Page 60 of The Sacred and the Tormented

“I thought we were infiltrating Ashling?” Raevina said.

“We are,” Conall answered. “But we have to wait until our warriors return. We also have to formulate a plan and our queen,” He nodded toward Arianna. “Needs to heal.”

“We don’t have that much time,” Arianna protested. “What about my sister?”

His face fell. “Missions as large as this one demand time. I’m afraid it can’t be rushed. Rest in the knowledge that he won’t kill her at least.”

“How do you know?”

“Because if you doesn’t come willingly, then he’ll use Evelyn as a lure.”

Arianna felt her magic surge again, pulsing in time to her rapid heartbeat. She just had to sit here and wait while her little sister continued to go through day after day of torment?

“What can you teach us in that timeframe?” Saoirse asked.

“We have runes that will help block Pádraigín’s magic. We can show you how to heal minor injuries, how to unlock doors, and reveal glamours that have been cast over an environment.”

“And these will work on those from Pádraigín?” Saoirse asked. “We can really block out their magic?”

“So long as you don’t encounter Vairik himself, then yes. I’m afraid his magic is far too advanced for runes to have any effect.”

“Speak for yourself,” Sive said.

Conall smiled at her. “Too advanced for most of us then.”

“All right, enough,” Cara clapped her hands. “You two need to rest, we’ll pick back up tomorrow.”

Rion bent to scoop Arianna into his arms and those still seated rose. Her mate didn’t wait for a dismissal. He was moving across the open field a second later. Talon and Cara followed with Raevina close behind.

On the way, Cara informed them about a community breakfast and extended an invitation. She explained to Talon how they grew their crops and how they’d organized groups to maintain clean water and their fires. Arianna shuddered. It all sounded eerily like Ruadhan.

Arianna thought back to her brief time in the royal city. Conall claimed the place had been built by Rion’s predecessor. She wondered if he’d also been friends with the tree-like creature in the forbidden forest. The guardian. Maybe that’s why it’d welcomed Rion so quickly. Did that mean it was as old as the original Divine? Were all the fairy folk that ancient?

“I can walk,” Arianna protested in a whisper.

“You’re in pain.” Rion glanced down at her. “Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed about me carrying you.”

She caught a slight upturn in his lips. A smile. After his outburst, she expected him to grovel for weeks. “It draws attention.”

“Trust me when I say they’re more concerned about my magic than you being in my arms.”

“I don’t know,” Saoirse said, coming to walk beside her brother. Arianna peered back to find Zylah and Gavin following. “I think the two of you attract attention just for being you.”

“Thanks for that,” Arianna said, her cheeks heating. “What areyougoing to do?” Arianna asked. It felt wrong to just leave them alone.

“Don’t worry about us, we can fend for ourselves. Get some rest.” Saoirse turned to her brother. “That goes for you too. I’ll stand watch myself if that’s what it takes.”

Rion opened his mouth to protest but his gaze roamed to the runes Sive had drawn on his arms. “That might … be nice.”

Arianna eyed the intricate symbols. “Do they help?”

“Immensely.” Rion paused. “It’s difficult to explain how. It’s like a constant stream of fresh water.”

“And you’re sure they’re safe?” Saoirse asked.

“They’re better than the alternative.” He peered at Arianna again, his gaze apologetic, but not overly so. She wondered if the runes were helping with that as well. Or maybealmost dying had changed him entirely. He’d never been quite the same after the royal city’s fall either.

“We can show you all around if you like,” Cara offered. “You can see and meet the villagers for yourselves.”

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