Page 5

Arianna

Arianna stood atop the wooden curtain wall that circled the village, her mate at her side. Silence enveloped the space as they watched the sun slowly disappear below the horizon. Shadows from the trees stretched toward them like eerie, clawed fingertips and the sun cast hues of pink and orange through the clouds as if offering one final glimmer of hope before darkness descended.

The wood groaned beneath her feet as Arianna shifted her weight. She loosed a breath. Her magic pulsed beneath her skin, eager and restless.

That magic was exactly why she wasn’t below ground with Zylah right now. It craved release and healing wouldn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

Everyone close to her knew how powerful it’d become and none shied away from having her on the front line. Well, aside from her father, but he’d relented with the knowledge that Rion would remain at her side. Avalon knew her mate would protect her at any cost— not that she’d ever leave him to fight alone.

None of them had anticipated a battle like this. They had expected Niall to retaliate eventually, but the realization that monsters from legend were marching straight for them was almost unbelievable. Some had even scoffed, claiming the witnesses were simply being influenced by Pádraigín’s magic.

She wished that were the case, but the reports said otherwise and those grieving lost loved ones said even more.

Arianna clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to ease the stiffness in her joints. The wooden planks beneath her feet began to freeze over and Arianna could see her breath in the warm air. It felt as though ice were forming in her veins, waiting to pounce like a predator.

She hoped it would be enough.

The last sliver of sunlight disappeared and a hushed silence fell over the vicinity. No lights burned. They were shrouded in complete darkness; their first line of defense.

Those from Pádraigín who’d sworn their loyalty to her were shielding them from view, hoping to avoid a confrontation altogether. It was a fool’s hope perhaps, but one they had to try.

Arianna listened closely as the Fae, humans, and half-breeds surrounding her drew their weapons. They kept their magic at bay, conserving their energy until Rion and the other commanders gave the signal. If they all survived to see the sun rise, then they’d flee to Móirín. But they had to make it there first.

When Arianna had informed Zylah about their situation, the female had visibly paled. Arianna had watched a myriad of questions play through her friend’s eyes before Zylah had collected herself and set to work.

The female had come so far since her captivity in Rion’s camp. She’d been spotted in Ruádhan’s library, reading everything available while also seeing to her duties with the former slaves.

She was equal parts healer and half-breed representative. Arianna was willing to bet the female had learned even more since Ruádhan’s destruction.

Ruádhan. The silken sheets and fancy dinners all felt like a lifetime ago. Survival was the only thing that mattered now. Again. It was always about survival. For her. For her family and friends. For the innocents that looked up to her.

Arianna glanced down the line, studying those preparing for the inevitable conflict. Many exchanged uneasy glances with their comrades while others stood with their hands gripping their weapons.

She wondered how many had actually seen battle and how many more wouldn’t live to see another.

Talon stood several yards away and she could just make out his form in the fading light. His gaze was locked on the landscape, eyes searching for any signs of the dark creatures said to be coming for them.

Though Arianna couldn’t see the female, she knew Raevina stood on the western side with her own warriors. Avalon had taken the eastern side and they’d stationed the humans and half-breeds willing to fight at various intervals throughout.

Teams stood just inside the wall as well, ready to take on anything that slipped over or through. The archers were ready. The warriors too.

Here they were again, the four nations all working together alongside humans and half-breeds.

All because of her. Or so everyone claimed. But if it really came down to it, wouldn’t they all stand together anyway? Surely pride wouldn’t prevent them from protecting their families?

Then again, they wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for her. She was reshaping the world, sure, but she was also the cause of so much conflict. And she had no idea how to sort through it all.

Arianna kept her voice low as she leaned toward her mate. “You set the traps?”

“Several.” Rion watched the horizon just as intently as Talon. “There are trenches and pits. It’ll buy us time.”

“But won’t stop them.”

“No, I doubt anything would stop them entirely.”

Arianna stared at the giant earthen wall Rion had erected thirty yards ahead. It circled the entire village, acting as a second curtain wall.

Brónach’s forces had wrapped the entire thing in thorny vines and poisonous plants.

The children, elderly, and those unable to fight had been stationed underground with Zylah. Arianna knew her friend would force every able-bodied person to assist her when the time came. Even the children wouldn’t be spared from witnessing the devastations of war. There was no way to separate them while also keeping them safe.

