A Fate so Cruel (Fae of Alastríona #3)

It was dark before the tall redwood trees came into view. Rion entered through a small break in the trunks. A tunnel of sorts through the massive beasts that protected the city. Saoirse had shown it to him years ago. Rion was sure others knew about it, but she kept it hidden with a row of thick vines. With his sister’s magic, the vines moved out of her way on command. Without her—

Rion pulled another leaf from his hair before flipping his hood up. Soft lights illuminated the main street where the vendors were gathered. During the solstice, the entire city glowed and there were more merchants than he could count. But this festival had been contained to the main road that led up to the palace. He’d be careful not to venture too close.

Rion ambled through the dark streets, watching the rooftops and alcoves as he went. His feet were silent against the cobblestones and Rion ran his hands along the freshly blooming flowers and foliage.

Sudden images of blood and mangled bodies flashed to the forefront of his mind. Rion gritted his teeth. He’d never forgotten the night of his father’s death. It was a scene that regularly haunted his nightmares. Before that moment, he’d never witnessed death. Nor had he known a body could produce so much blood.