Endsinger: The Lotus War Book Three by Jay Kristoff

Author:Jay Kristoff [Kristoff, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781250022950
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2014-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

32

LEGACY

They stood in a circle atop Susano-ō’s throne, gathered above thrashing waters beneath a thunder sky. Over two dozen in all, black and white, young and old, sleek feathers and gleaming talons. And each in turn, they scratched the stone at their feet and dipped their heads, acknowledging he who had slain Torr and claimed the seat for his own. Standing in the circle’s center, dripping watery red onto the rock beneath, the pale monkey-child beside him.

Their Khan.

Yukiko swam in their thoughts, the overdose of predatory instinct. She focused on two above the others—two minds alight with more than subservience or uncertainty.

The first, a young buck around Buruu’s age, black as murder. She recognized him from Buruu’s memories—Sukaa, the Khan-son who had taken Esh’s eye. She searched his mind and found thoughts of vendetta. Love for his fallen father and the desire for revenge. Nevertheless, the buck bowed to Buruu, growled he would serve. And with a glance at Yukiko that told her he’d enjoy nothing more than showing the sky her insides, he turned and took to the wing.

The second arashitora of note was a beautiful female, quick and cunning and sleek. Yukiko knew her from Buruu’s memories also—the dam he’d chased across the clouds, the one who’d brought news of his father’s death. And looking into the female’s mind, she found a singular joy at Buruu’s return. And amidst the feral thrumming of her heart, Yukiko found not just simple affection, but the bone-deep strength of a lifetime bond.

My gods …

Yukiko smoothed her hands over Buruu’s feathers, bloodstained and sodden.

She’s your mate.

Buruu looked to the female, tail lashing side to side, heart thundering with joy.

SHE IS.

You never told me.

I NEVER EXPECTED TO RETURN HERE.

Do you have any other secrets I should know?

The female stepped forward, bowed as the others had, lightning catching in the luminance of her feathers, a brief halo that seemed to set her ablaze. And then she stepped closer, ran her cheek across Buruu’s, curling her head up under his chin and seeming to sigh.

Yukiko felt for the female’s thoughts, wrapped them inside herself along with Buruu’s, her own mind a bridge between them. As she stretched out to gently touch the female’s mind, she felt Buruu’s love for her fill her own. No hint of jealousy within her, no resentment at having to share his affections. The reunion of sisters who’d never met.

I am Yukiko.

*I AM SHAI.*

Her thoughts were warm, like a soft blanket near a roaring fireside. Alight with curiosity, instinctual aggression. Yukiko pushed her own warmth into the female’s mind. Buruu curled his wings around them both.

You’re Buruu’s mate.

*YOU ARE MONKEY-CHILD.*

Buruu’s voice echoed in their heads.

SHE IS MY SISTER. MY BLOOD AND LIFE. WITHOUT HER, I WOULD BE LOST.

*SHE RIDES YOU?*

SHE HAS EARNED THAT RIGHT. SHE IS YŌKAI KIN. FOX-CHILD. STORMDANCER.

Shai’s eyes gleamed as she looked Yukiko up and down.

*STORMDANCER … *

Buruu and I have been through much together. He saved my life, and I his.

*BURUU?*

THAT IS MY NAME NOW. ROAHH IS DEAD.

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