Leo, Kyra, and their motley army returned to the small inn and quickly hid the women in their various bungalows. Leo had searched for the Wa language online and found a few passages of the Bible translated. Through that, he’d been able to speak enough to calm the panicked mother. She was safely stowed in Sura’s bungalow with the other women, and Niran’s Grigori guarded them.

He was unpacking the van when Alyah approached.

“Where is she?” he asked.

“Ginny takes her time, and she may have had trouble at the border.”

“Is she going to be able to get all these women back into Thailand? They don’t have papers. They have nothing but the clothes they’re wearing.”

“The scribe house will have taken care of that,” Alyah said. “Once they arrive, we should be able to hand them off and keep going.”

It didn’t sit well with Leo that Prija had been moved so quickly. If she was that dangerous, the Fallen wouldn’t be able to ignore her for long. And the quicker she caught Arindam’s attention, the more difficult it would be to extract her.

“Rith is among the warriors Ginny is bringing,” Alyah said. “He will be staying with us. He has a black blade with him.”

“Dara’s brother?”

“Yes.”

Leo nodded. All Irin warriors knew what a black blade was. Leo had been struck with one, and it was only coals from the sacred fire that had healed him. Black blades were heaven-forged and brought to earth at the beginning of time. They had no equal and were the only way to kill one of the Fallen.

Only Irin scribes could wield a black blade, because the magic it took for mortal hands to control one had to be written on the skin. It was complicated and deep magic. Usually only elders or very senior watchers could control one. Warriors of Mikael’s line took to the magic more readily, and considering both Rith and his sister were warriors, it was likely Mikael’s blood ran in their veins.

Leo said, “It’s unusual for someone less senior than a watcher to wield a blade like that.”

Alyah nodded. “Our house is… different. In any other place, Rith would already be a watcher. In any other place, Anurak wouldn’t be allowed to continue on as the watcher while serving as an elder in Vienna. It is only because female watchers are not technically allowed to exist that they have these… interesting loopholes, I think you would say in English.”

“Because if Irina could be watchers,” Leo said, “then Dara would be the watcher and Rith could have his own house.”

“Exactly. But he believes in her leadership, so he stays to bolster her. It gives the rest of the scribes confidence to know a strong scribe and singer head the house, even if our watcher is far away.”

Leo thought about his former watcher, Damien, and his mate, Sari, who were such a powerful couple. “Ideally, watchers and their mates would fill those roles. Long ago that was typical, was it not?”

Alyah said, “I’m as young as you are, Leo. I don’t know how things were. Just how they are now.”

“We’re both operating at a disadvantage, aren’t we?”

“I don’t know.” Alyah smiled. “Maybe being young means that we’re not bound to the past like the others. The future will be what we make of it.” Alyah nodded at Kyra and the little kareshta girl. They were walking through the forest, Kyra pointing out the birds flying overhead. “Maybe our world needs young ones like us because we see possibilities where our elders do not.”

* * *

Three hours later, Ginny drove up in a van with Sunshine Tours! emblazoned on the side. A tall, dignified Asian man walked with her as three other Irin shifted things in the van and another walked to the office at the front of the inn.

Alyah met Ginny and bowed to both her friend and the tall man who accompanied her. Then she led them to where Leo and Niran were waiting.

“Leo, this is Kenneth, the scribe I was telling you about. He came along in case some of the women needed a translator.”

“He anticipated us,” Leo said. “Kenneth, we thank you.”

Kenneth held out a hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.” His English accent revealed a crisp, British intonation. “Ginny tells me you’re from Istanbul. I’ve heard so much about the library in Cappadocia; it’s rumored to be the most complete in the eastern Mediterranean.”

“I don’t know about that as much as my watcher would,” Leo said. “But I’d be happy to offer an introduction if you ever want to visit. Alyah speaks very highly of you.”

“That would be wonderful,” Kenneth said before he turned to Niran. “And you are the Grigori watcher from Chiang Mai?”

Niran started at the “watcher” label, but Alyah was quick to jump in.

“He is,” she said. “Niran, this is Kenneth, a professor in Bangkok.”

“And a scribe,” Niran said.

“I am.” Kenneth smiled. “Sadly, more swift with my references than my blades. But I do think I can be of assistance to the young women we’re assisting, if you’d be kind enough to introduce me.”

Niran relaxed at Kenneth’s warm, disarming introduction. He nodded and led Kenneth toward the bungalows, telling the professor what he knew about the human women, particularly the young woman from the Wa hill tribe.

Leo watched them walk toward Sura’s bungalow where the women and children were staying. He wondered what Kyra would make of Kenneth, and if she’d trust the women and children with him. She was cautious, and he could already see her becoming attached to both the baby and the little girl.

She has a mother’s heart.

The thought of Kyra carrying his child leapt into Leo’s mind. He wanted that. In time. He wanted her to have the joy of motherhood and family. He wanted it for himself too. Leo didn’t know how to be a father, but he had observed Malachi caring for his two small children. Leo knew he would have the same love that Malachi did with Geron and Matti.

