Page 12

Rion

Rion carefully helped Arianna slide a shirt over her head. She slipped her arms through the sleeves but winced when she pulled the hem down over her torso.

“You promised to rest,” Rion said, watching as his mate stared at the pants still lying on the bed. She’d have to stand to put them on. She’d gotten up a few minutes ago to relieve herself in the bathroom. It’d been a struggle that’d left her panting.

“I know, but I can’t just sit here.” He understood. It was the only reason he wasn’t forcing her to stay in bed.

Sive had left with her partner, giving him and Arianna privacy, and to inform their leader that they’d be arriving soon. The Weaver had reiterated there was no rush, but Arianna was having none of it. She wanted answers. As did he. At the very least to know for sure whether they were safe.

Conall of Móirín. He’d never heard the name, but given this place’s secrecy, that came as no surprise. The world was littered with secrets. Maybe today the truth would finally come to light.

Sive had promised the walk wasn’t too far, but she’d still offered a wagon to assist Arianna. He’d declined. Arianna would be safer in his arms where his magic could protect her. She was conscious now and he’d already seen frost crawling across her arms. Her magic had been pent up for two days and needed release. She might even be able to subdue them without his help.

“Foot,” Arianna said, tapping the bed.

“What?”

“I want to see your foot. You can’t carry me limping.” He opened his mouth, but she interrupted. “Otherwise I’m walking.” Both knew it was a false threat, she could hardly stand on her own, but Rion relented and sat beside her and propped his leg up.

Her hands prodded the tender flesh around his swollen ankle for a moment then that familiar glow illuminated the room. Something cracked again and he gritted his teeth, but then familiar warmth spread through the muscles, mending them quickly.

“Shoulder.” He didn’t argue this time. Instead, Rion pulled his shirt off, revealing the bandages he’d wrapped over himself. Arianna’s fingers pulled them off to reveal where he’d stitched the wound. She went to work. On that wound and the small ones covering his body.

Her fingertips were like fire over his skin, igniting his blood and body. He never thought he’d get to feel them again.

Once satisfied, Rion helped her stand and pull her pants on. He lingered, staring into those cerulean eyes that’d captivated him so long ago.

Rion brushed the hair away from her face. He hated the way her heart raced whenever his magic appeared, but the way she still stared at him with so much love in her eyes told him she’d forgive him later.

“We can stay,” Rion offered again. Her body trembled despite the pain killer. Despite Sive’s assurance, he’d still made someone drink it before it’d even entered the little cottage. He’d refused to drink any himself. Not with Arianna vulnerable.

She placed a hand on his chest. “For how long?”

“Until you’re healed.” His voice lowered. “Until you can fight.”

“What if its too late by then?” He wanted to tell her it was likely too late now. Whatever had happened to Talon and the villagers was done and over. But Rion could still see the hope in her eyes, as if she believed some other force might have intervened on their behalf. “It’ll be okay. If they’d wanted to harm us, they wouldn’t have healed me.”

Rion pressed his forehead to hers. He wanted to believe those words. They made sense, but the world had taught him not to trust anyone, even those who reached out a helping hand. Their other could just as easily be carrying a knife. If they wanted something from Arianna, which was likely, and Arianna refused—his jaw clenched again.

“If we have to fight—”

“I have my magic,” Arianna said. “We’ll give them hell.”

He glanced down at the particles around their feet. “I’m sorry. I know your not comfortable with my ma—”

She pressed a finger to his lips, then drew Rion into a gentle kiss that had his blood racing. “It’s okay,” she assured. “I’ll be fine.” His grip tightened around her. He’d never forgive himself for hurting her and once this was all over, he’d spend the rest of his life making up for his mistakes.

Rion’s gaze traveled to the door. He could protect her this time. No one would harm her again.

“Ready?” she asked.

“No.” But Rion placed one hand under her legs and supported her back with the other before lifting Arianna from the floor. She hissed in pain and Rion waited for her to tell him this was too much. That she needed to rest after all, but of course, Arianna just stared at the door, waiting for him to step through.

He could hear several people outside, but as always they were keeping their distance. His magic reached for the doorknob and twisted it. Everyone who’d been whispering outside fell silent. He took one more moment to steady himself before stepping outside into the sun.

A warm breeze floated past, rustling the trees. It carried the pleasant scents of summer. The spring flowers that were fading. The smoke from interior fires. The food that was being prepared for all who lived here.

A line of trees stood off to their left, all tall and wide as if they’d been there for a hundred years. A smaller tree sat nestled right against the cabin with pink flower petals littering the space around its roots.

