The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(37)

“Similar to how Kostas operates then.”

Niran nodded. “That’s what Kyra said. I think Kostas and I would agree on many things.”

Oh, I bet you would.

Leo ignored the jab at his relationship with Kyra. Niran had been a good host, and he was hardly to blame for being attracted to a woman like Kyra.

“When will Kyra be done teaching?” Leo asked.

A muscle jumped in Niran’s jaw. “She usually teaches until dinnertime.”

Leo smiled. “I’m so glad Sura invited us.”

“Yes,” Niran said. “I’m sure you are.”



But somehow, despite Leo’s best intentions, they never seemed to find a minute alone. Kyra waved at Leo from a distance as Intira dragged her away to show her a new game before dinner. They sat beside each other during the meal, but both of them were peppered with questions on one topic or another.

As the hours passed, Leo’s frustration grew.

“Come with me for walk,” he said. “After the meal is finished. We’ll walk in the forest.”

Kyra smiled. “I would love to. But before we do that—”

“Kyra, do you have a moment?” Sura asked.

Leo squeezed her hand, then released her to talk with Sura.

Niran and Alyah remained at the table with two other free Grigori warriors, chatting about training regimens and discussing logistics for merging activities and improving communication between the houses.

Leo stood and wandered through the garden between the temple and the forest. It was clear night, and the moon was nearly full. The wind soughed through the bamboo, and Leo let his imagination run wild. He wanted to kiss Kyra in the shadows. Watch the silver moonlight touch her skin. He felt greedy with desire for her.

Ginny was sitting in the garden, smoking a thin cigarette and staring at the moon.

Leo walked out to her. “Those are bad for you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I know. Good thing I’m magic.”

“True.” He sat next to her on the bench. “Tell me your story.”

She eyed him. “Are you always so cheerful and up-front?”

“I try to be. My cousin is the secretive one. There’s only so much stealth allowed in one family, so I’m the optimist.”

Ginny smiled. “I can see that.”

“So?”

“My story?”

He nodded.

“Not very interesting.” Her eyes told him different. “I live here. I’d like to say quietly, but it doesn’t suit my personality. I didn’t feel comfortable in America. The few Irina there tend to be very…”

“Conventional?”

“Yes.” She took another drag on her cigarette. “So I came here. I keep to myself and avoid Bangkok. Chiang Mai is much more relaxed, and I can train with good fighters.”

“Were you always a warrior?”

A flicker in her eyes. “No.”

And that was that. There was clearly more to the story, but Leo wasn’t going to get it out of her no matter how cheerful and up-front she found him.

But the conversation about convention gave him an idea. “I want to ask you a question. Please know that, despite having three new sisters in my house with whom I talk frequently, I am ignorant of most Irina magic.”

She smiled at the corner of her mouth. “What makes you think we’d answer your questions if you asked, scribe?”

“Nothing.” He raised his hands. “Obviously it’s none of my concern.” He glanced at Kyra. “Except when it is.”

Ginny’s eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”

The reminder of Kyra’s mortality felt like a punch to his solar plexus. “How old are you, sister?”

“Ah,” Ginny said. “I think the more important question is, how old is she?”

“Too old. And she fears… She doesn’t know how long she has. I know it frightens her.”

“With good reason,” Ginny said. “If kareshta are anything like Grigori, they don’t have that much longer than humans without help from the Fallen. They don’t age like humans do, but one day they’ll just snuff out. Like they’ve got an expiration date or something. I’ve seen it happen. A Grigori fell to dust in front of my eyes without me lifting a finger. Weirdest thing I ever saw.”

He stood—wanting to rage, to hit something—but then he sat again. There was nothing he could do to prevent it. Kyra was clearly not open to mating with him solely to save her life, even though Leo was willing. For some reason, he’d thought they’d have some warning. To hear Ginny say Kyra’s life could be extinguished like a candle flame filled him with fear and anger.

“Will she know?” Leo asked.

“I don’t have any idea. Maybe ask Sura or Niran? If you love her, why don’t you just—?”

“She’s not willing,” he said. “Not right now. She’s probably right. It’s too early. She knows we mate for life, and she’s not willing… I mean, we’ve known each other for three years, but we’ve only just—”

“She’s not sure of her feelings,” Ginny said. “Or yours.” She nodded. “I can respect that.”

“Can you?”