Page 30 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

Andhera spread before them, mountains and snow and deep green trees scattering in every direction. The setting sun cast the entire range of soaring peaks in soft yellow light, almost like it had been dipped in gold. Hundreds of snow-dusted trees sparkled like fairies had sprinkled them with magic.

She stared at the horizon, needing silence to honor this moment.

She thought of the seaside cottage. Of all those lonely years she’d spent with that unpopulated coastline as her entire world. She recalled standing at the edge of the sea, staring out and wishing for more. Wishing for a bigger life.

And now, she was here at the other end of the world, looking out over a landscape she’d barely known existed. And this wasn’t some inconsequential spot where she’d traveled. This wasn’t a random occurrence in the fabric of her life. This place was hers. It belonged to her. Or maybe she was the one who belonged to these mountains and this sky. Either way, she could feel Andhera in her blood.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“I thought you’d like it.”

She turned to look at Rabin, studying the lines of his profile as the breeze tossed strands of his dark hair. Perhaps sensing her gaze, he looked down and gave her the softest of his rare smiles.

“Thank you,” she said. “For all of this. For convincing me to come here and meet him. I might never have done it without you.”

He gave her a look she couldn’t interpret as the corner of his mouth pressed together. Then he dipped his head. “Of course. You understand I would do anything for you.”

It wasn’t a question but rather a statement of fact. Immutable. Unshakeable from now until these very mountains crumbled into the sea.

“I would do anything for you, too,” she answered, and his expression softened.

“Then how about joining me for a drink?”

She smiled, and he took her hand as they dove down another path, again losing themselves in the trees. It took a few minutes to emerge onto another flat cliff with nearly the same perspective. By now, the sun was moving behind the peaks, lighting them from behind.

A cozy house made of dark wood sat on the cliff, its windows glowing softly with warm light. They entered to find a common room hosting a smattering of customers. The walls and floors were paneled in more dark wood, and every corner was stuffed with plush chairs and sofas. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, and a bar stretched along the other.

“Rabin!” exclaimed the man behind the counter. He was Aazheri, with kind eyes and a bright smile. “You’re back! So good to see you. Who is this, then?”

The man’s eyes fell on Zarya, and she gave him a little wave.

“Dav, this is Zarya. The woman I told you about.” He gestured to her, and they shook hands.

“So nice to meet you,” she said. “You told him about me?”

“Where else could I go to drown my sorrows?” he asked, and she snorted.

“Did you just make a… joke?”

He tipped his head, his brow furrowing as though he was considering the question. “I’m not sure.”

At that, Zarya and Dav both started laughing.

“Well, I’m glad she came around,” Dav said. “What brings you here this evening?”

Rabin lowered his head, his shoulders curving inwards.

“Zarya came from Ishaan, Dav. You’ve heard the stories about the rebellion?”

Instantly, Dav’s demeanor shifted. “We should not talk about that here,” he whispered.

Dav jerked his chin, gesturing for Zarya and Rabin to follow into another room. He closed the door and spun around.

“What’s going on?” Zarya asked, her gaze darting between them.

“Zarya,” Rabin said, “Dav is part of Andhera’s vanshaj resistance, and I thought you should meet.”

TEN