Three warriors stood just ahead, all staring at the open doorway and the two Fae within. Rion’s gaze traveled over their forms. None carried weapons, but Rion noted the swords and knives in the grass off to one side.

Their gazes roamed over him first, then drifted to Arianna. Arianna gripped his tunic, just as uncertain as he felt. His magic came up to surround them and one of the warrior’s lips parted.

Movement from the right had Rion’s eyes shifting quickly, taking in all he could while he kept a constant watch on the males before him.

A village.

Bodies moved back and forth along what appeared to be a well-trodden path. He noticed someone lounging in a rocking chair beneath a covered porch. Younglings played in the dirt all chasing a ball with sticks in their hands. One screamed in delight while another stomped their foot in frustration.

One of the males stepped forward and Rion’s attention snapped back to him. The male lifted his hands. “Sive isn’t back yet. I could escort you if you wish.”

Rion’s jaw worked as he took in the male’s broad shoulders. Rion scented the air and found Fiadh’s flaming undertones. If he were a Shadow Weaver—

“It’s okay, she sent me.”

Rion nearly whirled as a female appeared. He stepped back from the threshold, clutching Arianna in his arms. A quick scan told him she wasn’t carrying any weapons. Rion studied her features and the kindness in her eyes. It reminded him of—his lips parted. She didn’t appear much older. Maybe thirty by human standards. She was still beautiful, her body fuller, healthier compared to all those years ago.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” She rushed on without giving him time to answer. Just like she’d done in the past. “It’s been a long time, but you liberated myself and my family from Nàdair.”

Rion studied her features, hardly believing his eyes, then his gaze dropped to her exposed wrists and the scars all former slaves carried. “Cara?” A gentle smile graced her features. “But you’re supposed to be in Levea.”

“I was and spent several happy years there.” She looked around, as if appreciating the surrounding area. “But I’ve found myself somewhere new, where I can forward the kindness of a stranger onto others.”

“But … you have a family.”

“A happy one, thanks to you. Some are here with me, others are back home.” Arianna had gone still in his arms, studying the female before them. “They thought you might be more comfortable if you saw a familiar face.”

He glanced back at the three still standing next to the trees. They hadn’t moved. “I’m not sure comfortable is how I’d choose to describe it.”

Cara’s smile didn’t waver. “Strange how fate flips the tables, isn’t it?” Rion opened his mouth to respond but closed it again. Was this really happening? Was she really here? Cara’s smile faltered. “I trusted you once. I hope you’ll be able to do the same with me.”

“Cara was among the first of the slaves I liberated from Brónach.” He explained to Arianna.

Cara’s gaze shifted to his mate. “It is an absolute honor to meet you, My Lady. I knew your mother for a short time. She welcomed us into your beautiful city with open arms.” Rion felt Arianna’s emotions down the bond, but she appeared to be at a loss for words. Cara didn’t seem to mind as she addressed Rion again. “I told you you’d find someone someday.”

Rion recalled that conversation and the doubt he’d felt in that moment. One of the Fairy Folk had sat beside him, as if reaffirming Cara’s words. He looked down at Arianna and wondered if the little creature had known what his future would hold.

“I promised you refuge if you ever needed it back then.” She continued. “This might not be my home, per se, but I trust these people with my life. They won’t harm you or her.”

“I find it difficult to trust anyone.”

“I know.” He hated the sadness in her tone. Cara gestured to her left. “Conall is this way. They’ll have refreshments for you. Or, if you’ve changed your mind, I can have them brought here. Either way is fine.”

Rion’s foot drifted back. He wanted nothing more than to take Arianna back inside the cottage where he could protect her until she’d healed, but his mate had other plans.

“Lead the way.”

Frustratingly stubborn female. Rion gritted his teeth and Cara bowed, an act that had him wincing. She should never bow to anyone ever again.

He followed her as she moved along the perimeter of the trees. The warriors followed at a distance, leaving their weapons behind. Some paused to stare at them in the distance. They placed their hands over their hearts in reverence, as if they already knew who he carried in his arms.

“Sive mentioned this place was a sanctuary.” Arianna said after a beat of silence.

“It is. Those who learn the truth generally have no where else to go. Not unless they want to forget all over again.” She kept a leisurely pace and peered back at them. “I heard about your unfortunate encounter with Niall and the fall of the royal city.” She turned forward again. “Conall can explain things better, but from what I’ve gathered Pádraigín’s High Lord has been waging his own internal war against the continent for centuries. He’d altered minds, shifted our history, denied us our gods, and stripped our rulers from their rightful place.”

