Page 67 of The Sacred and the Tormented

She rested one hand on top of his and relished in his warmth. “I think I can hear your sister pacing.”

“She can wait.”

“What if I said, I’m hungry?”

His eyes met hers. “Are you?”

“A little.”

Rion threw off the covers and was dressed faster than she could even sit up. He got her clothes together too, then helped her scoot to the edge of the bed. She stood easier today, but despite wanting to walk, Rion was having none of it.

Saoirse was speaking with one of the guards when Rion opened the door. She raised a brow. “Are you planning to carry her forever?”

“Only until she’s out of pain.”

His sister made a face. “The Weaver’s magic didn’t help?”

“It did,” Arianna answered. “She just said it’ll take time. It doesn’t work the same as mine.”

“Not sure what good it’ll do out on the battlefield then. They mentioned wanting to teach us, but if the results are that slow—”

“It saved her life,” Rion countered. “That’s good enough for me.”

“You always were up for learning new things,” Saoirse said. “Never could keep him out of the library when he was a kid.”

Arianna liked the image that brought about. A small Rion, pouring over piles of books, perhaps even taking notes before running off to try something new.

“Where is everyone else?” Arianna asked.

“Talon and Raevina are already grilling Conall. Cara and Zylah are talking to the locals. Gavin is sulking in a corner.”

“Meaning Talon won’t let him leave his side.”

“Pretty much.”

Arianna sighed. She knew Gavin hadn’t had anything to do with Ellie’s capture. Not really. He was just as much a victim as anyone else. But at least Talon wasn’t demanding him to remain in chains.

They began walking toward Conall’s cabin. “The villagers have been talking about what you did last night. For the infant.”

“Is she okay?”

“Perfectly fine this morning. Screaming and crying like any other youngling.” Saoirse grimaced, but Arianna saw the smile behind it. The relief that a young life could be spared and given a chance to grow.

“Are Conall’s warriors back yet?” Rion asked.

Saoirse shook her head. “He claims they could be here any day. He wants to give them a chance to rest before we move out. I can’t say, from a commander’s standpoint, that I disagree.” Arianna’s stomach dropped.

“You think he has the numbers?”

“He claims he does. From what I’ve pieced together so far, the mission will rely on stealth, therefore numbers aren’t what’s needed, at least, assuming everything goes according to plan.”

“And if it doesn’t?” Arianna asked.

“Then we storm the place. Or blow it up if everyone manages to get out safely.”

“I wish you would have brought more warriors,” Rion said.

“We had to lay low, just in case Niall or his father were watching from the shadows. Those who escorted us here claim he has spies everywhere.”

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