Page 137 of Bound By Darkness

“And you decided this was an acceptable time to wake me?” he grumbled.

“Mhm,” I grinned as I weaved him through the empty caravans and passageways.

It was surprisingly quiet for a winter morning as the wildlife peacefully slept. I tugged him along until we reached the tent next to Iyanna’s. Shoving back the flaps, I entered as Fin followed behind, a smile lighting my face.

“Fin, meet Moria,” I said as Moria swiveled around.

Fin rubbed his eyes and blinked. His mouth fell open. “How?”

“Arrived last night.”

Fin extended a hand, a sly grin crossing his face. “Pleasureto finally meet you.”

Moria shook his hand firmly. “Thank you for keeping her safe. I heard you took an arrow and did everything possible to protect her.”

Fin rubbed the back of his neck. “It was nothing.”

“Yeah, because he did nothing.”

Moria rolled her eyes. “Still getting technical?”

“And you’re still a pain.”

Moria laughed, the sound much heartier and alive than any I remembered from the prison. I’d never seen her so full of life.

Her body was still malnourished, but nothing seemed wrong. No broken bones. No fractures or whip markings. Not a blemish?—

“Will you stop assessing me? It’s creeping me out,” Moria said as her head tilted.

Fin rested his elbow on my head, the pressure light. “Good luck. She did the same thing to me after the arrow incident.”

I waved his arm away from my head. “I did it to make sure the stitches were properly healing.”

“Right.” Fin chuckled.

Looking at the few belongings in the tent, Fin drifted toward the desk. “Speaking of, you managed to obtain the rebel’s most recent plans, didn’t you?” he said as his eyes roamed over the papers littering the desk.

“How—”

“Word travels quickly by bed sheets,” he grinned. “But your facial expression confirmed it all.”

Moria’s lips pulled into a tight line. “Don’t bring this up to anyone else until we make the announcement. Iyanna wants this kept low until she’s ready to act.”

“So she is planning to evacuate the camp,” Fin muttered. “Which means the rebels are headed here. Did the plans mention a date when they plan to attack?”

“I can’t discuss it with you,” Moria said as she examined her nails.

“So you don’t know either,” Fin added, his fingers tapping his chin. “The most plausible explanation is to attack from the high vantage points, but it would leave us wide open to side attacks. Enough to infiltrate the camp.”

“And why was henot there instead of that arrogant son of a?—”

“Watch it.” My eyes narrowed. “Ivan was trying to help.”

Moria scowled. “He’s done more than help.”

Fin cleared his throat. “It’s a lovely morning for a stroll. I’ll leave you alone?—”

“You’re not leaving,” I said to Fin as I stared at Moria. “What’s your problem?”

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