Page 72 of The Silent
“To the extreme. When my brother was killed defeating Tenasserim, they believed it was a sign that they were destined to remain under the Fallen’spower.”
Leo paused. “So we shouldn’t expect any help fromArindam’ssons.”
“I do not believe so. Even if some are sympathetic personally, they will see Prija’s abduction as her fate. They would be interfering with fate tohelpher.”
“Isee.”
“This attitude is why Arindam propped up the human government in Burma for so long. Their isolation suited him and kept those under his influence quiet. His compounds in the hills remainhidden.”
“But you know wheretheyare?”
“I know the rough locations. I believe Kyra will be able to be moreprecise.”
Leo hated that Kyra was even going on this mission, but now that she’d revealed her power, there was little chance the strategic Irin of Bangkok would allow her to stay behind. Plus, Leo knew his reluctance was based on his heart and not his common sense. She was a huge asset. The mission would be impossiblewithouther.
Without Kyra’s gifts, Prija would remain under Arindam’s power. And if the Fallen managed to feed her anger, who knew what could happen? Akareshtapowerful enough to tip the scales against her own angelic sire was a force to befeared.
* * *
They traveled directly northfor two hours, taking rooms at a small hotel in the hills south of the border. They were the only visitors at the country inn; their bungalows sat sheltered from prying eyes by dense bamboo hedges that blended into the trees. Leo pushed open the door to farthest bungalow where he and Kyra had beenassigned.
She walked in behind him. “This isverynice.”
“I was expecting something more basic, but you’reright.”
The log bungalow was set on decorative stone pilings with a covered porch that extended the traditional grass roof. The railings and furniture were made of bamboo, and white drapes fluttered behind plantation shades. Inside, mosquito netting hung over a wide bed also covered in white. The wood floor was parqueted with dark and light wood, and grass rugs lay on thefloor.
“This is heaven,” Kyra said, peeking around a corner where Leo suspected the bathroom was. “There’s abathtub,Leo.”
Leo looked over her shoulder and saw a luxurious claw-foot tub with various glass containers sitting next to it. Herbs, pink salts, and flower petals turned the bathroom into something far closer to one of the fancy spas that he’d seen inChiangMai.
“This is wonderful.” Leo kissed her shoulder. “After we train, you’ll be abletosoak.”
Kyra turned. “AfterIwhat?”
“Train.” Leo grinned. “I recognize the need for you to go into this battle, and I’m not going to leave you unprepared. You need to know how to defendyourself.”
“ButLeo—”
“I will be there every moment to protect you.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “But I’m not complacent. Should something happen to me, you need to know thebasics.”
A wrinkle formed between her brows. “But I think you’d besurprised—”
“No buts.” He kissed her nose. “Now, let’s get changed and go find a clear spot we can practice. Don’t forget the bugspray.”
Leo walked out of the bungalow feeling very virtuous. No mate of his would face battle unprotected. He had every confidence of his ability to protect Kyra, but he also believed in being prepared. There was nothing better than a woman who could hold her own in battle. That’s what his watcher, Damien, had taught him. Damien’s mate, Sari, was a warrior equal to any Irin scribe. And even pacifists like Ava learned the basics of hand-to-hand combat once they entered the Irinworld.
It was only an hour later, once Kyra had managed to give him two slices across his back with her daggers, that the virtuous glowworeoff.
“Who taught you dagger fighting?” he said with ascowl.
“Sirius.” She flipped one knife in her hand—the knife with his blood on it. “He was also of the opinion that a woman should know how to defend herself. So he taught me—how did you put it?Thebasics.”
Leo’s nostrils flared. “Hedidwell.”
“Thankyou.”
He found her smugness adorable. He found her skills more than tempting. Who knew his mild-manneredkareshtawould be nimble and ruthless too? She hadn’t hesitated to give him a taste of herskills.
