Page 8 of Damned and Broken Gods
A sigh loosens my lungs as she settles against my side. The tangle in my belly unknots now that she’s close. Is this feeling real, or is it a fabrication? Pashim’s note claims that the bond can’t force love. That love will bloom where there is potential, and it seems there is potential for us. But any bloom that flowersbetween us will be a vine choking me and holding me captive. I cannot allow the seed that has been planted to flourish.
I drop my arm and take a step away from her, softening the move with a smile, but the slight frown marring her forehead tells me that she’s not fooled. The woman is too damned insightful.
It will be harder than ever to keep her at arm’s length, because I’ve discovered that I like insightful, tenacious women with hazel eyes and a dimple in their cheek when they smile.
What am I doing?
I busy myself with pouring tea and hand her a cup. She accepts with a smile, and I’m relieved to see that her frown has gone. “What happened when they took you away?”
“Nothing much. They put me in a room alone, and then Guru Chandra told me I had royal blood. I still can’t believe it.”
“Believe it,” Dharma says. “We all saw you floating and lighting up all the pillars.”
“So what happens now?” Priti asks. “You take the throne?”
Panic flits across Leela’s face before she composes herself. “No. It’s not that simple. There are…protocols and…I don’t think everyone will be happy that I exist. I have to go to the Shahee Kshetra to attend something called a Sabha where the Authority will decide on the best course of action.”
The demigods exchange glances, and Keyton’s brows pinch. They’re all obviously thinking back on Dharma’s earlier comment about the Authority not easily giving up power.
Leela looks to me. “Do you think I’m in danger?”
“I don’t think we can discount it. But I won’t leave your side. You have my word.”
She opens her mouth to speak but then thinks better of it, lifting her cup to her lips to sip her tea instead.
“So, when do you leave for this Sabha?” Joe asks.
She shakes her head. “No idea. Guru Chandra said to pick a house and move to it, and he’d be in touch.”
“So will you continue with the training and the tests?”
“I don’t know.” She chews on her bottom lip, a subconscious habit she has when she’s anxious. I stifle the urge to soothe her. I can be her protector, but I can’t be her crutch.
Silence reigns, and a dark foreboding blooms in my belly.
“Ah, for fucksake,” Blue snaps. “You actin’ like she’s doomed. If Sex on a Stick says ee can keep ’er safe, then I trust ’im.”
I shoot him a stern look, and he blows me a kiss.
Movement by the door draws my attention, and I stand taller when I recognize the newcomer.
Tantrik Umbra enters, sweeping a dark gaze over us all. “You were instructed to pack and move to your allocated house. I expect you to comply immediately.” Her gaze flicks to Leela. “Have you chosen the house you wish to join?”
Of course, there is no Agni house as there has never been a demigod born of royal seed until Leela.
“Well?” Umbra prompts, a little too sharply for my liking.
“We will let you know,” I say, my tone matching hers.
She arches a brow, and I give her a level look in return.
“Very well. Let me know within the hour as the house needs to be informed of the royal blood’s arrival.”
Royal blood…Is that what they are going to call her now?
Leela shifts from foot to foot. “I’d rather not be addressed as royal, if it’s all the same to you.”
“The choice isn’t yours to make,” Umbra says.
