“I know, Brother,” Aaro said gently. “We'll secure the Zone; it's what we do. We will find the villain and kill him.”
“Or her,” I murmured as I wandered back to Daha. I laid my hand over his. “I'm so sorry, Daha. You didn't deserve this.”
Something crinkled. I froze.
“I'm going to talk to Achira,” Slate spoke over the soft sound, missing it entirely, and headed for the door.
“She's with Binx.” Aaro hurried after Slate. “Perhaps you should let him question her.”
“As if I'm going to leave that to Binx,” Slate growled.
My stomach clenched. We had cleansed Slate. I saw Darc's blood affect him. Maybe I was being overly sensitive but he still seemed off. All of this seemed off. The things Slate had said that morning... the way he talked about love as if it confused him. It made me hesitate. I didn't say anything about the paper I knew was clasped in the dead man's hands. I waited for the brothers to leave the room before I investigated.
I pried open Daha's fingers and found, as I expected, a folded piece of paper. Written on the outside were the words; Do not read this here, Elaria. I took a shocked, shaky breath and quickly shoved the paper down my bra. I heard the men speaking to Achira in the other room. I'd have only a few moments before they wondered why I wasn't joining them. I used that time to reposition Daha's hands.
“You knew,” I whispered to the body, my eyes filling with tears. “You knew death was coming for you and you met it bravely. You used it as a chance to deliver me a message. Thank you, Daha.” I smoothed his hair back; he was hood-less and with his eyes closed, he looked human. “I hope you've found peace. For what it's worth, you have the blessing of a reborn Goddess.”
I kissed his forehead, hoping that the blessing helped him in his afterlife. Then I swiped at my eyes and composed myself before I walked out of the room and entered the one next door. Binx sat on a low couch—looking like a damn pasha—with his beefy arm around Achira and his angry stare on Slate.
“If you don't get the fuck out of this room right now, Brother,” Binx snarled, “you will regret it.”
Slate growled; as in the sound. There were no words to it but a hell of a lot of threat.
“Stop it!” I hissed and stepped between them. “A man lies dead in the room next door and you two are fighting in front of his sister? What's wrong with you?” I glared at Slate then Binx.
“He wants to question Achira as if she's the criminal!” Binx waved a furious hand toward Slate.
“Not like a criminal,” Slate disputed. “Like a witness! She may know something that could help us find her brother's killer.”
“All right. All right.” I held up my hands. “I will speak to Achira. Slate, please wait outside with Aaro. Binx will stay here with her.”
“Elaria, this is my zone—”
“Slate, please wait outside,” I emphasized the entreaty and gave him a heavy look. “I'm less threatening than you are.”
Slate made a scoffing sound.
“In appearance, at least,” I amended.
“I would prefer that,” Achira said softly.
I looked at Slate pointedly.
“Fine,” Slate growled, spun on his heels, and stomped outside.
Aaro followed him with a grateful look my way and closed the door behind them. I went to Achira and crouched on the carpet before her then took her hand.
“I am so very sorry for your loss,” I whispered past the tears that rose. “Your brother paid a price for helping me, and I deeply regret that.”
“No.” Achira clutched at my hand. “Don't do that, Your Majesty. Daha knew what would happen. I think he knew it the moment Binx requested an audience. It was his choice. I knew that when I found him dead this morning.”
I nodded. “I thought as much. He looked so...”
“Peaceful,” she finished for me as a fresh wave of tears poured down her cheeks. “Whatever Daha told you, it was important.”
“He helped to save the Zone.”
“It must be more than that.” She shook her head. “He wouldn't sacrifice himself for a zone.”
“When I say 'zone' I mean all of the people who live here, including the Zone Lord,” I said gently. “Your brother is a hero; he saved thousands of lives.”
“Ah.” A soft smile made it through her tears. “Now, that sounds worthy of a sacrifice.”
“Did he leave you a letter?” I asked.
“A letter?” She blinked.
“A goodbye note. He knew he was going to die; surely he'd want to say goodbye to you.”
“I don't know.” She got to her feet.
I rose with Achira but waited with Binx as she looked around her bedroom pensively. After a few seconds, she went to a rounded, squat dresser. A gilded jewelry box sat atop it. Achira opened the lid and inhaled sharply. There, sitting upon her a nest of gold and gems, was a folded note.
“Oh, Daha,” Achira whispered as she snatched the letter up. She dropped the jewelry box lid and unfolded the letter eagerly. Her eyes widened and overflowed with more tears as a trembling hand went to her lips.
“What does it say?” Binx asked as he went to stand beside her.
“It says goodbye,” she murmured. “He tells me he loves me and will be watching over me.”
“Does he name his killer?” I asked.
“No.” She scowled. “He says that he cannot tell me because it would only make things worse.”
“Can I see it?” Binx asked and held out his hand.
Achira handed him the letter, and Binx scowled as he read. I glanced at the paper hidden in my cleavage then at the door.
“Fuck,” Binx cursed. “My brothers will want to see this.” He headed out.
“Binx!” I stopped him.
“What?” He glowered back at me.
I looked pointedly at Achira.
“Oh.” Binx grimaced. “I'm sorry, Achira. Is it okay if I show them your letter?”
Achira nodded.
As Binx left, I went
