Page 129 of The Silent
“And all the stars too,”Leosaid.
Sirius laughed, and Kyra hid her face. “I like him, Kyra. I always have. And I know you have too. I’m pleased for you,sister.”
“Thankyou,bata.”
“Don’t worry about Kostas. He’ll get used to the change. He doesn’t like anything he can’t control. He’s like an old man shaking his walking stick; youknowthat.”
“The Grigori in Chiang Mai might help with that,” Kyra said. “They’ve agreed to share theSak Yantwithyou.”
“That’sexcellentnews.”
“I’m going to warn you though. Only send mature brothers. The tattoos do help with control, but they also increasepower.”
Leo said, “Some of Niran’s men could stand nearly equal with Irin scribes well versed in battlemagic.”
“Truly?” Sirius’s voice had shifted from happy brother to wary commander. “That’s goodtoknow.”
“It’s a practice,” Kyra said. “Not just a tool. That’s why I’m telling you: Be careful. Choose wisely. Sura and his brothers take their vows seriously, and they do not stand for Grigori who only want power without discipline. If you send anyone who doesn’t fall in line with their teaching, there will beconsequences.”
“I’ll remember. Thank you for doingthis,Kyra.”
“You’re welcome.” She pressed her cheek to Leo’s chest. “I needed this push, Sirius. Thank you for giving ittome.”
“Her power is formidable,” Leo said. “We couldn’t have accomplished this missionwithouther.”
“Kostas said you took out one of theFallen?”
“And freed many women and children,” Kyra said. “The Irin and free Grigori here will be sorting things out for awhile.”
“Will you stay to help?” Siriusasked.
“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 thancapable.”
“And thekareshtain Chiang Mai have learned everything I am able to teach them.” Kyra took a deep breath. “Our work hereisdone.”
“Then come home after you take your holiday,” Sirius said. “Leo should meet yourfamily.”
“I will,” Leo said. “And you are always welcome in Istanbul, Sirius.” With Sirius, Leo had noreservations.
“It’s only four hours away. Don’t worry.” Sirius laughed. “You won’t be able to get ridofus.”
* * *
The airin 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 theirconstancy.
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-conditionedinterior.
He ran his hand up and down her back, thinking about the ritual he’d perform thatnight.
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 beperfect.
Leo was giddy as a bride the night before herwedding.
“Leo,” shemurmured.
“Hmm?”
“Should wegoin?”
