Bound by Spells (Bound Series Book 2) Read Free

relationship—from the first person to ever pursue me, spend time getting to know me, and truly fight for me—broke through the walls I'd been trying to build. The ones that were supposed to make me strong and give me purpose. As I rolled to my side and pulled my knees to my chest, I slammed my eyes closed and repeated that I was doing the right thing, over and over. No part of me believed it, but there was no turning back now.
    I woke up to a commotion in the hallway. The voices were loud, but muffled through the door. I scrambled out of the bed to press my ear to the old, thick wood. I could hear a woman whose voice sounded familiar, but the damn door was blocking too much of the sound. She was yelling, arguing with someone. Their voices grew louder, meaning they were moving closer.
    I backed away from the door, worried Queen Julia was finally coming. Concerned over not having my power for protection, I dove into the pile of clothes from last night and ripped my bracelet from the hoodie pocket, clutching it in my hands as I stood. In the same moment, the door started to open and I heard, “I am so sorry, Aunt Ryannon. I didn’t expect to see you here and these Hunters have never met you. They don’t understand who you are.”
    Micah pushed through the door and the last person I expected to see followed him in. My mouth dropped open as Rynna strode into the room in full regalia. A long, fitted gown, her hair curled and styled in a beautiful up-do, and jewels sparkling from her neck and ears.
    “Rynna?” I whispered. Micah gave me a knowing smile, only baffling me further. I didn't have a chance to ask another question before she ran across the room and pulled me into a hug. I stood still, confusion muddling my thoughts as words I didn’t hear and couldn’t fully understand spilled from her mouth.
    Finally, Rynna pulled away and shook my shoulders. “Amelia Bradbury. Look at me.” Her sharp tone, the one I’d heard every time I'd been in trouble over the years, pulled me back to the present. My eyes finally connected to hers and I saw so many things. Apologies. Regrets. Relief.
    “Listen to me, dear.” She cupped my cheek in her palm. “I know none of this makes sense, but we don’t have much time. I had to dress the part and Julia can’t know I’m here, so I can’t stay long. Mikail, can you please give us a minute?” She gave Micah a cool look, making it clear it wasn’t a request he should turn down.
    His royal upbringing took over as he responded, “Yes, Aunt. Of course. I’ll be just outside.” He dipped his head and quietly left.
    Rynna pulled me toward the bed and we sat. She grasped my hand and part of me wanted to pull away while the other wanted to bury my head in her lap and beg her to fix it all, as I had when I was a child. But, she couldn't fix it then and I doubted she could fix it now.
    “Amelia, you aren’t safe here. There’s only so much I can do for you right now, so I’m here to explain what you must remember once she takes you away. You must listen. Are you listening?
    I nodded, still stunned Rynna was sitting in my enchanted bedroom. Rynna, who was actually Ryannon, the Queen’s sister.
    “Mikail spoke the truth. I am his aunt and the Queen’s sister. But, many years ago, I made a choice to walk away from this family and this life and I’ve never looked back, outside of my communication with Mikail. Especially not after what happened to your mother. I had a responsibility to you, your brother, and your father. It was my family who did these unspeakable things and I had to help in any way I could. Our life, our relationship…none of it was a lie. I love you, Amelia. I love your brother. And even though your father wouldn’t allow me to explain everything I wanted to you, I tried my best to help and protect you. It is exactly what I’m doing now. Do you have your mother’s cuff?”
    I gripped it tighter in my fist as I recoiled a little, instantly on alert. I heard her