“What are you thinking about?” Ginny asked him.

He sat on the porch. “Family.”

Ginny sat next to him. “Is she your reshon?”

“Yes.”

“Are you certain? Or is it wishful thinking?” Ginny’s normally bright mood had shifted, and she sounded deadly serious. “Be sure, Leo.”

“I’m sure.” He turned his eyes from staring at the bungalows. “I think we both knew from the beginning. My voice was always the clearest to her. My heart always rested with her. And her touch… It was only the world interfering. First the battle in Vienna. Her brother’s protectiveness. My reluctance to pursue her when I didn’t know her heart.”

“And now it’s her health.”

Leo said nothing. Alyah had performed a song to give Kyra strength, but he knew Ginny’s magic was stronger. Kyra didn’t appear weak after the excitement that morning, but Leo lived in a constant state of worry.

He couldn’t perform the mating ritual and extend his magic to her without weakening himself for the coming fight. Yet he lived in fear that Kyra’s life would blink out without warning.

But if he performed the ritual and linked her longevity to his, it would weaken him. Then if he died in battle, she probably would too.

“I’m going mad,” he said quietly. “What should I do? If I give her my magic—”

“You’ll be weak.”

“But she would live.”

“And if you died?” Ginny asked. “What then? If your lives are linked and you died in a fight, she’d likely die anyway. You know that, Leo. The sacrifice isn’t worth it.”

“Her life is worth everything to me.”

Ginny sighed and rubbed both hands over her eyes. “Her life will always be tied to yours unless she has her own magic.”

“I know. But I can’t teach her, and Ava’s not here. I think if I could get her back to Istanbul—”

“I’m sorry I yelled at you the other night.”

Leo spoke cautiously. “Ginny, I have no intention of asking you for any favors. That’s not why Alyah called you.”

“I know.” Ginny nodded. “But you love her. She’s your reshon. You have every right to ask questions.”

“But not every right to cause pain,” Leo said. “I am sorry for that.”

Ginny nodded, looking across the yard at the scribes unloading the tourist van.

“It was a long time ago,” she said quietly. “I need to get over it.”

“Scars remain, even after a wound heals. I can show you a few of my own, if you like.”

“Why would I want to see that?” She smiled. “Everyone has their own stories. Their own wounds. Mine don’t make me special.”

“No, you’re special for many more reasons than your scars, Ginny.”

She grabbed his chin. “You have to stop being so sweet. Otherwise I’ll be tempted to get rid of your girl and keep you for myself.”

“You’re not going to do that.” He smiled. “Your heart is too good.”

“You’re killing me,” she groaned. “Okay, let’s go find Kyra.”

Leo halted. “Why?”

“I can’t fight with you in this one,” she said, rising from the porch. “But I can give you an edge that will make you more focused. If you’re not worried about Kyra, you’ll be able to focus on fighting this Fallen. And I guarantee my crazy energy will be enough to keep her going for a good long while.”

Leo’s heart pounded. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. Besides, it’ll give me an outlet. It’s been a dry spell for me, and the energy I have built up is starting to get to me. I need to expend some big magic, and I’m more than happy to give it to your girl.”

Leo grabbed her hand and rose. “Ginny, thank you.”

“Thank me later,” she said. “If she’s anything like me, she’ll be revved up afterward, so I’m guessing you’ll want privacy.”

Leo felt his face heat. “Are you talking about—?”

“Yep.” Ginny waved a hand. “Come on. I don’t have all day.”

Leo walked toward the bungalow where Kyra was helping with the women. “Niran wants to leave tonight.”

“I’ll tell him you need to wait until morning. You’ll want to stay with her and give her privacy until the first wave passes.”

“Wave?”

“Energy, man.” Ginny smiled. “This is as close to high or drunk that Kyra will probably get until you guys do your mating ritual. Nothing beats that, but this spell comes pretty close.” Ginny stopped and put a hand on his chest. “Do you understand what I’m saying, Mr. Wholesome?”

His face must have been flaming, but he nodded.

“Good. Now let’s find your girl, because you’re not going to want to be in mixed company after we do this.”

He swallowed hard. “She’s in the bungalow with the women and children.”

“Go get her and bring her to wherever you two are staying. I’ll wait. You two need to discuss a few things before we start. No euphemisms. Don’t be shy. Set clear boundaries for both of you. That’s all the advice I’ll give you. Other than that, have fun.”

* * *

Kyra narrowed her eyes. “So, this magic she’s going to perform…?”

“It will bolster your life energy with a huge punch of Ginny’s magic. But the side effect of that will be… Well, I’m sure it’s linked to life and the continuation of life and… the mating cycle and—”

“Oh!” Her eyes went wide. “You mean…”

“Sex,” he blurted out. “You’ll want to have sex. A lot.”

“I see.”

