Page 128 of Storm of Ink and Blood

“How did you find us?” Ajay asked.

“I have many resources to draw upon. More people support your cause than you understand and many are doing what they can to push back against Dishani in subtle ways.”

“So subtle we can’t see them?” Ajay asked with an arched brow.

Miraan tipped his head. “You are right. They could and should do more, but they also helped me find you, the people who are making a true difference.”

He turned to address Zarya, Yasen, and Rabin. “Dishani had been hoping to draw out the resistance, but then we all saw Zarya and couldn’t believe our eyes. You look so much like her, and we saw your magic, and then there was the necklace…” He shook his head. “How long have you known who you are?”

“I only found out a few months ago,” Zarya said.

“What a difficult upbringing you must have had.”

She smiled and cocked her head. “Sometimes I thought so, but I was very well cared for in the end.” She slid a glance to Row, who gave her a pleased smile.

“So, how did you all figure this out?” Yasen asked, gesturing to Suvanna and Apsara.

“We didn’t realize Miraan was supportive of the resistance until the day of the execution,” Apsara said. “He noticed Zarya and I exchange looks across the square and put it all together. Then he approached us.”

“And you didn’t think to tell us this?” Ajay asked. “They were captured days ago.”

Apsara gestured to the prince with a wave of her hand. “He pleaded for us to keep his secret. At least for now.”

“Why?”

Miraan answered. “The fewer people who know my role, the better. But when Apsara revealed what you’ve been doing and the progress you’ve made, I knew I had to get you out and see it for myself. Please tell me more about Operation Starbreak.”

“You know about the collars?” Zarya asked as she noticed Vikas shift uncomfortably in his seat. Miraan might claim to be on their side, but she understood that Vikas would need more time and more proof to trust that claim.

“I do. Your nightfire.” He stopped. “I can’t believe the prophecy finally came true.”

She held up her hands in a gesture of helplessness. “Yeah.”

He pinned her with a serious look. “My sister wants you dead. I know of no other way to say this other than to be forthright. Her plan is to do away with you before the coronation so that no one can contest her position. You are a threat to her very essence. Remaining in Gi’ana may not be the best course of action.”

Her gaze slid to Rabin. Miraan was confirming all the same things he’d told her. Things she hadn’t wanted to believe.

“You are now a competitor for her crown, and she is merciless and ruthless,” Miraan added.

“And you?” Zarya asked. “You’re betraying her right now.”

“I am,” he answered simply.

“I don’t want her crown.”

Miraan shook his head. “It does not matter. Not only will she never believe that, if you are proven the strongest female heir, it is yours by right. Nothing can change that.”

“So now what?” Yasen asked. “You’re here? What are you planning to do?”

Miraan’s gaze then fell on Vikas, who squirmed under his stare. “You are… were vanshaj?”

Though he seemed terrified to be addressed by the prince, he rallied his courage. “Yes, Your Highness. Zarya freed me.”

“And you have magic?”

He nodded. “I do.”

“Including the sixth anchor?”