I started to relax.
Rian continued, “Not in front of everyone. In a private altar alcove. Although, there were witnesses just beyond the curtains.”
“All they had were curtains between them and a crowd?! What the fuck?”
“Karadas is a god.” Rian shrugged. “It was seen as a great honor to be chosen as his sacrifice. And accepted, of course. There had to be witnesses.”
“What's the difference between being given and accepted?”
“Well, the God had to take the sacrifice and then determine if it was worthy.”
“So, this guy bent over an altar and just hoped the God would like him enough to keep him?”
“Yes.” Rian grimaced. “That about sums it up.”
“Barbaric,” I muttered.
“You want to talk about barbarism?” Rian got defensive. “Many dreads used to fight to the death in their crown tourneys, but Karadas put an end to that.”
I gave him a sympathetic look, knowing exactly where his thoughts had gone. And I couldn't help glancing at his scar. For that abolishment alone, Rian would worship his god. But that didn't make him good.
“Ensarena was ambivalent at best,” he went on. “And when Karadas returned, she showed her true self. You know all about that.”
“Yes,” I whispered, my thoughts turning to poor King Throll.
“Karadas has done a lot of good for our people. Before he retreated to his realm, he traveled around Serai, helping the dreads in every way he could, just making sure everyone was well.”
“Fine,” I huffed. “He's a good guy. What did this good guy do to his mate that has you spooked?”
“He treated him like a sacrifice.” Rian shrugged. “From what I saw and heard, Karadas treasured his mate, even before they mated. But he was prone to rages where Sora—that's Karadas's mate—was concerned, and there were rumors that Sora ran from Karadas because of mistreatment. No one knew that the God was battling the rising need to claim his mate.”
“Are you battling that need?”
“Not battling, no.”
“Then why does this worry you?”
“Galin, you saw what I just did. I don't want you to have to tiptoe around me like Sora did with Karadas.” He shook his head and cursed. “Karadas was rough with his sacrifice. So rough that Sora, who was, by all accounts, a man who was used to insensitivity, ran from the god he had vowed to serve in any capacity. He must have feared for his life.” Rian clutched my hand suddenly. “Promise me that you will run too.”
“What?” I gaped at him. “You told me you'd hunt me down if I ran.”
“I know what I said, and it's taking every ounce of willpower I have to say this to you now.” He cupped my cheek with his free hand and met my stare. “Run, Galin. Strike out at me in any way possible. If you have to, you set Vashana on me, and you run. Fly if you can. Just get away from me and do it fast. When I do come for you, and I will, I will be calmer. But I don't want to hurt you before I can get calm.”
“Holy fuck!” I jerked back. “Are you fucking kidding me? Do you want me to be afraid of you?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then what?”
“Just be wary. If you can't calm me as you did today, you need to get away from me.” Rian gentled his tone and his stare. “Please, my jewel. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you.”
“I am not a self-sacrificing man,” I said. Then I grimaced and amended it with, “Not anymore. I won't stick around if it looks as if you're going to hurt me. And I'm not without my own defenses.”
“I know, love.” He let out a relieved breath. “Do not hesitate to come at me with all you have if you feel endangered.”
“I don't like this, Rian.”
“I don't either. Believe me. But at least someone with some brains has pointed it out now, before I've done any damage to you or our relationship.”
