The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(90)

“You want our blood and our wombs, but you don’t want our voices,” Kyra said bitterly. “I refuse to let these girls grow up feeling as if they are less.”

“You ask us to give magic to those whose blood killed our mothers and our sisters and our children,” Dara said. “You weren’t there—”

“And neither were they!” Kyra shouted. “Neither were they. You are the children of the Forgiven.” She gestured across the table. “Congratulations on winning the blood lottery. Because that is the only difference between us.” Kyra glared. “Anything else you believe is self-delusion. I’m not asking you to train grown men or women in magic. I’m asking you to treat children as if they’re not marked by evil. That’s all I’m asking. If you’re going to take those girls, don’t foster them. Adopt them. Your people want for children, and we are offering you our own. Is that not what your precious council mandated?”

“It is,” Alyah said. “I agree with Kyra. The girls should be given the full education of an Irina. If you do not agree, Dara, I ask for an audience with my watcher.”

“As would I,” Leo said. “I was assigned by the council to facilitate relations between the free Grigori here and the scribe house. I believe part of my assignment is to see to the well-being of innocent children caught in the conflict. If you do not agree that the kareshta rescued from Arindam’s control deserve the full care, compassion, and education of Irina children, then I will need to speak to the watcher of the house.”

Dara eyes didn’t change, but a grimace around her mouth told Kyra she didn’t like being reminded that she wasn’t the true watcher. Perhaps it was an injustice, but it was the reality.

“Fine,” Dara said. “We will leave the education of the children to the families who have volunteered to take them. Just as we do with Irin children. They will be treated no differently, Leo of Istanbul. Your assignment to my house is complete. Farewell.” With that, the screen of the computer went blank. Rith rose, closed the laptop, and left the room without a backward look.

Alyah was the only one who stayed.

“They are rigid,” she said. “But they are not bad people.”

Sura said, “No one is saying they are. It is a difficult situation. We know.”

“But those girls deserve to live a full life,” Niran said. “A life where they are accepted and loved.”

“I’ve already spoken to the Irin families who volunteered to take the girls,” Alyah said with a smile. “All four are very, very eager for children. Any children. They are more than excited about welcoming them.”

Kyra asked, “Are you sure?”

“Very sure. As long as Dara leaves their education up to their adoptive mothers and fathers, there will be no problems. I’ll make sure of it. I promise you. I’ll be sure to check in with all of them.”

Sura said, “Alyah, you have become a true friend to us. If there is any help we can offer, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“I may take you up on that.” She looked at Niran. “The pregnant women here. Take them back to Chiang Mai. Do you need money?”

Niran and Sura exchanged glances. “Our father was… quite wealthy,” Niran said. “Money is not an issue.”

“Then take the women back. Care for them with your brothers. I trust your compassion, and I know Ginny will be happy to work with you to keep the mothers as healthy as possible.”

Kyra said, “That’s an excellent idea. I can share with her what I know and put her in touch with others who have more experience.”

“We don’t need to involve any scribe houses,” Alyah said. “It’s probably better that we don’t.”

Leo asked, “And Kyra?”

She frowned. “What about me?”

“You have fulfilled your own mission,” Leo said. “Weren’t you promised something in return?”

Sura smiled. “The Sak Yant. Your brothers are welcome to our hospitality and teaching, should they desire it, Kyra. I will make sure to inform your brother.”

Kyra let out a long breath and turned to Leo. “It looks like both our jobs are finished. You know what that means, don’t you?”

“A long-overdue holiday?”

“Not yet.” She took her phone from her pocket. “First we have a long-overdue conversation with my brothers.”





Chapter Twenty-Nine





“Where will you live?”

Kyra looked helplessly at Leo. She’d put the phone on speaker so they could speak to Kostas together.

“We’ll live in Istanbul,” Leo said. “My home and assignment is there, and that is where Kyra can receive further training to utilize her gifts. Also, there is no place safer than a scribe house.”

“Scribe houses have been attacked,” Kostas said. “The house in Istanbul was attacked only a few years ago.”

“And they have been defended,” Leo growled. “There are seven highly trained scribes and singers in the Istanbul house and—”

“Has Kyra agreed to this?” Kostas asked. “Or did you assume her wishes, scribe? Does she want to live in a hot, busy city like Istanbul?”