Page 15 of The Chains You Defy

“You remind me of my daughter. And I was acquainted with Jelric. He’d always been spoiled, entitled, and horrible. His father, though—he’d been a good and fair man for the longest time. Only in the last few winters did he change. He’s getting worse and worse, and I’m fed up.”

I cherished the coolness coating my parched throat as I consumed a big sip of the clear water, and a greed for more awoke. But Nancy made sure I didn’t drink too fast.

His tale about how Feroy’s behavior shifted didn’t ease my mind about the warden’s motives. On the contrary. The story sounded too constructed to be true. “I don’t trust you.”

“I’m aware. But I wish you would.”

“Where am I?”

“In Ivreiana. There’s a whole dungeon complex beneath Perran’s headquarters. And he’s pissing his pants because a trail of death moves across the world, advancing closer and closer, targeting everyone who helped him when he brought you here.”

Sucking in a surprised breath, I almost spilled some precious water. What Nancy said…if he were honest, this could only mean one thing.

Dion.

Corpses piling up sounded absolutely like him. But—was he really coming for me? “Those murders…are they—”

“Very bloody. Cruel. Explicit. The scope is baffling, and everyoneis on edge.”

“If my acquaintance is behind the bloodshed, and truth be told, your story sounds like something he’d do, then I can only warn you. He won’t stop. And your boss is rightfully terrified.” Gods, smiling hurt.

“Tell me who I have to search for. My chances to help you are limited, but I could at least keep my eyes open for this mysterioushimand tell your…friend where he can find you.”

My brain was still fuzzy, even after draining the whole cup of water that had left me yearning for more, but I wasn’t yet incapacitated enough to stop being suspicious. “What will you get out of taking such a risk?”

“Hopefully, my own life. Being here when your company rains the underworld down on this place doesn’t rank very high on my wish list. And as I’ve told you, I have a daughter. She’s a bit younger than you, but just as stubborn. She would like you. For her, I want to do the right thing. Also, believe me or not, I like Ivreiana. I have friends here, and I would be upset if anyone I cherish were to be caught up in a massacre I could have helped to avoid.”

Lifting the cup to my lips once more, hoping to catch a few last drops, disappointment rumbled in my guts as my endeavor was unsuccessful. After I’d scowled, I set the empty mug aside and pondered if Nancy was trustworthy.

I wondered what I’d risk, and honestly, the answer wasnot much. Yes, I’d have to give Nancy some morsels of information, something I’d sworn not to do, but what the guard had said made sense—if Dion was coming for me, he wouldn’t shy away from painting the city red. And I was uncomfortable enough knowing that he was merrily slaughtering his way across the world.

“His name is Dion. Tall, dressed in black, with long raven hair and light gray eyes. Just watch out for the darkest, most attractive male around who gives the impression he wants to murder everyone—and is able to deliver.”

Even if Nancy was bluffing, and he forwarded this information to Feroy, Dion would be more than capable of taking care of himself.

“Thanks. I’ll find him. My brother works as a city guard at Ivreiana’s front gates. Together, we should be able to pull some strings. Hold on a bit longer, will you?”

Nodding, I still mourned the loss of the cool water. “Did you mark the wall?”

“Yes. I guessed you’d appreciate it. There’s a new piece of chalk hidden under your cot as well.”

Just like that, the odds in the death race between the chalk and me had changed, and I wasn’t sure who was at an advantage. “Thank you, Nancy. One last thing—should you encounter Dion, be cautious. If he’s in the mood I suspect he’s in, he’ll kill first and ask questions later. Oh, and for the love of all the gods, don’t mention to him that you aided Feroy in torturing me. If you can help get me out of here for real, I’ll explain everything to him.” I had no idea how yet or if Dion even intended to speak with me ever again, but somehow, I would find out.

For the first time since I’d woken up, another spark of hope flared up in my chest. There was one thing I was sure about. Even if Dion were to simply descend on this place to get revenge on the merchant and didn’t give a damn about me, my situation would improve.

And if he were angry enough to finish me himself…I’d prefer such a death a thousand times over one delivered by Perran Feroy.

The sun was shining too brightly for the mood I was in, during one of those afternoons on a day blending together with all the others. I was more a passive passenger than a rider on top of my horse, since my eyes kept threatening to fall shut. If my state irritated my mount I couldn’t tell, but I’d already decided he’d get more treats than usual later.

“Dion. We will soon be reaching the Ivreiana city walls. You should sort your Glamour out.”

Shaking my head to dispel the fog lingering from my nap, I straightened in confusion and looked at Antas. “Whatdo you mean?”

“You are losing half of your human appearance, and the closer we get to the capital, the more likely someone will take note of you and notice your ears peeking out.”

“Fuck.” The unsettled binding, combined with the magical burnout, really had done a number on me. Gods, how I despised being so weak. How others were able to exist so pathetically limited was more than a mystery to me.

I reached deep inside me to the space where the pitiful remains of my powers lounged like a lazy kitten and did what my uncle had asked me to.