The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(92)

“And freed many women and children,” Kyra said. “The Irin and free Grigori here will be sorting things out for a while.”

“Will you stay to help?” Sirius asked.

“For a time,” Leo said, stroking Kyra’s hair. “But we have our own lives to begin. The scribes and singers in Bangkok are more than capable.”

“And the kareshta in Chiang Mai have learned everything I am able to teach them.” Kyra took a deep breath. “Our work here is done.”

“Then come home after you take your holiday,” Sirius said. “Leo should meet your family.”

“I will,” Leo said. “And you are always welcome in Istanbul, Sirius.” With Sirius, Leo had no reservations.

“It’s only four hours away. Don’t worry.” Sirius laughed. “You won’t be able to get rid of us.”



The air in Phuket wrapped around Leo’s legs like a warm caress. It rolled off the Andaman Sea and rustled the fronds of the coconut palms overhead, teasing Kyra’s hair from the knot where she’d tied it. The ocean waves lapped at the shore before them, lulling them with their constancy.

Kyra lay draped over Leo’s chest, napping in the shade. It was warm on the island, but the breeze cooled them, and the small house they’d taken was only steps from the beach. If it became too warm, they could always retreat to the air-conditioned interior.

He ran his hand up and down her back, thinking about the ritual he’d perform that night.

He had the ink. He had the brushes. He had a piece of the sacred fire from Bangkok with which to pray and light incense. He’d been practicing his vows for days. He didn’t want to get a stroke wrong. The words he wrote would become part of his beloved’s skin, fusing his magic to her and binding them together. Though it was only a few lines that were the formal vows, he wanted every word he wrote to be perfect.

Leo was giddy as a bride the night before her wedding.

“Leo,” she murmured.

“Hmm?”

“Should we go in?”

“Are you getting warm?”

Kyra tilted her head up, and her full lips spread in a warm smile. I can hear you, reshon.

He adored it when she called him reshon.

“There’s no rush,” he said. “We have the house all week.”

“We both slept for two days.” She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. “We’ve swum. We’ve eaten on the most beautiful beach in the world. I heard you this morning. Your vows are finished.”

There’s no reason to rush, he thought.

And there’s no reason to wait. Her voice sounded like a chime in his mind. “I’m ready.”

Kyra had made her peace with the ritual, even knowing she didn’t yet have the magic to sing her part. Leo was convinced that Kyra would have her own magic someday. Whether it would be Irina magic or something unique to the kareshta was the mystery. If Leo had to guess, he imagined a combination of the two. Kyra’s unique listening and projecting skills—that had only grown stronger over the days since she’d thrown her mind open to Prija—and the Irina magic she’d already begun to master.

She rose and offered her hand. “Come. Make me yours, Leo.”

He didn’t have to be told twice.



The shades were closed and afternoon light filtered through them, lighting the room with a golden illumination enhanced by candles lit by the sacred fire. Kyra sat on a pillow, meditating in the lotus position with her hair twisted on top of her head. She was bared to the skin, a perfect canvas for him to write his magic. They’d bathed together, and Leo had anointed her with almond and olive oil, massaging every inch of her body as he worked to prepare them both for the ritual.

“Will I feel it?” she asked.

“You’ll feel the brush on your skin.” He kissed her shoulder as he settled behind her. He was also bare, his ceremonial wrap the only clothing he wore. His talesm already burned with anticipation. “You’ll feel the magic when I start. When I’m working.”

“How long does it take?”

He smiled. “It takes a while.”

“An hour?”

He laughed. “More than an hour.”

“I’m glad I picked a comfortable cushion,” she said. “And where do you paint?”

Leo smiled and lifted her arm, holding her delicate wrist in his fingers. He ran his tongue from her shoulder to the crease of her elbow, peppering kisses up to her wrist. “Everywhere.”

“Everywhere?”

“Mmm.” He released her arm and put his hands at her waist, kissing her neck and enjoying the scent of frangipani in her hair. “Everywhere. Every inch. I’m going to cover you in magic.”

Goose bumps rose on her skin.

Are you ready? he thought.

I’m ready.

Leo began at the top of her spine, and the very first spells he performed were for longevity. All he had was the word of a Fallen angel that Kyra was protected. But from that night on, her life would be linked to his. As long as he lived, she would too, even if it was for a thousand years.

He traced the spells down her back. Long life. Protection. Wisdom. Strength. Every line was a promise. Every inch of ink was a mark of his love. He poured his heart into his magic. He poured his heart into Kyra’s hands, knowing she would hold it gently.