Page 129 of Dance of Stars and Ashes

Zarya pulled them all, light bursting in her chest. Rabin made a strangled noise in his throat as the warmth at her side glowed again. She felt the tingle of flesh knitting and blood clotting as heat suffused her skin. It simmered through them both, bright and glittering like a rainbow of stars.

Her magic erupted with one last gasp and then died out.

But it was enough for now. She blinked at the sky, knowing something had just happened.

“Thank fucking gods,” Rabin sighed, dropping his face against the curve of her throat as his body shook. Then, he framed her face with his hands, smoothing back her hair as he kissed her gently.

“You did it,” he said.

“No. We did it.”

Their gazes met, and she remembered the moment when she’d first known he was a path she could never turn back on. She felt that now, knowing that no matter what happened, this connection between them had been destined from the very start.

Rabin stood and scooped Zarya into his arms. “We need to get you to Koura. I don’t know how long this will hold.”

Ojas still lingered nearby, munching on a patch of black grass. Rabin grabbed the horse’s reins, helping Zarya up before he settled into the beaten saddle. Zarya leaned against his chest. He was so warm and solid and comforting. She sighed against the familiar smell of falling rain and fresh-tilled earth.

Zarya wasn’t sure what to call this glowing thing she felt for Rabin yet, but for now, he was as he had been from the first day she’d met him—her safety, her protection, her lifeline, and maybe so much more.

He directed them towards Dharati, one of his arms wrapped across her waist.

When they entered the courtyard, it was to a scene of chaos as the battle for Amrita’s life continued. Whatever magic they had conjured together was enough for Zarya to keep her eyes open. Row and Apsara ran towards them as they helped her down from Ojas.

“I found your stupid horse,” she croaked as Row set her on her feet.

He laughed, placing a hand on her head and sweeping her hair from her forehead.

“So you did, my girl.” There was such affection in his voice that her stomach twisted. Not her father, but he, too, had become someone important.

“Where’s Dhawan?” she asked, and Row shook his head.

“We haven’t been able to locate him yet.”

“He tried to take me,” she said as alarm crossed Row’s expression. “He was sending me to Andhera.” Row’s alarm turned to confusion as Rabin scooped Zarya up from behind, and she started kicking.

“Put me down. I need to find Dhawan,” she said. Now that her life no longer hung in the balance, her only goal was vengeance.

“You’re in no condition to hunt down that mad Aazheri. Rest a moment,” he said.

She glared, glad to have some of her usual energy back.

“Where’s Koura?” Rabin asked Row, ignoring her. “She needs healing.”

“He’s in the tunnels trying to ease some of Amrita’s pain,” Row replied. “Watch yourselves.”

Rabin gave a grim nod and proceeded to stalk through the courtyard.

“I can walk,” Zarya said, squirming in his arms.

Soldiers turned to stare at their fearsome commander carrying her like she was a fragile doll.

He growled, his grip tightening.

“You almost died. I’m carrying you.”

Zarya glared at him again, but she was still weak, and it didn’t have much force behind it. With a smirk, Rabin hoisted her against him and kept walking.

“Koura!” Rabin shouted once they entered the dim tunnels. “Koura!” His rough voice skittered through the halls. Rabin wandered the maze through tunnels and arches, twisting in and out. It was a wonder anyone ever made it out of here.