Page 70 of The Sacred and the Tormented

“We’ll enter a few at a time and pose as a security patrol. There are hundreds of them. As long as we keep our hoods up and don’t make a ruckus, we can pass through the city undetected.”

“They won’t scent us?”

“It’ll be irrelevant if they do, plenty of Fae from the various nations call Ashling home. Despite separating the rest of the continent, Vairik understands the strength of a unified city.

“Once we’re beyond the perimeter guard and through the city, you’ll find a channel of water that flows under the castle and exits into the ocean. It’s where waste is discarded, but the channel is large enough to accommodate several bodies at one time. We’ll use the current to move into the underground chamber. Everything is easy from there.”

Talon glanced down at the map and followed an invisible line with his eyes, as if he were already following Conall’s instructions in his head. “That seems like quite a vulnerable point to leave open.”

“It’s not open, there are guards, but those with Pádraigín’s magic will blend us into the environment. There is enough of it already at work that they won’t notice a bit more.”

“Sounds simple enough, if not disgusting,” Raevina commented.

“With enough room for a million things to go wrong,” Talon added.

“If they go wrong, we pull out and retreat to the tunnels. Veer toward the ocean if you have no other option.” Conall turned to Arianna. “Your ability to control water will work to your advantage, but Fae from Móirín also guard the shoreline so you’ll have to be careful.”

Arianna nodded. “I will be.”

“Once Gavin finishes, we’ll talk more. For now, I encourage each of you to learn as many runes as you’re able.My warriors will also have additional insights and opinions upon their return.”

Arianna stared at the map and the black castle that had been drawn at the edge of the ocean. It stood in stark contrast to everything else. It felt like a blight on the land.

“My Queen,” Arianna glanced up at Conall. “We’ll make every effort to rescue your sister. But if it comes down to losing everything or letting her go—”

Arianna’s gaze turned icy and her magic sparked in her veins. Conall straightened as if he could sense the shift. “I willnotleave without her. You do what you must for your people, but I’m staying as long as it takes to find Ellie.”

“Even if it means the fall of the continent?”

“Even if it means the fall of the world.”

Conall looked ready to protest but nodded instead. The action … surprised her. Most would have argued or threatened to leave her behind if she didn’t comply. But this male didn’t.

“Now, about that bath,” Conall said. Saoirse’s eyes sparked like a child who’d been offered a sweet. “We have natural hot springs nearby if you’re interested.”

“Hell yes, we’re interested,” Raevina said before anyone could object. “I haven’t soaked in a natural spring since leaving Purog.”

Conall chuckled then stood. “I’ll have Cara lead the way then.”

Chapter Nineteen

Arianna

Cara arrived shortly after and led their entire group through the trees. None could hide their excitement at the prospect of soaking in a hot spring. They paused at a bathhouse along the way to clean the grime from their bodies. Rion helped her sit, but Arianna washed quickly, not wanting to make the others wait.

She wrapped herself in a plush robe and met her companions outside. All were dressed in a similar fashion, but none had left their weapons behind.

Cara paused at the entrance, a looming cavern with sconces flickering inside to light the way. “The halls might seem daunting, but everything is marked.” She addressed Rion first. “Take the first right, then the second tunnel beyond that. It has the biggest pool. Just flip the little sign in front to indicate it’s taken and no one will disturb you.”

Arianna scented the air wafting from the cavern and crinkled her nose at the smell. She stepped forward, intending to follow the others inside, but Rion’s body didn’t move when she tugged on his hand. His heart began pounding and she turned to find him staring at the walls as if they might close in around them.

Arianna studied the cavern entrance again. It was tall, taller than any Fae and wide enough that four could have walked through shoulder to shoulder and still had some room to spare.

Even so, her mate balked, staring at the stone walls as if they were an enemy he couldn’t conquer.

Arianna squeezed his hand and Rion looked down at her, his eyes slightly glazed over before they shifted into focus. “We don’t have to.”

Cara was the only one who lingered, but the half-breed attempted to busy herself and turned away.

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