Kalyan has the good sense to wait until the magic clusters around the door’s perimeter. As soon as the square red halo completes its ring, he’s off. “What was that? Does that happen to you every week?”
I think back. Noteveryweek. “Normally, I don’t have to protect people who have no right being here.”
Kalyan recoils. For a second I’m glad if it hurt him. He has jeopardized my entire undercover operation. I wait a beat. “That was an opening for you to tell me exactly what the blood youaredoing here.”
“I understand if you are mad.”
I throw my arms up. Understanding won’t fix anything. “Congratulations, you are intelligent enough to understand anger.” I look at him and immediately regret my words.
“I came here same as you. To get information about what has happened with the firelight,” he says.
“Because Jatin thinks he owns it? It’s Belwar business.”
“No, Maharaja Naupure gave me the reports. He wanted me to help you.”
“Myreports, you mean! My mission, my life on the line.” The words echo in the small enclosure. Even though I’m risking my life, it’s the mission that feels vulnerable right now, exposed. I was going to stop it after all, the Vencrin and the drugs. That was going to be my legacy. And if I fail…
Then two words sink in. Maharaja Naupure. Maharaja Naupure gave this guard the reports, wanted him here. He never thought I could do this alone then. He had pestered me about a guard and now here one was, standing in front of me.
“Yes, you’re right—your life. But if I had known it was you I—”
“Known it was me?” Oh Gods, does he know who I am? Would Maharaja Naupure have told him? I must be such a joke in his eyes. The silly, rich girl who thought she could be tough and help her country. We both draw into a long pause.
“I would have come no matter what, Jaya,” Kalyan whispers.
I take in a breath. He doesn’t know. Regardless, it’s a nice sentiment. Even if I were only Jaya, an average commoner, he would help me. But did I bloody ask for his help? No. That’s the point.
It’s as expected, then. He’s here under orders and obligation, an ill-informed soldier reporting for duty, but doing a wonderful job screwing things up. He stares at me intently. I have to break eye contact. His eyes suck me in with their kindness and genuine good intentions. He threw a punch for my honor after all. But maybe that was for Jatin’s honor too? Ah, this is such a mess.
I look at the clock. We have twenty minutes. “We don’t have time. You’re here now. I just hope you can fight, because that’s the only way we are going to salvage this.”
Is it possible to start to fall for someone when they’re fuming at you? As soon as Jaya asked, “Known it was me?” my brain did this weird dance; it clambered for words, and picked up affection instead. If I had known Jaya was Agent Smoke I wouldn’t have just come, I would have run. I don’t care who she is in society. I’ve seen her save a boy’s life. I’ve read her month’s work to stop a horde of drug criminals. I’ve witnessed her hear a man utter disgusting slurs at her and she rescueshimfrommyanger? Who does that? Not to mention the extreme skill it takes to cast and move that fast. That young fighter who was incredulous and a little terrified at her swiftness has a right to be. I’m not sure if even I could have foreseen and cast a boundary shield that quickly.
I like her. I want to fix my interference. Want to help her rebuild her mission.
“What do I need to do?” I ask.
“You have fought before, right? I mean, you’re a guard. You were taught?”
“I was taught, but this is different. Cage casting is…minutes ago your opponent tried to burn you alive.”
She gets defensive. “And what, real fighting is all nice and honorable?”
“Sorry, but at least we try. We are expected to be honorable.”
She shakes her head.What is she thinking?
“Yeah, you’re right. I forgot what I was dealing with. Okay.” She paces a few times. “Okay, um…try to hit me.”
“What?”
“Try to take me on and I can see what you’re missing.”
“I don’t—”
“Look.” She points to the door. “In about twenty minutes you are going into the ring. Honorable walked out the door when you stepped in. I won’t get hit, unless you are some master wizard.”
I make a swing. She’s right. If I’m going into the ring I should start fighting, not talking. I make contact and immediately retract.Blood!I thought she would be fast enough, like with Rakesh, or she would at least duck. Maybe she wasn’t prepared. Red smoke disperses, revealing her hand covering my fist. I didn’t hit her; she caught my punch.
