Page 108 of Damned and Broken Gods
“What the feck was that about?” Blue said. “Oh feck, did you two bang?”
“No!” My cheeks heated.
His eyes narrowed. “Ya did sumthin, though, dintcha? Then he had his accident and then…Oh feck. What is his problem?”
I hadn’t shared the full truth with Blue yet about Araz’s past and how he was planning to leave. Partly because it was Araz’s story to tell but also because I was a little afraid of what Blue might say. Things that I didn’t want to hear.
“Leela…” He scampered up my arm, perched on my shoulder, and brought his face close to mine. “Tell me.”
“Not here. Not now. Later.”
My serious tone was enough to make him back off. “All right. Later. When ya get ready.”
Dharma and Joe joined us by the hearth, both carrying outfits.
Dharma had a little more color in her cheeks today, and she even managed a smile, which lifted my heart.
“Nice choice,” Dharma said, indicating the outfit lying across my lap.
“Araz chose it.”
“He’s got good taste.”
She held up her cream and red lehenga. “Priti’s favorite colors. I figure she can’t be here but…I can wear her colors tonight.”
Joe put his arm around Dharma’s shoulder. “I wish it wasn’t tonight, though. The event. We have three days off before the bloody air tests. Which are gonna last two weeks.”
I had no clue what I’d be made to do in that time. I didn’t need to take the test, but I could learn to ride properly, and that would have to?—
“Attention, everyone!” Umbra entered the room, trailed by Ione and the familiar figure of Guru Chandra.
I looked around for Araz, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“We have some news.” Umbra looked to Chandra.
He spoke, his voice low and yet able to carry easily to the back of the room. “It has been decreed by the Authority that the air test will no longer be a requirement for qualifying forthe Labyrinth of Gods.” A shocked murmur skated around the room. But my gaze was on Chandra and his on me. “Umbra has consulted with Eben and has a list of qualifying names based on overall scores.” He gave Umbra a nod.
She lifted her chin. “The following demigods will take the labyrinth this round. Bina, Alia, Joe, Dharma, and Leela.”
Murmurs filled the room—a mixture of relief and disgruntlement. I spotted Elan shaking his head in confusion. Alia looked pale and shaken. Those two were usually inseparable.
“The test will take place in four days,” Chandra said. “The morning of that day, you will complete the Calling, during which a weapon will choose you. After that, you will walk the labyrinth. Address any questions to Tantrik Umbra.” He broke away from her and made his way over to me as everyone fired questions at Umbra. “Walk with me, Leela.”
“Go,” Blue said. “I’ll guard your outfit. I saw that Bina girl eyeing it up just now.”
“We’ll take it up to your room,” Dharma said.
“Can you see if Araz is?—”
“There is no need for Araz,” Chandra said. “You may fill him in later.”
I passed the clothes to Dharma and followed Chandra out into the late midmorning sun. “What’s going on? We’re supposed to have weeks to prep for the labyrinth.”
“I know. But the Authority wasn’t pleased that you passed the fire trial, and I guess this is their way of countering it, by giving you no time to prepare for the biggest test. The one that determines it all.”
“This is bullshit.”
“I know.” He turned to face me, his expression softening as it took in my anger. “You are perfectly capable, Leela. You can do this, I know it. I feel it here.” He touched his chest. “You passedthe fire trial when all thought you would turn and walk away. You survived the sea trial despite a navigation error, and you are here.” His eyes gleamed as if my triumph was his. “You will not fall at this final hurdle.” He took a deep breath and straightened, his icy gaze flattening. “You will not fall because I will tell you what to expect so you can prepare.”
