Page 87 of The Divine Lies We Weave

Leela smirked. “Wanna make a bet?”

Vedant leaned further forward. “Sure. If I win, you bring the Viperess out to play with a bull. When you can, that is.”

“And if I win, you shut the fuck up and leave me alone. Never talk to me again.”

Vedant flung his hand over the table. “Sounds like a plan.”

Leela found herself in the training room less than an hour later. The night sky was adorned with the twin moons, glowing down against the red of her blouse. A gentle wind blew against her black, flowy pants, and her fingers itched with the katar in her hand.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Hema said beside her. “You’re still injured.”

Leela continued to stare at Vedant as he jumped up and down on the other side of the training arena. The adrenaline pumping through her was enough to make her feel like she could fight anyone. Besides, the wound was healing quicker than she realized, with the Viperess helping. What would normally take months had taken less than a week, and only a small scar was in its place. Ever since dinner, her muscles had relaxed tenfold.

“I’m ready,” Leela said.

The crew all sat in the stands, whooping and hollering. She tried to block out the people betting their coins or weekly dinners. Most bet against her, but a few bet on her.

It didn’t shake her confidence. All she wanted was to land the asshat on his head. If this was what he wanted, so be it. Leela would take the bitch out and see how he reacted. He came after her, the Viperess, and Rajesh.

Two could play the game.

Leela assessed his physique—knowing his height, weight, and frame were all advantages. Her tinier build hadn’t built enough muscle yet, but it was all she had.

I really am counting on you, you know.

Trust me. I am prepared, mortal. You have barely seen me fight. The Viperess reared back, her fangs flashing in Leela’s mind.

Then don’t let me get punched in the face.

The door whined open, and Leela turned to Rajesh, who had presumably come to assess the situation. He nonchalantly stood toward the back of the room, hands tucked in his pockets and eyes locked on hers. She couldn’t tell whether he was here because he wanted to see this or to protect her.

Either way, Leela’s nerves suddenly spiked, her heart thumping in her chest. She clenched and unclenched her fists, telling herself she had this.

“Are we doing this or not?” Vedant yelled over the arena.

Leela whirled her gaze back to his. The silence before the fight enveloped the arena, and it was just the two of them. The rest of the crowd became a backdrop as the moons flickered above, casting an enchanting light on the scene.

Vedant stepped forward.

Leela circled him like a predator. As she walked closer to the walls, her hands hung at her sides tense with anticipation. The mosaic ground was a soft comfort beneath her feet, providing a solid foundation for quick movements if necessary.

Vedant made the first move, lunging toward Leela.

Leela steadied her footing, preparing for him. She held up her katar, watching as the godsblade flew behind Vedant in a dazzle of blue as he swung up. She caught his blade with her own as he came down.

Her legs faltered under the pressure, her arms shaking as she held him off. Vedant quickly swiped at her with his blade, and Leela curved her back to stop her neck from getting cut.

Her wound pinched as she ducked.

Shit!

Patience. A Viperess strikes at the right time.

Are you even helping!?

Patience.

This wasn’t patience. Leela hoped the Viperess would be helping, otherwise, she had severely overestimated her chances of winning. But she couldn’t get over the smiling asshat and let him sit there patronizing her. Besides, it was too late to back down. She had to attack or show everyone the Viperess.