Page 132 of The Sacred and the Tormented

“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?”

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