Page 78 of The Freedom You Seek

Soon, my expression sobered. “What happened yesterday? That creature—”

Dion’s face turned serious as well. “That was an Arracht.”

He let go of me and sat up before massaging his temples briefly with a pained expression. With a sigh, I moved too, already missing his embrace. Unwilling to dwell on that, I forced myself to turn on the rational part of my brain. I’d never heard the term Arracht before, and I hoped Dion would offer further explanation.

“But to why it was there—honestly, I’m not sure. We need to talk to the others about it. Because whatever took place last night has me worried.” Dion pulled a fresh tunic from his bag.

“Must be bad if you’re nervous.”

“Oh, don’t be mistaken—it’s bad. Really bad.”

I was silent as I unpacked a fresh dress and my toiletries before disappearing into the small washroom attached to our bedroom. If something was bothering Dion, of all people, it would have to be an enormous problem indeed.

After getting dressed, I tried to find Fig to report what had happened and the urgent changes that had to be implemented. Happiness was something I rarely encountered, but here I was, pretty sure that I was grinning like a fool. The miracle had happened, and I’d reclaimed what had been stolen from me, and it was time to deliver a blow to the thief, so he’d never forget to keep his hands off Nayana.

I found Fig in the dining room—which was the same as the tavern where I’d been drinking myself stupid last night—and he was eating breakfast together with Antas. I ignored my pounding head as best as I could and sat down next to my uncle.

“You look like shit, Dion. Have you gotten drunk last night?” Fig raised an eyebrow.

“Doesn’t matter.”

“It matters if my comrades endanger the mission with their reckless behavior.”

“Cut the crap, Fig. There’s something more important you’ll have to listen to.”

“It better be, consideringhowyou’re talking to me.”

This wasn’t the time for Fig to pull rank—which was standing on shaky feet anyway—but sadly, also not the one for me to tear him a new one, so I ignored his last comment with far more leniency than he deserved. “We need to delay our plans and have a conversation with everyone present. Last night was eventful in more ways than one. Also, I need to talk about implementing some changes that have been overdue for a while.”

“It better be worth it, Dion.”

I couldn’t help but want to roll my eyes. Fig’s attitude was just so ridiculous. Antas gave me a thoughtful glance instead of looking pissed off like Fig, so I focused my scrutiny on him. “I know that expression. What is it, Antas?”

“Nothing.”

I peered at him through narrowed eyes with my head canted, but my uncle’s face gave nothing away. Distracted when movement caught my attention, I noticed Nayana approaching, so I leaned over, grabbed her hand, and pulled her next to me. “Sit.”

“Back to being bossy, Dion?” Her delicate brow arched, and I smirked. Maybe I enjoyed riling her up a little bit too much.

“When you’re done flirting, maybe I can have a seat too?” Ireas said. He and Thain had joined the table as well.

“We aren’t flirting,” Nayana replied instantly, and a delicious blush crept into her cheeks. Hmm, did she know how easily her face turned red? “We’re friends.”

Ichuckled and resisted the urge to nip her earlobe—but the temptation was there, urging me with intensity to graze her skin with my teeth.

Thain placed himself next to Nayana, and for the first time, I allowed it to happen without even so much as a scowl. Instead of lashing out, vindictive satisfaction in anticipation of the blow I’d deliver to him soon filled my chest, and I held his provoking gaze with a calmness that even surprised me.

Finally, everyone was gathered around the table in a deserted corner of the tavern. I noticed how we were the only patrons, and after we ordered breakfast, even the staff scattered when I bestowed one of the darkest stares at my disposal upon them. When we were certain no one could eavesdrop on us, I was ready to start the conversation.

But Fig made me wait until everyone had received their food, and thenheaddressed the table first. I was so fed up with following his lead.

“There’s a change of plans, according to Dion, who wants to discuss something he hasn’t told me yet. Dion?”

“Last night was eventful.”

“Nobody wants to hear stories about your drunken shenanigans.”

Thain received one of my darkest warning growls, and I showed him my teeth, but at least I resisted the urge to snap them at him. There was one thing I knew with absolute certainty, if I had to control myself around him and he was allowed to keep grating on my nerves, I’d lose it pretty quickly. “Shut up, Thain.”