Page 50 of Temptation Unleashed (Talaenian Fae #3)

Thaddeus remained quiet. What was he to say? Despite their centuries of estrangement, Shaye beat him with more truths than he believed possible. His spurred words hit like spikes, a merciless continuum of harsh reality with pristine clarity.

“You, Thaddeus, had a chance at greatness. You threw it away for someone who abandoned you without a second thought, and left you to die on my land. Still, I find myself pitying you more and more. Pitying your circumstances. Most of all, in those last few words you spoke to me before falling unconscious, I recognized pieces of the man I believed far too lost to ever be found again.”

With a gentle breeze of magic, Shaye cleaned up the shattered cup and spilt tea, and presented a new cup to Thaddeus. Thaddeus arched a brow.

“My cousin created the brew in hopes of reversing the reciprocal spell attached to you from whomever performed your healing. I assume ’twas one of the traitor High Fae who went missing at the time of the battle.”

Thaddeus accepted the second cup of tea, but did not drink. He held Shaye’s indecipherable gaze, trying to read the man he’d once been able to understand simply by being near and reading his energy. So much time had passed; so much had changed.

“Aye,” Thaddeus offered quietly. Shaye lifted his chin a hairsbreadth, a silent inquiry. “What have you heard?”

“There are rumors of a rebellion in the making.”

Shaye took up his tea and sipped it leisurely, turning his back to Thaddeus.

’Twas the first indication from him that he did not perceive Thaddeus as a threat.

Thaddeus waited a few moments before following Shaye to the floor-to-ceiling glassless window—the only opening to the outdoors within this room—and gazed upon the mountainous slope and small piece of green grass far below.

Shaye leaned against the stone balustrade, angled away from the mountainside.

Thaddeus stepped up to the narrow area beside him, leaning his elbows on the stone and cupping his tea between his hands.

“Grison has recruited a few dozen Fae to embark on a rebellion, aye. Cecir is part of this new movement. Their goal is to usurp the king and destroy all Fae who mingle with mortals or are of mixed blood.”

“With the ease of your disclosure, I’m inclined to assume you’re not part of this new movement.”

“Grison and Cecir pulled me off your land, healed my wounds, and hoped to weaponize me to forge ahead with their plan.” Thaddeus chuckled coolly. “Alas, they misjudged me in their rather distorted plans, for I am no weapon and will not be controlled by the likes of Grison.”

“He did have an unscrupulous way about him. He was forthcoming about his plan, which I find surprising.”

“You mustn’t know Grison, then. The imbecile thrives off gloating about his greatness and impending rise to power.

He truly believes he can overthrow Dagda, a futile endeavor, for we all know Dagda is indestructible.

” Thaddeus braced himself for a mouthful of bitterness as he took a slow drink of tea. “Goddess, this is terrible.”

“As is the spell woven through your heart.”

Twisting the cup beneath his nose, he scrunched his nose at the aroma.

“They fear my power and tried to protect themselves against retaliation, should I decide to abandon their cause. Which, ’tis obvious, I was never in agreement with to start.

Cecir failed to incorporate my blade into the spell.

I’ve been able to use my hands or physical weapons in defense, but no direct magic. ”

“Arriving on my doorstep, you certainly appeared to have used magic.”

Darkness curled, cold and deadly, in his chest. “Rori was targeted by Grison. I was left with no choice but to use magic to protect her.” He took another drink.

“To protect my brother and Cassy. Those measly Fae bastards used illusion magic to weaken me before the true ambush. Between Cael and myself, I believe we cut down eight men. I had already removed nine the eve prior when they came for Rori.” With a shake of his head, he scowled.

“And she still took a blade in her back to save me when I accepted my fate.”

“Being gifted with your anam cara is complicated, Thaddeus. The desire to protect goes both ways.” Shaye shifted, turning away from the outdoors and back to the room.

“I’ve spoken with Cael. He explained everything to me, from his perspective.

How could you hold a blade to your own brother’s throat? ”

“’Twas more a strategy of intimidation. I wouldn’t have followed through with an order as absurd as killing my own brother for any movement.

I was attempting to unravel Grison’s intentions, investigating my brother’s lifestyle, and learning what restrictions were placed upon my magic in those first couple of days.

Everything changed when Rori stepped into Cael’s home that eve.

