Page 22 of Storm of Ink and Blood

“A little of this and that,” she said, purposely being evasive. One couldn’t be sure of who they could trust. She avoided bringing people back to her apartment for that reason. She didn’t want anyone to know where she lived if anything went wrong, plus there might be revealing paperwork or other incriminating items scattered around the flat.

“I work at the university,” he said, with a touch of pride in his voice.

“Oh?” she asked because that actually did interest her. She remembered when Yasen had first told her about Gi’ana’s center of knowledge. The massive compound was an hour’s ride from the city, nestled into the base of the mountains. Formed by dozens of golden domed buildings, it was surrounded by lush greenery and a high iron fence.

So far, she’d only had the chance to view it from a distance, but she’d constantly imagined enrolling in a few classes and roaming their libraries, absorbing every bit of information she could. She’d looked into admission, and it was a simple enough test that one had to take. She’d have to study but was sure she could manage it. There just hadn’t been time since they’d arrived.

“What do you do there?” she asked.

“I teach science and math,” he replied. “Both fascinating subjects.”

He went on to describe some of his courses in more detail, and Zarya found herself enraptured by all of it. She swore she’d find the time to sit the exam soon.

The door to the bar swung open, and Zarya saw Farida enter with the Chandra siblings.

“Sorry,” Zarya said, interrupting Rahul. “My friends are here. It was nice chatting with you.”

Rahul’s eyebrows pulled together in surprise, and she hoped he wouldn’t cause a scene. “Sure,” he said. “Can I take you out sometime?”

“Perhaps,” she replied and smiled before heading towards the door.

“Where will I find you?” he called, and she spun around to shrug.

“Around,” she said with a wave of her hand before turning to the Chandras.

“Hi,” Zarya said, hugging Farida and Rania. “How are you?”

“We have news,” Farida said, her eyes darting around the bar. They all headed towards the back of the room to their usual secluded booth.

“I do, too,” Zarya said.

She gestured to Apsara and Suvanna. “And some people for you to meet.”

Zarya knew Ajay would have already briefed the two women on their arrival.

Farida gave them both a warm smile while Rania eyed Suvanna and Apsara up and down as they approached. Though she always regarded newcomers with a healthy dose of suspicion, she was obviously impressed.

Apsara and Suvanna were impressive with those wings, blue hair, and the fact that they both radiated unflinching power and confidence. Zarya had grown somewhat used to it, but now she was seeing what Rania saw for the first time.

After introductions, she then went on to explain who they were and how they’d aided in defeating the blight in Dharati. While Zarya was talking, Yasen made his way over, sliding into the booth next to Ajay.

“While I’m honored you’ve chosen to aid our cause,” Rania said, “we’ll need some assurances that you will keep our secrets under any circumstances.”

Suvanna’s navy eyes flashed. “You dare question our honor,” she hissed as she slammed her fist on the table, and Zarya had to admire the way Rania held her ground.

“Of course,” Apsara said, playing the diplomat, placing a hand on Suvanna’s wrist and giving her a pointed look. “We understand what’s at stake and that we need to be careful. That you need to be careful. But we want to help.” Apsara appealed to Farida, who quietly watched the exchange. “Please.”

Everyone waited. While Ajay and Rania tended to be more vocal in their leadership, likely due to their upbringings, Farida presented a more contained front. Ultimately, additions to their inner circle were only made with her approval.

Farida asked Apsara and Suvanna a few more questions about their pasts and their roles in their realms. She also questioned the state of the rebellions in their homes, weighing each of their responses carefully.

When she was done, she folded her hands in her lap and dipped her chin. “It sounds like we could use some powerful allies such as yourselves,” she said. “Welcome to the Rising Phoenix.”

Apsara smiled as Rania leaned over the table and hissed, “Should you betray us, then thousands of lives will be on your heads.”

“Understood,” Apsara said as Suvanna nodded her assent with her arms folded tightly.

With that done, Zarya turned to Farida. “What were you planning to share?”