Page 45

Talon

The world was on fire, consumed by the fury of the mountain itself. Talon vaguely wondered if this was the land’s revenge on Vairik for every foul thing he’d ever done or created. Every surface surrounding them was coated in flames. Thick smoke hung in the air with ashes and embers still raining down from the sky. It was only by the grace of the gods that they’d survived at all.

The mountain had exploded and their combined magic had pulled them all together, cocooning them in a tangle of bodies as they’d struck the earth over and over before rolling right into the ocean. Talon had quickly used his magic to push them away. Rocks had rained down, splashing into the raging ocean, but he hadn’t relented.

Thankfully, the sound had scared away any of the creatures Conall had warned them about. For now, at least. He knew they couldn’t linger in the water long, but it was hard to look away from the space where a looming castle had once stood. Now, it was just a mound of gushing red liquid.

The water surrounding them was almost too warm and Talon was using his magic even now to keep it at tolerable levels. Still, they needed to move.

His gaze roamed to where the city had been. Molten rock had cascaded over it in a wave. He’d heard the citizen’s screams of terror and hadn’t been able to do anything about it. He prayed some had survived and that someone would help those injured. He couldn’t be that person today. Not when they needed to lay low. If Vairik had managed to survive as well, then the High Lord needed to believe they’d been caught in the blast. It’d by them time to heal and plan their next moves.

No one spoke as Talon carefully moved them through the currents. A tingling sensation fell over his skin and he met Gavin’s gaze.

“I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

The male’s voice was hoarse. Blood trickled from the side of his head. Talon only nodded. A glamour was exactly what they needed right now. It enabled Talon to keep them close to shore as he steered them around the chaos.

The wind above their heads moved, pushing the ash and embers away and Talon caught Zylah’s attention on it. Saoirse’s magic snaked through the water in the form of seaweed and bits of debris drifted closer.

Rion was the first to wrap his arm around a charred log, clinging to an unconscious Arianna as he did so. She was breathing at least, as well Ellie. Talon reached for what looked like half a door and rolled Ellie’s body on top of it. He studied her hollow face and too thin frame.

She seemed so normal now, just like the Ellie he’d always known. And yet he’d watched her—grief rose through him, but he bit it back. She’d never forgive herself. Even if she woke and Vairik’s magic no longer controlled her mind, the Ellie he knew might never return. Kirian had been everything to her. She’d been planning to marry the half-breed, to even ask him herself. She’d never been one for tradition.

The eight of them floated through the water, watching the fire fade in the distance. Conall had mentioned helping Fae return from their worst nightmares. But Conall was gone and the rebel’s hide out had been marked on the map, leading Talon to believe their village might not even be there anymore. He wasn’t even sure if those they’d rescued had made it to the mountain. Maybe Vairik had been waiting at the tunnel entrance. He shuddered to think what their fate might have entailed.

Talon sent out another pulse of his magic, searching for anything swimming through the dark waters. Nothing, thank the gods above. He wasn’t sure they could handle another battle.

The shoreline grew closer. Ash rained down from above, falling like ominous black snow.

None spoke as they crawled among the rocks, lifting their tired bodies from the water. He gathered Ellie in his arms. Rion did the same with Arianna and Zylah helped Saoirse limp her way to shore.

Everyone collapsed beneath the cover of trees. He pulled the water from their clothes, giving them the small comfort of being dry at least.

Zylah was the first to stand. She knelt at Rion’s side, studying Arianna’s wounds. Zylah checked her up and down, grimacing at her leg. “Lay her down.” Rion did without hesitation. Zylah prodded at Arianna’s leg, then drew a rune over the area. This one had more complicated lines and swirls. Something in Arianna’s leg shifted and she grimaced. Zylah quickly drew another over Arianna’s chest. “To keep her sedated.”

Rion didn’t argue, neither did the rest of them as Zylah drew a few more then sat back. “Not to state the obvious, but we need to find somewhere to lay low. She needs to heal. So does Evelyn and Saoirse.”

“I’m fine,” Saoirse argued, though she made no move to stand. Zylah shot her a glare that had the ambassador of Brónach looking away.

Raevina stood, catching his attention. “I’ll be back.”

“Where are you going?” Talon demanded.

“To find her shelter.”

He stood too, leaving Ellie in the grass. “Not alone, you’re not.”

“You can’t keep up, stay here and protect them.”

Talon clenched his fists at the insult but relented. Raevina shifted into a small bird of prey, then took off into the air at breakneck speeds. His heart beat wildly as she disappeared into the clouds above.

