Page 104 of Storm of Ink and Blood

When Yasen opened his mouth to protest, Zarya shot him a pleading look, and he sighed. “Okay. Sure. Just don’t touch my things.”

She rolled her eyes as Rabin glared at Zarya across the table. He flexed his jaw momentarily before pushing himself up to stand.

“Fine,” he growled, with such vehemence that she felt the tiniest quiver ricochet in the pit of her stomach.

THIRTY-FIVE

The gate squeaked as they entered the property from the back the following day. Yasen led the line, with Zarya behind him and Rabin, Row, and Koura bringing up the rear. After they’d all slept the day away, they’d met for a solemn dinner before returning to their beds and waking with the sun this morning.

The air was still and quiet, birds chirping in the distance and the last of the evening dew clinging to the flowers and leaves.

Yasen rapped on the back door in a series of sharp knocks.

They waited a moment before it popped open to reveal Rania blinking up at them. Zarya was surprised to see her outside of their flat and away from Farida’s bedside. Her eyebrows drew together.

“What’s this?” she asked sharply.

“We brought some friends,” Yasen said.

She was about to protest when Yasen lifted a hand. “I assure you they can be trusted. And Koura may be able to help Farida.”

Rania’s gaze swept over Koura, who pressed a hand to his chest and bowed. “I’ve been informed of her condition and would like to assist in whatever way I can.”

Rania nodded as she opened the door wider. They entered the hallway to find Ajay waiting inside.

“Zarya, where have you been?” The worry in his voice was obvious, causing her another twist of guilt for running off without notice.

“I’ll explain everything,” she said. “I’d like to introduce you to some people.”

“This is Row, and this is Koura.”

She’d often mentioned both men to Ajay during her tales of stopping the blight.

Immediately, Ajay pressed his hands in front of his heart and bent at the waist. “It’s an honor to meet you,” Ajay said, his smile warm as he straightened and held out a hand. “Zarya has told me so much about you that I feel like I know you.”

“All terrible things, I’m sure,” Row said, and Ajay shook his head.

“Not at all. She admires you very much.”

Zarya caught the tight look in Row’s expression. They were still new to trusting each other, but she’d meant every word she’d said.

She might have had her differences with Row, but he’d also done all he could to protect her. It wasn’t his fault he’d been saddled with her care, and if what Rabin claimed about Abishek was true, then her mother had deceived Row, too.

“And who’s this?” Ajay asked, his attention turning to Rabin. She watched the two of them size one another up as Rabin glared and Ajay’s gaze narrowed. Ajay had always known there was someone else in the picture, though she’d never revealed any details about him.

“This is Rabin,” she said, waving a hand. “He’s…” She stopped, having no idea how to define their relationship. They weren’t friends. Or lovers. Though maybe neither of those things were strictly true. Especially the second one. “He also helped with the blight,” she finished lamely.

She felt the heat of Rabin’s glare at her less-than-authentic description but chose to ignore it.

“I see,” Ajay said, lingering on Rabin for another moment before addressing the others. “And what brings you all to Ishaan?”

“That’s what I want to explain,” Zarya said. “Is Vikas here?”

As if saying his name summoned his entrance, Vikas came bounding down the stairs and broke into a smile.

“You’re back!” he said. “We’ve missed you!”

“How have you been doing?” she asked. “I hear there’s been no luck with the collars?”