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“Well look who I found all huddled together as if we don’t have a million things to do,” Ellie said. Her sister carried a bowl in each hand with a chunk of bread sticking out from the top of each.

Arianna’s heart jolted “Is there something you need help with?”

“No, I’m just teasing. Both of you do need to eat though.” Ellie passed the bowls to them and Rion didn’t even hesitate before digging in. Ellie just stared and it took Rion a moment to notice.

Her sister smiled. “Well, I guess that finally settles that.” Rion offered Ellie the shadow of a smile. “Sorry, it’s probably bland. We should have recruited Arianna to make it, but we didn’t want to disturb you guys.”

“Trust me,” Rion said. “This is a feast compared to—” Rion stopped himself and glanced sidelong at his mate. “Well, it’s a feast." Arianna wondered if he would ever feel comfortable enough to share his story. If he did, she’d be sure to listen to every detail.

“And before you go and try to offer him yours,” Ellie said, pointing a spoon at her sister. “There’s plenty to go around. I’ll gladly go get you both a second bowl. Gods know you both need it.”

Ellie wasn’t wrong, but Arianna’s face still flushed with embarrassment. Rion had lost weight being tortured, but she’d lost weight because she’d given up and refused to move. It was just another reminder of that weakness she was trying so desperately to purge from her body. Even if Niall had likely been the cause of it.

Arianna looked her mate over. She’d healed his wounds, but he had only rested for a short while. He’d been locked in captivity for months, then had fought for his life just a few short days ago. Maybe she’d made her decision too quickly.

“I think you should stay behind,” Arianna finally said.

Rion didn’t even look up from his food. “That’s not an option.”

“You need rest.”

“I need you.” The sudden intensity in his gaze had Ellie turning to face Kirian, who had just arrived with two more bowls in hand. Talon wasn’t far off and she noticed he’d slowed his steps.

Rion lowered his voice, but it did little good with so many Fae around. “I can’t be without you. Not again. Not after—” His voice caught and Arianna rested a hand on his forearm. She wouldn’t put him through any more pain or stress.

“Fair enough.” Because the truth was, she needed him, too. “We’ll face Niall and everything he throws at us together.”

“All right,” Ellie said. “Don’t get sappy. You all act as if we’re not going to see tomorrow.” Ellie laid back and folded her hands behind her head. “I personally plan to march in there and kick Niall’s ass right off the edge of that city.” They all chuckled and Talon joined their circle.

“You two get some rest,” Ellie said. “I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Are you sure?” Arianna asked.

Talon cut her sister off and said, “We have an early start and if we have to fight tomorrow, I’d rather do so knowing you two are well-rested.”

Rion smirked. “Forced to fight alongside your enemy again.”

Talon didn’t rise to the challenge. Instead he said, “Enemy? I had rather thought we were past that.” And Arianna swore something passed between the two that couldn’t be put into words. Not quite friendship, but a step in the right direction. A brick to begin building.

Chapter Eight-six

Arianna

They moved with dawn, just as her father had promised. Arianna rode on horseback at the front of their line with Rion and The High Lord of Móirín at her side. Ellie, Saoirse, Raevina, Talon, Zylah, and Gavin rode behind them in two single file lines. Their small army followed on foot.

Kirian had been stationed at the rear to assist those who would carry supplies into the village below. He would also help prepare the villagers for evacuation should things take a heated turn. Eimear and the children had stayed back at the safe house along with a handful of guards.

Eimear wanted to fight, Arianna could see it in the female’s eyes, but even she knew she was too weak to be anything more than a hindrance. They had promised to keep Niall alive if they could help it, if only so Eimear could look him in the eye and end him herself.

Four warriors from Pádraigín rode just outside their line keeping their advancing group hidden from the watchful eyes of Ruadhán. Without them, their advance would have been far riskier.

Arianna had replayed the plan in her mind at least a hundred times since waking. She’d almost called the whole thing off at breakfast, but Zylah had caught her attention and the months they’d both spent shackled came rushing back as a reminder of why she couldn’t afford to falter.

There were half-breeds who needed their help, and Arianna had promises to keep.

The sun continued to hide behind thick rolling clouds as they arrived at the edge of the village. A village the citizens of Ruadhán cared very little about.

It showed in the way some of the roofs sagged and in the cracks along the foundations. In the fields that weren’t quite as lush as they could be and in the animals that were just a bit too thin.