“She’ll be fine,” Zylah said, then crossed the space to work on Ellie. The half-breed only drew two marks over his future High Lady. One that looked like it might be for healing while the other mimicked the one she’d traced over Arianna’s chest. It was probably best to keep her sedated for a while anyway.

Zylah returned to Saoirse, but the female waved her off. “Save your energy for when we need it.”

“I need you to be able to run.”

Saoirse didn’t argue again.

MINUTES TICKED by and Talon counted every single one of them. His leg bounced and caught Gavin’s attention, but the male didn’t comment. Talon vaguely wondered if the male’s silence was due to Talon’s constant threats over the last several days. A tinge of guilt washed through him, especially as he watched how the male kept a steady gaze on the rise and fall of Ellie’s chest, as if he feared she might never wake again.

In light of waiting, Talon understood his worry. It didn’t matter how outrageous it seemed, one couldn’t help but worry for their mate. It was the only negative aspect he could see when it came to the bond. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around Vairik wanting to be rid of it forever.

A screeching cry piercing the air had Talon back on his feet, turning to the sky. Raevina swooped down, her wings tucked in around her body as she dove. She pulled her wings out at the last second to slow her fall.

A blinding flash and she stood before them in her Fae form, her breath ragged. “There’s a house not more than a mile off. It’s secluded and surrounded by trees.”

“How many are there?” Rion asked, already scooping Arianna into his arms.

“Just two Fae. A male and female that look like the owners. Judging from the surrounding tracks, not many come and go. Their scents tell me the male is from Pádraigín while the female is from Móirín.”

“Why is someone from Móirín all the way out here?” Talon asked.

She shrugged. “Not sure it matters right now.”

“Let’s go,” Rion said, already moving in the direction Raevina had pointed. Talon picked up Ellie under the watchful gaze of Gavin and Zylah helped Saoirse to her feet, once again pulling the female’s arm around her shoulder.

Gavin’s magic settled over them again. Talon shuddered, hating the feel of it, yet knowing it was necessary. Even Rion didn’t protest.

They crossed beneath the trees at a steady pace until a two story house entered their line of sight.

Talon kept his voice low. “Do we need to worry about the one from Pádraigín?”

“Only until he’s subdued,” Raevina said, reaching for one of her blades.

“We’re not killing innocents.”

“None are innocent as far as I’m concerned.”

“Some are,” Gavin said, his voice low. “Not everyone has a choice.”

Talon watched the war in Raevina’s gaze then she turned to Gavin. “Then it’s your job to get the male in iron before he becomes a problem. If I have to deal with him, it’ll be at the end of a blade.”

Gavin furrowed his brow. “And how, exactly, do you expect me to put him in iron. Evelyn has my bracelet.”

“She’s subdued.” Zylah said. “Take the bracelet. If that doesn’t work, we’ll knock them out and figure out what to do next.”

Raevina rolled her eyes. Talon knew those from Fiadh were said to be ruthless but he never imagined they’d be willing to kill civilians when they’d done nothing wrong.

“They’re inside,” Rion said. “Both are walking around on the bottom floor.” Talon watched him, realizing now exactly how he’d out smarted all of Talon’s plans. If he could tell where people were walking from this distance—he loosed a sigh and followed the others.

Raevina didn’t bother with stealth as she marched right up the stairs and kicked in the front door. The wood splintered and the door slammed against the interior wall, bouncing so hard Gavin had to catch it as he followed.

Talon entered after him with Ellie hanging limply in his arms.

The male jumped in front of the female, using one arm to push her behind his body. He grabbed a large kitchen knife from the table and pointed it at no one in particular, his eyes flashing between each of them as they entered.

“I scent even a spark of your damned magic,” Raevina hissed. “And you’re dead.” Flames circled her hands. The male’s dark face turned a shade paler.

Saoirse limped in, still carried by Zylah. “We’re not here to hurt you. We just need a place to rest.”

Rion entered last, magic spilling in and coating the floors. The male’s eyes widened and he stepped back. The knife clattered to the floor. “She needs a bed. Now.” The male pointed to the stairs and Rion went up without looking back. Zylah left Saoirse’s side to follow.

“There are three rooms,” the female said, stepping forward to rest one hand on the male’s shoulder. “If your other companion needs rest as well.”

“Do you have anything that’s made of iron?” Talon asked.

The male blanched and his voice shook. “No, we don’t—why—”

“It’s fine.” Talon turned to the stairs, making his way up with Gavin on his heels. Talon could see Rion adjusting Arianna on the bed in the first room. He chose another down the hall.

He shoved the door open and a small bed stood inside a tiny room. Furs and rugs lined the space with everything decorated in warm fall tones. He gently laid Ellie on top of the quilt then turned to Gavin. “The bracelet.”

