Page 62 of Vengeance Becomes Her

PART III

The old Rhiannon is dead, body and soul. He made sure of that. But forged from that darkness, I have found new purpose.

Revenge.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Rhiannon was slow getting ready that morning, her mind snagging on the horrors that had unfolded in front of her. Those images would haunt her the next time her head hit the pillow. It wasn’t just that, though. She was stuck on Delphine’s warning.

She knew she could trust Tristain with her life. He wouldn’t hurt her. But she couldn’t say with confidence that he wouldn’t try to stop her. Despite everything, she knew there was a very real chance he would choose more traditional forms of justice for his brother. When it came down to it, she’d have to decide what to do if that happened when the moment came.

She did her best to clear her mind and focus on packing, carefully placing the items needed for the tincture amongst her other belongings. She was still in a daze from lack of sleep, the disturbing events with Delphine, and the nervousness that was eating away her insides. She didn’t know what to expect when she saw Tristain.

Her resolve hardened the closer she got to leaving. She would deal with everything as it came. She couldn’t let worry distract her.

It wasn’t until she was dressed that everything felt real.

She looked beautiful and deadly in her all-black leathers. Everything had been custom made to her exact measurements. Sabine did incredible work as always. She took in her reflection appreciatively. She wouldn’t have to worry about her pants cutting into the roundness of her stomach or her thighs rubbing the fabric thin. This clothing was made for her body and it showed.

The slick leather pants hugged every curve, she snuck a view of the back, running her hands over the smooth black material. Her thick sweater was cinched in the middle with a corset that connected to the harness that ran up her sides and around the backof her neck. It had been designed specifically to curve around the natural contours of her breasts to hold the two daggers she was taking within easy reach. Despite all of their sword training, she was much more comfortable with her daggers and she’d use that to her advantage.

One was a classic blade made by the best blacksmith in town. It had a black hilt with soft leather wrapped around it and there were two emeralds carefully embedded within the steel to resemble glowing eyes that would pass judgment on whoever met her blade. The other one was the blade Silas had left behind. The smooth curve glinted as she shoved it in its holster with a little more force than necessary. She couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw her wielding it. Her mood perked upat the thought.

She slid on tall boots that crawled up past her knee, designed to fit snuggly around her large thighs without slipping. Smooth leather gloves and a thick black cape completed her ensemble. Most of the attire she’d had made to bring with her looked much the same with small variations. She might be traveling and facing potential death, but she didn’t need to look drab.

She stood back to admire her reflection. She looked every bit the threat she’d turned into with Tristain’s help.

She was ready.

Once Rhiannon double-checked that she had everything she needed for their journey, she headed off to the main house to say goodbye to her mother and sister. She lingered in the garden, running the silky petals of her favorite red roses through her fingers. She didn’t know what possessed her to do so, but she pulled a few petals off, tucking them in her pocket. A small memento of home while she was away.

She took her time memorizing the details of the house that had been her home for the last twenty-nine years. Every dramatic peak, every flourish, every inch of wear that marked decades of life.

She found her mother and sister enjoying their morning coffee in the sitting room. When she entered, their conversation cut off.

“So, the time has come. How long will you be gone?” The sadness in her mother’s voice was palpable.

Rhiannon walked over to her, draping her arms over her shoulders from behind.

“Hopefully, I won’t be gone too long. I’ll try to send letters when I can. Please try not to worry about me too much.”

Her mother’s laugh was choked with tears. “That’s not possible. I’ll worry about you every minute you’re gone.”

Rhiannon hugged her tighter. “I know but know that I’m in good hands. Tristain won’t let anything happen to me. I won’t let anything happen to me.” She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt. She had no idea what would happen on this journey, but she was certain it’d be dangerous. Silas had already tried to kill her once, he wouldn’t make it easy to escape withher life again.

“I don’t want to leave you, but this is something I need to do. A few months away is worth it for me to have peace of mind. But I willmiss you both.”

Her sister’s hazel eyes had her pinned in place with an intense stare that was a mix of fear, frustration, and hope. She brought Jade into a tight embrace.

“I will come back to you. Please don’t let worry consume your life. I’ll be back before you know it.” She couldn’t bring herself to promise but she forced the most convincing smile she could summon.

“I doubt that, but we’ll be here waiting for you when you do. Don’t forget to bring me back something shiny,” Jade added, managing to make them all laugh. “I love you, please take care of yourself. I need you to come back to me.”

Rhiannon hugged them both once more. The heaviness of her heart felt like it would drag her down to the ground and never allow her to get back up again if she gave in, so she didn’t. She forced herself not to look back over her shoulder as she left their home. She had said her goodbyes, it was time to move forward.

She would do everything in her power to come back to them someday.

Rhiannon found Tristain in the stables. He’d readied the horses while she’d said her goodbyes.

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