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“Why?” But Arianna stopped herself as memories began flooding back. It had been a pact between her, Ellie, and Talon made years ago. They were to return home for the event no matter where life took them. A promise between friends to reconnect no matter how busy their lives became.

And she’d missed the last one. An ache flew through her chest. Another blistering wound she was sure would never heal.

Ellie’s smile faded and the shadows of her nightmare returned.

Rion was behind his mate before she realized he’d moved. He wrapped one arm around her middle and drew her close, placing a gentle kiss on the nape of her neck.

Ellie cocked her head in a playful smile. “You have to share.”

Rion held her closer and Arianna felt her instincts rise as the two stared at one another. The Fae world had always questioned whether males or females were more territorial. She’d like to believe she had more self-control than most, but after yesterday’s incident—

“It’s just going to be Talon and me. I promise.”

Talon. Her heart tugged again. Ellie had told her about the male he’d been trying to get information from and she knew Talon was busy with other tasks, but he hadn’t been to visit her since his return. Not once. She glanced at her mate. She knew they’d fought beside one another, but would they get along now?

“I want to, but—”

“I know, I know. Growl and carry on all you want, but you’re coming.”

“This afternoon?”

Ellie’s face lit up. “Yep. I’ll clear the area and swing by to pick you up. Got to make sure you don’t skip out on me.” She winked, then pivoted on her heel and marched back down the path, past the pillars of ice Arianna kept up as a barrier around the guest house.

Arianna closed the door and leaned against it. Rion was there then, his lips devouring hers and hands tracing her body until their robes hit the floor and they found themselves in the safety of their blankets once again.

His essence consumed her. She relished in the gentle caress of his touch and the way the sensations brought her body to life. He chased away her worries and erased her fears with a single touch.

And Arianna would have it no other way.

***

Rion kissed her forehead and tightened his grip, cradling her body against his chest. She’d curled up on her side, idly playing with the sheet that covered them.

“What’s your favorite color?” he asked.

Arianna paused, trying to process the simple question. She propped herself up on one elbow and looked at his face to find him wholly serious. “What do you mean?” She couldn’t hide the smile in her voice.

Rion played with a lock of her hair. “I want to know your favorite color.”

She tilted her head, studying the firelight dancing in his emerald gaze. “Green.”

Rion chuckled. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.” She relaxed back into him, relishing his warmth. “It’s the color of nature. The trees, the grass, and sometimes the ocean when the currents shift. It represents life.” He was silent for so long that Arianna tilted her head to look at him again. “What’s yours?”

“You’ll laugh.”

“I won’t.”

“I’d rather just focus on you.”

She pushed him down into the pillows. “You can’t just ask questions and not expect me to ask them back. I want to know as much about you as you do me.” She folded her hands on his chest and rested her chin there. “Now tell me.”

“Black.”

Arianna furrowed her brow. “Why black?”

His gaze swam with the emptiness she wanted to avoid. “It’s the color of shadows.” She stared. “I’ve always been more comfortable hidden away from the world.”