The Bound Blood
The mountain storm raged outside the high library windows with wild fury.
The heavy stone floor of the vault grew colder with every passing minute. Frost began to creep across the lower glass panes in thick white patterns. My breath came out in small white clouds in the dark air.
Cassian stood near the high shelves with his dark cloak wrapped tight around his shoulders. He was staring at the small iron stove in the corner of the room.
"We need a fire," Cassian said, "The storm will freeze this tower before morning."
I wrapped my thin grey cloak around my body and walked over to him. "There is no wood in here Cassian. Only paper."
Cassian did not answer. He walked over to an old wooden crate sitting near the back wall.
He lifted his heavy steel boot and kicked the cr
