Page 34 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Their appearance set Zarya’s hackles up. She didn’t trust them, especially knowing what she did about the magical ink. They were all hiding something, and her plans included discovering what.

Alongside the men walked various vanshaj servants dressed in white, each holding swinging lit thuribles. The scent of sandalwood drifted into the air, mixing with the smells of the city—food, bodies, and horses. She felt Yasen reach for her wrist, his hand closing around it.

She looked up at him, and silently, they agreed to remain where they stood. Ducking away might draw more attention to themselves than hiding in plain sight. Everyone knew that when the Jadugara approached, you cleared out of the way quickly, and then you stood witness and waited for them to pass. No errand or appointment was considered as important as giving the Jadugara the honor they were due.

It was all such complete bullshit.

The Jadugara took their time as though they were strolling through a garden on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Except for the fact they were glaring at everyone as if trying to peer into the very marrow of the secrets they kept. They were working with the royal family on rooting out the members of the Rising Phoenix, and Zarya had the distinct impression that if anyone were to come forward with information, the only reward they’d get would be the inside of an urn.

As they passed, an Aazheri near the front of the pack turned to look at Zarya. Their gazes met, and she held his stare, determined not to look away. These frauds wouldn’t cow her. Maybe it was foolish, but something about the truths she knew made her bold. She noticed the way his eyes narrowed only a fraction, probably incensed that she hadn’t immediately dropped her gaze to her feet.

She wondered how powerful they really were. Everything she’d read suggested her nightfire made her incredibly strong. Her mother had been notably powerful. Her father regarded as the most powerful Aazheri in Rahajhan, which made her wonder about his magic, too. Could she best any of these men? Probably not all together. But maybe one or two at a time.

“Zee,” Yasen hissed. Zarya hadn’t noticed the entire procession had stopped because the Jadugara were all staring at her now, studying her with disdain like she was a bug to be squished under their boots.

She blinked and slowly lowered her head, staring at her feet. It killed her to do it, but finding herself arrested for this minor infraction would serve no purpose. A hushed breath of silence pulsed through the street, and then, a moment later, the line stirred into motion.

Zarya stood with her eyes down, waiting for the chaos to settle before she looked up at Yasen.

“What was that about?” he asked. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I just…”

She wasn’t sure how to explain her feelings, and Yasen didn’t force them out of her.

“It’s okay,” he said. “Just be more careful.”

She nodded, and he tugged on her arm and winked.

“C’mon. Let’s go tell Farida and the Chandras what a monster you are.”

FOURTEEN

Zarya knocked on the door of the flat, attempting to tamp down her nervousness. Though she’d grown close to them over her months in Ishaan, she didn’t really know how these rebellion members would react to everything she was about to reveal.

Ajay opened the door, and his face broke into a smile at the sight of her and Yasen.

“Good morning,” he said. “What a nice surprise.”

Zarya hoped that was true. Ajay pulled her into a hug, and she returned it, hoping he wouldn’t look at her differently when today was over. She respected him and valued his friendship very much.

“Morning,” Zarya said as he led them into the kitchen, where Farida was making parathas at the stove.

“Sorry,” Zarya said. “We didn’t mean to interrupt your breakfast.”

“No problem,” Farida said. “There’s plenty. Have a seat.”

“Is Rania here?” Zarya asked. “I have something to tell you all.”

“Sure,” Ajay said. “She’s just getting ready and should be out soon. Is everything okay?”

Zarya and Yasen each slid into an empty seat.

“Yes. No. Honestly, it’ll be better just to tell you when she gets here.”

“Okay,” Ajay said, taking the chair next to her, his expression brimming with curiosity and a touch of concern. “Masala tea?”

“Yes, please,” Yasen said, and Zarya nodded. Farida hummed at the stove as she flipped over a paratha and then slid it on a plate before placing it in front of Yasen.