Page 168 of A Fate so Cruel

Only Rion knew the truth, and he’d made sure the male knew, too. Rion had relished the taste of his fear.

Two weeks later, Rion escorted another group to Levea. But unlike Cara, they weren’t as trusting. Half of them backed out. Only four achieved freedom. But four was better than none. Another week flew by and Rion freed seven.

Ten more at the end of the month. A couple with a young child the week after.

He stayed at different inns. Covered their tracks and always left on different days of the week.

Whispers of someone stealing slaves floated through the halls, but no one looked at him twice. Nor did they question when he declared he wasn’t available for long missions.

Saoirse began eyeing him, watching him at odd hours of the day. She never said anything and only nodded when she caught him leaving the slave district. She knew. She had to know, but she never turned him in. Maybe secretly, she wanted them freed, too.

He’d only been caught by a guard once. Rion had promptly grabbed the chains of the three females and made ashow of dragging them along. The Fae guard had wisely kept his mouth shut and ducked from view.

Less than six months went by before other rumors began circulating. Too many had seen him conversing with the slaves and assumed he was killing them. It made the slaves wary and all refused his offer for two months.

Rion caught another noble beating his female slave in the middle of the hall. Blood leaked from her face as she begged the male for mercy.

Rion snapped. He’d struck from behind and cut the male’s head from his body. It had landed with a heavy thud against the carpeted floor.

Alec had been furious, but something in the slaves shifted after that moment. Rion tried again, using Cara as a way to gain their trust, and two dozen agreed to follow him through the mountains.

Dusk had just begun to settle and Rion turned to watch the tired faces of the half-breeds as they climbed the final hill. “Not much further,” he promised. He knew they were exhausted, especially the older one, but he needed them to cross the final stretch tonight. He had an assignment to get to and—Rion paused and scanned the forest. He scented the air but kept his magic in check. He couldn’t risk those in Móirín learning his identity. Not if he wanted to continue setting the slaves free.

Rion backed away and the half-breeds stood at the top of the hill, leaning against trees as they struggled to catch their breath.

He checked his hood, just to be sure it covered his features and stepped back again. Móirín was here.

“You’re safe now,” he whispered to the male who led the current lot. “They’re here.”

“W-What do you mean, what do we—”

“You don’t have to do anything. They’ll take you in.”

A female emerged from the trees with two others flanking her sides. Their magic floated through the air, but she raised her hands, showing them she wasn’t armed.

Rion stepped back again. The former slaves watched him, ready to flee at his side.

“Are you the one responsible for liberating the slaves?” a light voice asked. The scent of heavy waterfalls and sweet lilies drifted from her. As if she was one with the land.

Rion nodded.

“I am the High Lady of Móirín.” His lips parted.Shit. Shit, shit, shit.If she revealed him to Alec— “The High Lord of Brónach inquired about whether we’ve received any refugees.” Rion held his breath. “I sent him a letter telling him we haven’t seen any.”

A letter. Fae could lie in letters. But if Alec ever confronted her personally—

“My husband asks where they’re coming from, but I’ve refused to answer, though I’d venture to guess he suspects.” Another step. “The half-breeds you’ve brought also refuse to reveal your identity, but I’d like to know who’s responsible for their salvation.”

Rion glanced back toward the mountain. Was he fast enough to outrun the High Lady? Possibly. He only had to make it to the mountain’s edge. Once he disappeared within the trees, she wouldn’t follow.

“It’s better if you don’t know,” he said, keeping his voice low.

“I won’t turn you in,” she promised. “I’ve wanted to liberate the slaves from our neighboring countries for years, I just—”

Rion stepped back. “It’s better this way.”

Moonlight filtered through the canopy above and shone on her pale face. “For whom?” she questioned.

Another step. “Everyone involved.”

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