Page 68 of Sins of His Wrath

“Akoro.”

Oppo’s mouth was full when he looked up, eyes widening slightly at the sight of him standing at his door. He chewed slowly, swallowed, then pushed the door open wider. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Akoro stepped inside. “You’re always inviting me to visit duringlur ennen,” he said flatly.

Oppo gave a slow nod, still chewing as he studied him. “Come in, then.”

Akoro walked in, his gaze drifting around his brother’s quarters. Unlike the rest of the palace, Oppo’s room lacked grandeur—no inlaid gold, no intricate carvings, no precious metals adorning the furniture of the dynasties. He never cared for it. The walls were bare, the rugs simple, the furniture sturdy. Functional and comfortable. In some ways, just like him. Akoro could see the appeal, but had never understood it. Their people had a history, a legacy reflected in the materials and metals they used. A heritage that was almost lost and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Oppo gestured to the table, where his meal—flatbread, spiced rice with dried fruits, steaming stew—sat half eaten. “Join me?”

“I’m not hungry.” The hollowness in Akoro’s stomach had nothing to do with food and everything to do with the Omega.

Oppo studied him as he took another bite, chewing methodically before speaking again. “This is a surprise.” His tone was casual, but his gaze was sharp. “Is everything all right?”

Akoro wandered to the nearest pillar and leaned against it, his gaze fixed on the city beyond the window. From here he could see the reconstruction efforts—workers repairing stone walls, streets being swept clean of sand and debris. “No.” The word came clipped, tight. He wasn’t sure where to start.

Oppo sighed as if he’d expected nothing less. “I heard the rescue efforts are going better than expected.” He took another bite, the normalcy of the action somehow grating against Akoro's raw nerves.

“They are. The city’s repairs are ahead of schedule.”

Oppo nodded, dabbing up stew with his flatbread. “What about the soges?”

“Otenyo will be a problem.”

Oppo sighed. “We don’t need that right now.” He glanced at Akoro. “I was surprised that you felt comfortable with that charade.”

“I didn’t. It’s the only time I’m lived to the people, and I hope the last.” Akoro turned his head slightly to look at him. “How did it go in the Archive?”

His brother straightened, eyes sharpening. “Good. A strong start.” He tilted his head. “She’s thorough.”

Akoro let out a low hum. “She is at her best with something like this. She enjoys investigation. Research.” His fingers drummed against the pillar. “I’m sure she loved the Archives.”

“Have you removed thennol-ttaehhwound yet?”

“No.”

Oppo made a face. “It’s dangerous, Akoro I’d feel more comfortable if you’d--”

“I will,” Akoro said. “But you know the horrible scar it leaves.”

“Then you shouldn’t have cut her with it,” Oppo mumbled quietly into his plate.

Akoro ignored him. “She won’t be leaving my side anyway.”

“And if she finds the Solution?”

Akoro made a noise in the back of his throat. “She won’t find it.”

Oppo’s head snapped up from his plate. “I thought you would be happy. If she succeeds, then you don’t have to invade her land.”

Akoro frown at him, irritation jostling his chest. “There is no Solution, Oppo, you know this. Magic is part of the Sands. It cannot be done. And I won’t let her kill herself trying to tame thennin-eellithi.”

Oppo eyed him, his mouth pressed thin. “Then why did you agree with her working on it? Why did you give her fifteen days?”

“Because I wanted her back here.” The words snapped from him like a lash, harsh and unrestrained. He pushed off the pillar, turning to face his brother fully. “You said she’d never come back here, but she was willing to for this.”

His brother's face slackened with realization. He sat back in his chair. “And what do you plan to do now? Interfere? Prevent her from succeeding so she stays forever?”

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