The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(53)

“Objective fact,” Sura said. “I had no love for Tenasserim. He was a monster, but a powerful one. He controlled far more territory than Arindam ever did. Few people know this, but his hold extended into southern China. Arindam was jealous of him, coveted his territory, but was never able to unseat him from power.”

“But you and your brothers did?”

“Using our father’s own gifts against him,” Sura said.

“Prija?”

Sura nodded. “That is why I am not more concerned about her. I do not fear for her personal safety. I fear more for her soul.”

“An interesting way to put it.”

“Don’t you think we have souls, Leo?”

“I do,” he said. “I guess I didn’t know if you did. Is that Buddhist teaching?”

“What do our sisters hear if not the voice of the divine in all humanity?” Sura said. “But speaking of the soul does offer perspective into Arindam’s people. I think that was the main difference between my brothers and Arindam’s sons.”

“They don’t believe in the soul?”

“They don’t believe the soul can change,” Sura said. “They are born to evil, but they are given more power and gifts than humans. It is an imbalance they have no control over, so they do not strive. They will sacrifice their lives for their father. They will die and hopefully be reborn as something less unbalanced.”

“They’re fatalists,” Leo said.

“To the extreme. When my brother was killed defeating Tenasserim, they believed it was a sign that they were destined to remain under the Fallen’s power.”

Leo paused. “So we shouldn’t expect any help from Arindam’s sons.”

“I do not believe so. Even if some are sympathetic personally, they will see Prija’s abduction as her fate. They would be interfering with fate to help her.”

“I see.”

“This attitude is why Arindam propped up the human government in Burma for so long. Their isolation suited him and kept those under his influence quiet. His compounds in the hills remain hidden.”

“But you know where they are?”

“I know the rough locations. I believe Kyra will be able to be more precise.”

Leo hated that Kyra was even going on this mission, but now that she’d revealed her power, there was little chance the strategic Irin of Bangkok would allow her to stay behind. Plus, Leo knew his reluctance was based on his heart and not his common sense. She was a huge asset. The mission would be impossible without her.

Without Kyra’s gifts, Prija would remain under Arindam’s power. And if the Fallen managed to feed her anger, who knew what could happen? A kareshta powerful enough to tip the scales against her own angelic sire was a force to be feared.



They traveled directly north for two hours, taking rooms at a small hotel in the hills south of the border. They were the only visitors at the country inn; their bungalows sat sheltered from prying eyes by dense bamboo hedges that blended into the trees. Leo pushed open the door to farthest bungalow where he and Kyra had been assigned.

She walked in behind him. “This is very nice.”

“I was expecting something more basic, but you’re right.”

The log bungalow was set on decorative stone pilings with a covered porch that extended the traditional grass roof. The railings and furniture were made of bamboo, and white drapes fluttered behind plantation shades. Inside, mosquito netting hung over a wide bed also covered in white. The wood floor was parqueted with dark and light wood, and grass rugs lay on the floor.

“This is heaven,” Kyra said, peeking around a corner where Leo suspected the bathroom was. “There’s a bathtub, Leo.”

Leo looked over her shoulder and saw a luxurious claw-foot tub with various glass containers sitting next to it. Herbs, pink salts, and flower petals turned the bathroom into something far closer to one of the fancy spas that he’d seen in Chiang Mai.

“This is wonderful.” Leo kissed her shoulder. “After we train, you’ll be able to soak.”

Kyra turned. “After I what?”

“Train.” Leo grinned. “I recognize the need for you to go into this battle, and I’m not going to leave you unprepared. You need to know how to defend yourself.”

“But Leo—”

“I will be there every moment to protect you.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “But I’m not complacent. Should something happen to me, you need to know the basics.”

A wrinkle formed between her brows. “But I think you’d be surprised—”

“No buts.” He kissed her nose. “Now, let’s get changed and go find a clear spot we can practice. Don’t forget the bug spray.”

Leo walked out of the bungalow feeling very virtuous. No mate of his would face battle unprotected. He had every confidence of his ability to protect Kyra, but he also believed in being prepared. There was nothing better than a woman who could hold her own in battle. That’s what his watcher, Damien, had taught him. Damien’s mate, Sari, was a warrior equal to any Irin scribe. And even pacifists like Ava learned the basics of hand-to-hand combat once they entered the Irin world.

It was only an hour later, once Kyra had managed to give him two slices across his back with her daggers, that the virtuous glow wore off.