I took a deep breath to steady myself. “When I made the vow, Iused the name ‘Arden Farrow,’ instead of ‘Arden Farrow-Flynch.’”
Casimir’s eyes widened in understanding.
“Evren doesn’t know my true name,” I reiterated. “He even tested his glamour on me to make sure the bargain held—of course, nothing happened.” At the look of confusion on Casimir’s face, I explained, “I gave him a convincing performance.” To demonstrate, I rolled my eyes back in my head as though in the throes of agony.
Casimir growled a string of curses. The initial shock of seeing the rune had burned off, leaving pure, undiluted fury in its wake. “You cannot be this stupid,” he spat. “You really think Evren will honor his side of the bargain once he finds out that you’ve tricked him?” Something dangerous ignited in his expression. “Do you think he will be merciful then?”
I winced, imagining Evren’s rage should he learn about my double-dealing. His threat echoed in my mind,Why…when there are so many other ways I can make you hurt?I tried not to think of all the methods he might employ to torture me without glamours. To punish me for my deceit. Forcing myself to meet Casimir’s tempestuous gaze, I set my jaw stubbornly.
“I’ll make sure he never finds out.”
“What did the Bloodweaver promise you in return for this foolishness?”
“He promised to spare my life.”
Casimir’s jaw clenched in fury, but for once, he was at a loss for words. “For how long?”
I hesitated. “I… don’t know.”
Bloodbargains were permanent, as far as I understood. As long as Evren never realized the bargain we made was only partially sealed, he would abide by its terms.
Casimir spoke again. “Based on the existence of that rune on your arm, I assume you spilled blood to seal this bargain?”
I gave a reluctant nod, to which Casimir sighed heavily.
“In that case, we don’t know the extent to which the bargain is binding. Everyone’s blood has a kind of magical signature, so even without your true name…” He grimaced. “You might still be bound to your word.”
It was as though the temperature in the crypt had suddenly dropped ten degrees.
“You mean I still might have to comply with the bargain, as well as Evren?” I asked.
“I don’t know. It’s possible.” He let out a frustrated growl, glaring up at the stone ceiling, as though willing the heavens to bestow him with a shred of patience. His tone was gentler when he next spoke. “Is there anything else I should know?”
Evren’s cruel voice pricked at my mind like so many thorns.Will you vow to do all in your power to ensure the Darkseer does not destroy the Book?
If Casimir discovered what I’d vowed to do—or more precisely, what I’d vowed to prevent him from doing—he’d be furious. Shame filled me like a noxious cloud, coating my throat and tongue until I felt sick with the taste of it. And then there was the favor I owed Evren. The nature of such a favor could only be humiliating—or worse, deadly. What if he forced me to fling myself from a tower, or drink enchanted Daemon wine? How pathetic, that what I wished for most was to confess, to reveal to Casimir just how thoroughly I’d debased myself, and yet my lips remained sealed.
“Listen, I—” Casimir began, frowning at the mottled, angry flesh. “I’m sorry this happened to you. I should’ve been there. I never expected he’d have the nerve to confront you like that.” A moment of silence passed before he relented. “Regardless of the circumstances of this bargain between you… it’s done now. We’ll have to deal with the fallout, whenever it may come.”
“How long will it take to heal?” I asked.
Casimir’s eyes flicked to mine, his expression unreadable. “Vows sealed by bloodmagic never heal. The pain is a reminder of theimmutability of the bargain. I warned you that there were consequences to using bloodmagic. ‘Blood for blood, and bargains paid,’” he intoned. “There is always a price.”
I tried not to let my expression betray my fear, even as a chill ran over my spine at his words. His answer was exactly what I expected, but it gutted me all the same.
Something like regret laced his tone as he added, “This is exactly why Sinclair wanted you gone, before something like this happened.”
I gave a derisive snort. As if anyone could’ve predicted this. “What, so you’re taking August’s side now?” I challenged. “That’s low, even for you.”
A tense beat passed before Casimir glanced at me sharply, his expression severe. “Let’s make one thing clear,” he growled, taking a step closer so that he loomed over me. “I am not taking his side. I would never force you to do anything against your will. But you’ve got to stop keeping things from me.”
“I didn’t tell you because I knew how badly you’d react!” I argued.
“Have you considered that I’m reacting so badly because you tried to hide it from me?” he retorted. “You keep throwing up walls between us, Farrow, and I’m sick to death of it.”
We glared at one another, each as rigid and immovable as the stone chamber around us. It was Casimir who relented first.
“Before I saw your—” He stopped himself, clearing his throat. “I wanted to show you something.”