“You don’t want it for the male downstairs?”

“Has he used his magic?”

“Not yet.”

“Will you be able to tell if he does?”

Gavin raised a brow. “Suddenly willing to trust me now?”

Talon pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m exhausted. If you want a half-assed apology, I’ll give you one later.” He pointed to Ellie. “Put the iron on and watch her, if she wakes, call for me.”

Talon bounded back down the stairs. Saoirse had taken a spot on the couch and was bent over, wincing as she struggled to unlace her boots.

The male and female still hadn’t moved. Neither had Raevina.

“We need bowls of fresh water and rags,” Talon said, doing his best to keep his voice gentle.

“Everything you need is upstairs in a closet.” The male said, still guarding the female behind him. “Take what you need and leave us.”

“We’re not here to rob you.” Saoirse pried her other boot off. “And we apologize for the sudden intrusion on your beautiful home.” The male didn’t reply, his jaw only clenched as he stared between each of them.

“My name is Saoirse. I’m Brónach’s ambassador. My brother is the High Lord and I assure you, you will be more than compensated for any hospitality offered.” She reached into an interior pocket and pulled out a small purse before tossing it onto the table. “Consider this a down payment.”

The male stared at the bag, then back to Saoirse, his lips parting slightly. Then his gaze drifted to the window. The ash was falling thicker now. “Did you have something to do with all that?”

Saoirse sighed and leaned back, wincing with the movement. “Ashling is gone. The volcano beneath it exploded.”

The male’s lips parted. “Gone … what about the High Lord?”

She shrugged. “Let’s pray our luck is good enough to assume it killed him too.”

“So, you all escaped?” the female asked.

Saoirse nodded. “More or less.” She tilted her head toward the stairs. “I don’t think my brother needs introduction, but the female with him is The Divine and the other is her sister. Both were captured by Vairik and both need rest.”

“The Divine,” the female breathed. “Has fate truly graced us with her presence?”

Saoirse nodded, then pointed to Talon. “This is Talon of Levea.” She pointed to Raevina next. “And Raevina of Fiadh.”

The male’s brows rose and he turned to Raevina again before bowing his head slightly.

The female stepped around her partner. “Is the future High Lady of Móirín truly upstairs?”

“Upstairs and uncuffed,” Raevina said, staring at Talon in disapproval.

Talon nearly growled. “I am not putting her in chains after everything she just went through.”

“So you’ll have her wake up and put us all in danger? What if she escapes and runs right back to Vairik? You think he wouldn’t make her do worse things?”

“She’s my future High Lady.”

“Who attacked your queen,” Raevina shot back. “You need to think carefully where your loyalties lie and stop letting emotions get in the way.”

“At least one of us are capable of emotions,” he snapped.

Raevina’s eyes darkened. “You’re acting like a child.”

Talon’s fists clenched, but Saoirse interrupted. “I think that’s enough. We’re all tired and arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere. The fact remains that Evelyn killed someone close to her and attacked Arianna. She should have restraints until we can assess whether or not she’s in her right mind.”

Raevina turned away, crossing the room to sit across from Saoirse. Half a second later she waved a hand at the fireplace and a flame ignited there. Talon wasn’t sure whether the female were actually cold or just wanted to watch it as a distraction.

Talon’s jaw worked. “We need to get back to Levea as fast as we can and warn Avalon.”

Saoirse nodded. “He’ll likely hear about it before we can get there, but he needs to know everything else too. I need to inform my brother as well.”

“You said Levea?” the female questioned. Talon had nearly forgotten they were there, but he looked at her now and studied the way her heartbeat had quickened.

“Yes,” Talon said, hoping she wasn’t about to ask to come with them. He had enough to worry about without throwing two civilians in the mix, though if Vairik went on a rampage, Talon wasn’t sure it was safe to leave them either.

“You can’t go to Levea,” the male finally said. The female ducked her head and turned away.

“What do you mean?” Saoirse asked.

“Levea was attacked two days ago.”

Dread washed through him. “By whom?”

“The High Lord. He took his armies there. The dark creatures too.”

“How do you know this?” Saoirse asked.

“People talk in the towns and news travels fast,” the male said. “And we all watched as his armies and those filthy abominations marched out of Ashling. It’s why we came here. He declared war on Móirín and we were afraid—” he wrapped one arm around his partner.

“Then we go to the rebels for help,” Saoirse said. “Conall might be gone, but he said there were people stationed at other locations too. Cara and Sive will know how to reach them.”

The female took a single step forward. “You don’t understand,” she said, her voice shaking. “Levea … is gone.”