Page 23 of Oath of Betrayal
To offset the harshness of my words, I added, ‘Still, wintery nights in the fortress can be lonely and challenging; there’d be no shame if you sought comfort in such situations.’ She huffed in annoyance.
‘I don’t need your pity, Lord Ormond, and I’m perfectly capable of defending myself,’ she said, sounding offended.
‘What if I’m the one asking for pity?’ I don’t know why I blurted it out, but as I did, I realised I wanted her to know how I felt. I’d revealed her secrets and if I was asking for her friendship, it was time to reveal some of my own. Even if it was a small admission, I hoped it would even up the scales.
‘I rarely talk with anyone as an equal, let alone a beautiful woman, and while I can’t deny that my misconceptions of your character made this encounter difficult, I find myself drawn to you. Whatever your magic was doing to me, it felt right, but I understand you feel otherwise. I simply wanted you to know that I am not averse to becoming close to you. A year is a long time to brood in a mountain fortress, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Life is well lived behind our cold granite walls, and I wish to share it with you. Let me be your friend, Ani.’
‘Hm … friends … Are you trying to make the world better for everyone or just for me?’ she asked, turning her face to the side. I could see the pain she tried to hide before lowering her head and whispering, ‘How can I be your friend when you are so much like Tal?’
‘Tal?’ I asked, surprised when Ani flinched at my question.
‘One of my former Anchors. You remind me of him.’ The tight smile she offered me didn’t reach her eyes as she spoke, ‘I don’t know if I can be your friend. All I can promise is to try to be the best mage I can be.’
I already knew that Ani’s Anchors had died the day she damaged the keystone.
It wasn’t my fault that I reminded her of the past. Regardless, my lack of malicious intent didn’t make me feel like any less of a heartless bastard. Somehow, whatever I’d said came out wrong, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings more. It was time to wrap up this conversation.
‘Good night, my lady.’ I bowed to take her hand, but she stepped back, shaking her head. I straightened.
‘Until tomorrow.’ There was nothing more to say.
My late-night conversation with Orm had taken the word ‘disturbing’ to a brand-new level. My world had been turned upside down when the commander had decided to recruit me, and the worst thing about it was that I felt attracted to him—not just his physique, but the calm he projected.
It was only me who felt that way, apparently, because everybody else was terrified of the man who could impose his will on the town council whilst maintaining a polite kindness. Amidst my wildly differing reactions, my magic had made a grab for his soul, picking the most unlikely of men as my next Anchor.
What the fuck is wrong with you? He isn’t even a mage.I tapped my chest as if the primal force within could hear me.I’ve made a deal with a demon. A handsome, calm, but ruthless demon,I thought.
But I had to give it to him: Orm had me exactly where he wanted me. Between having the key to my geas and threatening to reveal my secret, he had manipulated me flawlessly into thesituation. What angered me was that Iunderstoodhis actions—and in his place, would have done exactly the same, likely with less grace and consideration.
He’s wrecked my life with class and style, and still I’m excusing his actions.I barked a short, bitter laugh. In the grand scheme of things, disturbing the life of a town mage had little significance, and I understood that all too well.
I huffed, annoyed at my argument, unable to deny that I liked him a little.
Ormond, even with his demands, was kind and had tried to comfort me with his small gestures. He reminded me so much of Talmund that if I closed my eyes, I could easily pretend it was my lover who stood there and not the commander. Maybe that’s why I felt so confused in his presence. But Talmund was gone, and I would never Anchor someone just because he reminded me of him.
It hurt to enjoy his company, and the old wound festering deep inside me reopened, robbing me of sleep.
I dealt with it the only way I knew how: I drank myself into the blackest oblivion.
The morning welcomed me with the clattering noises of town life, and as expected, I woke up with a hangover, puffy eyes, and a mood so sour it could spoil milk. I was also late for the announcement, not that it mattered. As we had agreed, I was going as a mage, and as soon as I was given my promised horse, I would be leaving for the fortress.
As I was running late, I made little effort to get myself ready. Still, I needed to see him. Lateness was one thing, but I thought it best to arrive before they sent a search party. Even if only to give Orm back his cloak.
I dressed in comfortable clothes, trying not to think about my upcoming trip. Zalesie to Varta Fortress was three days of solid riding over rugged terrain, and I wasn’t looking forward to the arduous journey.
You can do it, Annika. Whatever comes, as long as you restore the Barrier and free yourself from the geas, it will be worth it.Valiantly battling nausea, I walked towards the floodplains.
The sight of several dragons almost cheered me up, but Orm’s smug grin instantly brought me back to reality.
‘Good morning, Ani. Vahin is quite strong, you know, so you didn’t need to pack so lightly.’ The commander’s words didn’t penetrate the fog around my thoughts, and all I could manage was a grunt in reply.
‘For a moment there, I thought I’d need to remind you of our deal, especially after you missed the announcement. It was quite spectacular, the magistrate nearly fainting when I declared my choice.’
‘Ohno, how could I have missed it?’ I answered, the hand to my forehead and exaggerated acting expressing just how I felt on the matter. ‘I told you I would be here, but I never promised to be in good shape,’ I said, passing him his cloak.
I didn’t want to tell Orm that my thoughts ofhimhad resulted in my current state. It would have made that satisfied grin worse, and I couldn’t face seeing it. Instead, I turned back to admire the waiting dragons.
The enormous beasts were all the colours of the rainbow, vivid and beautiful. However, it was Vahin who drew my eyes, those jet-black scales streaked with a blue pattern that reflected the rays of the sun like a mirror. ‘Gods, look at them. They’re gorgeous,’ I whispered, my hand unconsciously falling onto Orm’s forearm.
