Page 138 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“What happened?” Zarya asked. “How are you here?”

Row and Yasen filled her in on everything before her gaze fell on the crumbling ashes of Raja Abishek.

“He tried to kill me,” she said. “He said he would… but…” She turned to Row. “I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. You warned us, and I thought I knew better.”

“It’s not your fault, my girl,” he said, brushing a lock of hair off her face. “He’s always been very good at manipulating everyone to get what he wants.”

Zarya,” Rabin said. “I’ll never forgive myself for this.”

“Don’t,” she said, squeezing his hand. “It isn’t your fault, either. I wanted to come. I don’t think anything could have stopped me. From the moment I learned of his existence, I already knew I’d meet him, no matter what anyone said.”

His gaze darkened. “What did I do when I was enchanted? I can only remember flashes and…”

“I’m fine,” she said, pressing a finger to his lips. “You weren’t in control, but you healed me when it mattered.”

He stared at her but obviously wasn’t convinced.

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “I know that wasn’t you.”

“I almost got you killed,” he said, his voice dark with menace. “I’ll never forgive myself.”

He shook his head before she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Do you remember the forest?” she asked softly in his ear. “You helped me. You were in there, even when it seemed like Kishore had taken you away.”

He blinked, shaking his head. “I think I remember,” he said. “I… we…”

She gave him a small smirk. “We sure did.”

He reached over to cup the back of her head and pulled her closer. “No. I will make this up to you. I’ll spend the rest of my days fixing this.”

He leaned down to kiss her deeply until Yasen pointedly cleared his throat.

Zarya pulled away and grabbed his hand. “Yas, you came for me.”

“I told you I always would, Zee. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“I can’t believe you’re all here,” she said, choking on a sob. “I thought I’d never see any of you again.”

“When we knew you were in danger, we didn’t hesitate,” Row answered.

“The demons are free,” she said.

“Zarya, why?”

“I had no choice.”

She then explained her dreams and what Loka had told her.

“And now?” Rabin asked. “How do we deal with an army of demons?”

“We reunite with the rest of the Chiranjivi.”

“Why?”

She took Rabin’s hand and kissed the back. She had to tell him because no matter what happened, this would mean the end for him, too.

“Because Abishek was telling the truth when he said the Ashvins were living inside me.”

Everyone watched as she took a deep breath. “The only way to stop the nairatta is to kill the twins.” She paused as the words clogged her throat. “And the only way to do that… is to kill me.”