Page 103 of The Silent
“And that is why I could not return,” Vasu murmured. “Humans. Irin.Kareshta. Grigori. You are allsovery…”
“Curious?”
“Odd,” Vasu said. “You’re odd. But the best of you are unexpected. And that is what keeps me fromreturning.”
“I’m glad we canentertainyou.”
“Good.” Vasu stretched out next to Kyra and played with a piece ofherhair.
Leo had the urge to shove the Fallen off the bed, but he wasn’t hurting Kyra. The affection he was showing her almost seemed…brotherly.Fond.
“I like her,”Vasusaid.
“Iloveher.”
“That’s very nice, but do you like her too?” Vasu’s tone was curious, notconfrontational.
Talking with Vasu was like conversing with an alien. “Is liking more importantthanlove?”
“I don’t know.Isit?”
Leo watched Vasu playing with Kyra’s hair. There was something intensely childlike about theangel.
“I like to talk with her and spend time with her,” Leo said. “She’s funny and tells good stories. She’s loyal to those she cares about and guards those who are weak. She understands sacrifice and strength. Maybe better than anyone I’ve ever met. So yes, I like herandIloveher.”
“She’s not going to die,youknow.”
“I know. Ginny gave her power and as soon as we’re able, I will perform themating—”
“I kissed her,”Vasusaid.
Leo pushed back the flare ofanger. “What?”
“In her dream. She probably doesn’t remember it. I kissed her though. She’ll be fine. I gave her some of mypower.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” Vasu said. “She’s Barak’sblood.”
And that, Leo began to understand, was a little like Barak himself. Vasu, the mighty Fallen, was lonely for his old friends. Their children were as close as he could get to having them in his realm ofexistence.
“Vasu,” Leo asked carefully, “what doyouwant?”
“I told you Ilikeher.”
Leo didn’t know how to respond. On one hand, he was relieved. Kyra would be strong and healthy for years with an infusion of angelic power. It was how she’d survived so long without magic. On the other hand, he didn’t believe that Vasu wanted nothing from her. The Fallen weren’t altruistic. Of course, it was possible to manipulatethemtoo.
“If you really care for Kyra, then you should give her brother somepower.”
“Which one?” Vasu twisted Kyra’s hair around his finger. “She has manybrothers.”
“Her twin. Kostas. If he was hurt, she wouldfeelit.”
Vasu’s eyes narrowed on Leo. “Wouldyougive himpower?”
“If I could. But my magic doesn’t workthatway.”
“Rules, rules, rules,” Vasu muttered. “That is another reason. Too manyrules.”
