It broke apart again and flew away, leaving her on the tower, hands outstretched to nothing.
When she next went to Zahir he was waiting for her, bruised and cross-legged and grim.
They did not greet each other. Only stared, unwavering.
“I deserve answers, Arwa.”
“Do you,” she said.
“You risked both our lives, when you ripped away from me,” he said. “I expected better.”
“I am sorry for disappointing you, my lord.”
Zahir laughed. A bitter thing.
“No, you’re not,” he said. Arwa did not answer him.
“What did you see,” he said, “in the realm of ash to make you act so rashly?”
“Exactly what you saw. Bodies.”
“Yes,” he said. “But that did not surprise me, and surely did not surprise you. You are a noblewoman and a commander’s widow. You know the Maha fought many wars to establish the Empire.”
“There were children,” Arwa said. “Women.”
“He was ruthless, Lady Arwa,” he said softly. “We know that.”
“Zahir. Lord Zahir. They lay upon my path of ash. You know those weremydead. People of my blood. Amrithi. I recognized a blade. Like my own.”
He closed his eyes.
“We both know the Empire has murdered Amrithi.”
“And that does not concern you? Upset you?” she challenged.
“I do not allow myself to feel pain for things I cannot alter. You know this, Lady Arwa.”
“Do you know he has done worse?” Her voice wavered. “Worse than murder?”
He was silent. Then: “It would not surprise me.”
“Don’t you care?”
“I have told you, Arwa. I can’t.” A sudden fierceness honed his voice to a blade. His eyes snapped open, fierce. Fixed upon her. “I have one use. One task. If I waver from that, what will it accomplish? Who will I save, if I crumble? And you, Lady Arwa—you live in the Empire also. You were raised a noblewoman. Do you spend your days pondering the suffering the Empire has inflicted on those who are not part of it, or do you choose to sweep their pain aside and focus on your own survival?”
“I made no choice,” snapped Arwa.
“Did you not?”
“I have merely lived my life, Lord Zahir. As best as I can.”
“Living is a choice, Lady Arwa.” Zahir was leaning forward, eyes bright and fierce. “Believe me. I know.”
Arwa looked away from him. Ah, his eyes burned.
“You make it sound so simple,” she said.
“It truly is that simple.”
