Page 38 of The Sacred and the Tormented

He was angry and hurt and needed a few centuries to sort through all the pain this life had thrown at him. But it didn’t look like he’d get that anytime soon.

Arianna clutched his arm. “How bad was it?”

His body shuddered. “Bad. The blood—” Rion’s jaw flexed again and she felt the absolute gut-wrenching terror of the moment sweep down their bond. “They have healers here. If it wasn’t for them—”

Arianna pulled away slightly. “Healers?” Clearly not the normal sort. She’d always been taught The Divine was the only one who possessed the ability to heal with magic.

“Witches,” he said. “Or Weavers as they like to be called. One of them explained their magic is different from yours, but she mended you enough to keep you alive.”

“Well, that’s something.” He nuzzled back into her. “Tell me what youdoknow.”

“They promised us refuge. They’ve kept their word so far and maintained their distance at my request. The Weaver who healed you is the only one who visits, along with her partner.”

The fact that Rion had let anyone near her at all was a miracle in itself. “What else?”

“I think we’re north of Ruadhán. It was hard to keep track after—”

He trailed off and Arianna squeezed his arm. “It’s all right. Have they told you anything?”

“I haven’t given them much of a chance honestly. I’ve made it clear they’re not welcome to linger.”

Arianna glanced around the room again. They’d been provided food and shelter and space, but even as she took in the clean sheets and pleasant surroundings, she couldn’t help but ask, “Are we prisoners?”

“No,” he said the word with so much malice that Arianna almost shrank away. “I’d rip this whole place to pieces before I’d let that happen.”

“Then I suppose it’s a good thing we don’t have such intentions.” Arianna’s head lifted toward the door and the woman standing on the threshold. Arianna didn’t know how she hadn’t heard it open. Rion hadn’t reacted either. Perhaps neither of them were in their best state of mind. Or perhaps there was more strange magic at work.

Rion sat up and positioned himself to Arianna’s front. Earth rose to surround his body, but he didn’t growl or show his teeth.

A male appeared at the woman’s side, his brows knit with worry as he eyed Rion’s magic. Arianna scented the air. He was Fae, but the woman wasn’t.

“I thought you two might be hungry.” She lifted the tray in her arms for emphasis before entering and placing it on the small table beside the window. Arianna noted the swell of her stomach and the way the woman’s hand cradled it. She turned back to the pair. “Would you like me to look at your wound?”

A Witch. Arianna had heard of them, but she couldn’t recall—another throb pulsed through her temple. Had she read a book about them or merely been told their history? She remembered enough to know that they could live among humans undetected for a time. They aged much slower so they couldn’t linger long. They were also said to only dwell on the northern continent so why was one here?

“Just you?” Rion asked, eyeing the male behind her.

“He can come in,” Arianna said. Rion bristled, but when her hand reached for his, he stepped back to take it. “She’s carrying his youngling, you can’t expect him to wait outside.”

Rion’s eyes traveled down to the woman’s stomach again and he finally nodded.

The woman waddled over to Arianna’s bedside and Rion’s sand parted as if it didn’t dare to touch her. The male followed but stopped just a few steps inside. Rion moved back and the woman eased herself onto the bed.

“My name is Sive. It’s so nice to finally see you awake.” Her smile was infectious, carrying enough warmth to brighten the entire room. “May I check your wounds, Your Majesty?”

Arianna’s lips parted slightly. She supposed she wouldn’t need to worry about hiding her identity here. “Just Arianna.”

Sive inclined her head. “As you wish.” Rion helped Arianna sit up and move her shirt aside. He winced again but then Sive’s hands were prodding Arianna’s tender skin. Then she began drawing symbols over the raised scar. Arianna’s eyes widened when the symbols turned blue, glowing faintly beforesinking into her flesh. Warmth spread through her and the pain alleviated a fraction.

“Those are the same symbols I saw under Ruadhán.”

The woman’s thin fingers paused a moment before continuing. “Around Niall’s captives, I presume?”

Arianna’s heart skipped. “How do you know about them?”

The warmth in her gaze vanished. “I know many things, all of which we’re more than willing to share.” She eyed each in turn. “Were you—able to save them before…”

Tears pricked the corners of Arianna’s eyes. “A few.” She looked away then, shame flooding through her. They’d left so many behind, she only hoped by severing them from Niall’s hold that they’d found peace in the afterlife.

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