That’s what logic told her, anyway. Her heart was another matter. It had started pounding without her permission, worry rippling through her right alongside the anger.
She knew firsthand the atrocities brought on by war. She knew how quickly things could change, how fast life could fade from someone’s eyes. And she remembered all the times Talon had returned home, his head hung low, friends lost before he had a chance to save them.
Rion had been the cause of that. Right? Or was Vairik responsible for the countless deaths?
Her brow furrowed. They’d been at war for a decade with the very country they were traveling to now. But something had stopped that war. Those from Brónach had come to Móirín’s aid. Her memories told her they’d come because they’d heard about The Divine. But did that make sense? Would a High Lord make such a massive decision solely based on the rumors of a few Fae?
Arianna’s head throbbed at the base of her skull and she leaned against a tree, sliding down to settle on the hard earth. She ran her hand through the dirt, letting the grains shift between her fingers. She inhaled, then leaned her head back to stare at the little cabin before her. Arianna’s gaze rose up towardthe canopies before snagging on the very shadowy figure she’d been searching for.
He sat on the roof, staring directly at her. Arianna froze. She couldn’t see his eyes, nor the color of his hair, but his scent and silhouette told her it was him. The Demon. Rion. The epicenter of her crumbling world.
She knew the others would hear if she spoke, so Arianna remained silent, opting to study him instead, wondering which story she should ultimately believe.
Arianna half expected him to jump down and join her, perhaps make an attempt at conversation. He didn’t move.
He’d bowed to her. The Demon of Alastríona, who bowed to no one, had bowed to her. The monster who was rumored to be merciless. The one who’d killed without remorse or reason had refused to fight her.
And his eyes. Gods, what was she supposed to do with that?
The Fairy Folk emerged from the shadows and sat beside her, busying themselves by making little bracelets from the brush. She remained still, soaking in the night air as she watched the monster above and wondered if she’d regret eventually killing him.
Chapter Fifteen
Arianna
The leftover stew gave each of them a large breakfast, but with nothing to carry the rest in, the group begrudgingly poured the remaining broth outside and cleaned up before setting off. Arianna wondered if she’d ever see the little cabin again. Then wondered if she’d recall what had made it feel so familiar.
Saoirse had voiced her concerns regarding The Guardians, but The Demon set her fears at ease. Apparently Talon had seen one yesterday, and though he claimed it to be eerie, it wasn’t as threatening as all their stories had made them out to be.
The Fairy Folk followed them closely, but instead of dancing and singing, they watched the trees just as intently as The Demon did. Many ran ahead, bouncing on their feet as though frantic and impatient with the group’s slow pace. She wished the little beings could talk; maybe then she’d understand why they kept looking back, their beady eyes almost pleading for them to hurry.
Without a word, their group collectively moved faster. The lack of mirth was unsettling at best. Wrong.
Once again, Talon volunteered to carry Ellie. Last night’s rest and meal had refreshed her friend, though Ellie still stared off into nothing. Arianna wished she could figure out what was going through her sister’s mind.
The Demon led the way and Raevina guarded their rear, flames still sparking at her fingertips. Arianna tilted her head, wondering if it was simply a habit or—a breeze whispered through the trees and Arianna’s entire body stiffened. Her head whipped southward, right alongside everyone else’s. It was faint, but there was no mistaking the smoke.
“Please tell me that’s from us,” Saoirse pleaded.
“Not from that direction, it’s not,” Raevina answered, an edge to her tone.
Talon readjusted Ellie on his back. “It’s coming from the south. So long as we keep moving north, we’ll avoid whatever is causing it.”
Right, because it could be the Dark Fae or worse, a unit of Vairik’s warriors out searching for them. Arianna distinctly remembered how easily Vairik’s dark creatures had overrun a small village. They’d had time to prepare. If someone was caught unaware …
“What do you want to do?” It took Arianna too long to realize the question was directed at her. The Demon waited, as if with a single word, he’d do as she commanded.
Arianna gritted her teeth. She hated to leave anyone helpless, but—what if Vairik was already moving an army? What if they emerged from the trees only to find the male waiting for them? It could be nothing. Did they risk moving blindly?
“I can survey the area if you wish,” Raevina offered.
“Not alone.” Talon was already handing Ellie off to Gavin.
Raevina rolled her eyes. “I’ve been—”
“This isn’t the time,” Zylah snapped. To Arianna’s surprise, both Fae fell silent. Arianna almost smirked. Even being a half-breed, Zylah had earned her place among them.
“Arianna?” Saoirse’s voice. Arianna glanced southward again, a million possibilities running through her mind.