Saoirse had opted to guard the door to the underground safe house. She’d refused to leave Zylah’s side and no one had reprimanded her for it. They needed someone powerful just in case things took a turn for the worst.

“Do you really think the numbers are right?”

Rion’s jaw worked. “I doubt your father’s warriors were exaggerating.”

Her voice lowered enough that only Rion would be able to hear. “What if Niall is with them? He knows where we are, if his intention is to eliminate us—”

“We won’t lose,” Rion said simply. “If Niall is here, then I’ll deal with him myself.” Arianna studied the resolve in his gaze then felt his determination flood their bond. It fueled her own and she returned her attention back to the dark horizon.

“Just promise me you won’t face him alone.”

“I won’t leave you,” Rion assured and her heart swelled. They were doing this together. If they lived, it’d be at one another’s sides. If they died, it’d be in each other’s arms.

An hour passed, dragging by so slowly, it was as if time himself were mocking them. Some relaxed and leaned against the wooden railing, while others kept their eyes glued to the outskirts.

Another hour drifted by. Arianna slid down the wall and watched over and over as frost coated her hands, only to melt away again.

Rion never moved.

He was like a statue. A guardian that stood vigil over the village below.

Something shifted. She couldn’t explain exactly what. It was in the air. Like the tense moments before a thunderstorm.

Arianna hardly dared to breathe, straining to listen.

Silence.

Silence.

There.

The sound was so faint at first. Nothing more than the rustling of grass in the wind.

Arianna stood and focused on the horizon once again.

They drew closer, but a strange noise kept repeating itself, over and over. She heard the wind shift, moving rapidly. Beating.

Her heart plummeted. Warriors around her shifted uneasily on their feet.

Wings. Massive bat-like wings were moving against the dark sky, heading straight for them. Arianna glanced sidelong at Rion, but if he were worried, he showed no signs of it. No increased heartbeat. No shift in stance. Just a general assessing the threat before him.

Arianna waited, counting the seconds until their bodies came into view.

Humanoid. Somewhat at least. The color of their skin was off, as if they’d been dipped in dark paint or oil. Claws extended from their fingers and bird-like talons curled from where their toes should have been.

The Dark Fae moving along the ground were slower, though from the sound of thunderous feet, she could tell they were itching to catch up to their airborne brethren. Likely so they wouldn’t miss a meal.

Arianna shuddered and watched their advance. They weren’t veering away, which either meant they could smell them or Niall had somehow commanded the vile creatures to do his bidding.

Heartbeats spiked and pressure built in the air, magic ready to unleash itself into the world. She clenched her own fists, feeling the beast writhe beneath her skin.

“Steady,” Rion’s deep voice commanded those around him. It settled her somehow. It settled the others too.

He was a general, she reminded herself. This was his element. He’d been fighting a war for a decade before she’d come along. He’d know the best time to strike, her only job was to wait and follow his orders.

Arianna drew her sword and others around her adjusted their grip, all ready to fight and die at their queen’s side.

She looked down the wall to see Talon, weapon in hand, frost already coating his blade. He turned to meet her gaze and gave a subtle nod. He’d fought in the recent war too.

They could do this. They’d survive the night and show Niall just how powerful they could be if they stood together.

Her magic pushed against its invisible cage, begging for freedom. It promised destruction on the Dark Fae closing in and on any who dared to threaten her mate.

Arianna took a deep breath and steadied it, coaxing the creature to wait just a little longer.

Rion’s magic stirred at their feet then, rising up from behind as small grains swept over the wooden structure. It brushed against her skin, but she didn’t flinch away. The creature within her kept the fear at bay.

Somehow Rion knew it too. His magic rose higher, circling their bodies with pebbles and grains, like a serpent ready to protect its den.

The wingbeats drew closer. Arianna swallowed against the dryness in her throat. They’d face a fight to the death today. The Dark Fae had swept through other villages without much resistance, devouring everything in their path.

Not tonight.

Not here.

The flying creatures were closer now and Arianna swore she could hear their deep guttural growls in the distance.

Someone shouted, then fires lit up the entire area, momentarily blinding her. Her eyes watered but she blinked it away, willing them to adjust.

