It had its face pressed to the bars, teeth bared in a wide grin. “Because we all know Melanese Yarrow didn’t truly jump from that tower.”
Her breath quickened as she stomped back toward its cell, blood roaring in her ears. Sawyer had always suspected foul play with her mother’s death. It was never confirmed, but she had also never said much about that day, not even to Nina, who knew her almost down to her soul.
Nina pulled a dagger from her belt and held it directly to the creature’s forehead. “Whoareyou?”
Its eyes flashed, “My name is Morna. I am—an ally of the Yarrows.”
“Bullshit.”
“You Wielders have us all labeled as evil. You aren't wrong. However, some of us share a common goal with you, Amana. It's the others you should be afraid of. Not us.”
“Who are the others?”
“Nina,” Gaven warned, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Be careful.”
“Everything comes with a price.” Morna ran their tongue over the edge of the blade.
Nina clenched her teeth. “What is your price?”
Gaven sighed and turned away, letting out a string of curses.
The thing turned, walking back to the far wall. Its body moved awkwardly, twitching with each step and breath. From the angle, Nina could barely make out a chain on its wrists, glowing with a white-blue light.
“I will tell you one of the warnings fully,” it turned to look at her, “for a helping of your blood.”
“Oh, fuck you.”
“We may have a common goal, but that doesn't mean I will help you Wielders without getting something out of it.”
Nina raised her hand, blood still oozing from her palm. She closed it.
Instantly, the floor rumbled and shook, the dirt around them lifting slightly.
Gaven was beside her in an instant. The walls contorted, limbs of stone spearing from it, aiming directly at Morna. The thing laughed. “It’s in your best interest to give in, Amana. The others already knew your Queen’s location. It is only a matter of time before the rest of their plans fall into place.”
“Who,” Nina commanded, “who knew her location?”
The Jinn put their hands up in defeat. “Only a few drops of blood. I swear it.”
She watched the creature for a long moment. Nina squeezed her palm so fresh blood would flow and held it through the bars. Yes, itwas crazy. But so was not taking an opportunity to keep her Court safe.
Morna was beneath her palm in an instant, mouth open like a starving animal.
Nina’s blood dripped into it, and she had to look away at the pure delight the creature drank it with. She looked at Gaven instead, who looked back and forth between the Jinn and her. He gave her an incredulous look but said nothing.
“The Jinn have been long divided,” Morna started, wiping the corner of their mouth with the back of their clawed hands. “Some want the Jinn gate closed, such as yourselves. Others want it torn completely open. Those others are the ones who pose a threat to the Yarrow heiress.”
“Why would any of you want it closed?” Gaven said. “It gives you direct access to... food.” He grimaced, eyeing the blood that dripped from Nina’s hand now tucked to her side.
“Our Void Magic, or Dark Magic as you idiots call it, is being constantly stolen.” Morna sighed, “We want it back and in our dimension, only.”
Nina and Gaven were silent. Although she didn’t want to admit it… it wasn’t too unbelievable.
“And these others... are they who found Sol in Yavenharrow?” Nina was too anxious to realize the slip-up, realizing the Semmena Court thought she was from Graniela. The Wind Dancer only gave her a small smile and nod. The secret would be safe.
“Yes,” Morna said. “We had been protecting her all this time. We slipped up.”
“Let’s say all this is true.” Gaven arched his brow. “Why tell us?”
