Page 63 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Zarya smiled as they quietly surveyed their surroundings.

“How is your family doing?” Zarya asked. Vikas lived with his parents and his younger brother in the vanshaj district. She knew they were worried about his involvement with the Phoenix and, despite all evidence to the contrary, refused to believe his collar was gone and that he had magic.

“Not great,” he said. “My parents are scared. I understand it, but I wish they’d have a bit more faith in me.”

She nodded. “Give it time. This is all new to everyone.”

He blew out a breath and placed his hands on his hips. “I know this is all necessary, but I admit that I’m scared, too.”

“It would be strange if you weren’t,” she answered. “I’m terrified all the time—I just do my best not to let it show.”

He turned to give her a small smile. “Then we can both pretend.”

The sound of the back door opening drew their attention, along with the sound of voices Zarya recognized.

“Come and meet some people who are actually very brave,” Zarya joked, and Vikas nodded before he followed her into the kitchen, where they found Suvanna and Apsara with Yasen. Behind them came Ajay.

“We brought lunch,” Apsara said, holding up a bag before she began unpacking foil-wrapped parathas and small tubs of raita. Everyone circled around the large island as Suvanna deposited a large carafe of fresh coffee, and Zarya went in search of mugs.

She also introduced Vikas to Suvanna and Apsara, who became completely tongue-tied at their presence and couldn’t stop staring. Who could blame him? Sitting here in this ordinary kitchen, they were both too ethereal and otherworldly for this place.

“How are things at the palace?” Yasen asked them. “How were you received?”

“With open arms,” Suvanna replied as she pulled up a stool. “They’re obsessed with magic and were very keen to discuss what we’re both capable of.”

“Are they?” Zarya asked.

“Well, the princess is,” Apsara said. “Dishani.”

Zarya always felt a weird tug in her chest every time she heard her sister’s name. She wanted to know so many things about her.

“How are you feeling?” Apsara asked Vikas. “After the removal?”

Vikas shrugged and accepted a plate of food from Zarya. “I feel different.”

“Good different?” Apsara asked.

“Yeah,” he said with a smile. “The best. Like I’m as light as air.”

“And your magic?”

“I’m learning,” he said. “Zarya is helping me.”

“I don’t have a lot of experience, either,” Zarya said. “But I’m trying.”

“I’ll work with you,” Ajay said. “I’m not as strong as either of you, but I graduated top of my class at the university and know some techniques to help with your control.”

Zarya tried to discern any hint of envy or irritation in his words but, thankfully, detected none. That wasn’t the sort of man Ajay was, anyway.

“What else have you learned in the palace?” Ajay asked, turning to Suvanna and Apsara.

“Dishani and Prince Miraan have been meeting regularly with the Jadugara,” Apsara said. “They’re all very cozy.”

“Do you know why?” Ajay asked.

Apsara nodded. “They aren’t making a secret of it. They’re working on plans to rebuild the ink factory and, of course, looking for ways to prevent further sabotage.”

“They’ll be increasing security,” Yasen said. “It’ll be impossible to get inside again. We had the advantage of surprise last time and their confidence that no one would ever confront them.”