Page 15 of The Sacred and the Tormented

She hoped it would be enough.

The last sliver of sunlight disappeared and a hushed silence fell over the vicinity. No lights burned. They were shrouded in complete darkness; their first line of defense.

Those from Pádraigín who’d sworn their loyalty to her were shielding them from view, hoping to avoid a confrontation altogether. It was a fool’s hope perhaps, but one they had to try.

Arianna listened closely as the Fae, humans, and half-breeds surrounding her drew their weapons. They kept their magic at bay, conserving their energy until Rion and the other commanders gave the signal. If they all survived to see the sun rise, then they’d flee to Móirín. But they had to make it there first.

When Arianna had informed Zylah about their situation, the female had visibly paled. Arianna had watched a myriad of questions play through her friend’s eyes before Zylah had collected herself and set to work.

The female had come so far since her captivity in Rion’s camp. She’d been spotted in Ruádhan’s library, reading everything available while also seeing to her duties with the former slaves.

She was equal parts healer and half-breed representative. Arianna was willing to bet the female had learned even more since Ruádhan’s destruction.

Ruádhan. The silken sheets and fancy dinners all felt like a lifetime ago. Survival was the only thing that mattered now. Again. It was always about survival. For her. For her family and friends. For the innocents that looked up to her.

Arianna glanced down the line, studying those preparing for the inevitable conflict. Many exchanged uneasy glances withtheir comrades while others stood with their hands gripping their weapons.

She wondered how many had actually seen battle and how many more wouldn’t live to see another.

Talon stood several yards away and she could just make out his form in the fading light. His gaze was locked on the landscape, eyes searching for any signs of the dark creatures said to be coming for them.

Though Arianna couldn’t see the female, she knew Raevina stood on the western side with her own warriors. Avalon had taken the eastern side and they’d stationed the humans and half-breeds willing to fight at various intervals throughout.

Teams stood just inside the wall as well, ready to take on anything that slipped over or through. The archers were ready. The warriors too.

Here they were again, the four nations all working together alongside humans and half-breeds.

All because of her. Or so everyone claimed. But if it really came down to it, wouldn’t they all stand together anyway? Surely pride wouldn’t prevent them from protecting their families?

Then again, they wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for her. She was reshaping the world, sure, but she was also the cause of so much conflict. And she had no idea how to sort through it all.

Arianna kept her voice low as she leaned toward her mate. “You set the traps?”

“Several.” Rion watched the horizon just as intently as Talon. “There are trenches and pits. It’ll buy us time.”

“But won’t stop them.”

“No, I doubt anything would stop them entirely.”

Arianna stared at the giant earthen wall Rion had erected thirty yards ahead. It circled the entire village, acting as a second curtain wall.

Brónach’s forces had wrapped the entire thing in thorny vines and poisonous plants.

The children, elderly, and those unable to fight had been stationed underground with Zylah. Arianna knew her friend would force every able-bodied person to assist her when the time came. Even the children wouldn’t be spared from witnessing the devastations of war. There was no way to separate them while also keeping them safe.

Saoirse had opted to guard the door to the underground safe house. She’d refused to leave Zylah’s side and no one had reprimanded her for it. They needed someone powerful just in case things took a turn for the worst.

“Do you really think the numbers are right?”

Rion’s jaw worked. “I doubt your father’s warriors were exaggerating.”

Her voice lowered enough that only Rion would be able to hear. “What if Nialliswith them? He knows where we are, if his intention is to eliminate us—”

“We won’t lose,” Rion said simply. “If Niall is here, then I’ll deal with him myself.” Arianna studied the resolve in his gaze then felt his determination flood their bond. It fueled her own and she returned her attention back to the dark horizon.

“Just promise me you won’t face him alone.”

“I won’t leave you,” Rion assured and her heart swelled. They were doing this together. If they lived, it’d be at one another’s sides. If they died, it’d be in each other’s arms.

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