Phase two then.

Laid out before them, on both sides of the far wall, large piles of wood burned bright. Each had been strategically placed to act as a funnel that would lead to various traps.

The Dark Fae yelped and snapped their teeth as they scattered to avoid the fires popping up in their midst. Arianna hadn’t realized Fiadh’s magic could reach so far, but Raevina had said small sparks were easy from a distance. It was maintaining the flames that would cause too much strain.

But those fires wouldn’t need to be maintained. They were solely for the purpose of guiding and illuminating the enemy.

The numbers before her did nothing to ease her nerves. Fear coursed through her as she studied the masses. Counting was of no use.

Rion’s fingers threaded through her own and she startled before closing her hand around his. He didn’t look at her, but she could feel the comfort he tried to convey down their bond.

Arianna took another steadying breath as they waited.

The seconds seemed too long and too short all at once.

The winged creatures surged past the outermost wall just as those on foot tumbled into the pits. Howls of pain filled the air and she cringed at the sound.

Seconds. They had seconds.

Was there a thousand of them? Two? Did she even know what a thousand bodies looked like?

Rion remained still. An immovable force. He didn’t balk at the numbers and neither did Talon nor the other seasoned warriors positioned along the wall. Arianna was certain their steadiness was the only thing keeping the others from fleeing. They trusted their commanders. Which was exactly what they needed if they hoped to win.

She jolted again when a male’s voice pierced the air and several Fae standing among them raised their arms. Rion squeezed her hand again. She’d been with them when they’d gone over the plans, but her heart was racing too much to remember everything.

Wind tore through the air, whipping her braided hair around, before it converged in a wave and shot out, slamming into the flying creatures so hard, they were shoved back into the others.

Wings folded in on themselves and they plummeted to the ground, screeching the whole way before they landed in a heap of crunching bones. The beasts snapped their jaws at one another, some going so far as to tear their comrades to shreds as if they were the cause for the sudden outburst.

Animals. They were nothing more than animals.

She watched them scramble to their feet and howl in frustration and pain when their wings wouldn’t respond. How had Niall directed them at all? They clearly held no intelligence of their own, or maybe the male had corralled them somehow, or planted a scent no one could detect.

Another blast of wind went out, striking the flying creatures again. They rained down, landing on their comrades. Some didn’t rise again.

Hope began blossoming in her chest. If they could take them all out from a distance, then—part of the outer wall Rion had erected came crashing down. One second it was standing, the next large chunks of rock were falling as it crumbled apart.

Dark Fae were crushed beneath the weight of the stones but more were spilling through. So many more. The sheer mass of them continued to pull the wall apart, crumbling it bit by bit.

A collective gasp went through those beside her. One stepped back as if he might run.

“Steady,” Rion called again. The command echoed down the line.

Arianna could scent their fear rising, but none turned to flee.

Pits swallowed creatures as they scrambled to avoid the strengthening fires. Arianna knew the bottom of those pits contained spikes and poisonous plants. The Dark Fae’s howls proved they were effective.

Another gust of wind pushed forward, hitting another line of the flying creatures.

Those below were closing in fast.

The fires erupted outward, sparks scattering as the flames shifted into great beasts of prey that consumed everything in their path. Shadow creatures joined them, singeing flesh and melting bodies before her eyes.

Some even took flight, burning through the membranous wings of the Dark Fae as they brushed past.

Three stepped beyond the fires. It was the last stretch of land separating the Dark Fae from the curtain wall. A wall that seemed so flimsy now, especially in comparison to the rock one the creatures had all but barreled through.

What hope did they have of it standing?

Firelight danced off leathery hides and reflected in yellow eyes. Some creatures she recognized from studying the books in Ruadhán’s library. The hounds that had come after Rion among them. But there were others she’d never seen before too.

Rion’s magic whipped out and crushed the three Dark Fae in seconds. Their bodies writhed on the ground before falling still. Five more crossed that invisible line and Rion crushed them too.

She gaped at her mate and watched as he did it again and again and again. Those standing on the wall around her stared at the male who hadn’t even moved. Only his eyes darted back and forth as he tracked the creatures advancing on them all.

He hadn’t released her hand either.