“So he’s not with Niall?” Rion clarified.

Cara stopped at that and turned, her brow furrowed. “You think I’d have anything to do with that monster?” He flinched at the word. “No, Conall isn’t working with Niall or his father. We’ll all rejoice when Ashling is finally destroyed.”

He scented the truth in her words and Rion’s shoulder sagged with relief. They were safe from one enemy at least.

“But, you have Pádraigín’s magic protecting this place, don’t you?” Arianna asked. Rion glanced at the trees beside them. He could feel the barrier nearby, as if a void had been carved out in the world.

“Yes. Just because a leader is in the wrong, doesn’t mean a country’s entire people are at fault. Not everyone shares his beliefs and I’m willing to bet most aren’t even privy to the information. They’re nothing but disposable bodies to him.”

“How many are here?” Rion asked, gazing out toward the village.

Cara looked too. “I’m not certain of the numbers. Conall keeps that information to himself. Just in case. I know there are at least two other settlements and more people arrive every day.”

“And how long have they been here?”

“Since the beginning. Since the High Lord decided to implement his will on everyone he could reach.”

Rion felt hope trickle down the bond. He glanced down at his mate but couldn’t read her thoughts. Perhaps Arianna believed they might be allies. Or could provide information that might help her get her sister back. He could listen to this Conall if that proved to be the case.

Another cabin came into view as they neared the other side of the clearing. Trees circled behind it and around it. Smoke curled from a stone chimney and the scent of food floating toward them had his stomach growling.

He’d refused to eat while Arianna was out, just in case. Nothing Sive did could convince him otherwise.

Arianna glanced up at him and even Cara peered over her shoulder. He knew Arianna was hungry as well, though she didn’t voice her needs either. Maybe with Cara here, he could let himself relax a bit.

Beneath the trees, six wooden chairs stood around an old table with faded indigo cushions tied to each, a welcome sight considering Arianna’s wounds.

Cara inclined her head to the male standing in the doorway. Rion studied him too, but when Arianna shifted in his arms and winced again, he moved to set her down first. Cara handed him another pillow, but didn’t reach for Arianna, much to his relief. He wasn’t sure he could handle even her doing so right now.

Cara scooted one of the chairs closer for him, then settled herself in one on the opposite side.

Silence fell over the space and Rion glanced up at the male again. No one dared to move. It felt as though the world itself had frozen.

The male swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he took them in. Arianna seated in a chair, pillows propping her up and Rion standing at her side, ready to tear the world apart should it prove to be a threat.

A pitcher of water sat on the table with droplets rolling down the side. Rion noticed the way Arianna stared at it. Cara did too. The female took it upon herself to fill three cups. She took one back to her seat and drank from it. Rion was silently thankful for the gesture.

The male still hadn’t moved. He appeared both ancient and young. His cheekbones were sharp, making him both striking and formidable. A deep scar hung above his left eye. His skin was a shade darker than Rion’s, as if the sun had permanently branded him with its rays.

Untamed dark hair curled around his pointed ears and his hazel eyes carried a weariness that Rion recognized all too well.

He wore practical clothes, comfortable with no weapon in sight. At least they were sticking to that part of their routine. The male’s arm moved and Rion’s eyes locked onto an object around his wrist.

Iron. Not a shackle, but a bracelet similar to the one his mother wore.

The male stepped down from the top step, keeping his movements slow. He carefully walked down the second and third. Rion’s magic circled himself and Arianna. He gritted his teeth at the scent of her fear. She did her best not to show it, but Rion could feel her emotions down the bond as if she were reliving the moment he’d snapped her arm in half.

Another step and the male dropped to one knee, twisted his wrists up, and bowed his head. “My King.” He glanced up briefly, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “My Queen.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Arianna said. Rion wasn’t sure he was inclined to agree.

The male rose slowly, his hands never moving from his sides. “May I sit?”

Arianna nodded, but the male didn’t move. He met Rion’s gaze instead, seeking permission from them both. “Where ever you wish me to be, you have but to say the word.”

Rion nodded toward the further chair across from them. The male crossed the space and sat, still watching the pair with a reverence Rion had rarely experienced. “My name is Conall. I am the present leader and organizer of the village you see before you and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have.” He looked between them again. “I can’t begin to tell you what an honor is it to sit in your presence. My sources have been bringing me regular updates on you both, but I never imagined I’d get to see you in the flesh so soon.”

Uneasy silence filled the space as they all stared at one another. Cara sipped on her water, but before anyone could speak again, the cabin door opened and a female carrying a large tray emerged from around the door.

