Arianna examined her little sister again. She could hear the echo of Ellie’s laughter in her mind, visualize the way a smile easily broke across her face at the smallest of things. Tears choked her as she thought of the mischievous glint in her sister’s eyes whenever she did something their father didn’t approve of.
But Ellie didn’t do any of those things now. The female before her wasn’t the Ellie she remembered. This female was a shell. A ghost.
Talon had gotten Ellie out of bed that morning. Between his and The Demon’s prompting, they’d convinced Ellie to walk down the stairs. Her movements had been slow and jerky, as if she didn’t quite know her own body. But her face. It was as if Ellie wasn’t even in her own head. Her sister was lost, floating in the darkness, and no one knew how to reach her.
She’d settled on the sofa and Arianna had fed her a meager breakfast. Arianna wished she’d eat more, but they didn’t dare force it. Something was better than nothing.
Raevina had voiced leaving her behind, which had earned a hiss from Talon and a glare from The Demon. Raevina only rolled her eyes.
But Arianna wouldn’t leave her behind, either. She’d carry Ellie herself if it came down to it. Taking her sister made their journey slower, but not impossible.
Except slow meant more opportunities for Vairik to catch them.
The difficult truth of the matter was that even if someone stayed behind, Vairik’s Dark Fae would eventually swarm this place. They’d even warned Tierney and her partner not to remain here much longer. Talon had offered for them to jointheir troupe, but both had politely declined, stating they had family to visit first.
Which left the group with two options: Either someone carried Ellie the whole way, or they took a horse and cart, something the couple already had in a side building outside. They’d chosen the latter. Slow but effective.
Talon had followed the male outside to inspect the cart, then had promptly begun loading it with food and supplies. The couple likely would have given the clothes off their backs if they’d asked.
“Remember,” Saoirse said, speaking to Tierney. “Come to Nàdair and ask for me directly. You’ll be rewarded for your assistance.”
Tierney bowed. “It’s been our absolute honor.” Her gaze briefly flashed to Arianna, but the female’s stare turned longing when her eyes landed on Ellie. To Arianna’s surprise, Tierney’s eyes misted, but she blinked the emotion away quickly.
Talon and the male pushed the door open, strolling in mid-conversation.
“You’re sure it’ll be enough?”
“Enough for what we need. Thank you.” He clasped the male’s arm, and the male returned the gesture.
Talon turned to them, looking everyone over, then paused on Arianna. “Ready?”
She glanced at Ellie one final time then stood. She wasn’t, not really, but Ellie needed someone who could help her, and they’d only find that help in Nàdair.
Arianna stepped aside for Talon, who approached Ellie slowly before kneeling in front of her. “May I carry you?” They waited, breaths held, but Ellie didn’t respond. Talon reached for her carefully, scooping Ellie into his arms as if she were a small child. Emotion swam through Arianna all over again at her sister’s helplessness.
Talon’s jaw worked, but he simply turned and carried her out the front door.
“Be safe,” Tierney called as Arianna started for the door.
Arianna gave her a small smile in return. “You too.” Then she exited into the ash-covered landscape.
It took her breath away. She’d viewed it from the upstairs window, but somehow seeing it without a sheet of glass made it far more real.
A gust of wind picked up, swirling the ash in a small tornado. Arianna covered her mouth, hating the burnt stench of it. It reminded her too much of death and despair. Her hope was already hanging by a thread.
The trees were lined with the gray substance, resembling snow blanketing the branches. She remembered taller trees with snow on them. A moment when she’d trudged through the icy fluff, but she hadn’t been upset then. She’d been … exhilarated? Her gaze moved sidelong until she found green eyes staring at her. His lips were slightly parted, cheeks flushed in a way that had heat rising to her own.
Arianna quickly turned away, doing her best to ignore the throbbing in her head that Zylah had relieved just moments before.
She was thankful for the short sleeve tunic Tierney had given her. Her other clothes had been beyond repair. It hugged her frame, showing off her feminine features. Even her hair was mostly down, save for a loose braid tying the top portion away from her face. Her pants were comfortable even if a little form-fitting. The female had even supplied Arianna with a new pair of boots. Arianna suspected the female had purchased them while they’d been out collecting information on Levea.
She ran her hands down her sides, feeling the dip of her waist. She’d spent so much time hiding her body from lecherouseyes that being dressed in anything decent still made her feel overly exposed.
Those horrendous days felt like both a lifetime ago and as if they’d happened just yesterday.
Talon placed Ellie at the rear of the open wagon, nestling her in layered furs. He stepped back, then reached for her again, adjusting her body position since she didn’t seem inclined to do it herself.
Once Talon jumped down, he held out a hand to help Arianna climb in. More furs sat beside Ellie’s, all positioned against the back wall. Only four other boxes rested inside. Provisions for their journey.
