His solemn face makes my stomach churn. It’s one thing to hear the threat from Em—I’ve known her to exaggerate the smallest of things—but to have Llyr say it...
“But whatarethey?” I sign. Dangerous as it may be, I have so many questions, and I want—no,need—to know more. “Why are they called moonborn? What is a moon?”
Llyr shakes his head, his mouth a thin, tight line.
“And what about the tall shadow that follows the minister around?” I pause, trying to recall the sign Em used. “The...umbra?”
Llyr stares at me, his face draining of color with a terror that chills me to the bone,and just like Em, his gaze darts around as if to make sure there’s no one nearby.
He blinks, his expression now cut from stone.
Turning his back on me, he strides toward his workbench. His broad back blocks my view, but I hear a drawer opening and closing. Facing me once more, the rough wood of the bench creaks softly as he leans back.
“I will ask you one more time, Laïna,” he says, piercing me with his green eyes. “Where did you learn of such things?” His voice is tense, devoid of any semblance of his usual relaxed tone. “Who told you? Ineedto know.” His voice has turned into a plea. “I doubt it was at the Coperie house. Although people will talk about almost anything in front of a property, even that has its limits.” He wipes his forehead.
Is he sweating? “It’s obvious that this information holds great value...” I sign. “So, if you don’t know of anyone who’ll pay for it, I am sure I can find someone who does.” Eyes averted, I steel myself against his disapproval. The brace may make it impossible for me to lie, but I can skirt the truth.
I startle as he sinks into the chair beside me—I didn't even hear him move.Leaning forward, he buries his face in his broad calloused hands. “Dear Mah, help me.”
His voice is a whisper, the words spoken so softly they are clearly not intended for me to hear. And although his desperate plea makes me wonder who this Mah is, I stay silent.
He removes his hands from his face, and his eyes seek mine. “If anyone hears about this...” He lets out a heavy sigh filled with resignation, and I wisely decide not to tell him that Emma already knows. The Father willing, she’ll keep her mouth shut.
“I’ll pay,” he says, his voice a mix of desperation and determination.
“You?” I frown. “You never pay me for information. You tell me who will pay the most for it, and...” My hands stop. He's never offered to pay before—he’s always been the middleman, pointing me toward buyers. Why would he suddenly want this for himself? Unless ... “It was never about who would pay the most, was it? It was whoyouthought should have it.” I glare at him. Has he been using me to play his own game? Not that it matters, as long as I earn enough iron to buy my freedom in the end.
“Relax, Laïna.” He lifts his hands in surrender. “You can trust me. Now, why don’t you tell me the whole story?” He gives me an encouraging nod to get me started.
Determined not to let him trick me into saying anything before we have an agreement, I keep my hands still.
Llyr throws his head back, a low growl escaping his throat.
He sits back up. “Name your price.”
“Freedom,” I insist, although it’s a preposterous request.
He leans forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees. He doesn’t dismiss my request right away, and the silly little spark of hope that refuses to die flares up inside of me. I watch each rise and fall of his breath as he stares at his boots for a long time. Could it be...?
He jerks back up so quickly I almost spill my milk. “Deal,” he says.
My heart skips. “You mean it?”
He nods. “Now tell me the entire story.” He leans back in his chair. “And for the sake of the gods, remove that veil and use your voice.” He waves toward my veil. “All this signing gives me a headache.”
I blink.Gods?I must have misheard. Then, realizing what he suggested, my cheeks heat.
“Oh, come on now, Laïna. I have watched you since you were a toddler. I have heard your voice before. I’ve seen your face...” He lifts his bushy white eyebrows.
“But that was before I was property,” I sign. “It’s considered sacrilegious for someone to see the mouth of, or speak directlyto—”
He cuts me off. “If you are to be a free person, start practicing.” Resting ankle on knee, he leans back in his chair. “Now, let’s start from the beginning, shall we?” He makes a gesture, signaling for me to pull my veil off.
I hesitate, fingers trembling as I remove the small piece of fabric, feeling vulnerable and exposed without its concealment.
“Satisfied?” A grimace crosses my face at the sound of my voice.
Llyr gives a curt nod, gesturing for me to go on.