Talon called her name above the chaos and her head whipped toward him. He only had to point before her heart was sinking all over again. Because stepping through the wall, as if there weren’t creatures with snapping teeth and sharp claws all around them, were the ones with ashen skin and ice at their fingertips.

The very creatures that had run them into a river when she’d been hunting for her mate.

A shiver ran down her spine as the creature’s gazes roamed across the top of the wall. They were assessing. Forming a plan.

She’d thought them incapable of such reasoning, but what kind of conclusions could she really draw from one encounter? They’d attacked her and Talon as a unit. Perhaps it’d all been planned from the start.

Her blood ran cold. Niall might not be directly leading them but if the creatures could be reasoned with, they could very well be here on the male’s orders.

Their dark eyes didn’t display an ounce of fear. Not from the Fae currently bringing down their winged comrades. Not from the fire searing through their lines, and not from the massive pits where beasts still howled in pain.

A test. That first line of Dark Fae had been a test and a battering ram to break through their defenses.

Shit.

The ice wielders were climbing the wall now and landing on the other side, their teeth clicking in a strange pattern. She never imagined there would be so many of them.

“There,” Arianna pointed with her free hand. “Focus on them first.”

Rion followed her finger. “Raise your voice.”

“What?”

“Raise your voice.”

Arianna turned to find a few Fae staring at her, waiting for the instructions they hadn’t heard. She’d had no intention of leading anyone in battle. She’d never wanted the position. But eventually, sometime soon, she’d have to make a stand. It was either here or wait until she was face to face with Niall and the High Lord.

Arianna steadied herself for what seemed like the hundredth time and raised her voice. “Focus on the Dark Fae in the back. The ones that look human. Use heat to burn their skin and stop their magic.”

Arianna heard the creatures hiss and could have sworn it was directed her way. Could have sworn they … understood.

Those on foot were crossing that invisible line in mass now. Rion couldn’t hold them all back by himself … or so she thought. Her mate raised one hand and a chasm that stretched from one end of the field to the other yawned open. It swallowed the Dark Fae in a matter of seconds. They screamed and clawed at one another, desperate to reach the edge, but the chasm closed again, trapping them and their screams below the surface.

The overturned dirt didn’t move again, but more were coming. Sweat rolled down Rion’s face, but rather than look exhausted, he appeared … exhilarated. More alive than she’d seen him in weeks.

He was ready for this. He craved the fight. And maybe her mate needed this battle in order to chase away the nightmares left by Niall. Maybe he needed to relearn his own strength in the wake of that torment.

Arianna had no intension of holding him back.

The next line of Dark Fae closed in and Arianna inwardly broke the imaginary chain holding her magic back.

Finally , it seemed to whisper before bursting from her body in a wave of cold air.

Frost coated her skin, making it shine in the firelight. It wrapped around her mate’s arm momentarily before pulling away of its own accord and spreading around their feet.

The wooden structure became cold and slick as power enveloped her body and soul.

She was elegant and beautiful and ready to tear down anything in her path.

Arianna watched the creatures approaching with renewed vigor. She let her magic lash out and dance before it solidified overhead forming into a dozen thick crystalized spears.

“Fire,” Rion roared the command. It echoed down the wall and magic came to life in a symphony of sounds and smells and colors.

Bow strings snapped and a barrage of arrows plunged into the tender flesh of the winged creatures. Vines and trees with sharp thorns ripped from the ground, snatching anything in their path. Roots reached up to drag those unsuspecting into cold darkness.

Arianna kept battering them with ice and those with similar abilities did the same. She watched the jagged pieces tear through muscle and bone and pin others to ground while they were still alive.

They thrashed in pain and frustration.

They were doing it. With everyone working together, they were holding the line.

Ice and fire erupted from the enemy’s rear line and Arianna watched in horror as it came barreling toward them.

She threw up her arms, erecting a shield. Rion’s magic joined hers, as did others. Her mate wrapped one arm around her shoulders to hold her steady as the enemy’s flames and ice slammed into their own.

A resounding boom echoed from the impact and Arianna covered her face with her hands, half expecting her shield to shatter but it hadn’t so much as cracked.

She wished she could say the same for others.

Arianna’s gaze roamed over those who had fallen. Most were scrambling back to their feet. Some had minor injuries while others no longer moved.

