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“Cause they’re not awkward now.”

Ellie chuckled. “You two will figure it out once we settle in at Ruadhán.”

“Are you nervous?” Arianna asked, feeling the same butterflies soar through her that she’d experienced earlier.

“Hell no, I was born for this. What’s to miss?”

A lot, Arianna wanted to say. The familiar sights and smells of home. A comfortable bed where one could fall asleep knowing they’re safe. Familiar faces that smiled in greeting with no ulterior motive. Loved ones willing to protect their own.

“Is Kirian coming?”

A wide smile spread across Ellie’s face. “He sure is. His mom is worried, but she’s also excited. It’s not like the royal city has its doors open to come and go as you please.”

“Or pictures.”

Ellie giggled. “I’m telling everyone everything there is to know about the place as soon as I get back.”

Arianna laughed, knowing the secrets of Ruadhán were about to be made public.

“Okay, let’s try this on,” Ellie said. “And please tell me you two are staying in your room tonight instead of that dusty guest house.”

“It’s not dusty,” Arianna argued.

“Yeah well, the tub sucks and you deserve a long, hot bath before we parade you in front of the world.”

Chapter Twelve

Rion

The two males marched through the compound in silence with Rion trailing just behind Talon. Rion could sense the male’s reluctance, though Talon didn’t express the animosity Rion expected at being asked to escort him. He seemed to be taking the request quite seriously.

And as much as he loathed to be in the male’s company, Arianna was right in requesting it. The eyes that had followed him when he’d walked through the city with Ellie were the same gazes that stared him down now. All with a deep-seated hatred he’d more than earned.

Rion carefully watched each sentinel they passed. Avalon had made his daughter a promise, but Rion wasn’t one to rely on such things. He knew better. Words were empty. They accomplished nothing. At least, that’s what he’d always believed before Arianna.

Gods, how had their paths crossed so perfectly? She was the light in the darkness. A sweet summer rain after a long drought. Perfect and resilient and full of hope. He deserved none of it, yet he drank it up greedily, like a man starved for bread. To feel her soft skin against his was a drug. To know every sweet caress came from a place of love was his addiction.

He’d craved it for so long. Feared it even longer.

Curious gazes drew his attention. Confused, but not resentful. He’d saved more than a handful during their battle with Fiadh and he’d fought beside one of their commanders rather than against him. The same male he followed now.

Pain lanced through Rion’s core from the memories. Ellie’s body, Arianna’s desperation, and the look of relief on her face when he’d showed up at just the right time. A lump formed in his throat. He’d almost been too late. He’d almost lost her and—

A tug on the bond. Rion sucked in a sharp breath and Talon turned, regarding him oddly before he resumed walking.

Rion brushed the memories aside for another day. Right now needed to keep his feelings in check for Arianna’s sake, especially if he didn’t want her running from the estate to find him. Not that he’d mind.

Rion tried sending feelings of reassurance down the bond, but he couldn’t be sure if they made it. The entire concept wasn’t just new, it was entirely impossible. He was The Demon. He was an affront to nature. And the gods had still somehow seen fit to bless him in the most beautiful of ways. He’d gladly walk the path of heartache again if it meant winding up in Arianna’s arms.

Rion tried to focus on the male walking before him. His posture was steady, his footsteps smooth and sure. Talon wasn’t a timid male, but nor was he arrogant. He understood his strengths and weaknesses and Rion knew the male would lay down his life for Arianna. It was one of the many reasons Rion found himself glad to have Talon accompanying them to Ruadhán.

Rion briefly wondered what Talon thought of him now. Did the male still view him as nothing more than The Demon? An enemy? Had earning Arianna’s affections caused more hatred or less?

Another light tug on the bond and he paused, turning to stare toward the estate looming in the distance.

Talon turned with him, concern twisting his features. “Everything all right?”

Rion brought one hand to his chest. “The bond is . . . strange.” Like she lived in a fragment of his soul.