Page 33 of Bound By Darkness

I wrapped my arms around her and took in the familiar scent of coffee and apples. My head buried in her neck as I embraced her. I didn’t want to step away. I didn’t want this to end, but she moved away first.

Gwen’s eyes shone bright as she set a sturdy hand against mine. “You be safe, alright?”

I nodded.

“I know you’ve only been here briefly, but you’re welcome here. You have a home no matter where your travels take you or what the fates have in store for you.”

My lips wobbled as I dipped my head low in a curt nod.

“Plus, I need someone to keep an eye on him.” She jerked her thumb toward Ivan, who rolled his eyes as he leaned against the door frame.

A small smile crossed my face as I wiped my cheeks quickly, hoping the kohl I’d applied this morning hadn’t smeared in streaks of black.

Ivan shifted, his gaze lingering on the rising faelight as it ascended above the tree line—the cue to depart.

Steadying myself, I ran my hands over the etched spells one last time. One mission with him, and then we’d rescue Moria. My help for his.

Pausing, my head swiveled back to Gwen. Her eyes glistened like the early morning dew as the faelight shone upon her.

I brought my hands to my face, cupping them around my lips. “Thank you, Gwen!”

Her smile shone brighter than the faelight shining on her as she waved back, her mouth parting as she yelled, “Thalia Carr, do not let the darkness shroud your heart. We will meet again!”

Darkness had already shrouded my heart once. If it happened again, I wasn’t sure there would be anything to stop it from taking it altogether.

Chapter 12

Meal Hall

MORIA

Headaches continuedto plague me frequently, the persistent throbbing growing worse with each appearance of the moon. It wasn’t unusual for slaves to develop headaches due to the high altitude and lack of proper nutrients.

Tucked back in the farthest corner, it kept me away from prying eyes as I soothed the tender skin beneath.

I rested my head on the slick stone texture as I drank in its warmth. Summer’s rays refused to meet the tips of Galar’s peaks. The only caress of heat was found deep in the mines as sparks flew from worn axes and the shedding of body heat, but it was dangerous. Working in the mines meant death if one wooden beam collapsed—a death sentence of granite, rust-colored clay, and wet wood. Curling my arms around my chest, I kicked a jagged pebble as I watched it roll through the half-empty cave.

“Excuse me?” a young male with a gap between his front teeth said as he crouched beside me. “You’re friends with that girl… from earlier, right?”

He was around my age, in his late twenties, and would have been handsome if not for the rugged conditions ofGalar etched deep into the cracks of his skin. A long, pink scar ran from the crown of his temple through his right eye, which was void of pigmentation.

“I’m not exactly her friend.”

The man bit his lip. “Well, she’s asking for you and says she won’t stop until you go over to her.”

A low groan left my lips. “Where is she?”

The man pointed to the back row where a few women scattered, their bodies hunched over from continued toil. “She’s there.”

“Thanks,” I muttered as I walked over to the plagued area.

Her bubbly laughter floated to my ears as I stepped closer, the remaining women and men scrambling away like a group of elk.

Placing a hand on my hip, I peered at her flushed skin, the apples of her cheeks soaked. “You called?”

Ellia giggled. “You came!”

Fever gripped her tightly as I sat beside her, her eyes swimming with lackluster mirth. “You don’t look too hot.”

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