Page 32 of Vengeance Becomes Her

Resigned, Rhiannon took a long pull of the murky liquid, her face squinching at the foul taste.

Tristain laughed at her before taking a large gulp of his own.

Part of her felt guilty that she was pushing him for information when they were supposed to be out for a night of fun. She knew it was difficult for him to talk about, but she also was in too deep not to get the full story from him. How and why Silas had this magic had been gnawing at her nerves for too long.

“What do you know about the magic he has?”

Tristain shook his head. “Nothing other than he was granted power in exchange for killing her.”

“He doesn’t seem like much of a victim to me.” She recalled their previous conversation.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Rhiannon.” His tone was somber. “I just want you to understand why I’m struggling to hate him as much as you do.”

“It’s unfortunate what happened to him, but we are not the same. Perpetuating trauma and suffering just because you have suffered is not excusable in any way. If anything, it’s worse.” Her heart thudded uncomfortably in her chest and her throat constricted as she tried to fight back the tears that threatened to fall. Her jaw became tight as she smothered her frustration. Now was not the time to be hysterical. If anything, everything he’d just told her was further justification for her plans.

Tristain remained silent, watching her carefully as he took in her reaction.

After what felt like an eternity with Tristain’s eyes peering into her soul, Rhiannon was able to regain her composure, letting her thoughts drift away as she chugged the remnants of her glass. She took a deep breath and finally looked up.

Tristain looked almost as pained as she had felt moments ago. She had a fleeting thought that he wore despair well. It was awful, but the orange flecks in his water-rimmed eyes were arresting in the golden candlelight. She wanted to reach out and touch him, but she’d already been too vulnerable with him tonight. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to clear her head. She forcefully shifted all the information she learned tonight to the back of her mind. She would take the time to think through it more clearly later. Right now, she needed another drink.

“Should we have another? I think you’ve earned it.” She had come here with the purpose of enjoying herself, not drowning them in somber memories. She could at least offer to buy the next round of drinks as a truce.

She was disappointed when the barkeep announced they were closing, but it was probably for the best.

“I guess that means our night is over. Thank you for inviting me. This was nice.” Her smile was now a permanent fixture on her face as they made their way back to the waiting carriage.

“Yes, it was.” He helped her in, careful to only place a feather-light touch on her waist.

The ride home was silent once again, but this time, it was one of comfort and a slight buzz.

As Rhiannon split off the path up to her house, she couldn’t help but feel that things had changed fundamentally between them tonight. The thought lit her up with more optimism than was wise and the high of their exchange left her restless. She couldn’t sleep just yet. So instead, she pulled out Silas’ dagger from her bedside table. The very dagger that she nearly took her own life with. How things had changed since then. She thought holding it would fill her with dread or sorrow, but it made her feel strong and capable. She was driven to claim it as her own.

If she could learn to wield a sword, she could certainly learn how to use a dagger. But this was hers alone to master. Rhiannon tested the weight in her hand, shifting and slicing it through the air. She even dared to try a stabbing motion. The power of it sent chills erupting across her body. Her heart galloped in her chest. She couldn’t help but feel this weapon was made for her.

The ease of the way she could swiftly maneuver it made her feel confident and capable. She still had a lot to learn about using a blade, but she was determined to make it one of her strengths. A glow of pride simmered through her at the thought of showing Tristain the skill she was able to hone on her own. She wanted to be irritated with herself for allowing her mind to go there, but she couldn’t deny that the excited spark in his eyes and a glimpse of those dimples would be just as rewarding as her own satisfaction.

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