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Talon walked to the water’s edge and sat down, folding his legs beneath him. The Fairy Folk studied the new male in their presence, peering around rocks and other plant life to see who had settled amongst them.
They floated nearer, their flowered heads camouflaging them among the foliage. To a human’s eye, they’d appear as nothing more than pieces of the landscape.
He knew they were waiting, just as he was, for the day Arianna returned.
Talon let out a long sigh, the anger, and grief from the day pouring from his shoulders. The leader of Móirín, Arianna’s father, had finally declared his eldest daughter lost.
Naturally, Talon had raged against the idea, spoken out of turn even, but Avalon hadn’t reprimanded him. He’d listened patiently knowing full well what it was to lose a lover and accept such devastating news. If that’s what he could call Arianna. Neither had gotten the chance to explore their feelings beyond a single kiss, but he’d like to think they could have been more.
Maybe even mates if they were lucky. Some bonds showed up instantly. Others took time to form. But if he didn’t get her back, he’d never know.
He’d have to break the news to Ellie in the morning, though knowing Arianna’s little sister, their father was in for the argument of his life. Perhaps Ellie could convince their leader to change his mind, even for another month.
Avalon gave him orders and Talon had always followed them, but when it came to Arianna, he wasn’t sure even his High Lord would be enough to stop him.
Chapter Seven
Arianna
The Demon remained at the cabin for five days before disappearing. Arianna studied him and though she treaded with utmost caution, she found herself falling into a repetitious routine. She remained glued to the floor in the mornings, opting for her small corner as a means for safety, and stayed out of his way as Zylah had instructed.
When he returned for the evenings, she cleaned up the mess left by his boots and sat by the fire to serve him. Always tasting it first, of course. The Demon didn’t speak, and she didn’t ask questions. It was better that way, easier. The easiest she’d ever experienced.
At other encampments she’d suffered through beatings, hard labor, freezing nights, and males with ill tempers. In the cabin, she only dealt with The Demon and despite the fear that his presence instilled, she found herself thankful.
He was predictable, if nothing else. At least inside the cabin. She knew when she could approach and when to sit in the corner and let him serve himself. He’d only growled at her once since the first night and she’d plastered herself to the floor faster than she knew she was capable.
It seemed there was always someone challenging him and, as a result, his scent reeked of their blood.
He was a predator, an alpha tried and true. Why others couldn’t accept that, she didn’t understand. It was useless to defy him. He didn’t take demands or prisoners.
She’d come to realize from that first night that it was only fear that kept his warriors in line. That was the reason for the constant power struggles among them.
Arianna sighed. It was exhausting to even think about. She couldn’t fathom how he never seemed to grow tired of it. Maybe he really was a monster.
The people of Brónach were a harsh lot. She’d been taught that since she was a child. They kept order as the Fae did centuries ago, with brute force and displays of power. But how much stronger would they be if they added loyalty to the mix? Or was that something her teachers didn’t mention in order to make Brónach appear more hostile?
Arianna tended to the fire. She flexed her neck, sore muscles pulling, and stretched to the side. Since The Demon had left yesterday and not returned, she assumed she had a few days to herself. That would let her visit the mess hall and study the guard’s rotation in passing. She never tried to leave with The Demon roaming the camp for fear of angering him and ending up as one of the vanished.
The food in the kettle was low, so Arianna scrapped what remained into a bowl and covered it with a towel before hauling it toward the sink. She cleaned it out, scrubbing the interior and exterior before morning light filtered through the window.
Arianna shivered when she left the cabin, cupping her hands together for warmth. She needed thicker clothes before the snow started and wondered if they granted the slaves such things. Likely not, but it didn’t hurt to ask.
The frosted grass melted beneath her feet, leaving her thin shoes damp as she crept her way along the zigzagged path. Arianna never deviated from Zylah’s instructions, fearing whatever or whoever lay waiting down the unknown trails.
She arrived later than usual and patiently waited in the line that’d formed outside the mess hall doorway. None of the slaves spoke, at least, not outside, but once she entered, their whispers voices drifted, and she found Zylah already seated with a small group in quiet discussion.
Arianna watched the female, wondering if she’d always been so strong or if the cruel life of a slave had made her this way.
One of Zylah’s companions caught Arianna’s gaze and her eyes widened. She shook Zylah’s arm, whispered something in her ear, and Zylah’s head whipped around, searching the line until she saw her. Arianna gave her an uncertain wave.
The female shot to her feet and marched over, her mouth gaping as she took in Arianna’s form, eyes searching for any sign of injury. “You’re alive.”
Arianna looked down at herself and shrugged, a bit uncomfortable at being the center of attention. “I guess he liked my cooking.”
Zylah gaped, seemingly at a loss for words then her gaze traveled down to Arianna’s bandaged hand. It’d all but healed, but she clutched the wound all the same. Zylah gave her a small smile. “Don’t worry, we have an unspoken rule about asking questions.” Arianna tried not to stare at the bruises around Zylah’s neck. They were new, as were the ones along her arms.
Zylah took Arianna’s hand and steered her toward the far corner. She disappeared toward the front of the line and brought Arianna a bowl of the steaming white gruel that seemed to be a stable.
