, what if there was another reason altogether? Something the two of them hadn’t resolved. What if she wasn’t thrown into the Netherworld for the simple reason of being caught cheating? What if the Scorpion was hiding something too?

Stop questioning.

Why? Worried I’ve crossed the line?

No. Because I know you. Your conscience will win out. You will tell him you’re the reason for the monsters, and then suddenly, you’ll be an outcast.

What if I did…?

I would have to kill someone you hold very dear.

Rajesh gripped the cup. You wouldn’t touch him.

Don’t make me, the Scorpion warned and flicked the tip of his tail. I have protected this line for as long as I can. Only your family is aware of the curse, and it has been a hard secret to keep. But one I will keep until the day I die. If you tell anyone, they will come for you. Cage you. Torture you.

What if it’s what I deserve? I have already killed so many people because of you.

You know the danger. You’re not just letting yourself fall, but your family too.

Rajesh’s hand tightened around the cup. Shut up. Leave me alone.

How can I…? I am you, the Scorpion hissed.

You know, I’ve never said it, but I hope you end up in the Netherworld someday.

Maybe one day you will get your wish.

“What does he say?” Tanmay said, pulling Rajesh back to the present. “Does he want her dead too?”

“Of course he does,” Rajesh said.

“Why hasn’t he given us all the pleasure and killed her yet?”

“Trust me, I’ve been asking him that too.”

“You can’t do it. I admit, for a moment, I thought you could,” Tanmay said, tone low. He averted his gaze, fingers twiddling in his lap. “But sir, you wouldn’t be able to kill Leela.”

Rajesh’s gaze lifted slowly to his face. “How do you know?”

Tanmay tore his gaze back to Rajesh’s. “Because you love her. She is the thing you think about all the time when your eyes are distant. I always thought it was when the Scorpion was talking, but I see you. I watch you when you are with her.”

The muscles in Rajesh’s cheeks clenched. “I’ve known her my entire life. Just because she has the Viperess in her, I’m expected to kill her?”

He lowered his voice. “Yes. If it means she doesn’t kill you first.”

“What if there were another way? A way where we all win?” Rajesh gritted out.

“At what cost? Going to the Whispering Mountains? Hoping to find the wish-fulfilling tree? Are you not worried about what you will lose along the way?” Tanmay asked, arms flailing.

“Why worry when I’ve already lost so much?” Rajesh said, exasperated. “Why can’t I at least give this a try…?”

Tanmay bit his lip. “Don’t get me wrong, Captain. I fully wish this were cast upon someone else. But we’re heading into Kithium territory, into more monsters, and into unknown territories. All for you to save someone your Flame wants dead. Would it not be easier to give in?”

Rajesh stood, fists at his side. He glared at Tanmay. He had watched the young man grow into a fine young gentleman with a backbone. Tanmay had been by his side through thick and thin, and now here he was, sitting and doubting Rajesh.