Page 7 of Damned and Broken Gods
“Nothing,” Joe says quickly.
“This world hasn’t had a monarch for a while, right?” Dharma says. “I mean, you have Guru Chandra, but he’s a regent. The Authority is in charge, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Keyton says. “But now we have a royal blood who might be able to take the throne?—”
“Ifthey let her,” Remi cuts in.
“What?” Keyton looks confused, but Chaya’s frown melts. Maybe Leela was right that Chaya is different—one of the drohi that sees past what the Asura have raised us to believe. One that can think outside the cage that they’ve created for our minds.
Dharma elaborates for Keyton. “Why would the Authority willingly hand over power to a demigod who happens to have royal blood?”
The mood in the room is suddenly grim.
Priti shoots to her feet. “We have to find Leela and make sure she’s okay.”
Joe gets to his feet too. “Priti’s right.”
“Calm down,” Keyton says. “No one’s going to hurt her.” But he doesn’t sound too sure. “Araz?”
They all look to me for an answer. “I don’t think they’ll hurt Leela. Guru Chandra is her kin, and the regent. It would look suspicious for anything untoward to happen to her while in his care.”
“You thinkhewants her dead?” Keyton stares at me in shock.
“I don’t know.” And I don’t. This is an unexpected and novel situation, one that I have not prepared for. One that I will need to investigate.
If Leela is in danger, then it falls to me to keep her safe. I made a vow to help her ascend. I ignore the tiny voice that whispers in the back of my mind, reminding me that Leela’s death would nullify our deal while also giving me the freedom I desire.
A few weeks ago, I would have heeded its counsel, but now that I know Leela, now that I’ve come to care for her, I cannot, in good conscience, allow her to be harmed.
I sweep my gaze over the demigods who watch me with expectation. “I won’t let any harm come to her. I swear it.”
Dharma studies me with a shrewd and knowing expression, and my stomach knots. Of course, she’s seen how I’ve treated Leela these past weeks. They all have. But surely they must know things have changed between us.
I need them to understand that. “Pashim’s death hit us all hard. Leela especially. I realize now that I have been unfair toher. I have vowed to make amends. I do not make promises lightly.”
Dharma nods. “Okay. So we’re all agreed. We keep an eye out. Keep Leela safe.”
“We’ll be in different houses, though,” Remi points out.
“Doesn’t matter,” Priti says. “We’re still friends.”
“Yep, and we stick together no matter what,” Joe adds.
They all nod in agreement. These demigods, who’ve only known each other for a few weeks, have bonded well. Leela is lucky to have them.
I glance at the window, at the sky, now a deep amber. Surely Leela should be back by now.
As her drohi, I have a right to inquire. “I’m going to go and—” I sense her presence, as I always do, when she is close.
An effect of the bond, no doubt.
My gaze goes to the door, and she appears a moment later. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright, and her beautiful thick, dark hair is in disarray. My fingers ache to tame it, and I curl my hands into fists.
Everyone begins talking at once as they rush to greet her. She laughs slightly, awkwardly, and shakes her head, attempting to answer the questions fired at her, gaze slipping past her friends to me, over and over, as if reassuring herself that I’m still here.
“Whoa, back up!” Blue waves his arms from his spot on Leela’s shoulder. “Let a woman breathe.”
The demigods oblige, reclaiming their seats, and Leela crosses the room to join me. I instinctively hold out my arm, inviting her to step under it.