He nodded. “But you’ll be in a somewhat… altered state. So before we… According to Ginny, the excitement and enthusiasm can be overwhelming. Your inhibitions will be lowered, so I need to know—”

“My inhibitions will be lowered?” Kyra’s eyes lit up. “You mean I won’t be so nervous?”

Leo frowned. “Why are you nervous? Am I pressuring you? Am I—?

“It’s not you. Like I said, it’s just the unknown. I start thinking about what will happen when we finally… consummate our relationship.” Her cheeks turned red. “And I want to. But then I worry I’ll do something wrong. Or that something will go wrong and you’ll be disappointed.”

“I would never be disappointed in you,” Leo said. “Not ever, Kyra. I’m as unfamiliar with this as you are. We can learn together.”

“But this magic will make me less nervous,” she whispered. “It sounds like the perfect time to… experiment. Experiment more, I mean.”

Leo’s heart took off at a gallop. “I’m very willing to try that. But I want you to be sure.”

“Am I going to be myself still? I’m going to remember everything, won’t I?”

“Yes. According to Ginny, you’ll just have much more energy. You might be light-headed, but—”

“Then I want to have sex afterward.” Kyra nodded firmly. “This sounds like the perfect opportunity. I won’t be nervous. And you’re never nervous about anything.”

Leo wasn’t sure that was true. Just the thought of finally being with Kyra was enough to make him feel like a foolish and uncontrolled schoolboy. He’d barely become accustomed to seeing her skin bare. But he wasn’t going to deny her either. She was correct. Most of their hesitance had to do with her nerves. If this ritual would diminish her anxiety, it was the perfect time.

“Okay,” he said.

“Okay.” She smiled. “Now you look like the nervous one.”

“You have no idea.”

* * *

Ginny sat across from Kyra, both resting cross-legged in the lotus position. Leo watched them from the side, surprised when a low, droning song came from Ginny’s throat. Her song sounded like the wind through trees. Her palm thumped on the wooden floor in a steady rhythm as her power began to fill the air. It was unlike any singing Leo had heard, completely unlike Irina singing he’d heard from Sari and Ava.

Of course.

Though the Old Language was the same, Ginny was American, not European. The Irina of North America had been singing long before any European influence came to their shores. Even though Ginny had European blood, her teachers would likely have been indigenous North American Irina.

The song rose and fell in rhythm. He could see Kyra’s face glowing with Ginny’s power, but the song droned on, filling Leo’s chest with an intense longing. Something in his heart listened and understood what his mind did not.

This is how it will be.

Her song will give you life.

Her voice will lift you from darkness.

Find her voice.

Leo was a scribe of tradition and duty, but his mandate was no longer to obey his watcher first. His mission was to help his mate find her voice. She was a daughter of heaven, redolent with power. One day he would hear her sing as Ginny did. As Alyah did. As Sari did. In her own voice—in the voice heaven had given her—Kyra’s song would rise, and Leo would hear it.

“Vash shanda vet.

Vash vet Urielda. Vash vet Rafaelta.

Kulme shanda vet e livah.

Kulme vet. Oh Kulva vet.

Oh vet Urielda vashama.”

Leo felt tears roll down his cheeks, his heart pounding with the beauty and power of Ginny’s song. She called on Uriel, who gave the gift of life to all Irin sons and daughters. She called on Rafael’s healing.

Ginny was Rafaene. Like his mother.

That was why her life-giving songs were so potent. She was a healer of Rafael’s line. It was probably also why she didn’t want to work within the scribe house power structure. Healers had a tendency to be the independent sort. Even among scribes, they were given special dispensation from combat for long periods of time.

Ginny was a healer, and she was healing Kyra before his eyes.

Kyra’s face was luminous. Her eyes were closed, and he could see her pale skin glow with a golden light, as if Ginny’s power was radiating from the sun. It wasn’t unheard of. Leo had heard that Rafael’s line thrived in sunlight and avoided areas of the world with long periods of darkness.

He didn’t know how long she sang, only that as time passed, he could feel the power leaving Ginny—the manic energy she so often radiated—and feel it enter Kyra. He felt Kyra’s energy reaching out toward his like gold threads that entangled him. He didn’t realize he’d moved closer to her until their knees were touching. He stared at her. Her eyes were closed. Her face was lifted.

A hand patted his shoulder.

He blinked and looked up. Ginny was standing over him.

“Give her a little time to wake,” she whispered. “She’ll be fine. Her livah is very strong, but her mind is binding with her body right now. When she wakes, she’ll be very awake, if you know what I mean.”

Leo felt drunk by proximity. “What?”

Ginny patted his shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Have fun.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you back in Chiang Mai.”

“Okay.”

“Lock the door behind me. You won’t want to be disturbed.”

In a daze, Leo did as she told him, sliding the large wooden block across the door of the bungalow. Ginny had already closed the shades and lit candles before the ritual. The room was bathed in a gold glow, shadows softening the edges of Leo’s vision until everything he saw felt like a dream. He turned back to Kyra and realized her eyes were open.

Her eyes were more than open. They were on fire.