Page 163 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

The curtains were closed, and the room was dark, and he approached on light steps, stopping between them. He studied their faces, relaxed in sleep, and laid a hand on Zarya’s wrist, squeezing it gently. She didn’t react, and Yasen’s stomach twisted with worry.

He looked around, noting a long divan against the wall that should be large enough to accommodate his height. He needed a shower and probably something to eat, but all he craved was sleep. He dropped onto the cushion and lay back with one arm tucked under his head and the other resting over his heart. He stared up at the ceiling as the sun began to set.

He couldn’t quite believe any of them were alive.

Zarya had saved them.

He smiled to himself, thinking of that day in the swamp when she’d leaped out of the bushes like a feral cat. She’d been reckless and impulsive, but she’d grown so much since then. The only thing she’d wanted was friendship and love, and just when she had it, it was nearly taken away.

But she’d obviously gone to almost fatal lengths to fulfill her destiny, and he was so proud of her.

No, Zarya had never been second best.

And Yasen, well, he was the luckiest asshole in the world to be her best friend.

FIFTY-SEVEN

Zarya’s entire body hurt. Even with her eyes closed, lying on her back, it felt like the world was spinning. Slowly, she blinked awake to find a darkened room she didn’t recognize. Above her, a sky blue ceiling was carved with ornate scrolls and flowers. Curtains hung around the room in gauzy white, and the scent of jasmine and sandalwood filled her nose.

She flexed her fingers and toes and winced. Her limbs felt like lead. Slowly, she turned her head to the left. Her breath hitched at the sight of Rabin lying in the next bed. Watching him for several seconds, she noted the steady rise and fall of his chest.

She thought back to the last moments she remembered. Her magic had been stretched to its very limit, and she couldn’t feel her anchors. Not the tiniest flicker or glimmer. Would they come back?

Someone appeared in her vision. Row dropped into a crouch, putting him at eye level.

“Zarya,” he whispered. “How are you feeling?”

She tried to open her mouth, but even that felt like too much, so she just whimpered. Row brushed a piece of hair from her face and gently placed his hand on her forehead.

“You passed out after the battle ended,” he said softly. “I’ve never seen anyone use that much magic at once.”

She stared at him as a tear slipped down her cheek.

It represented so many things: the battle they’d fought, the terror of realizing Abishek had tricked them, her death, and Rabin’s fight to save her. The fear of running through Taaranas as Rabin hunted her down. It represented these people who’d become her family. The love in her heart for her husband and for Row, this man who’d raised her.

They’d survived, and she was alive.

Somehow, she’d come out the other side.

Another shadow fell over her, and she looked up to find Koura with a soft smile on his face.

“I’m glad to see you awake,” he said, leaning over and placing a hand above her heart. He held it there for a few seconds, concentrating before he nodded and pulled away.

“Your pulse is strong. It was touch and go there, but you’ll make a full recovery.”

She blinked and finally opened her mouth. “Rabin?” she whispered, and Koura smiled again.

“He’ll also be fine,” he said as relief relaxed the tension coiling in her body. “Your magic, too,” he added. “It will take a week or two to recover, but I’m confident it will return.”

She nodded as someone knocked on the door. Row opened it to reveal a servant bearing a silver tray with a small gold cup. Koura took it and held the cup towards her.

“Drink this—it will help you get the rest you need,” he said. “While you sleep, I will use my magic to help replenish your anchors.”

“Thank you,” she whispered as Row cupped a hand behind her head and lifted it up so she could drink. The cool tonic slipped down her throat, leaving a taste of cinnamon on her tongue.

Immediately, she felt the effects as Row laid her head on the pillow and her eyelids slid closed. She heard them talking for a moment, and then, she was gone.

Zarya wasn’t sure how much time had passed as she drifted in and out of consciousness. She was aware of Row and Koura at her side, caring for her as they helped bring her back to life. Yasen appeared a few times in the haze of semi-consciousness, and she savored the comfort of his presence somewhere in the depths of her exhaustion.