Bound by Darkness (Bound By Series)

40. Unfurled Memories

Chapter 40

Unfurled Memories

THALIA

“Come on. I want you to meet someone,” I said as I hurriedly tugged Fin from the tent.

He rubbed his eyes, a yawn escaping his lips. “The light isn’t even out yet.”

“Because it’s early morning. First light is still a few hours away.”

“And you decided this was an acceptable time to wake me?” he grumbled.

“Mhm,” I grinned as I weaved him through the empty caravans and passageways.

It was surprisingly quiet for a winter morning as the wildlife peacefully slept. I tugged him along until we reached the tent next to Iyanna’s. Shoving back the flaps, I entered as Fin followed behind, a smile lighting my face.

“Fin, meet Moria,” I said as Moria swiveled around.

Fin rubbed his eyes and blinked. His mouth fell open. “How?”

“Arrived last night.”

Fin extended a hand, a sly grin crossing his face. “Pleasure to finally meet you.”

Moria shook his hand firmly. “Thank you for keeping her safe. I heard you took an arrow and did everything possible to protect her.”

Fin rubbed the back of his neck. “It was nothing.”

“Yeah, because he did nothing.”

Moria rolled her eyes. “Still getting technical?”

“And you’re still a pain.”

Moria laughed, the sound much heartier and alive than any I remembered from the prison. I’d never seen her so full of life.

Her body was still malnourished, but nothing seemed wrong. No broken bones. No fractures or whip markings. Not a blemish?—

“Will you stop assessing me? It’s creeping me out,” Moria said as her head tilted.

Fin rested his elbow on my head, the pressure light. “Good luck. She did the same thing to me after the arrow incident.”

I waved his arm away from my head. “I did it to make sure the stitches were properly healing.”

“Right.” Fin chuckled.

Looking at the few belongings in the tent, Fin drifted toward the desk. “Speaking of, you managed to obtain the rebel’s most recent plans, didn’t you?” he said as his eyes roamed over the papers littering the desk.

“How—”

“Word travels quickly by bed sheets,” he grinned. “But your facial expression confirmed it all.”

Moria’s lips pulled into a tight line. “Don’t bring this up to anyone else until we make the announcement. Iyanna wants this kept low until she’s ready to act.”

“So she is planning to evacuate the camp,” Fin muttered. “Which means the rebels are headed here. Did the plans mention a date when they plan to attack?”

“I can’t discuss it with you,” Moria said as she examined her nails.

“So you don’t know either,” Fin added, his fingers tapping his chin. “The most plausible explanation is to attack from the high vantage points, but it would leave us wide open to side attacks. Enough to infiltrate the camp.”

“And why was he not there instead of that arrogant son of a?—”

“Watch it.” My eyes narrowed. “Ivan was trying to help.”

Moria scowled. “He’s done more than help.”

Fin cleared his throat. “It’s a lovely morning for a stroll. I’ll leave you alone?—”

“You’re not leaving,” I said to Fin as I stared at Moria. “What’s your problem?”

Moria rubbed her hands. “It’s nothing.”

“I really should be?—”

“You were in the tent when I left to get Naexi. What threats did Iyanna make against Ivan while I was gone? Is there something I don’t know?”

Moria sighed softly. “Iyanna said he needed to keep the personal business out.”

“Personal business?”

“I know you and Ivan are close. And I know what you did yesterday. Iyanna made it clear.”

Heat crept into my cheeks. “Why does that matter? It’s not her business how I spend my time outside of our contract.”

“I’m sorry. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Fin glanced to me, his eyes wide.

“Oh shush, Fin. Out of everyone you should understand.”

Fin grinned, an arm laying over my shoulder as he jerked me into his side. “It’s about time! You’ll have to tell me all the details so I can pester Ivan with it.”

“Gross,” I said, but couldn’t help the smile across my face as I pushed him off of me.

Moria stared between the both of us. “So it is true.”

“He’s still a piece of shit, but he’s changed. Mostly changed,” he added.

Those words lit my heart. Fin and Ivan had grown closer since their first meeting. It made me more than elated to find the two of them relying on each other again.

“Don’t tell him I said that though,” he said as he glanced to me. “I’ll never live it down.”

I grinned. “Sure. Sure.”

Moria sat down, her arms crossing over her chest. “You seem happier.”

I took a seat beside her, my hands grabbing hers. “I am, as I hope you are, too.”

Moria stared at me, the corners of her mouth slightly turned down. She was hiding something. Her mouth and eyes gave it away as she stared at me. It vanished as quickly as it appeared.

“What happened to you since leaving the prison?”

“I got kidnapped by an assassin, met a witch who told me my prophecy, discovered my casting is connected to Cethales, and ended up here with a blood oath attached to Iyanna.”

“Sounds like a normal day for you.”

I rolled my eyes, a grin lighting mine.

“And she met me,” Fin added. “I liked her from the start.”

Laughter flowed from her. “That has to be a lie. She’s not very charismatic.”

My lips pursed together at Moria’s remark, my eyes narrowing. Clearing my throat, I gestured to her. “What about you? How did you escape the prison? How did you end up here?”

Moria blew out a breath. “My father shipped me off to Galar. He told me I’d learn my lesson there, but instead I was chosen for experiments.”

Fin and I stared at her. “Experiments?”

She nodded. “They’ve developed weapons, Thalia. Weapons reducing casters to ash using the black minerals we used to haul at the prison grounds.”

“Black minerals? You mean Purog?” Fin asked.

“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’s more 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?”

Moria’s hand paused. “He’s arrogant and a Fae male. All of them are disgusting.”

“He’s different, Moria. I promise. He’s a bit… uncanny on the outside, but he’s done nothing but protect me this entire time. He’s given up so much to help foster my training and uncover truths about my casting.”

“Sounds like his father,” she huffed, her arms crossing over her chest.

“What do you mean his father?”

Moria sat up, her eyes widening. “Nothing. A mistake. I was thinking of my father.”

“What do you mean his father?” I repeated, my gaze following hers. She was lying—the chewing of her bottom lip gave it away.

“It’s not my place to say. Ask him instead.”

“Moria? Tell me?—”

“I’m tired, Thalia. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” she said as she stood, her body heading toward the back cot.

“Moria!”

But she didn’t answer as she laid out on the cot, her back turned toward me.

“Fine. I’ll ask him myself,” I said as I stormed out.

Father?

Why did his father matter?

Bounding down the hill, I headed toward the training center to where I hoped Ivan was.