Page 44 of Vengeance Becomes Her

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Despite wearing herself out, Rhiannon hadn’t been able to sleep with the knowledge of what lay before her weighing so heavily on her mind. The sky was grey and turbulent just like her thoughts as she drew her sword.

The rain fell in thick, heavy drops that snapped against her skin, making her aware of every exposed inch of her body. As the sky tore open, the cold clung to her. But it wasn’t a deterrent. Instead, it spurred her on, the elements a tempting challenge. Her hair grew damp, then wet, then soaked, as her feet glided over the muddied grass.

The rain didn’t cease even for a moment in the hour she spent there in the garden wielding her sword as she conjured Silas and anyone else that would stand in her way. Droplets glittered like crystals over the blade as it cut and curved through nothingness.

Advance, thrust, strike. Retreat, parry, sidestep. Over and over she played possible scenarios in her mind, while noting the potential threats of the flooding terrain beneath her.

Minute by minute, the air became heavy with the scent of earth and sky, coating her lungs with every breath. On each exhale, the space around her grew thick with mist inthe brisk air.

As the sheets of rain turned into smaller and smaller drops, her energy began to wane. She rose her head to the sky, calling for a truce. When the assault of water lessened to a patter, she accepted their draw.

Fully resigned to her body’s demands, she tipped her mouth open allowing the water to relieve the dryness caused by her rasping breaths. The raindrops kissed her face gently, cascading down her sweat-soaked chest and limbs.

This was healing. She drank it in, feeling free for the first time in months.

When she finally opened her eyes again, she felt the heaviness of someone’s gaze set on her. But instead of making her uncomfortable, she found herself drawn to it.

She briefly searched across the grounds until she flicked her eyes up to the peaked second-floor windows, finding Tristain watching her intently with his forehead resting against the glass. When their eyes met, his smile broadened. He nodded to her and then turned away.

She wrang out her drenched hair while she waited for him, assuming he was coming down. As the moments ticked by, she felt a bit foolish, until she saw him emerge from the entryway. Her lips curved upward at the damp waves that crowned his head.

“Having fun?”

She shrugged, suddenly feeling self-conscious about how long he may have been watching her.

His gaze darkened as he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his hand lingering on the side of her neck.

Her skin prickled at the feel of his warm fingertips against her rain-cooled skin. Despite the gentleness of his touch, there was no denying the spark that struck between them.

He cleared his throat, lowering his hand. “Are you nervous?”

Rhiannon shook her head, thinking through the various emotions she felt since they’d made their decision.

“I feel ready. I’ve made peace with my decision. But I’ll miss my family. I’ll miss home.” She watched warily as his expression fell. “Are you?”

“A bit. Who knows what we’ll find.” He sighed. “Have you told your family?”

“Only Jade. I’m going to tell my mother at breakfast.” Rhiannon knew she had to do it but she was dreading the sadness she’d have to combat.

“Shall we then?” He reached for her hand and she didn’t even hesitate to take it, the warmth of it flooding through her. With him at her side, she felt as if she could take on anything, even if it was something as small as breaking the newsto her mother.

Rhiannon let go of Tristain’s hand before they made it to the entryway, not wanting to give anyone—namely her sister—any ideas. So as not to make him feel completely unwanted, she laced her elbow through his arm, keeping them linked.

There was a lightness to Rhiannon’s steps when they approached the table where her mother and sister sat waiting. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this free, but she was going to enjoy it while she could. Her smile was wide as she surveyed the table. She took one of each from the serving dishes, helping herself to fresh strawberries, blackberries, a lemon muffin, blueberry scone, and finally, some eggs.

She didn’t know the next time she’d be able to eat like this, so she figured she might as well take advantage of it. Perfectly sweet fruits and fresh baked goods were something she would never get enough of, but she knew they were a luxury she likely wouldn’t find on the road.

When she finally cleared her plate, she sighed as she summoned the strength to break hermother’s heart.

“I need to tell you something.” She fidgeted with the cloth napkin on her lap. “I’m going on a trip with Tristain. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, but we’re leaving in a few days.” She forced herself to meet her gaze.

“You mean you’re going after Silas?”

How did she know? She wanted to blame Jade again, but mothers always knew.

“Why would you assume that?”

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