I didn’t realize it immediately, I hadn’t wanted to, but Cael knew she would be the one to save me from myself. ”

“A lost soul can provide naught for another until ’tis found.”

Thaddeus pushed off the balustrade and rolled out his stiff shoulders. “’Tis cruel, for she came too late. All I can do is hope to keep her safe and protect her heart from the pain she’ll suffer when I’m no longer here.”

“What I would suggest, if I may, is that you cherish this time with her and leave her with good memories she can hold tight to when she’s alone.

Cease your attempts to push her away. She deserves her anam cara , however long you are given.

’Tis a blessing not to be shunned. Strength is found with love and is lost with neglect. ”

“Cael knows not when to keep his mouth closed.”

“He’s never been particularly good at filtering information, but he’s frank, which is commendable.

” He pushed away from the window. “Rihanna’s been tending to Rori while you’ve healed.

Moira will be joining my sister on the morrow, as she’s occupied with our sons.

Horano has made sure your wardrobe is stocked while you’re here.

The cuffs you don prevent you from leaving my home.

Keep in mind, your mere presence beneath my roof will bring Dagda’s wrath upon me.

’Tis best to remain secreted within these walls until all threats to your anam cara , your brother and his partner are addressed.

Be mindful when you walk the corridors that you may not be well received among all my family and friends, but no harm shall befall you under my instruction. ”

Thaddeus had abandoned the glimpse of freedom of the outdoors as Shaye spoke, returning to the bed as Shaye crossed toward the door.

Weakness spread through his muscles, exhausting him on a vicious wave.

He finished his tea and placed the empty cup on the nightstand before lowering himself to the edge of the bed.

“You risk much by keeping me. Mayhap ’tis best I return and handle Grison.”

“You’re in no shape or strength to confront him.

We’ll discuss logistics another time. How many men he has, where he hides, details I can pass along to Dagda.

For now, heed my advice.” He paused at the door and looked back at Thaddeus.

A flicker of sadness passed across his expression before it disappeared.

A foreshadowing of how this would all end.

“Enjoy your time with Rori. Allow her the gift of you .”

Shaye’s words pressed deep into his soul. All this time, he believed he was protecting her by keeping her at a distance until he buckled. As he watched the man pull open the door, conflict stirred, warring within him.

“I now understand the emotions that come with one’s anam cara . The drive to protect and the fury when she is harmed. The sacrifices we’re willing to make for the sake of our beloved.”

Shaye paused, one foot through the doorway. He quirked a brow.

“I understand the truth of emotions. When the way we feel goes so deep we can’t begin to perceive where it starts.

’Tis as if there is no beginning nor end, for those feelings go on forever.

What I once believed to be true was naught more than infatuation.

It doesn’t begin to compare to that which consumes me now.

Rori has…changed me, and I’m still working to embrace the changes.

Alas, to put her in a compromising position as I do your Moira, I still don’t understand why you would risk everything for an enemy.

I am grateful for your help, and forever indebted to you, but?—”

“You are not my enemy, Thaddeus. You are your own enemy. As for the risk, aye. Much is at risk, but innocents are being protected from a common enemy. A true enemy.” The corner of his mouth lifted.

“Ultimately, you can thank Moira for finding it in her heart to forgive your atrocities and encourage me in my decision to lend my aid. ’Twas her sympathy and selfless acceptance at your arrival that allowed me enough comfort to take you in and heal you.

” Shaye waved a hand. “Rest. I’ll bring a meal tray to you this eve. ”

“I’d like to see Rori.”

“Gather your strength. You’ll see her soon enough. ”

He was not granted time to rest before Cael stormed into the room, rushed straight to where he rose to stand beside the bed, and cracked him in the jaw with a mind-blowing punch that flung him onto the mattress.

Thaddeus lifted himself onto his forearms, stared, stunned, at the blanket as stars twinkled through his left eye, and the metallically sweet essence of blood seeped between his teeth.

The throb of pain blossomed into a bone-splitting sting a moment later that shattered his shock.

He grimaced, brushing his fingers over the tender area of his face as he pushed himself upright.

“ Bloody hell .” Thaddeus shifted his jaw, cringing at the shooting ache that traveled through his skull. He cut his gaze up to his enraged brother. “What the bloody fuck was that for?”