Page 102 of Kiss of Fire

“It made me very happy, Raya,” he said softly. She blushed, unable to answer.

Pasha came back into the room.

“The Vulcani are seated and ready, my Lord,” he said.

Shade didn’t take his eyes off Raya.

“We will talk about this later,” he said. “Will you wait for me here?”

“Yes.”

“I will be back soon. And then I swear, you will have my undivided attention.”

He strode out, followed by Pasha. Raya watched him go in a daze.

“You were amazing.” Tor’s voice broke into her reverie and she turned, pleased to see him.

“Because of you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“It was my pleasure. And I see you and Lord Shadeed seem to have reached an understanding.”

“I like him, Tor. I like him a lot.”

“Aye, I think that was pretty clear from the last flame picture you made. Am I allowed to say ‘I told you so’?”

Raya punched him playfully on the arm.

“I should have just listened to you. You saw it before we did.”

“So does that mean you’re staying in Nush’aldaam? Or are you still hoping to find your mother?”

Her heart clenched.

“She’s dead.”

“Oh, Raya.” Tor folded her into his arms and hugged her. “I’m so sorry.”

“I didn’t really know her. But there are people here who did. I think if I stay in Nush’aldaam, I’ll be able to find out a little more about her.”

“It’s the right decision. And Lord Shadeed will need you for the battle ahead.”

She raised her head.

“The battle?”

“Aye. Salaq won’t give up the throne without a fight, even if most people want to see Lord Shadeed on it. Speak of the devil.”

He let go of Raya hurriedly as Shade strode through the hall. The jinn looked at them suspiciously.

“Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all,” said Tor. “I was just congratulating Raya.”

Shade narrowed his eyes.

“Yes. It was quite a performance.”

Was it her imagination, or was Shade on edge?

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