Page 2 of The Sacred and the Tormented

Her heart pulled. “Stay,” she whispered. Begged.

Rion froze with one hand on the wooden bed frame. She watched his jaw work, then he slowly shook his head. An ache radiated down their bond.Please, it seemed to say.

She relented, then sent down reassurance that she wouldn’t hold it against him when he returned. How could she?

Rion fled into the rain outside, closing the door behind him. Arianna padded to the window and watched her mate break into a sprint, ignoring the downpour that soaked through his clothes in seconds. He hadn’t even bothered with shoes. He never did this early. Something about the earth against his bare feet seemed to comfort her mate.

He reached the perimeter and turned, moving beyond her line of sight.

Arianna sighed and let the curtains fall back, once again shrouding the room in darkness. She leaned her back against the wall and slid to the floor, wrapping her arms around her knees before resting her head against them.

Every day.

Tears welled in her throat. Every. Single. Day.

She remembered the first night he’d run. She’d feared he wasn’t fully awake and that he’d wind up hurting himself or someone else.

He hadn’t.

She followed him the second time to be sure. By the third, she simply stood by the window, checking the bond to reassure herself he was still alive.

He never acknowledged her. Never pulled back in comfort and Arianna had eventually just let him be.

A tear slid free.

She knew he wasn’t doing it to hurt her. His actions during the day proved his devotion. But her mate was in pain and she couldn’t do anything to comfort him.

Twenty-five days.

Twenty-five days since the fall of Ruadhán. Twenty-five days since her sister’s disappearance.

Arianna wiped the tears away and pulled herself up. She’d done enough wallowing. She couldn’t allow herself to break down again. For Rion’s sake and for Ellie’s.

Arianna dressed, pulled on a cloak, and marched out into the pouring rain. It battered against her hood, and she pulled the material tighter. Her guards stood to attention, ready to follow their queen anywhere.

They reported to her father and one had likely already run off to tell their High Lord that his daughter was up and moving.Her father never seemed to sleep. Not that she was one to judge. Sleep only seemed attainable in the stolen hours between meetings.

Talon claimed she was pushing herself too hard. Rion said she didn’t have to shoulder the responsibilities alone. Arianna briefly wondered what Ellie might say. Her throat tightened and emotion swelled through her chest again. She stamped it down. No more.

A light flickered in the window of a little building down the street that served as their temporary kitchen. Those running it were always up early, preparing breakfast for the masses, the half-breeds included. Arianna refused to let anyone show favoritism, especially where meals were concerned. Between her father’s and Saoirse’s resources, there were plenty of supplies and more arriving every day.

They were rebuilding, forming a new life one step at a time. She just hoped Niall didn’t show up to tear it all down.

Arianna stepped inside and a fresh wave of heat washed over her. Those preparing the breakfast plates welcomed her when she removed her hood. Water pooled at her feet and Arianna grimaced, half wondering if she should grab a towel to clean it up.

She likely wouldn’t be the last one trekking water inside, though.

“Good morning, My Lady.” A female with a broad smile, full figure, and wild brown curls greeted her from one of the stoves. She set down a large paddle laden with fresh rolls, and Arianna’s mouth watered at the scent.

“Morning.” Arianna returned.

“I have everything wrapped up and ready to go.” The female crossed the room and pulled out two small boxes. She stuffed a few fresh rolls into another before approaching, thenhesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want someone to carry these for you?”

“Thank you. But I can manage.” Arianna took the boxes, feeling the heat from the fresh meals inside. “I appreciate it.”

The female bowed her head slightly. “Anything for you.” Her smile fell. “Have there been any changes?”

Arianna averted her gaze. “Not really, but Saoirse is hopeful.”

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