Page 125 of The Seeker
“And how long,” Patiala said, her voice measured, “has this… creature been known to you?”
“When did I go to live with Anamitra?” she asked.
“When you were three.”
“Since then,” Meera said in a quiet voice. “You have to understand, Anamitra told me that Vasu was a secret only the two of us could know. That he was useful and he would not harm me.”
Maarut nearly choked on his anger. “And you trusted him?”
“When I was young? Yes. To a degree. As I grew older, I saw what Anamitra did. Vasu was odd, but also oddly loyal to those who entertained him. Anamitra and I entertained him. We were interesting to him. And he offered information and perspective at times. I wouldn’t call him a friend—”
Patiala let out a very loud expression of disbelief.
“—but he was useful. And he seemed to be able to find me wherever I was. He found me here, even with the wards. But it would be years sometimes between visits. Often he’d come and tell me stories for an afternoon, then be gone for a year. Other times it seemed he was living in my pocket.”
“Kind of like now,” Rhys muttered.
“And when did you learn of this?” Maarut asked Rhys.
“Not long after Meera and I began working together. But Vasu was known to me before. He was an ally of Jaron, who was the grandsire of my watcher’s mate. He feels a certain… proprietary interest in Ava. So far it’s an interest that has served her. But I’m always watchful.”
“Rhys throws daggers at Vasu nearly every time he shows up. Don’t blame Rhys for this.”
“Good,” Patiala said. “It’s good this…thingisn’t too comfortable with you. He shouldn’t be, no matter how long you’ve been familiar with him.”
“I understand your concern,” Rhys said. “Trust me, I share it. But so far Vasuhasgiven us valuable information. And he hates Bozidar, which is why we’ve come to you. If he says Bozidar knows the location of the haven—”
“He won’t be able to enter it,” Patiala said. “The wards here have been built for centuries. Sabine renewed them just before our guests arrived. Despite her mental state, her earth magic is very strong, and we’ve been able to channel it into the land here.”
“He isn’t able to enter it,” Meera said. “Vasu confirmed that. Not unless…”
“Unless what?” Maarut said.
“Not unless we let him in.”
Maarut and Patiala looked at Meera with twin expressions of incredulity.
“Hundreds of Grigori,” Meera said. “Possibly hundreds ofkareshta.All those souls locked to his power. If he were dead—”
“You’re assuming we can kill him.” Patiala said. “But though he is an enemy of your Vasu, he’s still an archangel. Who here has slain an archangel?”
“Damien has,” Rhys said quietly. “I have experience fighting one. And don’t forget Atawakabiche. She, more than any of us, would know how to slay this monster. She killed Nalu. She could help us kill Bozidar.”
“You said her magic only worked with her mate.”
“But she still holds knowledge.”
“Rhys and I,” Meera said. “Rhys and I will be mated soon.”
“But you’re not mated yet,” Maarut said. “And you won’t be at full strength after you mate. The bond needs time to develop and mature. You don’t understand what it’s like.”
But don’t you realize…?Meera thought about interrupting, but she wasn’t sure how much she could actually explain to her father. No one beside Anamitra understood her power.
Maarut shook his head. “This is a ridiculous conversation. We didn’t invite Atawakabiche to our home in order to ask her to fight a battle. It’s the height of arrogance to even speak of this. I will call for my brothers and the Tomir—”
“They could take weeks to gather,” Meera said. “Ata is here now. We could draw him out now. How many more humans have to die before we act? We have a gathering of warriors unlike this haven has ever seen.”
“Is this my daughter?” Patiala stood. “The pacifist? The singer who wants to find a peaceful way? Are you searching for war on the eve of your mating? I don’t even recognize you.”
