Page 134 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Still, all they could do was press on and hope.

Three weeks after the demonstration in the vanshaj district, they were finishing up for the night. The last few people of the day sat with the artists applying the temporary tattoos while Zarya and Vikas cleaned up.

She heard the back door open, and then Yasen and Miraan came around the corner. Their expressions suggested something dire had happened. Vikas and Zarya closed up the drawers they were tidying and then rounded the corner, where Yasen and Miraan waited.

“We have news,” Miraan said.

“Let’s just finish up here and then you can share,” Zarya said. She didn’t want anyone overhearing and panicking before they discussed how to deal with whatever disaster awaited them next.

“Sure,” Yasen said before Zarya and Vikas helped finish off everyone for the day and then walked them to the back door. Rabin stood outside, peering into the shadows with a hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

They bid everyone goodnight and then Zarya gestured Rabin inside. After giving the order to another man guarding the entrance, he followed Zarya in.

They all gathered in the hallway as Miraan shared what he’d learned.

“They raided another part of the vanshaj district tonight,” Miraan said as Zarya felt her blood turn cold. “It was violent, done purposely to instill fear, of course. When everyone awakes tomorrow, they’ll see what’s happened and understand they could be taken even when they least expect it.”

Zarya’s breath turned to lead as she listened.

“I went to see them,” he continued. “Some bear the false collars and I worry how long they can hide them from the guards and my sister.”

“We have to get them out of there immediately,” Vikas said as Zarya laid a reassuring hand on his arm.

“That’s not all,” Miraan said. “They’re keeping this quiet for now.”

“What?” Rabin demanded when the prince hesitated.

“They’re planning to stage another execution in two weeks’ time. They’ll conduct more raids to gather as many vanshaj as possible and then make a statement of their own.”

Zarya clutched her stomach, sure she was about to be sick.

“Why in two weeks?” Rabin asked.

“That is when they expect the factory to be complete,” Yasen said.

“Two weeks? But there’s still so much to do! How can they possibly be finished by then?” Zarya asked.

“They’ve poured every resource into it,” Miraan answered. “Spending more money than you can conceive. The Jadugara are threatening harsh consequences to the workers if they don’t complete the project on time. They’re doubling and tripling the shifts, working everyone around the clock. They want their position made clear. The Rising Phoenix will not stop them.”

“So we’ll use that as our standoff,” Rabin said, already thinking six steps ahead. “We keep going. We continue breaking as many collars as we can over the next two weeks. We train as many as possible to defend themselves. Then we mount a raid on the palace.”

“We don’t have enough people,” Zarya said. “You said tens of thousands. Plus, they need training.”

“In an ideal world, but we don’t have that luxury. We have to act. Once that factory is done, it will only bolster their position.”

“So we’ll work longer,” she said.

“Zarya, all of you are running yourself to the point of exhaustion,” Yasen argued.

“I’ll be fine.” She looked at Vikas, who nodded.

“Whatever it takes,” he answered.

Her gaze met Rabin’s, and she saw his worry, but he didn’t try to argue with her. He already knew there would be no talking her out of it.

Zarya turned to Vikas. “We’ll extend our hours. We have eight people helping us now. We’ll extend the shifts. What do you think?”

Vikas nodded. “I’ll ask whoever is willing.”