Twelve

Alizeh, newly bathed and dressed in Sarra’s finery, steps into the garden to gather herself. She notes the servants’ snodas and reflects on her past life in service, the relief of clean, well-made garments, and the small mercy of comfort amid fear and uncertainty.

Left alone by Sarra to lure Cyrus to her rooms, Alizeh turns over Sarra’s blunt directive: pretend to accept Cyrus’s proposal, win his trust, and kill him quietly—poison if necessary. The counsel unsettles her, not because she hadn’t considered killing Cyrus, but because she is being pushed into it. She debates the morality and strategy, fearing his cunning and sorcery, yet recognizing the plan might prevent war and free her from Iblees.

Alizeh’s thoughts turn to grief. She mourns Hazan’s steadfast faith and sacrifice, and laments losing her carpet bag with her mother’s handkerchief and the fireproof, enchanted book that once guided her quest to the Arya mountains. She feels the weight of destiny without a map, wishing for her parents’ guidance and for uncomplicated happiness.

Cyrus arrives unexpectedly, startling her into spilling tea on her gown. Their exchange begins sharply—Cyrus’s teasing about her transparent dress provoking Alizeh—until she remembers Sarra’s strategy. She shifts to warmth and composure, smiling and inviting discussion to lower his guard.

The conversation turns intimate and charged as Cyrus studies Alizeh, compliments her beauty even “when you lie,” and closes the distance with disarming tenderness. Just as Alizeh struggles with conflicting reactions, Cyrus exposes her position, whispering that she has been making deals with his mother, revealing that he sees through the ruse.