Page 93 of Bound By Darkness

“I told you to leave my kitchen!” Gia shouted. “I can still hear you both inside.”

“I did,” Naexi stated flatly.

Gia placed a hand on her hip as she surveyed the damage, her temple flaring red. “If you don’t leave, I’ll ensure Iyanna sends you here twice daily for dish duty.”

Naexi grumbled, but her hand fell at her side as she brushed past me, her elbow jutting into my side.

I turned around to follow as Gia’s hand gripped my shoulder. “It’s not worth it. Besides, you have potatoes to finish.”

“She—” But Gia’s brow rose, cutting me off as she shoved me inside.

“Leave it alone. You’re causing yourself more trouble. This camp is small enough you don’t need to make enemies.”

“It’s not like I set out to make them. She’s insufferable and acts like she’s the best item since salt. Plus, she tells Iyanna everything. I wouldn’t put it past her if she’s preventing me from leaving here.”

Gia rotated her shoulder as she glanced at me. “She is Iyanna’s right hand.”

I dumped another batch of potatoes into the vat. “It’s not fair, especially when I’m more than capable of holding my ground. I could be useful in a raid. I want to help those in need, but I can’t do it from here.” My hands flattened on the table. The festering gnawing was slowly subsiding as I talked. “I made a promise, and so far, I’ve done nothing to uphold it.”

Gia rested the spoon against the pot. “Prove them wrong. Prove Naexi wrong. Actions speak louder than words, especially to Iyanna.” Gia pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m not supposed to know this, but?—”

“But?” I said, my heart jumping in my chest.

She let out an exasperated sigh. “Recently, an attack on Laias reduced the city to ash. Iyanna has an informant out there who is sending her updates as we speak, but with the rebels on the move, they will need a team moving forward to handle attacks. There is talk of a small group going to Gendry. If you hold this information?—”

“If I have this information, I can use it as leverage against them.”

Gia gave a curt nod. “It’s not public knowledge, so don’t mention my name to Iyanna. The last thing I need her worrying about is which soldiers gossip for an extra portion of meat.”

I ran over and pulled her into a sweeping hug. “Thank you.”

Gia gave my head a quick pat. “Don’t get yourself killed, okay? No one works as hard as you do.”

I chuckled. “You mean no one puts up with your demands like I do.”

Gia smiled before orders flew from her mouth. It would be a busy afternoon, but I didn’t mind it as I processed theinformation she’d spilled. With this, I could leave. I could finally have a chance to redeem myself.

The locket bounced against the nape of my neck. Maybe this would fill the aching in my chest… reduce Draven’s final hold to nothing.

Ellia, I’m finally doing something right.

Iyanna leaned back in the velvet crushed chair, her nails drumming against the open book in increasing tempo. ??Naexi paced under the glowing lights, her face stitched tightly together.

“I accept,” Iyanna mused, the corners of her lips lifting. “Well played.”

Naexi paused, her braid bouncing against her chest. “You can’t be serious.”

Iyanna shrugged, the folds of her dress swishing as she rose. “To keep the peace, I yield. As will you, Naexi.”

Naexi’s mouth parted, her eyes widening. “This is ridiculous. Who would believe her anyway?”

Iyanna raised her hand. “A tiny seed will still take root and fester, sowing distrust and deceit. It’s best to prevent it from ever being planted.”

Naexi bit her lip, her eyes pooling with malice. She remained silent as Iyanna turned her attention back to me. Her hands gripped a black book as she splayed it open on the table.

Naexi stepped forward, her fingers pointing to the map. “Here is Laias,” Naexi said as she bit back anger with each word. Her finger traced over dotted lines. “This is where the rebels originally attacked. A few were left behind to wipe out support. However, they were killed insteadby a group our informant is leading.” Her fingers traced the location of each fight.

Naexi glanced at Iyanna, who nodded, sensing her hesitation. Naexi blew out a breath as she continued. “A caster who wields elemental casting resides in Laias at the moment. She has the power to manipulate and control darkness.”

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