She stared at a male body with an icicle through his chest.

Her breathing accelerated. Her hands trembled.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

How easily could it have been Talon or Raevina or Rion?

One second they’d been fine and the next—

Arianna glared toward the rear wall where the ice wielders stood. She swore they were smirking. Her cold gaze shifted to the ugly Dark Fae at their sides. Creatures that stood on all fours, with thick bodies and flat noses. Molten fire dripped from their mouths full of pointed teeth.

The ice wielders pointed and it began all over again. Warriors and Dark Fae pitted their magic against one another in a match to the death. Everything was a kaleidoscope of colors taking form only to wink out again.

The Dark Fae kept advancing, coming closer and closer until they slammed their bodies against the wooden wall.

Arianna stumbled forward from the sheer force of the impact. Rion gripped the top of her arm hard and pulled her back, placing her body just behind his own.

She frantically searched for Talon and found him leaning over the edge, hand half outstretched in what looked like an attempt to catch someone.

The creatures below had already piled on top of the unfortunate soul.

She didn’t know if they were Fae, human or half-breed, but she recognized that scream of terror. The one that came right before death.

The series of noises that followed had her stomach turning. She saw a limb fly but couldn’t bring herself to turn away as the victim was devoured alive.

Gone in a matter of seconds.

The Dark Fae fought one another, pulling at scrapes of the body until there was nothing left.

Then a scream followed. A delayed grief-stricken howl that sent shivers down her spine.

Screams of fury echoed up and down the wall. The wood groaned against the weight of the Dark Fae pushing in then ice began crawling up the planks, consuming it. Arianna’s gaze snapped back to the ice wielders.

Talon shouted commands and Arianna finally stepped away from her mate. Steam curled from her skin, momentarily clouding her vision before she spun and hurled a sizzling sphere across the field.

The steaming mass collided with an ice wielder’s chest and the being screamed in agony, falling to the ground in a heap as it rolled in an attempt to be rid of the pain.

More spheres followed, then Fiadh’s flaming creatures and shadows turned on the ice wielders too, ready to eradicate the threat entirely.

Another group slammed against the wall as if they’d been commanded to and a warrior toppled over the edge.

No one hesitated this time. Three of his companions leapt down with him, using magic and sword to beat back snapping jaws and jagged teeth.

A creature grabbed one of the male’s feet, its fangs sinking deep.

Two more jumped from the wall, their magic blasting in all directions, creating a small space for them to stand while others rescued their companion.

They killed the beast and drug their friend back. Then Talon jumped and she was moving. Arianna’s magic burst from her body, knocking three of the winged creatures from the sky before they could snatch anyone else. She shot more spears of ice down on those trying to crawl up the wall, killing them as she ran.

The Fae followed her and she leapt, landing at Talon’s side with magic flying in all directions, beating the Dark Fae back from the only structure separating this village from the creatures ready to devour them whole.

They pressed forward, killing and dancing with the magic flying from their fingertips. Rion pulled them parallel to the wall and she followed, creating a path for more to jump down and join the fray. Arrows and magic still rained down from those above, striking those in the distance.

Rion’s magic coiled around her, shielding her from unseen threats. She was doing the same, neither willing to allow injury to come to the other. They wouldn’t be parted again.

One of the large creatures with a leathery hide shifted its massive head in her direction. She planted her feet right as it reared its neck back and a stream of molten fire flew in her direction. Arianna yanked her magic up and shoved it forward, not just to block, but to destroy.

Ice engulfed the fire, freezing it in the air before her frost crawled straight into the creature’s mouth. It tried to retreat, but was encased instead, her magic streaking across its body until it was a glimmering statue.

Another rushed up from behind and used its giant mace like tail to shatter its companion into a hundred pieces. Arianna’s magic froze that one too. And the next and the next.

Rion remained close, their abilities working in tandem.

The Dark Fae were thinning. Slowing. Her magic caught another as it leapt for Talon and she threw the creature back.

They were going to win.

Someone screamed in warning but before she could turn a thunderous boom echoed across the area. Every head whipped toward the sound of splintering wood.

Then Arianna watched, horror freezing her in place, as the Dark Fae poured through the broken wall.