Page 84 of Lady of Ashes

“He is certainly no one else’s,” Arianna said with a dismissive shrug. “How can I be of service?”

“I am here to escort you home. Your brother will be glad to see you have returned,” Talwyn answered, ?guring she could at least ?x one of her relationships while she waited for Azrael to wake. Bringing Arianna back to Siofra was sure to put her back in the good graces of the Alpha.

Arianna looked her up and down, a small smirk curving up on her full lips. “I am sure Prince Sorin will escort me home when he is able.”

“He is clearly otherwise occupied at the moment.”

“And I am enjoying my time away,” Arianna replied coolly. “I do not wish to return to Siofra so quickly. Although if you wanted to go and fetch Jamahl for me, I would not object to that.”

“Lady, I think it would be best if you returned. The Alpha was very unhappy that you were gone—”

“I am sure he was,” Arianna interrupted, her olive eyes darkening a shade. “He prefers to keep me there while he goes onadventures. He forgets, your Majesty, that I have just as much experience in these matters as he does.”

“I did not mean to offend you, Arianna,” Talwyn said, trying and failing to keep her frustration from her tone.

“Then try harder not to do so,” the Beta replied sharply.

“I have to tell him you have returned, Arianna,” Talwyn said. “I gave him my word I would keep him informed of any news I learned of you and your whereabouts.”

“Then send him a note,” she answered, turning and beginning to walk away from her.

“Wait,” Talwyn demanded, and the Beta paused, looking over her shoulder, beaded braids clinking as she waited for Talwyn to continue. Talwyn sighed. “Did you see who Scarlett’s captor was? Do you know of him?”

“I was with when she was retrieved, and I was sent in beforehand to ?gure out where she was being held. There were several involved in her capture,” Arianna answered.

“And do you know any of them? Did you hear their names?”

“I think you should ask Prince Sorin these questions.”

“Yet I am asking you,” Talwyn said.

“There were three that Sorin appeared the most concerned with. One of them was the Assassin Lord of the Black Syndicate where we retrieved her from,” Arianna answered, her lips tightening at the clear order and demand for submission from Talwyn.

“Did you hear their names?” Talwyn repeated.

“Alaric, Mikale, and Lord Tyndell,” she answered shortly.

“No others?”

“No.”

Talwyn nodded.

“Anything else, your Majesty?”

There was enough venom in the words to let Talwyn know she had of?cially pissed off the Beta, and that was just fucking fantastic. Not only was she going to have to tell Stellan his sister was back from the mortal lands but refused to come home, she was also going to face his wrath at having angered his sister.

“I had dinner with Stellan while you were away. We discussed several matters, and I would like to get your input on some of them.”

Because fuck it. She’d already lit this ?re. She may as well fan the ?ames.

Arianna’s brows rose. “My brother did not give you the information you were seeking?”

Talwyn pressed her tongue to her cheek. “Not exactly.”

“Either he did or he didn’t. Stellan does not do things partially,” Arianna countered.

“It involved Avonleya.”

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