Page 85 of The Blood that Binds Us

Hewantedme.

It all comes back to me with clarity now. I remember his face—the bearded man that nearly delivered a fatal blow to the back of Ileana’s skull. She was outnumbered, too gone with rage to pace herself, and she wouldn’t have survived the night.

I killed him.

And I controlledher.

But the rush of power that followed silenced all thoughts of Cosmina—drowned out anything that wasn’t blood or war or him. Sin was high too. I kissed him while the city was being shredded around us, teased him in the courtyard celebration, baited him to his study. Ipursuedhim.

Does he regret what we did?The Black Art sleeping with a bloodwitch violates more laws than I care to consider, but he knew what he was doing. His actions may have been influenced by his own caster’s high, but hechoseto kiss me back, and he certainly acted on his own free will in the study. And as much as I may hate to admit it, I’d do it all over again.

What we did this morning felt right.

Hefelt right.

I hurry to the bathhouse and scrub all remnants of yesterday from my skin—the faded red stains on my hands and face, the dirt in my nails, the scent of cedar and peppercorn still lingering on my skin. My lungs inhale deeply, swelling with freedom and opportunity. And for once, my gut doesn’t clench with the weight of Sin’s binding spell. No black heart marks my hip.

I am no longer tethered to the Black Art.

If I leave Scarwood now, he’d have no magical rope to track me down with. But I’m not going anywhere without my sister. Sin and I made a deal, and I intend on making sure he upholds his end of the agreement.

River is waiting in my room when I return; no doubt Sin asked her to keep an eye on me to make sure I’m now acting with some inkling of sanity. She informs me Sin has been occupied in the Great Hall for much of the afternoon, meeting with lords and shopkeepers of Blackreach to discuss plans for the city’s reconstruction.

I put on a knee length black dress with a fitted waist and slight flare to the skirts, and braid my hair down my back. Fumbling through the tiny tins and pots of cosmetics River left, I dab some powder to my cheeks and eyelids, and when I’m thoroughly convinced no amount of powder can cover up the anxiety on my face, I give up the cause and leave my room.

The doors to the Great Hall span the length of the wall from the stone floor to the arched ceilings with large golden handles. The guard posted outside opens one of the doors for me, and I step inside. The room is large but predominantly empty aside from the rows of wooden desks and chairs seated in the center—likely seating for the council—and the oversized throne occupying the dais along the far wall. And seated in the towering gold throne with crimson velvet cushions, dressed in the black leather surcoat he wore the night I met him, is Aegidale’s Black Art.

His eyes are on me the moment I enter the room, as if he’d been waiting for me, knowing I’d come find him here. An older man dressed in a dark tailcoat—a lord—stands at the foot of the dais. I curtsy out of respect for them both and quickly divert my eyes to the other end of the Hall where Sterling stands with a man I don’t recognize. The head Langston waves me over to them, and I hurry to his side, grateful for the excuse to be out of Sin’s direct line of sight.

I curtsy again before Sterling and the tall man dressed in a dark blue coat with silver threading at his side. Another Langston then, judging by his attire. “Son, this is Wren—an old friend of His Grace. She fought in the city with them yesterday, and Singard tells me she was an excellent asset. Wren, this is my eldest son, Cornelius.”

As soon as he drops the name, the resemblance hits me with such obviousness, I’m not sure how I missed it. Cornelius is taller than his brother was, and Bennett’s chilling blue eyes are replaced with warm honey ones, but he has the same thick, wavy brown hair, angled jaw, and thin, wide lips as his late sibling.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lord,” I say.

“Pleasure is mine, my Lady.” He smiles, revealing a set of remarkably straight white teeth. Dusaro and Bennett had both mentioned the eldest Langston son planned to return, but his brother also hinted that his family held strong reservations towards him. I wonder what prompted him to leave Blackreach, and why he has chosen to return now.

“My condolences for your brother,” I say with forced apology in my tone. I don’t mean it, but it may appear strange if I don’t offer them.

“Thank you. While it won’t bring my brother back, I am glad justice was served, nonetheless. I appreciate your part in helping to avenge him and the countless others lost to Legion’s fruitless cause.”

“We wish it was under better circumstances, but Lady Langston and I are most pleased Cornelius has returned to us,” Sterling says, sizing up his son with pride, and not the distaste Bennett suggested was the norm.

“It was time to take my place in the family business—didn’t want to let this one screw it up too badly,” he jests, elbowing his father in the ribs.

I dare a glance over my shoulder to see if Sin is still occupied with the visitor and find him still engaged in conversation, but the tapping of his nails on the throne arm and the slight bounce of his leg suggests he is readying to send the man away.

Sterling follows my gaze. “Stellar idea of him to host the ball.”

“Ball?” I ask, turning my attention back to the Langstons.

“A token of appreciation for the city’s residents being so flexible… a celebratory ball you could say. Invites will be going out tomorrow to all of Blackreach as most families will be able to return to their homes given most of the fighting stayed away from the residential areas.”

“Stellar idea indeed, my Lord. Quite generous of His Grace to offer a distraction while the city’s center is rebuilt.”

Cornelius clasps his hands together in front of himself. “Miss Wren, I hope it is not too forward of me to ask, but would you accompany me to this ball? I’m afraid I’ve been away from home for quite some time and haven’t had the opportunity to rekindle old acquaintances just yet.”

“Me?” I blurt out, tucking away a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

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