Page 46 of Lost and Stolen Gods
“That you’re strong. Probably stronger than anyone in that arena.”
“Strength is pointless if you don’t know how to use it.”
“True.” A smile ghosted his lips. “You’d best learnhow to use it then and fast. Because no matter what the high and mighty Chandra might say about unity, all that matters to the demigods is ascension. Your friends in the arena won’t understand. They won’t see it, but the ones on the platform, those native to this world, know how hard it is to get into that labyrinth and even remotely close to ascension. If they suspect you’re a serious contender, theywilltake you down. Unfortunately for you, Chandra has just unwittingly shown them that you’re one to watch out for.”
Yet another thing to add to my growing pile of shitty moments. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Your drohi has his work cut out for him.” He finally looked at me, green eyes darkening as they settled on my face. “Where is he?”
My breath snagged in my throat. “He had stuff to do.” I’m not sure why I said that. Why I covered for Araz. “He’ll show up soon.” I hoped.
“Well, you better let him know what I told you. He’ll need to watch your back.”
“Whyareyou telling me any of this?”
He looked off into the arena again. “Maybe I don’t like to see talent snuffed out.”
“Ravi!” one of the rakshasa called from across the arena. “Come on.”
He raised a hand to acknowledge that he’d heard then turned his attention back to me.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Leela.”
“Well, good luck, Leela. You’re going to need it.” He stood, towering over me for a moment before loping off to join his friends.
I sat back to watch the training and realized that my pain was gone. I tested my observation with a deep breath. No fiery knives slicing into me. I’d healed, and I suspected I’d done it too fast.
If what Ravi said was true, then I’d need to downplay my strength and my healing. Araz was already ruining my chances of ascension by refusing to help me train; the last thing I needed was other demigods trying to sabotage me too.
I shifted in my seat and gave an exaggerated wince. I’d stay in pain for an hour or so longer.
Chapter 18
CAN YOU LIVE ON KISSES?
Araz didn’t make an appearance at training, and he didn’t show for lunch, so I did what I’d always done and fended for myself.
Pashim found me in the kitchens making rice. Now out of his black armor gear, he looked approachable and relaxed. He’d pulled his hair up in a knot that twined the silver and blue sections together to make an interesting pattern. There was no denying that he was pleasant to look at.
He joined me at the stove and leaned back against the counter to watch me while I poked at the white mess in my saucepan.
“How are you feeling now?” he asked.
“Much better.”
“Good, because you don’t want to miss Guru Mihir’s class this afternoon.” He glanced at my mushy rice then sighed. “Have you never cooked rice before?”
“Only the microwave kind.”
“Microwave?”
“It’s a machine that uses radiowaves to heat and cook and…”
He was staring blanky at me.
“Never mind.”
