Page 124 of The Revered and the Pariah

Arianna was silent for a time, watching the fire flicker and spark. “You told me our immortal lives weren’t worth wasting.” Arianna pressed her cheek against his. “I don’t want any of this if it means I don’t have you.”

Rion’s breath shuddered and he pressed his lips against her hair. She was certain she would fall asleep in his arms before he spoke again. “You asked once if I wanted to be forgiven.” Arianna waited. “I’ve thought about it for a while, just to make sure it was something I wanted for myself.”

“And?”

“I want to earn my place in this world. I want to show people I’ve changed through my actions, not just my words.”

Arianna smiled. “I sense you have a plan in mind.”

He nodded but pressed his head against hers again. He hadn’t loosened his grip on her once. “Tomorrow.” Because tonight he just needed her, to know she was safe and his and all was right in the world. Arianna felt Rion’s emotions clear then, like a fog lifted. Love. Unbridled and passionate. Surely emotions a monster could never feel. And despite what everyone said, Arianna knew their bond was the realest thing to ever exist.

Chapter Forty-eight

Rion

Niall had met them before dawn, beside himself and demanding explanations before he had escorted their injured party back inside the confines of the royal city. Rion didn’t much care what happened to the prisoners. Niall could execute them for all he cared. Arianna didn’t seem to care, either.

Rion had run her a hot bath and tended to her wounds, which were thankfully shallower than he’d first thought. Then they’d spent the entire next day relaxing in the library, playing chess, and reading books.

It took three days before he told Arianna about his plans, mostly because he wanted more time with her before setting off on his own. He would have rather waited another month, but Arianna’s excitement had gotten the better of her and she had run to Ellie. Everything had fallen into place after that.

Arianna supported him completely.

Now he stood outside the manor waiting for Ellie’s return. Rion wished he didn’t have to rely on others, but he needed materials and he knew no one on the council would be willing to give him anything. They’d likely laugh in his face anyway.

But he didn’t need their approval. He didn’t need anyone’s approval. He just wanted to begin making amends, no matter how small.

The bond tugged, begging him to remain close to his mate after what had just happened. When he’d felt her initial rush of frozen panic, Rion had darted from the library so fast he’d knocked over a table. And he was fairly certain he’d given two half-breeds heart attacks in the process.

But he needed to do this. If he wanted to stand beside the queen of Alastríona, then Rion needed to prove himself worthy. Or at least begin proving himself. He had a long road to walk on the path to redemption.

Ellie finally exited and sighed in frustration, shaking her head in a way that had his heart sinking.

“They declined?”

“No, they accepted, but the nonsense was exhausting.” Rion fell into step beside her. “Apparently, you need a babysitter.” Ellie scoffed.

“And you volunteered?”

Ellie waved her hand through the air. “As if I had a choice. If anyone else goes, they’ll likely try to assassinate you, then we’ll have a whole other mess on our hands.”

“Don’t you have other responsibilities?”

“None that I don’t put on myself.”

“What about Kirian?”

“He’ll stay here. He’s researching some stuff for me and after what happened with Arianna, I don’t want him outside the city walls.”

Rion eyed her bag. “You’re ready to go?”

She smirked. “I thought you didn’t want to waste time.”

Rion smiled to himself and followed her toward the platforms.

***

They’d each taken a horse, a light pack, and nothing more. Ellie said the council would have their supplies ready tomorrow, but Rion had his magic in the meantime.

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