Page 119 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

She dove deeper into their connection, shouting at him through her mind.

Rabin! Can you hear me? This isn’t you!

She watched as he shook his massive head, his red eyes blinking. Everything went dark again a moment later, and she wanted to scream. But he was there. She’d just have to work on it.

She searched her surroundings for a place to hide. Her hand brushed the wall, and the building immediately rippled. She gasped as the surface shifted from the strange white material into grey bricks. She snatched her hand away, but the damage was done.

Rabin roared and lifted off his perch, hovering mid-air.

She started running as he dove, blasts of fire chasing her heels as he smashed through buildings like they were made of twigs. He hunted her around corners and through alleyways. She had to find cover. She was too visible out here. She threw open a door and hurled herself inside a small house. Then she stopped and listened for the sound of flapping wings.

When she was sure he was making a wide loop, she dashed to the next house, hoping he wouldn’t notice. He roared as he circled again, so she continued in the same vein until it seemed he’d lost her.

She stood in the middle of a house, as far from every window as possible, holding perfectly still as she listened for him outside. Again, he made another pass. She could hear the sound of his wings as he continually moved further and then closer.

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, her muscles seizing as she tried not to move or break down into sobs. She was terrified. Scared of being ripped to shreds by the most important person in her life.

Sweat beaded on her brow as she held still, waiting for him to take another circle. He was having trouble finding her. She’d escaped, for now, but she already knew she couldn’t wait forever.

She stood for so long that her arms and legs began to shake. Sweat dripped into her eyes and slid down her throat. But she still didn’t move as his shadow darkened the window again.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, he stopped. The sound of his wings went silent, and she listened intently, wondering where he’d gone. After waiting in stillness for several more minutes, she slowly sank to her knees when she couldn’t stand another moment longer. Hopefully, he’d grown tired of chasing her for now.

As her hands touched the floor, it rippled and transformed, giving way to a small patch of tiny, colorful tiles. She inhaled a sharp breath. She’d have to be careful.

She paused, then slowly crawled across the floor, which changed beneath her with each step. She moved towards the kitchen, nearing a small table surrounded by four chairs and a long counter covered with boxes and jars.

When she reached the counter, she flipped around, leaning against the surface as she caught her breath. She was exhausted. The night in the mountain cave felt like a lifetime ago, though it couldn’t have been more than a day. She’d barely slept since Abishek had caught her in her mother’s tower.

Her stomach groaned softly, and it was becoming obvious that her vitals would need addressing soon. She closed her eyes and inhaled several deep breaths, listening for any hint of Rabin searching again. When everything remained quiet, she pulled herself up to study her options.

She spied bread, fruit, and several other items on the counter. Everything was made of that same chalky material, but she hoped this strange reaction to her touch would become her savior. Reaching out, she closed her hand around a banana and nearly cried when it immediately shimmered and turned into what appeared to be an edible piece of fruit.

She did it again, transforming the bread and a jug of water. She devoured it all without hesitation. If it were poisoned or toxic, then it wouldn’t matter either way. She was dead without this. Thankfully, it settled into her stomach and only made her feel better.

When she’d had her fill, she slowly moved through the house, finding a room where she transformed the bed into a soft surface. She needed to lie down for just a moment. Her body ached, and her head throbbed. Her heels were rubbed raw from the climb up the mountain. Moving as quietly as she could, she slipped off her boots and stretched her toes.

She’d have to return to the temple and get a better look at what was written at the bottom of the pool. It was the only clue she’d seen that might lead her to the fortress. She wasn’t sure what she’d do if she found it. If she refused to break the seal, Rabin would be trapped in this state, and Zarya would probably never see the light of day again.

But she couldn’t release an army of demons into Rahajhan, and she couldn’t choose herself over everyone else.

Her face dropped into her hands as she choked on a silent sob.

Quietly, she cried, wishing Rabin were here. Together, nothing could stop them, but Abishek had known that. He’d found a way to use their love against them.

She was afraid of Rabin. This was so unfair. So monstrous.

She’d have to figure this out on her own. She’d find a way to get through to Rabin and find a way to break the enchantment that had corrupted their connection. She would fix this.

After some rest, she’d return to the temple and figure out what to do next. Tucking herself under the covers, she wondered if she could even sleep, but exhaustion weighed heavily, towing her under.

Her dreams took her to another place. She was lying on the ground, bathed in warm, glowing light. Slowly, she pushed herself up to find someone watching her from a few feet away.

She looked like a statue. Her skin was pure gold, and her hair fell in midnight waves to her knees. She wore an elaborate gold sari, sparkling with so many beads and crystals that it was nearly blinding.

“Who are you?” Zarya whispered as she got to her feet. “I… remember you…”

She’d glimpsed this woman in the tower with her mother.