Page 42 of Of Flame and Fury

Kel had read a few recent papers on gems that might withstand a rebirth’s heat. Diamond was the only stone that, theoretically, might offer results. But who had that kind of money?

Cristo chuckled. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’ve heard ofdiamond theory. But I didn’t bring you here to show off. I want to prove that we’ve accounted for every moment of a phoenix’s life. From birth to death to rebirth, we’ve ensured they have the best facilities in Cendor.”

He added, “Romar told me that you had some… reservations about joining my team. But anything that Savita needs, we can provide.”

Kel’s throat dried. “I have a list.”

She had planned it all out. She’d storm up to Cristo anddemandthat he meet her requirements, or the Howlers would leave. She would read out all eighteen pages of her instructions. She would demand that he treat her like the tamer she was—not a child.

But the speech vanished like shadows in the room’s fractured light. Savita’s food, gear and shelter were all far superior to anything Kel could ever afford. Her phoenix would thrive in a social environment and would receive better medical care than anywhere else.

As their sponsor, Cristo would earn a commission of their winnings. He had the power to hurtle Kel back to Fieror. But as hard as she tried, there was nothing Cristo had said that she could protest.

Cristo gave a curt nod. “Give me your list, and I’ll make sure every item is seen to.”

She fumbled for the folded papers in her pocket, feeling like a child showing a parent a pretty drawing. Cristo scanned the documents before folding them in half and placing them under his arm.

“I won’t overstep, but I will care for Savita as if she were my own phoenix.” Cristo’s expression turned grave. “I had a phoenix of my own when I was younger. A young monarch. I raised her from an egg. So I do understand the bond you have with Savita. I promise to respect it.”

Kel stared at him, trying to hide her shock.

Cristo’s gaze was locked on hers as he went on, “I know what… occurred at your farm. If you’ll let me, I’ll send you the names of my personal contractors. They’ll give you a discounted price and will rebuild your aviary quicker than any builders across Salta.”

Kel blinked. “I—thank you.”

Cendorians were a ruthless people. They were as fierce, crude and selfish as the phoenixes they rode. But they also protected their own. Kel supposed she’d officially entered Cristo’s orbit.

“I wanted to thank you too, for what you did yesterday.” Cristo’s voice softened. “I was told you stopped the train for those two bodies. Too much of my family has suffered from AB, and I hope someone might do for them what you did.”

His words bounced around the room in splintered echoes. They were no easier to hear the second and third time.

“I’m sorry.”

Cristo lowered his head. “Phoenix research is my passion, but curing AB is my purpose. I believe it makes sense to fulfill both my passion and purpose in the same facility. That’s why I want you to know that no matter how long you stay with Cristo Industries, you’ll be taken care of.”

As they shook hands and exited the diamond chamber, Kel decided that she didn’t need to like or dislike Canen Cristo. She didn’t need to ignore her father, who had warned her against trusting companies like Cristo’s. She didn’t need to fall at this man’s feet with praise, taking his money and rebuilding her home. She didn’t need to listen or ignore the stubborn suspicion that picked at Cristo’s every word, like a crow over a carcass.

She simply needed to protect her own, just as Cristo swore to.

SEVENTEEN

Gardens and vines burrowed into Vohre’s skeleton. She imagined it was the same wild greenery that encompassed Vohre Forest, just beyond the city’s northeast border. As much as Kel wanted to hate everything about Vohre, she was captivated by the city’s green-hued lights.

“Do you think they have radar towers throughout the city?” Bekn asked. “They’ve built the city center oddly close to Vohre Forest. There must be safeguards in place, to keep any curious wild phoenixes out.”

Kel glanced up at the tall buildings. Though she wasn’t as paranoid about rogue phoenixes catapulting through Vohre, it was strange that Cendor’s capital bordered a forest where no rational human would ever venture. She was closer than she’d ever been to where her father had died, at the forest’s edge, but she desperately clung to the sights and sounds around her, refusing to let that knowledge drown her senses.

“This is nothing compared to Dresva’s cities,” Dira grumbled.

Kel couldn’t help but laugh. Cristo had urged them into Vohrethe next morning. He’d handed them a company card and a map to the nearest CAPR office. They’d registered for an upcoming race and were meandering back to Cristo Industries, drinking in the day with giddy smiles.

Oska would have loved this.

The thought crept through Kel of its own accord, and nausea stabbed at her stomach. Their Asciran rider would have adored the lights, the noise, the sleek fashion of the people passing by.

Coup rubbed his hands, and Kel let it distract her. “If this view’s any indication, I bet Vohre’s tracks are fit for the Alchemists.”

Excitement glowed in Coup’s eyes. He pulled up the sleeves of his green sweater, revealing tanned, muscled forearms dancing with new and faded burns similar to Kel’s. She was still adjusting to seeing him in ordinary clothes, outside of his riding leathers.

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