Rion’s magic retracted to circle Arianna and Conall sat straighter. The first tinge of fear drifted off the male. It wasn’t for himself, but for the female now staring at them as she noted the tension in the air.

“Am I too early?”

“It’s okay,” Arianna said. Again, Rion wanted to protest. He didn’t want all these strangers around his injured mate.

The female’s face beamed and much to his displeasure, she practically skipped down the stairs, completely ignoring his magic as she placed the silver tray on the table. The female placed a chaste kiss on Conall’s lips then seated herself beside the male. She was a ray of sunshine that’d just pierced through a cloudy sky. Completely out of place.

“Sorry,” Conall murmured, staring at her. “She can be a bit free spirited.”

“Well, we can’t very well let them go hungry.” She gestured to the food. “Help yourself. I’m sure you’re famished.”

Rion eyed the plate, then met her gaze. “You first.”

The female’s face faltered, all humor vanishing. “I would never.”

“Remember what he’s been through,” Conall said, resting a comforting hand on her leg.

“Right.” She tried to smile again, but it didn’t quite meet her eyes, but it was Cara who stood and took a cookie from the center of the plate before popping it into her mouth. Rion watched her as she sat again.

“I figured it wouldn’t matter if they did it,” Cara said. “Given that they prepared the plate and all.”

Arianna’s stomach growled and his soon followed.

“Please,” Conall said. “Help yourselves. We can bring you more if you wish. Some real food perhaps instead of just pastries?”

“I’m fine,” Arianna lied. The scent of it floated through the space between them.

“Bring them food,” Cara said. “I’m not going to sit here and listen to their stomachs growl the whole time you prattle on.”

“I do not prattle,” Conall said, straightening. Rion noted how relaxed Cara appeared to be with one leg pulled up on the chair and the other dangling loose. She might be a guest among them, but it was clear she’d formed a deep connection with the community.

Conall raised one arm and someone else emerged from inside the house. He instructed them to fetch food from inside, then they disappeared again.

“There’s a few people on standby, just in case you need anything.”

Silence filled the space again. “Have you gotten any news from the village?” Arianna asked.

Conall nodded. “Most survived thanks to Brónach’s High Lord. We’re still getting reports but—”

“Alec is there?” Rion interrupted.

Conall nodded, a slight smile on his face. “He is. He arrived not long after you left actually. A small party of your companions is on their way as well.”

Arianna’s lips parted. “They’re coming here?”

Conall nodded again. “We felt having a few friendly faces might ease any uncertainty.”

Rion’s heart sped. Friendly faces. Alec. They’d survived?

“When will they get here?” Arianna pressed.

Conall looked through the canopy of trees overhead as if trying to gauge the time. “Anytime now.”

“But—how, I don’t understand—”

“You’re sure it was Alec?” Rion interrupted again. He’d known Saoirse had sent their brother letters, but he never imagined Alec would show up personally.

“A few of our warriors were present during the siege.”

“Why?” Rion demanded.

“We’ve been … watching you.” Conall grimaced. “That sounds a lot worse than it’s intended to.”

“For how long?”

He winced again. “Your entire life.”

Rion’s hand flexed as he stared at the male. He clenched his jaw, searching for the words that were swelling with his anger. A peaceful village stood behind him. These people appeared happy. Comfortable.

“You claim I’m your king,” he began, voice low and dangerous, “yet you allowed me to live as an exile?” His magic jerked in agitation.

“It’s … difficult to explain.”

“Enlighten me,” he demanded, enouncing each syllable.

Conall loosed a breath and eyed his female companion before leaning forward. He didn’t back down from Rion’s hard stare. “Lady Eimear is one of us.”

Fire sparked through Rion’s soul. “Bullshit.”

“She knew who you’d become, but—”

“Do not bring my mother into this.”

“She’s part of it whether you want to believe it or not. She helped keep us safe as much as she could. Your mother is a seer. Any hold Pádraigín tried to have over her was fleeting at best. Her visions would show her the truth. That’s how she found us.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I’m wearing iron.”

“And you have people here with Pádraigín’s magic.”

Conall blanched. “I swear, we’re not—”

“There’s no way my mother would have willingly let me suffer the way I did.”

“Of course not,” Conall said. “That’s why she disappeared in the first place. She was trying to find a way to prevent those things from happening to you. She was exploring different paths and possibilities. She—”

“Enough!” Rion’s magic blasted through the table before them, shattering it and scattering the contents across the ground. Conall’s bracelet was off a second later, water springing to life to wrap around the female at his side. Cara had summoned small trees with interlacing branches to protect herself.

Conall and the female finally stared at him like the monster he was.

