Page 17 of Tortured

“Seren assured us he is part emrys,” Lord Tegau says.

“So his ancestry is most definitely from Siana,” Lady Jenna says.

“That is what Seren has told me as well,” I say.

Siana being the one immortal to come through our realm eons ago—way before my birth.

And Niawen being the second to enter our world.

“But how can this man be so evil if he is emrys?” Aneirin asks.

“Part,” Caledu says. “As I’ve always said, the humans bring corruption. He is impure. Unholy. Not worthy of the light he does possess.”

Caedryn would have mortal ancestry, Seren says. Siana would have wed a mortal, so the corruption came through the bloodlines.

“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t ever have to grace his presence,” I say. “But Niawen is out there all on her own. She has no one. She’s not safe from him.”

“And she is with child,” Caledu says. “Seren has told us this much. She carries an abomination in her womb!”

“Because he is not pure emrys!” another man far down the table exclaims.

“Council, we are getting off track.” Lord Ithel turns to me. “You can tell us nothing else about Lord Caedryn?”

“I can tell you that we are bound. When Niawen transferred her light to me, she transferred her bonds with him.”

“All of them?”

“He can hear your thoughts?” Lady Ffion asks.

“Is he aware of this very council?” Lord Tegau asks.

I hold my hands up to calm them. “I’ve done a decent job at blocking him, except when I’m injured, it would seem. In my weakened condition, he doesn’t let the opportunity to torment me pass him by.”

The council members murmur among themselves. I see no good outcome from me being here. They haven’t learned any new information. Caedryn tortured me for weeks, and I learned nothing of his true nature and abilities except for how vile and evil he is.

I stand. “If you will excuse me. I’ve said all I can.” I bow to Lord Ithel and Aneirin. “It’s time I go.”

“But what will you do?” Lady Jenna asks.

“I will do the best I can to keep those I love safe. Most especially Niawen.”

“Which will include you staying away from her so Lord Caedryn cannot find her,” Caledu growls.

I scowl. “I fully intend to stay away from your daughter as long as I have these bonds. You need not worry. Although I do believe she would be safest here.”

Caledu jumps to his feet. “I cannot—”

Aneirin rises. “Caledu, thank you.”

“Aneirin. Once again you stick your business in where it doesn’t belong.”

“Gentlemen, ladies.” I sigh in frustration. “I can leave you with one assurance. I feel Niawen. I can tell she is safe. For now. You need not fear for her.” I step away from my chair. “It’s time I return home.” Without waiting for another response, I sweep out of the council room.

My stomach turns. I have little care for these emrys after seeing how they exiled and left one of their own alone.

Aneirin jogs after me. “You’re sure she’s safe?”

I don’t slow my pace. “Without a doubt.”

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