Chapter 33
THIRTY-THREE
A few hours later, Zarya and Rabin found themselves on the roof of the Jai Palace, keeping as low as possible. They’d dressed in dark clothing with hoods covering their heads, leaving only their eyes visible.
The city was still awake, music and the sounds of chatter drifting up from the plazas surrounding the building. Zarya hadn’t realized how much she’d been missing Dharati since she’d left.
Their current vantage point offered a view of the boulevard stretching away from the palace. Zarya thought of the rift that once ran through it and, of course, the moment Rabin came along to fix it in his arrogant way. The memory made her smile. Sure, she’d been frustrated at the time, but it had also been a part of a delicious push and pull that made being around him all the more thrilling. He kept her on her toes, and she suspected that would always be the case.
Nothing about him was predictable and Zarya had always craved a more unpredictable life.
“Come on,” he whispered. “This way.”
He turned and began climbing over the roof like he’d been born inside these nooks and crannies. She followed behind as he expertly maneuvered the towers and edges, leaping across the gaps with the grace of an acrobat and then waiting for her to catch up. She had to admit it was helpful having Daragaab’s former army commander on her side. He knew this place like the back of his hand.
Along with their deep hoods, they had weapons strapped to their backs and hips should they encounter trouble. Zarya prayed they could get in and out without being noticed. She wasn’t sure what to expect if Vikram got wind of their presence, but it seemed unlikely he’d just let her walk out of there with a book from the super-secret section of the library.
The interior of the palace formed a giant square with gardens and fountains in the center. They could see into the ballroom on the far side through the tall, wide windows. Music drifted on the night, loud enough to help disguise their movements. Guards were stationed at various points around the garden, several of them obscured by the trees and shrubs.
Lying flat on an angled stretch of rooftop, they watched dozens of guests mingling together. Zarya’s gaze wandered past the palace towards the front courtyard and the leaves of the Jai Tree blowing gently in the breeze.
“You’re sure we can’t go and see Amrita?” she asked for the hundredth time since they’d cooked up this plan.
Rabin turned to look at her, his expression firm. “We’ve been over this. She’s heavily guarded. Even if Vik isn’t with her, he would never leave her unattended, especially in her condition.”
Zarya huffed out an annoyed breath. She knew he was right, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to see her friend. Logically, if they did get her alone, Zarya wouldn’t even be able to speak with her, but she could at least let Amrita know she was thinking of her.
Her attention wandered back to the ballroom and the milling guests. She spied Gopal Ravana chatting with a glass of wine in his hand. Rabin had noticed him, too, his gaze fixed on his father and a muscle feathering in his jaw.
“That day I caught you with him in the garden,” Zarya said, referring to the morning they’d left for Ranpur Island and the Bayangoma Grove. “Who did he threaten?”
Rabin blinked, exhaling a short breath. “You.”
She shook her head. “What is his problem with me?”
Slowly, Rabin turned to look at her. “Apparently, he fancied your mother. They met many years ago, but she rejected him.”
She arched an eyebrow. Surely, Gopal Ravana wasn’t that fragile. But, of course, he was. “And I look just like her.”
Rabin’s gaze drifted over her face. “Evidently.”
“Well, at least she had some sense in her choice of lovers.”
Rabin huffed. “I wanted to rip out his heart and crush it in my hands.”
His voice was so full of bone-shivering menace that Zarya tipped her head and said, “That’s sweet.”
His gaze swung to her with an incredulous look before the tension in his shoulders eased and he shook his head with a soft chuckle. “Thank you,” he said. “For always understanding what I need.”
Her breath hitched when a flash of bright golden light drew their attention back to the party. Koura’s demonstration had commenced, and every eye in the room was now focused on his extraordinary display of magic.
“That’s our signal,” Rabin said, pushing himself up before Zarya followed.
They approached a grate carved into the roof, and she peered into it, seeing nothing but darkness below. She sent out a tendril of spirit, working on the lock. No one had raised the alarm when they’d entered the city as far as they could tell, and she hoped the residents of the house assumed they’d just seen a ghost or perhaps an inexperienced thief.
She tinkered with the lock for a few minutes—it had obviously been constructed with a complicated mechanism designed to prevent tampering, but she persevered until she heard the click. She was becoming rather good at this.
Rabin then wrapped his big hands around the bars and heaved. The grate was incredibly heavy, and the tendons in his neck pulled as Zarya moved to the other side and helped shove it up. With a loud squeak, it lifted and then dropped at his feet with a thud.
