Page 42 of The Sacred and the Tormented

Rion felt hope trickle down the bond. He glanced down at his mate but couldn’t read her thoughts. Perhaps Arianna believed they might be allies. Or could provide information that might help her get her sister back. He could listen to this Conall if that proved to be the case.

Another cabin came into view as they neared the other side of the clearing. Trees circled behind it and around it. Smoke curled from a stone chimney and the scent of food floating toward them had his stomach growling.

He’d refused to eat while Arianna was out, just in case. Nothing Sive did could convince him otherwise.

Arianna glanced up at him and even Cara peered over her shoulder. He knew Arianna was hungry as well, though she didn’t voice her needs either. Maybe with Cara here, he could let himself relax a bit.

Beneath the trees, six wooden chairs stood around an old table with faded indigo cushions tied to each, a welcome sight considering Arianna’s wounds.

Cara inclined her head to the male standing in the doorway. Rion studied him too, but when Arianna shifted in his arms and winced again, he moved to set her down first. Cara handed him another pillow, but didn’t reach for Arianna, much to his relief. He wasn’t sure he could handle even her doing so right now.

Cara scooted one of the chairs closer for him, then settled herself in one on the opposite side.

Silence fell over the space and Rion glanced up at the male again. No one dared to move. It felt as though the world itself had frozen.

The male swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he took them in. Arianna seated in a chair, pillows propping her up andRion standing at her side, ready to tear the world apart should it prove to be a threat.

A pitcher of water sat on the table with droplets rolling down the side. Rion noticed the way Arianna stared at it. Cara did too. The female took it upon herself to fill three cups. She took one back to her seat and drank from it. Rion was silently thankful for the gesture.

The male still hadn’t moved. He appeared both ancient and young. His cheekbones were sharp, making him both striking and formidable. A deep scar hung above his left eye. His skin was a shade darker than Rion’s, as if the sun had permanently branded him with its rays.

Untamed dark hair curled around his pointed ears and his hazel eyes carried a weariness that Rion recognized all too well.

He wore practical clothes, comfortable with no weapon in sight. At least they were sticking to that part of their routine. The male’s arm moved and Rion’s eyes locked onto an object around his wrist.

Iron. Not a shackle, but a bracelet similar to the one his mother wore.

The male stepped down from the top step, keeping his movements slow. He carefully walked down the second and third. Rion’s magic circled himself and Arianna. He gritted his teeth at the scent of her fear. She did her best not to show it, but Rion could feel her emotions down the bond as if she were reliving the moment he’d snapped her arm in half.

Another step and the male dropped to one knee, twisted his wrists up, and bowed his head. “My King.” He glanced up briefly, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “My Queen.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Arianna said. Rion wasn’t sure he was inclined to agree.

The male rose slowly, his hands never moving from his sides. “May I sit?”

Arianna nodded, but the male didn’t move. He met Rion’s gaze instead, seeking permission from them both. “Where ever you wish me to be, you have but to say the word.”

Rion nodded toward the further chair across from them. The male crossed the space and sat, still watching the pair with a reverence Rion had rarely experienced. “My name is Conall. I am the present leader and organizer of the village you see before you and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have.” He looked between them again. “I can’t begin to tell you what an honor is it to sit in your presence. My sources have been bringing me regular updates on you both, but I never imagined I’d get to see you in the flesh so soon.”

Uneasy silence filled the space as they all stared at one another. Cara sipped on her water, but before anyone could speak again, the cabin door opened and a female carrying a large tray emerged from around the door.

Rion’s magic retracted to circle Arianna and Conall sat straighter. The first tinge of fear drifted off the male. It wasn’t for himself, but for the female now staring at them as she noted the tension in the air.

“Am I too early?”

“It’s okay,” Arianna said. Again, Rion wanted to protest. He didn’t want all these strangers around his injured mate.

The female’s face beamed and much to his displeasure, she practically skipped down the stairs, completely ignoring his magic as she placed the silver tray on the table. The female placed a chaste kiss on Conall’s lips then seated herself beside the male. She was a ray of sunshine that’d just pierced through a cloudy sky. Completely out of place.

“Sorry,” Conall murmured, staring at her. “She can be a bit free spirited.”

“Well, we can’t very well let them go hungry.” She gestured to the food. “Help yourself. I’m sure you’re famished.”

Rion eyed the plate, then met her gaze. “You first.”

The female’s face faltered, all humor vanishing. “I would never.”

“Remember what he’s been through,” Conall said, resting a comforting hand on her leg.

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