Page 46 of The Sacred and the Tormented

She gently tugged on the bond again. Rion glanced up, but it was only to ensure she was safe before he looked away again.

Her mate was suffering. Drowning. He had been for weeks and now he’d finally gone over the edge.

“How are you doing?” Cara asked, kneeling in front of her.

Arianna stared at the female and bit back the tears trying to claw their way up her throat. Arianna just shook her head, then Cara handed her a glass of water.

“I can have another come to work on your wounds if you like, it might help ease the pain.” Arianna caught the slight way Rion’s head lifted at that.

“I’m not sure that would be a good idea.” She’d been so eager for answers that she hadn’t even bothered to consider how her mate would handle it. He’d seemed okay, if a little agitated, but he’d also asked her to stay. He’d been on edge already and she’d shoved him off that tottering cliff.

“What is she doing exactly?” Arianna asked, watching as Sive painted markings across her mate’s forearm. She still couldn’t believe Rion was allowing someone else to touch him.

Cara settled on the grass beside her. “They’re runes. Weavers pull magic from the earth and weave them through those symbols to hold their power in place. It’s an ancient language of sorts, said to have been developed by those who learned it from the gods themselves.” Cara crossed her legs. “The histories in the northern continent are even more complicated than here.”

“They wouldn’t be complicated if it weren’t for Niall.”

“Niall is a monster, but his father is far worse. He’s the one to really blame for the state of the world.”

Arianna glanced around. “Where is Conall?”

“Inside. Sive felt it was probably best for him to give Rion some space until she’s finished.”

Arianna glanced down to her wrists and the faint scars there. “He set you free?”

Cara looked at her then and offered a small smile. “He did. Myself and my family.” Cara paused. “It was … frightening at the time. He had a brutal reputation even then. But when he offered me a chance at freedom, well…” her gaze drifted to Arianna’s wrists. “I’m sure you understand.”

Arianna rubbed at one of her scars. Memories flooded back, reminding her of all the death, the whips, the wishing she could be anywhere else.

Arianna ran her hands over her pants, fiddling with a loose strand in the garment. “You said you spoke to my mother?”

Cara smiled at the memory. “I remember walking toward the bridge at the northern gate. There were warriors guarding the entrance. We weren’t sure what to do when we saw them. We just stood there, staring until one ran off. Lady Lillian arrived within minutes. Honestly, we all nearly ran, but she promisedwe’d be safe. That night, we were all cleaned up and went to bed with full stomachs. She helped us settle in. Some decided to pursue an education while others took up a long loved craft.”

“And you?”

“I opened a tea shop.”

“Which one?”

“It’s near the river in the western district. My son told me it received some damage during the raid from Fiadh, but otherwise it’s doing well.”

Arianna’s eyes went wide. “The Gilded Leaf?”

“You’ve visited?”

“It’s my sister’s favorite place.” Arianna’s voice lowered. “She loves the western district. Claims it has more taste than the eastern side.” A weight settled in her chest. She wanted nothing more than to take her sister there again. See her smile.

Cara rested her hand on Arianna’s knee. “You’ll see her again soon.”

Arianna paused. “What do you mean?” She hadn’t mentioned anything about her sister yet.

“Conall wants to help you find her.” At that, Arianna saw Rion’s head lift. “He wanted to be the one to tell you himself but given the situation—” She met Rion’s gaze and Arianna saw a flicker of hope there. “He intends to raid Ashling and release the prisoners, your sister included.”

“Don’t give her false hope.” Arianna turned to find Conall standing in the doorway. Her gaze darted to Rion, but her mate remained still. She sensed uncertainty down the bond but no hostility. Conall seated himself on the first step and folded his hands together.

“You can save her?” Arianna asked.

“Maybe. We’ve infiltrated Ashling before and have stolen a few of their prisoners. But we haven’t dared to enter the upper levels.”

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