Chapter Twenty
Rion
His mother’s magic was everywhere. It had blanketed the entire landscape.
One moment, a second wave of Dark Fae had been marching straight toward them and he was trying to figure out how to convince Arianna to run to Nàdair’s borders.
The next, a forest had erupted from the center of the field, spreading so rapidly it had swallowed both friend and foe.
They’d all paused in stunned silence, watching as the trees raced across the open plains.
They’d crashed into the mountains on one side, rising up to become one with the ancient trees, then had exploded on the other side, stretching beyond his line of sight and effectively creating a barrier that separated them from the Dark Fae.
Even with the distraction, the creatures on their side hadn’t relented.
They’d kept attacking, teeth snapping as if they didn’t realize they were now isolated from their comrades.
Or didn’t care. It made sense, he supposed.
They were mindless beings with a singular goal.
Devour everything in sight. Rion vaguely wondered if they’d always been that way.
Then again, the way this horde all seemed so unnatural made him think otherwise.
These were likely just failed experiments, placed by Vairik to discard at a time he saw fit.
Nothing more than fodder to fuel his war.
Even so, their line didn’t stop. Arianna didn’t stop, nor did Arianna’s father, who was still eliminating a large wave on the far side of the field.
There were still too many, still civilians running for their lives.
Rion whirled and snatched another set of creatures herding a group of younglings.
He crushed them with his sand before wrapping the children in a protective cocoon.
This group was just one of many. They screamed in fear, but he didn’t have time to console them. At least hidden, they’d be safe.
Rion searched the field for Saoirse, his heart rate quickening when he couldn’t locate her. He searched for Eimear too, even as the ache in his chest grew knowing exactly what she’d done.
She’d dropped the iron and let the magic consume her.
Did that mean his mother was—Rion swallowed a lump in his throat. He couldn’t break here. Not now. He had one mission. Stand by The Divine and ensure she survived.
Arianna’s magic was explosive and all-consuming. It eliminated the dark creatures as if they were the ones responsible for manipulating her mind. She hissed and even sank her fangs into one of the beast’s throats, ripping through flesh before plunging a blade through its heart.
He’d never seen her so … ferocious. When she regained her memories, Rion wondered how she’d feel about this feral side of herself. A side that had finally broken free from her previous reservations. Not that the Dark Fae warranted any.
A horn sounded in the distance, echoing across the plains.
Rion spun around, watching as a fleet of warriors emerged on the horizon, barreling straight toward them.
Many balked at the sight, their terror rekindling.
But Rion raised one arm and roared in triumph.
The warrior’s answering call was enough.
And right at the front, leading the fray, was the High Lord of Brónach himself, Alec.