Page 32 of Storm of Ink and Blood

She studied her unmarked palms as she recalled the flashes of the bearded man with fire in his eyes, remembering the same face in her reflection before she’d left Dharati. She’d pushed it out of her mind. She thought she’d imagined it—or at least she’d convinced herself of that.

Stumbling to her feet on shaky legs, she stared around the forest, which had suddenly turned sinister, like it was concealing an entire world of devastating secrets in its heart.

What was happening? Who was the man with the burning eyes?

Surely, you’ve realized by now that you are responsible for all of this? That the darkness lives in you?

She shook her head, dislodging Dhawan’s words from their hold in her mind. He’d been lying. Trying to manipulate her into following him.

She stumbled another step, clinging to a tree trunk before she snatched her hand away, holding it to her chest as a knot in her heart pulsed with life.

A flash of movement caught her eye, and she spun around. For several long seconds, she stared at the empty spot, sure she’d seen something made of scales and shadows. Sure it was something she’d seen before living on an abandoned shore surrounded by death and rot.

The darkness lives in you…

But what if Dhawan had been telling the truth?

LETTER

Dear Zarya,

I bring terrible news. Yesterday, there was a riot outside the palace. Vanshaj and their supporters stormed the gates, demanding an audience with the queen. Word of what is happening in Gi’ana is spreading, and it’s giving them the confidence they need to fight back.

I joined the march and wrestled my way to the front, where Vikram waited. I tried to reason with him, but he refused, claiming Amrita had no desire to entertain these demands. I don’t believe that. I have known Amrita long enough to be sure this is not what she would desire. Or at least the old Amrita would never have felt this way.

The crowd was angry, and things got out of hand. Vikram sent his soldiers into the streets, and fighting broke out. Many died on both sides, and it is a tragedy the likes of which I have never seen.

It seems Vikram is also taking his cues from Gi’ana, threatening all manner of punishments should something like this ever happen again. He’s trying to keep the status quo, but we are on the cusp of change.

I hope that, whatever you’re doing, you can all find a solution that doesn’t result in more bloodshed for the vanshaj.

I also must continue to caution you against getting any nearer to the royal family. I understand why you went to Gi’ana, but now that you see what kind of rule they keep, you must understand they are dangerous. If they were to find out what you’ve been involved in, they would not hesitate to use it against you.

If you need me at all, please send word. The baby is doing well and should be born in a few months. Koura is confident she will be healthy and strong and loved very much despite Amrita’s seeming changes.

Be careful. All of you.

Row

THIRTEEN

A few days later, Zarya sat in her bed, examining the dots she’d pierced into her skin. She tried not to think about what had happened in the forest, though she was failing miserably. Her dreams were plagued with the images she’d seen—screaming monsters and dying armies, fire and ash, and a vast wasteland of nothing.

She also tried not to think of Dhawan’s words, but they wouldn’t stay quiet.

Was the darkness… following her?

She needed to talk to someone. Maybe she could write to Row? The same thing couldn’t be happening again. This had to be something else.

Shaking her head, she cast these thoughts aside for now, determined to focus on the ink tattooed on her arm. If she couldn’t lift it, then she’d have to find another way to break the collars. If she could, then she’d have to confront the next step.

She started on the first dot, using the techniques she’d practiced.

A knock came at her door.

“Come in,” she said, and Yasen swung it open.

“Morning,” he said. “You were back late last night.”