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Talon resumed walking. “You can feel emotions down the bond, right?” His voice was clipped. Uncomfortable, but at least he was attempting conversation. Rion supposed he could do the same.

“Somewhat. I think they become stronger as the bond solidifies.” It was strong, like a braided rope holding them together. But rope could be severed and he’d do nothing to risk such a thing.

“Don’t do anything that might upset her.” Talon said. “If she thinks there’s something wrong, she’ll come running.” He already knew that, but Rion found himself wondering about the things he didn’t know. Arianna had lived an intricate life before she’d been stolen away. There was so much to learn about her and Rion had a myriad of questions.

They continued through the city quickly and crossed the bridge at Levea’s eastern gate. The two veered right, then a rather large house entered their view. It was nestled between several trees, giving the illusion of solitude despite being so close to the main city.

A wraparound porch greeted them first, complete with several swings hanging from the roof and tables decorated with floral arrangements. Gardens lined the edges, but a dirt path was the only thing leading up to the stairs.

A stream flowed nearby and several fountains with trickling water stood every few feet. Everything in Móirín had water around it in one form or another.

His sister burst from the swinging door before they even made it near the porch. She stood at the edge of the steps, her feet bare, dressed in a simple pair of loose blue pants and matching shirt. Her shoulder-length blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders.

Her appearance surprised him. He’d expected to find her armed in the presence of their enemy, but then, Móirín had only been an enemy for a decade. She’d had many friends here before the war.

Guilt flew through him. A war he’d caused.

Her gaze darted between the two, then she placed her hands on her hips. “It’s about time, what took you so long?”

Rion gave her a grimaced smile. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

Saoirse waved a hand in disgust. “Spare me the details. There’s a lot I’d like to know about my little brother, but what he does behind closed doors isn’t one of them.”

Rion closed the distance and Saoirse wrinkled her nose at Talon. “Are you required to have an escort?”

“Arianna requested it. She didn’t want me running into trouble.”

Saoirse’s gaze softened. She knew what kind of life he’d lived in Nàdiar.

In an air of politeness that didn’t quite reach her eyes, Saoirse gestured to Talon. “Do you want to come in?”

Talon shook his head and his sister seemed to sag with relief. “I’ll occupy myself elsewhere while you talk. I’d head back, but if I go without him,” Talon inclined his head. “I’m afraid Arianna would venture outside the city gates on her own.”

“All right then. Well, if you need anything, you know the staff better than I do. Help yourself."

Talon nodded, then Saoirse opened the door and Rion ventured inside.

His sister wasted no time and headed straight for the kitchen, putting on a kettle to boil water. She stared at it, her expression changing as her mind wandered. He’d seen that look a hundred times.

Rion turned from her to study the cabin. It seemed comfortable, complete with a three cushioned gray sofa on one side, beige blankets draped over the back and dark end tables at its sides. A bowl of chocolates even sat on one, and judging from the empty wrappers, Saoirse was enjoying them.

A bookshelf stood against the opposite wall and Rion wandered toward it, running his fingers over the titles.

“You seem calmer now.” Saoirse held a glass in her hand, but Rion knew it wasn’t tea. She leaned against the counter, studying him with a careful eye.

He let his hand fall from the books. “I guess I am.”

Saoirse tapped her fingers on the counter. “Have you spoken with Avalon?”

“Arianna didn’t feel it was a good idea.”

“I see.” Silence.

“I should have visited sooner.”

“You really should have.” Her voice cracked, but she turned away before Rion could see whatever emotion covered her face. His heart filled with aching guilt. The last time he’d seen her, he’d told Saoirse he’d had enough. That he couldn’t handle this life without Arianna.

“I—” He stopped himself, searching for the right words. He’d spent a month with his sister. They’d rekindled their relationship, but the years that’d separated them felt like a wide chasm capable of swallowing that newfound relationship whole.