Page 157 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Another knock interrupted their conversation and Miraan appeared at the door with a tray balanced in his hands. She couldn’t believe how relieved she was to see him, too.

“Do you want something to eat?” he asked, holding it up with a hopeful expression. Yasen had already explained how much guilt her half-brother was feeling for everything she’d suffered under Dishani’s hand.

“Miraan,” Zarya said. “Come in. It’s so good to see you.”

He entered and placed the tray on the nightstand. On it sat a bowl of soup, some bread, and a plate of fruit. Her stomach rumbled, and she reached for the bread, tearing off a piece with her teeth.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, pressing a hand to his chest. He’d lost that polished air, his hair hanging loosely, and his clothing rumpled. “For everything she did. I knew she was ambitious, but I’ve never seen her like that. She became a monster.”

“It’s not your fault,” Zarya said. “There is nothing to forgive. You tried to help.”

“Not quickly enough,” he answered, and she shook her head.

“Please don’t blame yourself.”

Miraan nodded, though she could tell he wasn’t convinced.

“You should rest,” Rabin said. “After you eat something.”

There was no room for argument in his voice, so she allowed him to spoon-feed her soup until he was satisfied. Eventually, Yasen and Miraan drifted away, and Rabin took off his boots and his bloody clothing before climbing into the bed and wrapping her in his arms.

She buried her face in his chest, inhaling his presence.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“On the edge of the Saaya.”

She exhaled a soft, surprised breath. They’d traveled further than she thought, but she was too tired to give it much thought right now.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too, Spitfire. Now get some rest.”

Then the last thing she remembered was the press of his lips to the top of her head before she slipped into a deep sleep.

Over the next few days, Rabin, Yasen, and Miraan helped nurse her back to health. At first, she slept a lot, waiting for the worst of the bruising to subside, slowly regaining her strength.

They were lodging inside a remote inn on the northern border of Gi’ana, used by travelers crossing the Saaya. It sat empty except for themselves and the friendly couple who ran the place.

During her recovery, reports from Ishaan filed in.

“What’s the latest?” Rabin asked Miraan one afternoon when Zarya was feeling a little more herself. She sat on the bed, leaning against the wall with Rabin at her side. Yasen and Miraan occupied two chairs facing them.

“She’s still alive,” Miraan confirmed. “She’s been seriously injured, but she has access to the best healers in Gi’ana and should eventually recover.” He looked up at Zarya. “And when she does, she will be more furious and determined to kill both of us than ever. You are her greatest threat, and I betrayed her. She won’t allow us to live.”

Zarya swallowed a tangled knot in her throat.

“The ink factory is in ruins,” Miraan continued. “They’ll have to start rebuilding yet again. The riots continue throughout the city and chaos rules. With my sister out of commission, I do fear for what will happen next. My father has little interest in ruling and my other siblings have no experience managing the queendom. ”

“What about the others?” Zarya asked. “Is everyone okay?”

“I received a message from Vikas,” Yasen said. “Ajay and all the others made it back unharmed. Suvanna and Apsara are living at the manor now and have abandoned the palace.” Seeing the question on Zarya’s face, he added, “Row is fine, too. He hopes you’re okay and that he can see you soon.”

“When can we go back?” Zarya asked. “We have to check on everyone. We have to finish what we started.”

That’s when Rabin, Yasen, and Miraan all shared a look.

“What?” Zarya demanded. “What aren’t you telling me?”