They froze, scanning their surroundings for any signs of trouble. The party carried on uninterrupted, and the guards remained stationed at their posts. They both let out a breath.
“Let’s go,” Rabin said, and she watched as he channeled a thick green vine made of magic and directed it down the hole. “I’ll go first and make sure everything is clear.”
She nearly protested that she didn’t need him protecting her but stopped. First, there was no point wasting time arguing about this, and second, if Rabin planned to become her paramadhar, then this would be his job. His literal existence. She’d have to get used to it.
“Fine, hurry up,” she said impatiently, and he gave her a smug smile before he descended through the dark opening. She leaned over the hole as he disappeared into the shadows. A few seconds later, he tugged the vine, indicating it was safe to follow.
Zarya shimmied down, hand over hand, until she felt a pair of warm hands around her waist.
“Got you,” Rabin whispered, his breath tickling her ear and making her shiver.
While she was mortified about being caught by Row and Koura, she also couldn’t stop thinking about how they’d been interrupted. Last night, after they’d again retired to separate beds, she’d fallen asleep to the image of this man as she brought herself some relief from the constant needy ache below her navel.
Sometimes, she couldn’t shake the feeling that one way or another, he would become the death of her.
Once they were on the ground, Rabin drew out a flare of copper light to help illuminate their way. They were inside a large duct that was just tall enough for Zarya to stand, though Rabin had to stoop his head.
He took her hand, and they slowly picked their way down the vent, trying to stay as light on their feet as possible. Soon, they reached a branch in the tunnel with narrower vents leading off in several directions.
“Which way?” she asked.
“The library is down here,” Rabin said, releasing her grip and dropping on his hands and knees. Zarya crawled behind him as they navigated a path through the tight network.
Along the way, they passed several more grates that opened into various rooms and hallways of the palace, pausing before each one before hurrying past.
Finally, they reached another grate, and Rabin stopped.
“Here,” he said as he pushed against the metal. It gave easily, and thanks to his lightning reflexes, he caught it before it tumbled to the floor and alerted the entire palace.
“Shit,” he hissed as he clung to the grate. “That was close.” He dragged it up through the opening and then gently placed it inside the vent.
“Ready for another climb?” he asked softly, and Zarya nodded. She cast out a thread of air to help muffle any noise as they descended into the library.
Rabin conjured another climbing vine and descended first before Zarya followed. A moment later, she found herself standing on the floor directly in front of the locked gate and the restricted section where she’d been denied entry.
At the other end of the long hall, she could see the backs of the keepers, both facing Row where all three were engaged in an enthusiastic discussion.
Zarya filtered out a puff of her dark magic, obscuring them in shadows as Rabin approached the gate and laid a hand on a bar. He closed his eyes, and a moment later, green light glowed under his palm, spreading out along the surface, transforming the iron into thick, ropey vines before they dragged open like curtains to allow them inside.
Once they passed through, the vines swung closed before the gate melted into iron again. Zarya didn’t have time to marvel at the wonder of his magic as they exchanged a quick glance and then went in opposite directions. They’d agreed they were looking for anything about the vanshaj, dark magic, or the Jadugara. There were so many books, and Zarya couldn’t even begin to imagine the magnitude of the secrets they contained.
She illuminated the spines with the tiniest flare of light, searching through the titles. Randomly, she tried a few books, perusing their contents, but found nothing that seemed right.
It felt like it was taking forever as they hunted through the shelves, checking on one another and shaking their heads.
But then she noticed it. A whisper buzzing in her ear. She’d heard the same thing when she’d stood before the gates last time. She’d nearly forgotten until this moment, but now that same chorus of indistinct voices sent a ripple of premonition racing down her spine.
She spun around, following the sound as it wove through the stacks, coalescing into a specific spot. Something was guiding her or perhaps calling to her. Finally, she noticed a book titled Age of Shadows: History of the Vanshaj and eagerly slipped it from the shelf. She flipped it open, scanning a few pages. This was exactly what they’d come for.
Before leaving tonight, Row had shown her how to use her spirit and earth magic to enchant a notebook to act as a copying device. Pulling it out of her pocket, she dropped to her knees, pressing the pages against the book, and counted to ten, waiting for the words to imprint onto the blank page. Once she was done, she flipped to the next and repeated the process.
Rabin sank into a crouch before her, and she glanced up.
“I think this is what we need,” she whispered. “Search this area for anything similar.”
