“I know.” I took his hands and pulled him up. He stood very close—he had to—and though the fire still rushed through us, I took long breaths until it became a manageable spark once more.

His eyes were closed as he, too, breathed. Beyond him, the rain drilled into the street, darkening the world beyond our small space.

My voice seemed faint under the steady clatter. “Are you . . .”

“Flying.” His gaze dropped to my mouth, and his expression warmed. “Flying too high for a moment.”

I could still feel the ghosts of his hands, like fire even through the fabric of my hunting dress. No one had ever touched me like that, reverent and wanting at the same time.

He looked uncertain. ::And you?:: The quiet code tapped against the wall next to us.

“Yes.” I stepped into his arms and rested my cheek on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

He hugged me close to him, gently now. “For what?”

“For—” For helping me avoid a mistake. For letting me forget for a moment. For giving me something good when everything else was so bad. “For understanding.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

FINALLY, THE RAIN BEGAN TO SLACKEN.

Aaru and I had been standing in the alcove for less than an hour, just holding each other as the temperature dropped and the water began to settle into our clothes. “We should go back to the hotel,” I said, mostly because someone needed to. I didn’t want to leave this small space where nothing else existed. Not betrayals or murders or the end of the world.

But Aaru followed my gaze and nodded. “I think the rain is finished.”

Reluctantly, I stepped into the last mists of storm. Aaru grabbed Nine’s bag and together we walked toward the hotel.

Other people were out now, putting lids on rain barrels and sweeping muck away from their stoops. As the clouds parted and the sun shone full on the city, the rain-glazed sandstone gleamed like true flame, so bright Aaru had to shield his eyes.

It didn’t bother me.

Like the sun. Like water steaming off my skin. Like the way I could feel the sister dragons inside the hotel, both of them careening around the ceiling, their spark glands still tingling from the storm. So many things about me were different now.

When we reached the hotel, Nine was standing outside, still wearing the guard uniform—or the magic-made version of it, anyway. She was mostly dry, but frowning. “The owner let me wait inside during the storm, but he kicked me out as soon as it was over. Even when I said I knew you.”

“He’s very protective.”

“So I’ve discovered.”

I nodded for Aaru to give the sack of clothes to her. “How did you know where we’re staying?”

Her mouth twitched. “I’m a spy, remember? Also, last night you left in the hotel’s horsecarre.”

Well, Tanhe would be pleased to know that someone had noticed the Fire Rose crest. “What about my mother? Is she inside?”