Page 108 of Bound By Darkness

She chuckled. “Of course I did, and to my discovery, I learned of a little raven named Moria who was left behind to fend for herself. With the help of my people, we rescued her from Galar so I’d have collateral if you appeared on my doorsteps once again with Thalia, the legend herself.”

Air stalled at the bottom of my chest at the name leaving her lips. I pushed the cry welling within me as I stared at Iyanna, those white eyes piercing mine. “Moria… Moria is here?”

“Yes and no. She’s currently running an errand with my right hand, but I assure you she is safe and well taken care of.”

It couldn’t be true. Moria? Here at the Hideaway? “How do I know you’re not lying?” I stilled the rising emotions within me as I gazed at the seer.

It was too late to pretend I didn’t know who she was. She knew I cared for her. It was the perfect bargaining chip.

Iyanna reached under her desk and pulled out a thin piece of paper. She gently laid it against the wood, her nails tracing the raised black ink etched there.

Her name.

Moria’s name was signed into the paper—a binding contract. I lurched for the paper, but Iyanna shoved it back inside the drawer.

“She signed this before she left,” she said. “If it pleases you, Gia, our cook, can provide more details on her well-being if ink is not enough.”

Hot tears welled behind my eyes at the paper, at the tale Iyanna wove before me. Moria had been here in this camp. She was safe from Armas’ grasp.

Waves of happiness slowly swelled to anger as I turned to Ivan, his face void of color. He knew Iyanna. Did he know she was here this whole time?

“Did you know?” I said as rage emptied from my chest. “Did you know she was here?” He’d already lied to me about my attachment to Cethales. Was he keeping more secrets from me?

His eyes were wide, his fingers digginginto the fleshy part of my arm. His gripped tightened as if Iyanna would rip me away from him. It was the confirmation I needed. Iyanna had held this from him, too.

“I—Why did you not tell me this information when I sent that letter?” Ivan swiveled his gaze to Iyanna who smirked. A predator ready to pounce.

“It’s simple. I needed a bargaining chip even you couldn’t manipulate.” Iyanna walked elegantly from behind the table, her hand outstretched toward mine. “Come. I need your casting, and in return, I promise no harm will come to Moria. I will also provide the supplies you need. You and your friends will be free to leave for your… mission as long as you agree to serve underneath me.”

Iyanna shifted, the silver glitter in her gown catching the light in the tent. “I would highly suggest remaining rational as I received news from an owl this morning Moria’s father is searching for her. If you do not agree, I will kick Moria out of this camp and tell my right hand not to let her return. Besides, where would you and your little band of misfits go? Continue to run place to place to hide from King Hywell?”

Her father? Moria’s father was looking for her?

I glanced at Ivan, anger etched into his brows as he gripped my shoulders. “Don’t do it. We can find supplies somewhere else and find Moria out there. I’m sure she’s strong enough to survive until we locate her.”

Iyanna clicked her tongue. “You fell into my trap the moment you walked into camp, Ivan. I suggest remaining silent if you want me to keep my lips sealed.”

“I am not one to be made an enemy with.”

Iyanna smiled, satisfaction lingering on her lips at the reaction from him. Turning to me, she spoke. “If you leave, the deal is off and I will not offer it again.” Her nails curled, beckoning me to follow. “All you need to do is grab my hand. A lick of your blood will do to forge the bond.”

Ivan’s eyes blazed. “You touch her?—”

Iyanna waved her hand. “It’s a mere blood oath, Ivan. Stop acting like I’m going to kill her.”

I swallowed liquid fire as my mind churned at the information she spewed. I needed time to think, but the way her eyes were blazing, I believed her. She would not present the offer again if I left.

Could we survive out there with King Hywell searching for me? Would it put us in danger? Put any of them at greater risk if I didn’t do it? I knew the answer, but to give up my freedom to this harrowing woman? My blood screamed at the thought. Being rational was never a strong suit, but outweighing the options—the solution was simple. “You said a drop of my blood will do?” I spat, my lips pressing in a thin line.

Her tongue swirled over her canines. “Yes. I’ll protect Moria in exchange for a blood oath, and provide the supplies you need for your adventure. You and your friends will also have a place to return to. A safe place beneath my wards.”

Ivan turned to face me. “Thalia, listen. Iyanna is skilled as a caster. If you do this, she controls you and your casting. Let’s meet with Fin and find Moria instead. We don’t need the supplies.”

“No, but we can’t keep running with Hywell and the rebels after us. After me.” My pulse drummed with each word. “I don’t like it anymore than you do, but it’s the best solution, Ivan.”

His lips pursed together. He knew it too. It provided everything we needed while being able to search for the Book of Spells.

I backed away from his gaze, my body taut as I moved closer to Iyanna until her gown fluttered against my flushed skin. “Do it,” I hissed. “As long as you hold to your word, I will hold to mine.”

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