Ellie had settled in a corner against the far wall. No chair. No blankets or pillows, just her knees curled into her chest, arms around them, and head leaned against the rough bark of ancient trees. Talon’s heart had shattered for her all over again.
He’d simply sat down beside her. Silent.
There were no words for the grief she’d endured.
The torment.
The violation.
Eventually, Ellie had allowed Rion inside as well, though refused to see her sister or Gavin. Even Myrna was permitted entrance on certain days, though Ellie’s moods were impossible to predict.
She only spoke when required. She ate when her meals were brought. Rion had delivered a bed, along with a few pieces of furniture, though none knew if she actually used them.
No matter what they tried, Ellie simply sat there, day in and day out, refusing to go outside or see anyone she didn’t wish to.
They all knew something needed to be done, but short of dragging her out against her will, they hadn’t yet decided what that something might be.
She’d been forced to do enough. Ellie needed rest. She needed time. Sive assured them all that if Eimear could overcome her difficulties, then Ellie would find a way as well.
Eimear …The High Lady was happy to be amongst her own people again. She worked hard, helping the citizens and refugees adjust to their new way of life. Alec only left her side to be with another female. Apparently, the High Lord had a youngling on the way, though few were privy to the information. Talon smiled; the world would know soon enough. Alec's wedding was in a few weeks. The entire palace was in an uproar over a female they’d never even laid eyes on.
The younglings, Kaylee and Whelan, along with all those orphaned, were finally allowed to be younglings again. They ran through the wide-open plains, playing, laughing, carefree, and befriending humans and half-breeds alike. They would grow up in peace, in a world finally united.
Saoirse mostly stayed at Alec’s side, advising on matters of the crown, but she was also often found with Zylah, who, arguably, might have been the busiest of the lot. Talon didn’t envy her position.
Zylah took her duty to the half-breeds very seriously. It was her job to ensure the half-breeds lived in fair conditions, and to enforce Arianna’s strict rules regarding equality. They’donly had two serious fights break out that had nearly ended in someone’s death. Arianna had intervened on both occasions.
Talon stretched his back. There was still so much to learn and even more room to grow. One day, a generation would read their histories and not understand the animosity toward another for possessing a different sort of blood.
One day, diversity wouldn’t divide their world. Everyone would be accepted and celebrated for their differences. One day, they’d see those differences as part of their strength.
“I didn’t take you for the lazy sort,” Raevina said, coming up to stand just behind him. Talon turned his head and smiled back, wondering if he’d ever grow accustomed to her insults. He supposed it was a good life to succumb to.
Talon hadn’t broached the subject of their future yet. Neither had she. They’d been content to dive into their work, then fall into one another’s arms at the day’s end.
But calm had begun settling. Their world reforming anew.
“I was just contemplating how one might go about asking a High Lady to dinner. Any suggestions?”
Her mouth opened. Closed. Raevina’s brows knit together. He loved that look. “I believe you already made other promises for the evening.”
Talon stepped closer, moving a braid over her shoulder. “I think I can still keep those promises after a warm meal.” She met his eyes, hers swimming with warring emotions. “No hard questions,” he promised. “Just dinner.”
Raevina cocked her head, a bit of playfulness returning. “I do believe you’re becoming a gentleman again.”
“Who claimed I ever stopped?”
Chapter Sixty-Three
Arianna
Arianna's eyes fluttered open in the dim room, catching on the sun's rays sneaking beyond the cracks of the cabin's drawn curtains. A smile spread across her face. That light reminded her of the hope now filling not only her heart, but their entire world.
Everything had finally come to a stop.
A pause.
A breath.
