“No, no,” Marcellious said. “We find your story quite fascinating. We’ve heard of these Timehunters.”
Osman’s jaw went slack. “You have?”
“Yes,” I said smoothly. “I’ve studied Timehunters, Timebounds, and Timebornes under a scholar. Come.”
I clapped him on the back. “Allow us to buy you a drink. We’d like to hear more.”
Osman narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering behind them. “You’re just trying to set me up.”
“Not at all,” I assured him. “If there’s danger, we want to know about it.”
I inclined my head toward the bar, signaling Marcellious to fetch an ale.
Marcellious nodded, handing me his stein before departing to fetch Osman’s drink.
I guided the young man toward a recently vacated table. The rough wood was worn and splintered from years of use.
“Why do you believe me?” Osman asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. “No one else in this room does.”
“Because I’ve seen things,” I said, leaning in. “I’ve witnessed the depravity of the Timehunters with my own eyes.”
Osman’s breath hitched. “Have you?”
His hands pressed firmly against the table as if grounding himself.
Marcellious returned, setting a full stein in front of Osman before taking his seat.
“Thank you,” Osman murmured. “You’re both very kind.” He squared his shoulders. “My name is Osman Suleyman Aydin.”
“Marcellious Demarrias,” Marcellious said, lifting his drink before taking a long swig.
I nodded. “Roman Alexander.”
Osman swallowed several mouthfuls of ale, then exhaled heavily. “My future wife and I traveled here from the Ottoman Empire. We intended to be married.”
His gaze darted around the room before he lowered his voice.
“We were searching for answers—for something called the Moon Dagger.”
My grip tightened on my stein. I turned to Marcellious. His expression was unreadable, but an unspoken understanding passed between us.
“Go on,” I said, taking a measured sip of ale. “Why were you searching for the Moon Dagger?”
Osman let out a heavy sigh. “We were led to believe it could help us. My beloved… she is what is known as a Timebound.”
My stomach clenched.
Osman ran a hand down his face before continuing. “And then… Raul Costa found us. We fought. And I haven’t seen Reyna since.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, then grabbed his stein and drained it in one go.
“I’m certain Costa has killed her,” he said, grief-filled. His eyes shone in the smoky light, unshed tears glistening. “I’ve searched everywhere, but I can’t find her.”
He squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment.
“I have to kill Costa.” His voice was steady now, sharp with resolve. “He is my enemy. I won’t leave until I find answers.” His hands clenched into fists. “Costa is a dangerous man. If he finds out that the solar eclipse isonly months away, he’ll hunt down every woman bound to give birth during that time… and kill the child.”
A chill raced down my spine.
