“Brother,” Sonco says. “No.”
The man’s eyes fly open. This is the only part of his face that has any real beauty: His eyes are large and luminous, the color of golden amber, framed by thick black eyelashes that could be raven’s wings.
Sonco must see something there because he angrily turns back around. “Will no one go with him?”
Manuel twitches next to me and I shoot him a sidelong glance. His sense of honor and fairness are on full display. His hand is up to his waist.
“Don’t even think about it,” I whisper.
He scowls. “They need volunteers.”
“That doesn’t mean it has to beyou.” I nudge him with my shoulder. “Who’s going to keep me safe among thesestrangersif you’re not here?”
Manuel immediately drops his arm.
A few more people’s hands shoot upward, including the man standing next to me. He’s older, and the frowning woman at his side is none too pleased. But his face tells me everything—he stares proudly at Sonco’s brother, admiring and a little in awe.
Sonco acknowledges the three volunteers then once again turns to the man behind him. “Is that enough, Kusi?”
“It will have to be.” He pushes away from the wall. “To the people coming with me, we’ll leave tomorrow at dawn.”
He resumes his position on the wall. Sonco gazes at him fondly, but there’s something else in his expression too. It’s the same way I looked at Ana every time she left for a mission into La Ciudad, searching for food or information—a perfect blend of pride and fear.
“Thank you for your time,” Sonco says. “I ask that you return to your homes and for only the council to remain. We have guests I need to meet.”
Kusi’s gaze unerringly finds mine through the crowd. His attention catches me by surprise, and the only thing I can think to do is smile at him. I hope I look confident.
His face remains remote.
Everyone else shuffles out, glancing at us curiously. Many others frown, and I remember they’ve never had strangers among them. We’re the first—perhaps in centuries—who’ve made it to Paititi. The remaining ten people sit on the floor in a circle. They leave two empty spaces for Manuel and me.
Together we sink to the floor and face the Illari.
CAPÍTULO
Veintidós
Kusi drops next to his brother in a single fluid motion, his legs tucked close and coiled tight, as if ready to strike. On his right hand is a single thick gold band, engraved with a shape at the center, but I can’t make out what it is from where I’m sitting.
He feels my stare and his gaze lifts to mine. Everyone in the room quiets, and I struggle not to drop my eyes. I don’t want him to think me weak or incapable.
Even though I feel like I’m both—a sheltered girl trying to do a woman’s job. How will I make my petition? What if the words don’t come? Or worse, what if they come out wrong? Everything can change in the space of a breath. In the pause between two words.
I pray to Luna I’ll get it right.
Chaska sits on the other side of Sonco.
“Primo,” Chaska says, and I startle, recognizing the word for cousin.
They are all related. The similarities are there—same eyes and dark hair, same pronounced cheekbones and rich bronze skin.
“This is Catalina,” Chaska says. “A traveler from La Ciudad Blanca. Her companion is her guard. He is called Manuel. She understands our language and speaks it passingly well. How do you wish to continue?”
“Castellano,” Sonco says, and his voice is deep, the hottest cup of coffee and just as rich.
“Catalina is a seer,” Chaska says.
At this, the Illari leader straightens. His dark eyes are speculative and assessing. I will my body not to fidget, to look regal and comfortable in my own skin. To not look like I’ve lost everything.
