#dev singh

Spiral (2021)

Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman

“Young Ragna.” The human holds out his hand to Cara.

Cara looks at him, and takes in the changes since she last saw him.

She can look him mostly in the eyes now, even if a large part of it is the heels she’s currently being forced to wear by social etiquette.

The crease lines on his brow and around the corners of his eyes have deepened, and his hair and moustache have started to gray. Wrinkles have started to appear on his skin, and it is clear that to maintain his build, he’s had to put in more training than he did prior. His old sternness has given way to an expression that projects a sort of stoic wisdom, even if she can see some of the gruffness on the surface.

Cara forces herself to smile, and shakes his hand. “Hello, Dev. It is good to see you.”

“You have grown quickly,” Dev replies.

His voice has fallen nearly an octave by now.

“Well, yes, it’s been…nearly a decade, no?” she replies politely.

“Hmm.” Dev nods. “Good to see you stepping out of your parents’ shadows. They are good people, but you must find your own way in the world.”

Cara laughs. “Yes, well, don’t let my father hear you say that. He’s been quite annoyed with me lately, what with my own attempts to step into the role my House demands of me.”

“Your House demands nothing, but your nation demands much,” Dev counters. “And you rise to the occasion. Your father is more worried than annoyed.”

Cara sighs. “Please don’t tell me that’s why you’re here…”

“Ha!” Dev scoffs. “No, your father wouldn’t dare to ask. I am here of my own will, and as an ally. I have useful knowledge and skills to offer you, same as the rest of your family.”

“An ally?” Cara asks. “Not as a friend?”

Dev shakes his head. “Not for you, not yet. I am a veteran, you are the first of the true Iryzians. Our worlds are too different. But, as a mentor, perhaps that can be true instead.”