Page 139 of Night's Reckoning
“Tenzin.” Tai smiled. “It’s good to see you.”
Tai and Nima had once nurtured a deep and respectful friendship that saved the wind vampire when the previous elder, Zhongli Quan, had betrayed the council and been executed along with most of his children. It was Nima’s testimony that had saved Tai, along with his reputation for honesty. Tai had become devoted to Zhang, who had spoken in his defense and taken him into his household.
“It’s good to see you too,” Tenzin said. “How is he?”
Tai smiled. “I know you don’t inquire about Zhang.”
“No.”
Ben wasn’t far away, probably in private rooms where he couldn’t be tempted by the smell of human servants.
“Benjamin is well and healthy,” Tai said. “I look forward to knowing him better when we leave for Khentii.”
“I see.” So her father was taking Ben to Mongolia. “He’s not accustomed to cold weather, so make sure—”
“I can speak for myself.”
Tenzin schooled her expression before she turned to face him. In the few short days she’d been away, he’d already grown in power and grace. His new eyes still startled her, but his body moved with the quickness and fluidity his human body had augured.
“Hello, Benjamin.”
“Tenzin.” His expression was as blank as hers.
Tai reached for the sword. “May I—”
“Let him see it first,” Tenzin said. “If he likes.”
Ben walked toward her, lifting the sword from her fingers. He gripped the hilt and raised it, stepping back and testing it with expert handling.
“It’s beautiful.”
“And beautifully made.”
“Yes.” He examined the hilt. “It looks like it was never lost.”
“Immortal like Zhang.”
His voice was cold. “Like us.”
She had once been able to read his heart in his voice. In his expression. No longer. Perhaps the secret of Benjamin had been in his eyes, which were no more.
“Yes,” she said. “Immortal like us.”
“Did you kill her?”
“No.” She swallowed hard. “Death would be too easy.”
Ben handed the sword to Tai, who left them in Zhang’s entry hall, standing across from each other like the two wary predators they were.
“Is death easy?” Ben stuck his hands in his pockets. “I don’t remember it feeling easy.”
Tenzin took a deep breath. “When we were flying, you—”
“I remember what I said that night.” Ben’s eyes stayed on her. “But I’m not that man anymore. I’m not a man at all. I don’t know what I am.”
“You are still you.” How could she make him see? “The man you were—”
“Is dead.” His voice was flat. “And this vampire is pretty damn confused.”
