Page 19 of Bound By Stardust
My pulse quickened. This was the story I wanted to know, the one I’d hoped my grandmother would share with me. I had wanted to come to High Terrin to learn the truth, and here Drazhan was, sharing it with me. I held up a hand, stopping him. “Just because I have fae blood doesn’t mean I know anything about the war or the secrets shared in that day. Besides, you could ask anyone in Terrin; they all believe iron is what harms the Masters, which is why they never set foot on the ground.”
Drazhan frowned. “No, that’s just a legend. The Masters use iron, and there’s no correlation between iron and the ground. There’s another reason they don’t set foot on Terrin, but I haven’t found it yet. You’re smart, Asira, and quick. I think you could help me figure this out, especially if I tell you everything I know.”
I tilted my head, eyeing him. “Why would I want to help you destroy the Masters? They protect Terrin from monsters and brought me here to dwell with them in luxury.”
“You’re not here to dwell here in luxury…” Drazhan trailed off, his eyes clouded. “You’re here to work.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Work? To do what I did in Terrin up here?”
“No. The truth is, the Masters are dying. They cannot reproduce, but the mortals are fruitful and multiply. The Masters have concluded it is something in their blood. Hence, during the annual tithe, five young men are taken for their blood, and five young women are taken to become the new mothers.”
I blanched. “Mothers? Then why was I bonded to you during the ceremony?”
“Because it is our turn to mate and produce children. If it is not done within three months, they will take you.”
12
Drazhan
Asira stared at me, eyes wide as the knowledge sank in. “This is why we never see those who are chosen again, isn’t it? At least, if what you say is true.”
I leaned forward, holding her gaze. “It is true, and no one asks because they believe the Masters are protectors.”
Asira resumed eating, her expression impossible to read. “What is your plan, then? I’m here, but without knowledge of the secrets of the fae. How do you propose we find said secrets without you ending up in the boneyard again?”
I took a sip of wine, letting the bold flavors bloom on my tongue. One benefit to living in High Terrin was that the Masters were provided with the best of everything. Still, I’d exchange this luxury any day to force them to atone for their crimes. “My theory is that it has something to do with stardust.”
Asira gave me a deadpan look. “Stardust does have magical properties, but it’s used for healing.”
I paused, torn between telling her exactly what had happened with Iscariot and fearing how she’d react when she learned I was storing a dead body in the room. A body I might not get to move until nightfall, if I were lucky. “Meant to heal, yes,” I confirmed, unable to get the picture of Iscariot’s body out of my mind. “But what if…it harms them?”
Asira stood up and stared pacing, the crimson robe swirling around her ankles. I leaned back, enjoying her take-charge attitude. It was good to brainstorm, to discuss options with her instead of sitting here alone. Was I enjoying the companionship too much? After all, what the Masters did was dark and serious. They should be called to judgment as soon as possible.
At last, Asira pointed at me. “We need proof. It’s no use dreaming up theories without proof.”
I hated to admit that she was right; what if Iscariot was an isolated case? “True, and I need to gather more stardust.”
“You have stardust? Here?”
“I took some from your cottage when I left and stored it in the tunnels here. I figured it would be handy if—”
“Something happened to you again,” she finished.
I nodded, watching her brow furrow as thoughts raced through her mind.
“After you get stardust, then what?” Asira asked.
“I’m still thinking through that part.”
Asira tapped her chin and glanced at the door. “What do the Masters want from us, now that we are…married? Is there a routine they expect us to follow?”
I grimaced. “I believe so. We have a quiet week, and then the official celebration. It is a banquet with dining, drinking, and dancing.”
“Will everyone be there? Including the chosen?”
“Yes,” I responded, staring at the ground. Last year, what had I seen? Glazed eyes, painted on smiles, and a hint of something darker. I should have fought harder to save them.
Asira wrinkled her nose. “So, all this time, I thought being chosen was a great honor. Instead, they drug them and force them to mate.” She broke off, shivering. “That alone is vile and disgusting enough to judge them.”
