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“Of course. And Niall is going to answer for everything he’s done,” Arianna said.

“Niall is mine.” Eimear’s voice was so demanding that they all fell silent and turned toward her. “I get to end him.”

No one disagreed. If anyone had earned the right to punish Niall, it was Eimear.

“Stealth will be key,” Talon said. Arianna could already see the gears turning in his brain. “We’ll prioritize rescuing the half-breeds, then we’ll see how many are willing to stand against Niall.”

“And if it turns out we’re outnumbered, then we’ll retreat with the hostages and regroup in Levea,” Arianna said.

They all murmured their agreement, then set to making plans.

Chapter Eighty-three

Saoirse

Saoirse found Zylah behind the cabin watching the children chase one another through the small clearing and between the trees. Their laughter filled the air, sparking pleasant memories that dragged a smile to Saoirse’s lips. It was a welcome sound after arguing with their queen for thirty minutes.

Their group had almost unanimously agreed that Arianna should go back to Levea for her own protection. Avalon had added that Ellie and Rion should accompany her and both sisters had cried out in outrage.

Saoirse had to give them props. They certainly weren’t cowards.

Zylah eyed her once before turning back to face the children. The pair stood in awkward silence and Saoirse ensured she kept her distance.

She’d been pushing too hard. The female wanted her physically but that was the extent of things. Saoirse had been a fool not to listen to her. Now, Saoirse might very well have to bid her mate farewell for good.

“You didn’t tell me you got the children out,” Zylah said.

One screamed in delight when another rounded a tree and tagged them before running off again. At least the rain had let up for a while.

“Not all of them,” Saoirse said, knowing there were still at least a dozen more left at Niall’s mercy. They’d been in another room when Whelan had found her and told her what they needed to do. Going after them would have revealed their intent to Niall in some way.

“I’m sorry about her,” Zylah said. “The female Niall—the female from the tavern, I mean. I’m sorry about what happened to her.” Right, because when Saoirse had first met Zylah, she’d caught her gawking at the female while sipping her ale.

“Me, too,” Saoirse said. Silence fell between them again.

Zylah sighed. “Let me guess, you’re here to beg me not to go.”

“Quite the opposite. I wondered if you knew how to defend yourself.”

“Are you implying something?”

“Not at all. I’m asking about your background and whether you’ve undergone any training.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then I’d ask if I could show you a few things. We have a couple of days before the rest of Avalon’s warriors get here. I see no sense in wasting valuable time.”

Zylah scoffed. “You think you can turn me into some kind of elite warrior in just two days?”

“No, but I can show you a few moves that might save your life in the event someone gets around that magic of yours.” Saoirse hoped it was strong. It had certainly felt strong and controlled when the female had shoved her on her ass.

Zylah faced her. “I thought you were going to leave me alone.”

Saoirse swallowed hard, “I said after all this is over, and clearly, it most certainly isn’t. The least I can do is ensure your survival.”

Zylah looked her up and down. “I don’t want to be ridiculed.”

“I won’t ridicule you, nor will I make any sort of demeaning comments. I’ve trained plenty of novices and it gets a commander nowhere to bring down those who are trying to learn.”