Page 139 of Bound By Darkness

“You know what they mine?”

“Of course. It’s native to my homeland,” he said. “They typically melt it down and turn it into iron chains. It hinders the ability to wield casting if you use a large enough quantity.”

“But to turn it into a weapon?” I added, my hands squeezing hers.

“It was awful,” Moria whispered. “It was like rays of black erupted from those iron weapons. How they made them, I have no idea, but I know it’s for King Hywell. He’s going to use them to secure his spot in Cethales.”

“Have you told anyone this?” Fin said, his eyes widening.

Moria shook her head. “I haven’t had the opportunity to mention it to anyone.”

Fin paced in the tent. “If they show up with these weapons, we’re doomed. I have to let Ivan know what we possibly could be up against.”

I sent a nod his way. “Okay, but let’s keep this from Iyanna for now.”

“Keep it from her?” Moria questioned.

“I don’t trust her. In one of my meetings, she expressed desire for the Book of Spells. I think she wants to use it against the rebels and Hywell.”

“How is that a terrible thing?”

“Ivan and I think she wants the power for her own. Now we know the wards took half her casting abilities, I think it’smore plausible that’s what she wants it for. Imagine how powerful someone would be with the book in their possession.”

“You make a valid point,” Fin said. “I don’t know her well, but from my time spent here, she seems completely unhinged. I wouldn’t put it past her to want to gain more power.”

“Then it’s settled. We don’t tell her and keep it to ourselves.” Leaning forward, I glanced at Moria. “I think she’s the traitor.”

“What?”

“No. No, Thalia’s onto something,” he said. “Who else has the motive and resources to send and receive information?”

“The owls,” Moria whispered.

Fin nodded. “I’ve seen multiple leave this camp in the weeks I’ve spent here. Plus, the medics around here talk frequently about their disdain toward her.”

“Disdain doesn’t mean treason,” Moria countered.

“Yes, but the book she showed us yesterday was written in the Language of Old,” I said. “The Book of Spells is also written in the language.”

“Meaning she’d be able to read the spells,” Fin added, his voice trailing off. “I have to go. I’ll see you later,” he said before bolting out of the tent.

Moria glanced to me and I shrugged, my mouth slightly open. I’d have to ask him later.

“Interesting friends,” Moria said, smiling slightly.

My body slumped against the chair. “They are, but they’re good people.” My eyes flicked to hers. “Care to explain what you were talking about before being interrupted by Fin?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. What’s your deal with Ivan?”

Moria grabbed a section of her hair as she ran her fingers through it. “I don’t like him.”

“Why?”

“Thalia—”

“No, why?”

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