With a firm nod, he jumped up and began combing through the nearest shelf. Zarya continued copying Age of Shadows , counting to ten under her breath as sweat gathered on her temples and under her collar. She tugged off her hood to get some air.
While Rabin continued searching, she moved as quickly as she could. Counting to ten and then flipping to the next page. Slowly, she worked her way through and was about a third done when someone called from a distance.
“Hey!”
Zarya looked up, peering past the bars, her nerves twisting with fear.
“We need to go,” Rabin said. “Now.”
“I’m not done yet,” she said, desperation in her voice. They couldn’t leave yet. They’d never get another chance like this again.
“Zarya, they’re coming.”
More shouts drew their attention outside as Zarya flipped to another page, pressing a blank sheet against it. “1…2…3…”
“In here!” another voice shouted. “The library. They’re in here!”
That had both Zarya and Rabin looking at the gate and then each other.
“Shit,” Zarya said. She still had half the book to go.
“We’re leaving,” Rabin said, grabbing her by the arm and hauling her to her feet. He picked up the book and shoved it back into its slot.
“Argh!” Zarya let out a sound of frustration as Rabin dragged her through the gate and towards the dangling vine. She stuffed her notebook back into her pocket with another glance over her shoulder, wishing they had more time.
“We can’t linger here, Spitfire.” He pushed her in front of the vine. “Climb.”
Zarya grabbed the rope, her gaze finding the book she desperately longed to take. They already knew someone had broken in, what difference would it make to steal it now?
“Open it again!” she begged, slipping past Rabin. “Let me grab it.”
“Zarya! Leave it!” he said as she backed up towards the gate.
“Stop! I command you to stop!” came another voice Zarya knew all too well. She halted in her tracks, turning to face Vikram. Armed to the teeth and wearing a royal blue kurta, he stood at the end of the hall with a dozen soldiers flanking him. The air around them stilled as Zarya sucked in a breath.
Vikram took a step towards them, his posture stiff and his jaw hard, freezing Zarya and Rabin in place like a pair of cornered rabbits.
“What in the name of the gods are you both doing here?” he snarled.
Rabin stared at his brother, his rib cage tightening against his lungs. This was the last thing he’d wanted. Getting caught here like a couple of criminals inside Vik’s palace. This would hardly be a step in mending their crumbled bridges.
He watched as Vikram’s furious gaze skipped between him and Zarya. Vikram assumed several things in that look, some of which were definitely true and caused his mouth to harden into a straight line.
Zarya’s worried glance fell on Rabin before it pinged around the room, searching for a way out. Rabin stood right beneath the vine and their rope to safety, but Zarya was too far away. He was about to lunge for her and shove her up when Vikram took another step.
“Don’t bother,” he said. “Every exit is guarded, and you will not escape. Did you think you could sneak into Dharati without my noticing? I have eyes and ears everywhere. And you didn’t even make your entrance subtle. Did you take me for a fool?”
Rabin rolled his neck. It was obvious his little brother had learned a thing or two in the years since he’d been gone.
“What are you doing here with him?” Vikram asked Zarya. Rabin didn’t miss the wounded flicker that passed over his expression. “Didn’t he lie to you? Didn’t you tell him to leave you alone? How can you trust him after what he’s done?”
Zarya gave Rabin an uncertain look that pinched the space behind his heart. She didn’t fully trust him. She was desperately attempting to keep him at arm’s length, and maybe a better man would accept that and let her walk away. But Rabin had never pretended to be anything other than entirely focused on what he wanted. He’d broken her trust but was trying to do everything to earn it back. He would never give up.
“I…” Zarya said before her mouth snapped shut.
“What are you stealing from the queen’s library?” Vikram demanded.
She shook her head. “Nothing. We just…”
“The truth or you’ll both be thrown into my dungeons.”
Zarya’s worried gaze again met Rabin’s while he considered their options. He had to get her out of this. He didn’t care for his own safety, but hers was his only priority. Even if she fought against it, that was his job until he drew his final breath.
“What is the meaning of this?” came another voice as Row burst through the line of soldiers. “Zarya? What are you doing in Dharati?”
Rabin tensed, wondering if Row had double-crossed them. But Row’s gaze flicked to Rabin with the slightest hint of acknowledgment. His shoulders eased as he realized Row was only playing along. After the way he’d threatened Rabin earlier, he was sure that even if Row wasn’t on his side, he would always be on Zarya’s.
“We just wanted to check things out,” Zarya said. “No one would ever allow me in here.”
