Page 90 of Storm of Ink and Blood

“That magic back there,” Rabin said as they huddled against the walls. “Was that… it? The darkness?”

She nodded. “You’ve never seen the king use it?”

“I haven’t. Though he shares many things with me, he’s very private about that.”

Their gazes met, and Zarya nodded. “Do you feel differently now that you’ve seen it?”

The corner of his mouth crooked up, his eyes sparkling. “Not at all. It looked dangerous and powerful, and I didn’t think you could be any sexier, but…” He shook his head and ran a hand down his face. “I’m looking forward to the next time I get you alone.”

In spite of herself, Zarya snorted. “You have a death wish, Commander.”

He shrugged and ran the tip of his tongue over one of his sharp canines. “You love it.”

She rolled her eyes and then stared up at Row’s haveli and the darkened windows. He was more than likely asleep.

“You think this is a good idea?” Rabin asked.

“It’s fine. He won’t tell anyone we’re here.”

Rabin passed a skeptical eye over the building. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. He’s my father.” She paused and gave Rabin a look. “My real father who raised me, no matter what our blood says.”

“I would never argue with that, Zarya, but he lied to you, too.”

She pressed her mouth together, thinking about how far they’d come. “We talked it out. I’ve forgiven him.”

Rabin dipped his chin. “Good. I’m not the only one who wants what’s best for you.”

She narrowed her eyes and then huffed before gesturing towards the house. “Let’s go.”

They entered through the back terrace, where Zarya had often sat during her short time in Dharati. She still had her key, so she let them in through the sliding doors into the quiet living room.

“Row?” she called, hoping to wake him up without startling him too much. “It’s me!”

It didn’t take long for them to hear movement upstairs. A light turned on, and Row appeared in the doorway, dressed in his nightclothes, his long hair unbraided and spilling over his shoulders.

“Zarya? What are you doing here?” His gaze moved to Rabin before it darkened. This was the scary version of Row she knew so well. “And why is he with you? Is everything okay?”

Zarya raised a hand at the thunder in his expression. “I’m okay. I promise. He’s with me because… well, we’re discussing things.”

“But Zarya⁠—”

“I’ll tell you everything. I promise,” she said. “I’m sorry if we scared you, but we couldn’t let anyone know we were in the city.”

“Why not?” he asked, coming closer, his brow now furrowed with concern.

“We’re here to break into the restricted section of the palace library.”

There was a beat of silence as Row absorbed those words.

“Zarya,” he said, his voice already low with warning. “Why? Do you have any idea what trouble you’ll be in if you’re discovered?”

“I know,” Zarya said. “That’s why I’m hoping you’ll help us?”

Her voice pitched up at the end as she took in the cavernous groove between Row’s eyebrows. He huffed out a breath, his suspicious gaze sliding back to Rabin before turning and heading for the doorway.

“Then come and tell me everything.”