Rion’s heart beat wildly in his chest, stealing the air from his lungs one breath at a time.

His mother had been taken because of him? She’d suffered at Niall’s hands because—because—

“Rion.” Arianna’s voice was too far away. Muted as though she were underwater. He stumbled back, then stepped forward again, determined to stay close to her. He had to protect Arianna. He—His mother.

Something like cold water blasted through his fire from behind. He whirled, baring his fangs at whoever had dared to touch him. But—he wasn’t wet. It wasn’t water that’d struck him. It was—the feeling hit him again, breaking through the wall of flames consuming his every thought.

“Be calm,” another voice said. He saw the owner of it before him, a black silhouette against a blurry landscape. Colors shifted together, blending until they were too murky to distinguish the sky from the ground.

Rion shifted into a stance, his magic rising, moving faster and faster around his body.

“Rion.” Arianna’s voice again, only this time it was frantic. Afraid. He turned, trying to find it, needing to protect her at any cost.

That icy magic blasted into him again, sending Rion to one knee. He growled at the way it broke through his mental defenses.

“Don’t hurt him.” A beautiful voice cried out. But why? Why not hurt him? Why not end him? Why not—

The magic blasted into him again and everything froze. Sounds, colors, the buzzing in his mind.

It hit again. He’d lost track of how many times this was. But now it cascaded through his chest like warm water dousing a raging fire.

Rion blinked the world back into focus. A woman stood before him, her hands moving through the air. It took him a moment to realize she was the source of it all. Sive.

Rion turned to find the table broken, the chairs along with it. Arianna stood closer to the cabin now, Cara helping to hold her up.

His mate tugged on their bond, desperate and terrified.

Terrified.

Rion examined the ground at their feet and the way it’d been overturned, leaving the grass bare in several places. Cold sweat trickled down the back of his neck.

“You’re all right,” Sive whispered. She made no move to approach. “Everyone is safe and you’re all right.”

He didn’t feel all right. He felt too thin, worn out like an old piece of fabric that’d nearly turned translucent.

“I—Arianna.” He turned to face his mate. She watched him with her lips parted, body hunched over from pain.

“She’s all right.” Sive repeated.

“I didn’t mean—” God’s what the hell had just happened?

Sive drew another symbol and he clung to the magic that washed through him, centering him.

“The mind can only tolerate so much hardship.”

Rion clutched his head. The mind…was he finally losing it? Is that what she meant?

“I told you to broach the subject gently.” It took him too long to register that Sive was addressing Conall. Scolding him. Rion glanced over his shoulder to find the male rising to his feet, pulling his female companion up as well.

“I didn’t think—”

“No, you didn’t,” she chastised, her voice harsher than Rion had ever heard it. Conall closed his mouth and took in the aftermath. Rion dared to look at Arianna again. She just stared, her heart slowing to nearly normal levels.

How many times was he going to hurt her or nearly hurt her? Rion stared at the chair she’d been seated it. He’d obliterated it.

“I need space.” What he truly wanted was to run, but even if he were a danger, he couldn’t leave Arianna alone. But they’d said the others would arrive soon, maybe then—

“No, you need to rest. You’ve been awake for two days, have refused to eat, and nearly saw your mate die before your eyes. Group that in with months of torture, finding your mother, and struggling with the new truth of your heritage, I’d say it’s a miracle you’re still sane.”

Rion collapsed to the ground and pressed his palm to his temple. “Maybe I’m not.”

“You certainly wouldn’t be the first.” He peered up at her. “We rescue those trapped in the prisons. We see what it does to a person.”

“And?”

“We can help. If you’ll let us.”

He loosed a weak laugh that bordered on the edge of hysteria.

Sive stepped closer and reached out. “Let me see your hand.”

He stared at her open palm and imagined that she might have knelt beside him if she were able. The shadows in his mind whispered against trusting her but Rion was tired of fighting. He simply gave in and placed his hand in her own.

Her fingers were warm and gentle. They prodded the skin around his wrist for a second before she was drawing lines across it.

Relief washed through him ten times stronger than what she’d been doing from a distance.

He wanted to fold in on himself. To bury his face in Arianna’s shoulder and come apart at the seams. Maybe then his pain would ease. Maybe it never would.

Her hand traveled down his arm. “This will only last a short while. I need something to write the runes out in order to make them permanent.”

“What do they do?”

“Remind your heart that this is your reality. It’ll block out the most gruesome of the nightmares. You’ll still remember, but they won’t be able to torment you the way they have been.”

“Do it,” he said. “Do whatever needs to be done.”