She widened her eyes, playing the fool, and Rabin nearly exhaled a snort. How did she manage to constantly break through the tight hold he’d always kept on himself?
He resumed assessing their possible exits. He could transform into his dragon, but the space was tight, and he worried about hurting Zarya and even Row, as she did seem rather fond of him.
“With him?” Vikram asked, gesturing abruptly at Rabin, and Zarya rolled her eyes.
“He won’t leave me alone, will he? So, I thought I’d use him to help get me in. He knows this place really well.”
Vikram’s angry gaze moved to Rabin. “And, of course, you’d jump at the first chance to betray me again. I told you to stay away from her.”
“Excuse me?” Zarya asked. “You did what ?”
Rabin pressed his mouth together as his gaze met Row’s. They had to get out of this library now . Then he could shift and fly Zarya to safety.
“I’ll handle this,” Row said, throwing his shoulders back. “Zarya is under my charge.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Vikram answered with a glare. “They broke into my palace, and I want to know why. Why is it you can’t stay away, big brother? Why can’t you take the hint that your presence isn’t welcomed or desired here?”
“Vik,” Rabin said, having no idea how to appease him, but his brother held up a hand.
“Save it. You’ll come with me for questioning.”
He then gestured to the line of his guards, who filtered out to surround them. Maybe Vikram was still a bigger fool than Rabin had given him credit for because Zarya, Row, and Rabin could easily deal with these foot soldiers with a mere snap of their fingers. Maybe he was relying on the dregs of Rabin’s loyalty to cooperate, but his allegiance lay with Zarya first.
His gaze met hers as he tried to convey that he had a plan and to go along with the guards for now.
She seemed to understand as she blinked, her chin dipping slightly.
“If you come quietly, then I won’t make this worse,” Vikram added.
Rabin and Zarya nodded as they followed the soldiers through the library. When they exited the room, they came upon the keepers who’d been guarding the entrance.
They spun around, taking in the sight of Zarya and Rabin.
“Intruders?” one of them gasped, his pallor turning pale. “In our sacred library?”
The second one then narrowed his eyes as they fell on Row.
Rabin saw it all happen in an instant, never more thankful that he knew every room and passageway of this palace. It might have been years since he’d walked its halls, but it felt like it had been only yesterday.
“ He was trying to distract us,” accused the keeper, pointing to Row.
Rabin watched as Vikram came to a halt and turned to glare at Row. “Is this true?”
“Run,” Rabin growled before Row could answer, and all three of them shoved through the barricade of soldiers, catching them off guard. “This way!”
They bolted left down the hallway, their boots echoing in the silent corridor. It took less than a second for the shouts and footsteps of Vikram and his guards to follow as Rabin, Zarya, and Row careened around corners, their soles sliding and squeaking on the smooth marble.
Rabin pumped his arms, tempering his pace just enough so Zarya could keep up on her shorter legs. He checked back to see they were already widening the distance. Vikram led the charge, rage and anger burning in his eyes.
Rabin felt the sharp sting of an arrow graze his arm, but he ignored it, checking over his shoulder for Zarya, ensuring she was close.
“Where are we going?” she shouted as they entered a large room with a domed glass ceiling. This is where he’d planned to lead them. It was the perfect escape route.
“Stay near the wall and then jump when I’m ready!” he shouted.
He didn’t wait to see if they understood as he ran for the center, black smoke dissolving around him as his body gave in to the transformation. For several long seconds, he felt himself suspended inside the nothingness of his magic, his limbs and torso and head becoming an amorphous collection of bones and sinew before he felt the telltale crackle that signaled the final seconds before he stood in the center of the room on all fours, his body stretching to the height of the ceiling.
He turned his massive, scaled head towards Zarya and Row, huffing out a breath as a signal. They looked at one another and then ran as he lowered his back, allowing them to scramble on.
A moment later, Vikram and the soldiers poured into the room, belting out commands to stand down. If Rabin could laugh in this form, he would have. There was no stopping him now.
“Arrows! Stop him!” screamed Vikram. “Fire! Fire at will!”
Rabin felt the sting of dozens more arrows scrape his thick hide, but the effect was about as useful as tossing a handful of toothpicks at an elephant.
Rabin extended his wings, knocking over the statues circling the room. The tips speared through the windows, glass exploding in a shower of glittering shards. Vikram began shouting louder as Rabin drew his wings in closer and blasted out a stream of pure blue fire towards the line of stumbling guards.
Then he flapped. Once. Twice. Three times before he launched into the air and crashed through the glass ceiling with a mighty roar.