Page 17 of Vengeance Becomes Her

CHAPTER SIX

The next morning, Rhiannon was ready for the guest dining at her table. She strode in, her head held high and determined to use this turn of events to her advantage. She couldn’t help but notice how Tristain’s eyes ran over her form-fitting pants. She was annoyed with herself for wanting him to notice how they flattered her curvaceous figure.

“See something you like, Tristain?” She set her gaze on him.

He smirked. “Well, if I’m being honest—as per our agreement—I was admiring how well those incredibly tight pants suited you.” He took an unapologetic sip of his coffee, never breaking eye contact.

Rhiannon’s mouth slackened in shock at his outright flirting before she could control her expression. She’d baited him but she didn’t expect him to be so forward with her family sitting right there.

“Well, in that case, I guess I can’t blame you.” She shot him a sickeningly sweet smile. “I appreciateyourhonesty.”

With that, she sat in her usual chair which happened to be across from him. She hit the seat with a thud but swallowed down her embarrassment. She was desperate to sit down, she didn’t want to show it, but that walk from her house had taken a lot of energy out of her. However, while her body was still weak and tired, she noticed a slight change in her mind, like it was a worn sword that had been sharpened during her verbal sparring with Tristain and her undeniable interest in him. Maybe he had his uses after all.

Rhiannon nodded to Jade to pass her the potatoes, she noted the mischief that danced in her sister’s hazel gaze. She had sensed the spark between them, too.

If he could help her inch back to her old self by getting a rise out of her then so be it, but that was all it was. She could admit that hewas attractive but she was not interested in giving another man her time or her heart, whatever was left of it. She meant that for now and possibly forever.

When Rhiannon turned her attention back to Tristain after filling her plate with eggs and fruit, she noticed that he was staring at her intently, his eyes burning into hers as if he knew she’d been thinking about him. She took a bite of a steaming potato, not breaking the eye contact he seemed so intent on keeping. She wouldn’t be the first to back down. But her mother cut in, breaking their battle of wills.

“Tristain, what is it that you did before you were dragged into this mess?” Her mother’s voice was nervousness cloaked with propriety, trying to make her guest feel welcome even though she was wary ofthe situation.

“I served in Saldova’s guard for several years, then I took those skills and pursued competitive sword fighting. I also help train young nobles between competitions. It’s not a glamorous life, but I enjoy it. And it gives me an excuse to be on the road without exposing my true reason for flitting from city to city and country to country in pursuit of my brother.” The excitement and cheerfulness drained from his face at thatlast statement.

Rhiannon stabbed a potato so hard that her fork hit the plate and made that sharp clinking noise she hated. She was annoyed by how any mention of Silas immediately soured her mood. She tried to steady herself before speaking.

“And what exactly is it that you’ve found on thesetravels?” She raised her eyes to him, once again demanding transparency.

“In some cases, nothing, just happy people living their ordinary lives. In others, grieving families and friends who have lost a beloved daughter or sister to a mysterious illness. One that resulted in sudden death that leeched the color out of her hair and left her body frail,” he said pointedly.

Rhiannon laid her fork across the plate and pushed herself back from the table just slightly, the smell of her food suddenly revolting.

“I see.” She pushed a piece of her own brittle white hair behind her ear. “And how many are survivors like me?”

Tristain sighed. “None. I’ve only been tracking him for the last two years. Who knows how many others there have been.” The despair in his eyes turned her stomach.

Rhiannon sat forward, leaning over her plate. “Two years! This has been happening for two years?” She clenched her napkin in a deadly grip. She could feel helplessness tearing through herdefenses again.

“Well, his first time was three years ago. But that is a story for another time.” His jaw tensed, teeth gritting together. “But in short, my fiancé was one of his first victims. She didn’t survive.”He broke her gaze at last and stood abruptly, nearly knocking his chair to the floor.

“Forgive me, I need some air.”

With that he walked out of the room with such speed it was surprising it didn’t turn into an outright jog.

The sprawling dining room window overlooked the garden, so she could see him step out into the fresh air. He was gripping his hair firmly between his fists as he went down into a crouch hanging his head. His shoulders heaved ever so slightly.

The pain she was witnessing was similar to her own, one of loss and unfathomable grief. She had her answer as to why he was intent on getting her to help.

After breakfast, Rhiannon headed back to her house. On her way down the winding stone path from the main house to hers, she noticed that Tristain was still in the garden, seemingly transfixed by the tranquil flowing waters of the large decorative fountain.

It was also one of her favorite features on the property. The tall, black stone structure stood in the center of a circular pool. Each level became smaller and smaller until it formed a tall point that jutted dramatically into the sky. The ornate detailing was her favorite, a drastic contrast to the silken red rose petals that often floated atop the pool of water. It made for an excellent place to reflect, Tristain seemed to have come to the same conclusion.

Watching him stare into the soothing waters, she was torn between continuing on her path and taking the opportunity to coax more information out of him now that he’d had time to gather himself. Despite her better instincts, she found her feet carrying her toward him. She cleared her throat to announce her presence before taking a seat onthe stone edge.

He looked up slowly, a pensive look sharpening his features. For a moment, they only stared at one another.

“I’m sorry about the abrupt exit, even after all this time I still haven’t managed to stifle my grief over losing her.”

Rhiannon nodded as she dipped her fingers in the cool water. The gentle caress always soothed her. She wasn’t good with comforting people, but the motion helpedclear her mind.

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