Page 39 of The Sacred and the Tormented

Rion seemed to reflect the regret. She wondered if he blamed himself too. He’d tried as hard as he could to hold the city up longer, but his body had given out.

“Don’t blame yourself. The fault lies with another. At least they’re free now.”

Arianna tried not to let accusation leak into her tone as she asked. “If you knew they were there, why didn’t you try to free them yourselves?”

“Ruadhán is, was,” she corrected, “a fortress. We did try, but our spies were always caught. All we can do now is pray for their souls and try to liberate the others.”

“What others?” Rion asked.

Sive eyed him. “We have a long story to tell you. For the sake of clarity and questions, it should probably be done in one sitting and by someone who possesses more knowledge than I.”

“Who?” Rion asked.

“Our appointed leader. He’s ready when you feel up to it.”

“Where are we, exactly?” Arianna asked.

“In a sanctuary near the western mountains where those liberated from Pádraigín’s influence have gathered to stand against the High Lord of Ashling. We’ve successfully uncovered the true history of the continent and have documented the atrocities committed by the High Lord in order to keep the truth hidden.”

“What truth?” Rion asked.

“That you are our rightful king and have been wronged by a male who has been on a quest for vengeance for centuries.”

Rion’s lips parted and silence fell over the small space. Sive pulled her hands back from Arianna’s stomach and rested them in her lap. Her partner inched closer, but Rion only offered him a passing glance.

“I’m not even sure how to respond to that,” Arianna said, feeling her mind whirl. She already knew their history had been manipulated thanks to Eimear’s revelations, but even Eimear hadn’t been able to elaborate on the extent of it. “Before we meet anyone, can you tell us what happened at the village?” If they’d found Rion, then perhaps they’d run to provide aid. “Is everyone okay?”

Sadness covered Sive’s features again. “We don’t have answers yet. Our scouts haven’t returned.”

“Why not?” Rion asked.

“It’s hard to say. It could be due to the Dark Fae, Niall’s warriors, a guarded patrol, capture. The world isn’t as predictable as it once was.”

“I need to know,” Arianna pressed. She couldn’t imagine a world without Talon. Surely she would have felt something if he’d—

Sive stood and her partner rushed forward to help her up. “I’ll see what can be done. When you feel up to it—”

“I’m fine,” Arianna interrupted, even as she winced. “I want to know everything. I—we need an explanation.”

Sive nodded. “I’ll send word to Conall then. Do you wish for him to come here?”

“No,” Arianna said. “We’ll go to him.”

Chapter Twelve

Rion

Rion carefully helped Arianna slide a shirt over her head. She slipped her arms through the sleeves but winced when she pulled the hem down over her torso.

“You promised to rest,” Rion said, watching as his mate stared at the pants still lying on the bed. She’d have to stand to put them on. She’d gotten up a few minutes ago to relieve herself in the bathroom. It’d been a struggle that’d left her panting.

“I know, but I can’t just sit here.” He understood. It was the only reason he wasn’t forcing her to stay in bed.

Sive had left with her partner, giving him and Arianna privacy, and to inform their leader that they’d be arriving soon. The Weaver had reiterated there was no rush, but Arianna was having none of it. She wanted answers. As did he. At the very least to know for sure whether they were safe.

Conall of Móirín. He’d never heard the name, but given this place’s secrecy, that came as no surprise. The world was littered with secrets. Maybe today the truth would finally come to light.

Sive had promised the walk wasn’t too far, but she’d still offered a wagon to assist Arianna. He’d declined. Arianna would be safer in his arms where his magic could protect her. She was conscious now and he’d already seen frost crawling across her arms. Her magic had been pent up for two days and needed release. She might even be able to subdue them without his help.

---