Bound by Ravens (Bound by Ravens, #1)

by Jesikah Sundin

“Three years left,” I whispered in confession, biting back the angry tears. “Catching the witch’s ring would have reduced it to one. This curse, our temporary mate bond, your ownership has cost me my dream to open an apothecary shop.” Finn lowered a hand to caress my cheek, his pale eyes darkening. “Promise me, love,” he whispered back. “Promise me you’ll open that apothecary shop the moment you’re free.” “Is this a bargain?” I asked, my lips trembling. Shite, I would not break down. “Aye, make this bargain with me.” “Why do you even care?” His hand cupped my face as he stepped in closer. “The witch’s ring would have freed me from Corbie. Lass, I have been owned since I was four years old.” My breath caught. “Owned and traded away as an Outsider slave by my Traveler blood foster parents.” His thumb caressed the corner of my lip. “I don’t want to own you, Taryn. I only want to own myself.” I blinked back the heaviness settling on me. “I . . . I didn’t kno—” “No pity, love. No fussing. I’m twenty-three, been thieving my whole life, and accepted this fate long ago.” Why he evaded my questions about his history with the mainland now made sense. My soul was cracking. “I’ll promise you, Finnan Ó Brannon, but only if you promise to claim something you want the moment you’re free too. It’s only fair.” The heartbreak I noticed at the pond returned to his eyes and softened the curve of his lips. “I promise you, Taryn Hunt.” “Then I promise, too. Now,” I said, placing my hands on his...

OH GOD GODS