Page 121 of Bound By Darkness

“I want—” I couldn’t say it. I couldn’t tell him I wanted him. It was unsafe to wish… to dream, because I’d lose it again.

You are cursed.

I was cursed. A burden meant to live alone. It was safer that way, because I wouldn’t lose anyone else. The more I opened up, the more suffering I’d experience. But why did I need more?

Why did I need him?

“My Thalia,” Iyanna purred, my head swiveling to her gaze as Ivan’s hand fell to his side. “Why are you seeking out such cheap entertainment tonight?”

Her hand twirled in one swift motion, pressing me against her side. Her arm lazily swung over my shoulders.

Ivan’s gaze flicked to her as pure rage flowed in those silver eyes.

“Oh, did I interrupt something?”

My neck burned, a hot ache burrowing deeper toward my chest as the blood oath activated.

Ivan glared at Iyanna. “Actually?—”

Iyanna raised a hand, her long nails taunting him ever so slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll send her back to her tent well rested,” she purred as her hand gripped my shoulder. “Follow me.”

My body jolted at the command, my neck straining to glance back at Ivan.

“Oh, and lose the coat, will you? This dress was a gift; as I’m sure you can guess, it was tough to come by. The least you could do in thanks is show it off,” Iyanna said, her voice filled with boredom.

My brows furrowed as I nimbly shoved off the wool coat, the crisp air instantly sending goosebumps down my exposed back and chest. “And where am I supposed to put it?” I said with as much spite as I could muster.

The ale at least boosted my courage with her.

“Leave it with Ivan. It’ll have your scent on it which might subdue his Fae instincts.”

I kept my mouth shut as I walked back to him, cloak in hand.

Fin stood beside Ivan, two mugs filled with ale in his hands. “Oh, there you are. Here.” He handed the ale toward me.

“Keep it.” Holding my hand out, I held it between my fingers. “Iyanna said for you to hold it.”

Ivan grabbed the thick fabric, a snarl rising from his throat. “She’s lucky there’s so many people around.”

“Even if people weren’t around, what could you do?” My eyes floated to his.

The ale was subsiding, but the fluttering of my heart wasn’t. “I don’t want anything,” I repeated. I couldn’t tell him.

I needed to play it safe.

Ivan’s eyes still blazed. “And if I think you’re lying?”

A tug at my spine had me taking a step back. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

Maybe spending time with Iyanna would quell the gnawing ache in my stomach.

Resuming the position beside her, she grinned. “There. You look lovely with your cloak gone.” Flicking her long braids behind her shoulder, she walked to the middle of the crowd. “I hope you sober up quickly. We have a long night ahead of us.”

Chapter 36

Mortal Gods

THALIA

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