The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(45)

Alyah said, “So they’d rather live longer, even though they serve a Fallen master?”

“It’s easy to judge them,” Kyra said, “if you don’t fear sudden death.”

Leo heard the brittle pain in her words. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lap. He wanted to steal Kyra away and perform the mating ritual immediately, but that would mean explaining how he knew they were reshon.

It wasn’t a conversation he wanted to rush, but fear for her life tormented him. He also didn’t want to raid a Fallen compound weak from the mating ritual, but he’d do what he needed to keep Kyra alive.

“Arindam’s sons returned to him, and because of my tattoos on their bodies, they are more powerful,” Sura said. “We knew it was a risk, but we trusted them. That trust was misplaced.”

Leo nodded. “Do you know where their compound is?”

“There are several where they could keep Prija among their own sisters.” Niran marked three locations on the map. “There are very few kareshta among Arindam’s children, but here is where he keeps them. I would guess they would take Prija to one of these places.”

“How far are they from the border?” Kyra asked.

“The first is around one hundred kilometers into the country. The others are deeper in.”

“I’ll be able to read the first one before we cross,” Kyra said. “I should be able to give you an idea of what you’ll be facing.”

Sura nodded. “Then you’ll come with us. Leo, can I assume that means you will too?”

“Of course,” Leo said. “Keeping the kareshta safe is within the mandate of every scribe. I am happy to help in the search for Prija. Plus we need to find out the identity of the Irin who is working with them.”

“Agreed,” Alyah said. “I have just spoken to Dara. With your permission, she would like to assist. She can have five warriors here in the morning if you wish.”

“I think stealth is our friend,” Niran said. “With Sura and me, two of my men, Leo, Kyra, and you, that is already seven. Any more than that and I think we risk attracting too much attention.”

“Agreed,” Leo said. “But perhaps some Irin scribes and singers would be able to help keep watch over the temple while you are gone? That would allow you and Sura to focus on finding Prija without worrying about your sisters’ safety.”

It would also be a startling act of trust, and Leo doubted Niran would agree to it. He was surprised when the suspicious Grigori spoke directly to Alyah.

Niran said, “Do you guarantee that my sisters will be safe with these men? That they will do nothing to expose them or take them from their home here?”

Alyah said, “I give you my word. I will choose the scribes myself. Dara will listen to my suggestions. If you want only trained singers here, that is also possible.”

“And Ginny would help,” Sura said. “I’ll call her once we have a plan.”

Niran stared at Alyah for a long minute before he nodded. “Then I accept your help in guarding our sisters. My men will remain in authority here, but we will take your offer.”

“Understood,” Alyah said. “Thank you for your trust.”

Niran said nothing else, but his eyes returned to the map. “The longer we wait, the farther they can take her.”

“Where is Arindam himself?” Leo asked.

“He moves.” Sura gestured over the map. “I can think of half a dozen secluded places he might hide.”

Leo shook his head. “I know nothing about Myanmar, so I don’t know how much help I’ll be.”

“We’ll plan everything.” Niran glanced at Kyra. “You take care of our radar system.”



She looked exhausted. Her eyelids were drooping, and there were dark circles under her eyes. Leo picked her up halfway through the forest and carried her to the cottage.

“I can walk,” she protested even as she laid her head on his shoulder.

“But why would you when I can carry you so easily?”

“Leo…”

“Hmm?”

She yawned. “I don’t remember what I was going to say.”

“I’m going to stay with you tonight,” he said. “I can sleep on the floor. Or if you don’t want me in the cottage, I can sleep on the porch.”

“That doesn’t sound comfortable.”

Leo smiled. “I’ve slept in worse places. Trust me.”

She paused, and Leo thought she might have fallen asleep.

“My bed is big enough for both of us,” she said quietly. “But… just for sleep.”

“Whatever you want, ana sepora.” His heart sang. He’d be able to hold her as she slept.

“That’s Irin language. I recognized the sounds. What does it mean?”

“My bird.” He kissed the top of her head. “Because I want to watch you fly.”

“Leo…”

“Hmm?”

Kyra had fallen asleep.

Leo sang a low song as he walked through the forest. It was a song of thanksgiving, the same song he’d sung kneeling before her when he realized that Kyra was truly his reshon.

“And what does reshon mean?”

“What?”