Page 29 of Bound By Darkness

My lips parted, but they forgot how to speak as his eyes softened.

“I have a proposition. In exchange for your help, I’ll see Moria freed from prison.”

“How? How could you do that?” There was no way he could break into the prison again. The grounds were fortified with hundreds of Armas guards, the strongest and deadliest House besides House Raha. Breaking into the prison a second time? Impossible.

“You’re staring at Cethales’ number one assassinspecializing in prison breaks. I could get her out for you if you help me.”

“You’re lying. I have no reason to trust you.”

“You’re right,” he answered. “But I’m your only chance at seeing her again.” He rubbed a spot along the crease of his neck, his hands covered in pink scars. “Your help in exchange for your friend’s freedom,” he said, his words rushing together.

I bit my lip as I decided between the two choices. Either I left now or stayed, which meant giving away my freedom again. I had no reason to trust him, but he was different than any male I’d met before. Was it worth the risk to see her again? I chewed the inside of my cheek as my hands wrung together.

Moria. The one person I’d wept to on my arrival date. The one person who’d offered her life to the guards to protect me. The person who used her clothing to clean the welts along my back—myfriend. For her I’d traverse anything.

“Deal,” I said before my thoughts spiraled further.

“On the Mother herself, I will rescue your friend in exchange for your help,” he said, his index and middle finger crossing over his lips. The blessing of the Mother—a promise.

“Fine, but if you’re lying it won’t end well for you,” I muttered.

He grinned as he stepped inside, the cool air whisking the sweat from my face and neck.

“Oh, and by the way, the deal starts in a few days.”

“What?” My throat closed any further words from escaping.

“Better start packing, because we are headed for Laias, the House of Healers.”

Chapter 11

Empty Promises

THALIA

My pack satempty in the middle of the bed. Besides the few pairs of clothes Gwen had gifted me, I had nothing else of importance.

What I cared about I’d already lost years ago.

Tossing a comb into the pack, I rested my hands on my hips as I surveyed the room. Sadness lingered in my heart even though I’d been here a short time.

It was the first place I’d settled into. The first place I’d been able to relax and enjoy life until Ivan destroyed any hope of freedom with the deal. The deal I’d foolishly made, because of my inability in the physical department.

Stuffing my unruly hair into a high ponytail, I kicked the cracked door open with the heel of my foot as I bounded down the warbled steps.

Gwen’s tonics had done more than heal my wounds. They’d also restored more energy than I knew what to do with. It left a different feeling of hope however cliche that might be.

I took it back as soon as Ivan opened the porch door.

His black hair rested against his head like a dirtied mop ashis fingers curled around the water pitcher. Despite the unkempt appearance, my eyes followed the harsh edges of his face.

He poured himself a glass, his eyes refusing to leave mine as he downed the liquid in three gulps.

“Are you trying to be impressive?” I mocked, my eyes trailing the water as it dripped down his chin.

His eyes flashed as he brushed the water away with his thumb, a devious grin curling on his lips. “Did you find it impressive?”

My arms crossed over my chest, my eyes flicking away quickly. “No.”

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