Page 56 of A Realm of Shattered Lies

My throat constricts, my gut swirling with nausea.

Kiran pushes himself off of the desk and approaches me from behind, wrapping me in his arms as he spins me to face him. In a moment, his warmth overcomes me, thawing my skin and soothing my heart. He allows the fear to remain, however. He doesn’t take that from me.

“You’re still having the nightmares, aren’t you?”

I nod, melting into his embrace.

“I know you fear what will happen if Az uses Piper to open the Rip. But do you know what I fear? That if we travel to the Rip, we’re playing right into Az’s hand. That he doesn’t want Piper to open it at all. He wants you. He’s always wanted you, Asha. Just on his own terms, in his own sick way. I can’t help but imagine he’ll find a symmetry to it, if he can force your hand.”

I shake my head. “You know I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t open the Rip for him. He’d have to kill me first.”

Kiran goes still behind me. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

We can’t let him open it. We can’t let it happen, my magic whispers deep inside me. In my gut, I know he’s right.

“I have a responsibility, Kiran. I have the power to keep this world safe. I can’t stand by and allow Az to unleash those beasts upon this world.”

“I know you can’t,” he whispers, his warm breath rustling my hair as we sway. In the distance, out the window, the crescent moon shines down on us, holding out for our decision.

“Lydia would protect me, you know,” I offer.

“Lydia already let Piper slip through her fingertips.”

“And you think Lydia is likely to be fooled twice?”

Kiran shudders at the thought. “She’ll rip out Abra’s throat just for spite if she gets close to her.”

“Exactly,” I say. “She won’t allow anything to happen to me.”

Kiran’s power rumbles, but he keeps his feelings contained, rather than letting them leak into me. “Why are you talking like I wouldn’t be the one to protect you?”

I sigh, slowly pivoting in Kiran’s embrace to face him. “I already told you that I think Fin and I have found a lead. One that might lead to your father.”

Kiran frowns. “Then let Fin search for him.”

“Kiran, it’s your father.”

“I already had one of those. He was disappointing enough. No need to add to the experience.”

“I can see that you miss Fin.”

“What’s there to miss? Fin and I have never been close.”

“Kiran. You killed Ophelia because you were so upset over her ruining your chances of mending your relationship with your brother. Don’t pretend you don’t care. Not to me, but especially not to yourself.”

Kiran sighs. “You’re right, but it can wait. The more pressing matter is making sure we capture Az and Abra. After that’s done, I’ll go with Fin to find our father.”

I frown. “The lead is time sensitive. From what we can tell, the male has moved around. A lot. You might not get another chance like this. Besides, he’s the only other person outside our circle who knows who you truly are. Who knows you’re not the heir to the throne.”

Kiran tenses, acknowledging the risk that puts him in, should that information spread.

“In my dreams, Az doesn’t hurt me through the Rip, Kiran. He does it from the throne.”

“They’re just dreams,” he says, shaking his head.

“I’m not sure they are,” I whisper. “Even if they are, think of what he would do to you if he took the throne. Think of what he would do to me.”

Heat surges from Kiran in a blast, though it only ruffles my hair, his powerful arms protecting me from it.

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