She’s gloriously golden and particularly protective. Larger than any tiger you’ll encounter and said to be magical. She’s Lekha, Eshani’s ride-or-die (literally). Eshani found Lekha when she was a cub and has kept an eye on her ever since. They’ve shared endless adventures running from angry aunties after stealing milk, breaking canyonland walls with heavy falls, roaring into the Fire Wars, facing off against the terrifying shades, and beyond.

Lekha is a free being who sees Eshani and her family as her own. She’s fierce yet loving, ferocious yet cuddly. Just watch out for those giant paws and razor-sharp teeth. And maybe . . . don’t get in her way if she’s hungry?

Let’s hear it for Lekha, who’s here today to play a round of “Never Have I Ever!” Lekha can’t speak . . . obviously. So, how do we play? We’ll present a statement of something we’ve never done but if Lekha actually has done it, then she’ll respond! Okay. Here we go!

Never have I ever . . . chomped a soldier’s head like a watermelon!

Lekha: (Yawns, flashing some very sharp fangs.)

Oh, my. I could definitely fit my entire upper body into that gaping mouth. Yikes. But a soldier? Don’t mess with Lekha . . . noted. Onward. Never have I ever . . . snuck out at night to hang with the wild beasts!

Lekha: (Slaps her powerful tail against a tree.)

Ooh! Fun! Nothing like a late-night party with friends. Never have I ever . . . disobeyed someone and found myself in serious trouble?

Lekha: (Whines as she slumps to the ground.)

Aw! Don’t worry; we’ve all been there! Never have I ever . . . died for a loved one!

Lekha: (Sort of grunts.)

Hm. Was that an answer? Or an involuntary cough? We’ll leave that for readers to decide. Never have I ever . . . ran away from home!

Lekha: (Blinks.)

I don’t blame you for never running away. Anand seems like a lovely place! Never have I ever . . . fallen into the forbidden Blood River!

Lekha: (Twitches her nose.)

I’m going to take that as an affirmation. I’m glad you didn’t have to experience that! I hear the Blood River is pain beyond your worst nightmares. Never have I ever . . . attacked a powerful Shadow King!

Lekha: (Lowers her head and gives a startling deep growl.)

Hear more from Lekha in Rick Riordan Presents: A Touch of Blood by Sajni Patel, on sale 2/25!