Page 41 of The Sacred and the Tormented

“It’s okay, she sent me.”

Rion nearly whirled as a female appeared. He stepped back from the threshold, clutching Arianna in his arms. A quick scan told him she wasn’t carrying any weapons. Rion studied her features and the kindness in her eyes. It reminded him of—his lips parted. She didn’t appear much older. Maybe thirty by human standards. She was still beautiful, her body fuller, healthier compared to all those years ago.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” She rushed on without giving him time to answer. Just like she’d done in the past. “It’s been a long time, but you liberated myself and my family from Nàdair.”

Rion studied her features, hardly believing his eyes, then his gaze dropped to her exposed wrists and the scars all former slaves carried. “Cara?” A gentle smile graced her features. “But you’re supposed to be in Levea.”

“I was and spent several happy years there.” She looked around, as if appreciating the surrounding area. “But I’ve found myself somewhere new, where I can forward the kindness of a stranger onto others.”

“But … you have a family.”

“A happy one, thanks to you. Some are here with me, others are back home.” Arianna had gone still in his arms, studying the female before them. “They thought you might be more comfortable if you saw a familiar face.”

He glanced back at the three still standing next to the trees. They hadn’t moved. “I’m not sure comfortable is how I’d choose to describe it.”

Cara’s smile didn’t waver. “Strange how fate flips the tables, isn’t it?” Rion opened his mouth to respond but closed it again. Was this really happening? Was she really here? Cara’s smile faltered. “I trusted you once. I hope you’ll be able to do the same with me.”

“Cara was among the first of the slaves I liberated from Brónach.” He explained to Arianna.

Cara’s gaze shifted to his mate. “It is an absolute honor to meet you, My Lady. I knew your mother for a short time. She welcomed us into your beautiful city with open arms.” Rion felt Arianna’s emotions down the bond, but she appeared to be at a loss for words. Cara didn’t seem to mind as she addressed Rion again. “I told you you’d find someone someday.”

Rion recalled that conversation and the doubt he’d felt in that moment. One of the Fairy Folk had sat beside him, as if reaffirming Cara’s words. He looked down at Arianna and wondered if the little creature had known what his future would hold.

“I promised you refuge if you ever needed it back then.” She continued. “This might not be my home, per se, but I trust these people with my life. They won’t harm you or her.”

“I find it difficult to trust anyone.”

“I know.” He hated the sadness in her tone. Cara gestured to her left. “Conall is this way. They’ll have refreshments for you. Or, if you’ve changed your mind, I can have them brought here. Either way is fine.”

Rion’s foot drifted back. He wanted nothing more than to take Arianna back inside the cottage where he could protect her until she’d healed, but his mate had other plans.

“Lead the way.”

Frustratingly stubborn female. Rion gritted his teeth and Cara bowed, an act that had him wincing. She should never bow to anyone ever again.

He followed her as she moved along the perimeter of the trees. The warriors followed at a distance, leaving their weapons behind. Some paused to stare at them in the distance. They placed their hands over their hearts in reverence, as if they already knew who he carried in his arms.

“Sive mentioned this place was a sanctuary.” Arianna said after a beat of silence.

“It is. Those who learn the truth generally have no where else to go. Not unless they want to forget all over again.” She kept a leisurely pace and peered back at them. “I heard about your unfortunate encounter with Niall and the fall of the royal city.” She turned forward again. “Conall can explain things better, but from what I’ve gathered Pádraigín’s High Lord has been waging his own internal war against the continent for centuries. He’d altered minds, shifted our history, denied us our gods, and stripped our rulers from their rightful place.”

“So he’s not with Niall?” Rion clarified.

Cara stopped at that and turned, her brow furrowed. “You think I’d have anything to do with that monster?” He flinched at the word. “No, Conall isn’t working with Niall or his father. We’ll all rejoice when Ashling is finally destroyed.”

He scented the truth in her words and Rion’s shoulder sagged with relief. They were safe from one enemy at least.

“But, you have Pádraigín’s magic protecting this place, don’t you?” Arianna asked. Rion glanced at the trees beside them. He could feel the barrier nearby, as if a void had been carved out in the world.

“Yes. Just because a leader is in the wrong, doesn’t mean a country’s entire people are at fault. Not everyone shares his beliefs and I’m willing to bet most aren’t even privy to the information. They’re nothing but disposable bodies to him.”

“How many are here?” Rion asked, gazing out toward the village.

Cara looked too. “I’m not certain of the numbers. Conall keeps that information to himself. Just in case. I know there are at least two other settlements and more people arrive every day.”

“And how long have they been here?”

“Since the beginning. Since the High Lord decided to implement his will on everyone he could reach.”

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