Page 96 of Lost and Stolen Gods
He smiled, slow burn and devastating. “In that case, I’ll share a little secret… Arti would loan me books all the time. I learned a lot, and I miss having access.”
“You tell me what you want to read, and I’ll get it for you. You can start with those.”
His smile was so excited and boyish it made my heart warm.
“Thank you.” He passed me some clothes. “I’ll be back with food in a little while. Please do not try to stand in my absence.”
I gave him a mock salute, and he returned it with a look of confusion. “It’s like an affirmation. The warriors of my world do it when greeting a superior.”
“Ah, in that case.” He clasped his hands together in front of his chest then brought them down in what I assumed was a salute for his people. “I shall be back shortly.” He grabbed the bag of books and left, and I curled up on the bed in my towel.
Someone had tried to kill me. I’d failed the gauntlet. I should feel awful, but I didn’t. Because where there was life, there was hope.
Chapter 32
YOU CAN’T FIGHT THE FEELING
Araz didn’t come back to the room that night. I ate with Pashim, and once he’d tucked me in, I was out like a light.
I woke to an urgent knocking on my door and made it across the room to open the door without falling on my face. Ravi stood outside looking shifty as hell.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
I stepped back to let him in but didn’t close the door. “What time is it?”
“Midnight. I’m sorry if I woke you. I had to see you. Make sure you were all right. They told me you were, but…” His gaze flicked over me. “I was so afraid you wouldn’t make it.”
He looked about as rough as I felt. Bloodshot eyes with smudges beneath.
“Honestly, the last few days are a blur. I probablywould have died if Araz hadn’t burned the toxin from my blood.”
His throat bobbed. “Someone tried to kill you.”
“I know.” I was starting to feel woozy so shuffled back to the bed and sat down. “Believe me, I know. I’m going to have to watch my back.”
“There’s a long list of suspects, but Iwillsniff out the culprit.”
He was sweet. “Thanks. Any help is appreciated.”
“There you are!” Dipika appeared in the doorway. “I told you to leave, didn’t I?” She glared at Ravi.
“And I told you I wanted to check on my friend,” Ravi snapped back.
“Your friend needs her rest.” She shot me a sympathetic smile.
“I’m all right, Dipika. I don’t mind.”
“That’s kind of you, Leela, but the rules are clear: No rakshasa in demigod barracks.” She turned her attention to Ravi. “I do not want to use force to eject you.”
Ravi looked like he was about to argue, and I didn’t have the mental energy for that. “You should go, Ravi. I need to rest.”
His shoulders slumped. “Of course. I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah.”
Dipika steered him out and closed the door. I fell back onto the bed and was drifting off when the door creaked open again.
I sat up as Araz entered. He froze at the sight of me awake.
