The Revered and the Pariah (Fae of Alastríona Book 2)

by J.E. Reed

A chance. She finally had a chance, and all she had to do was kill a female the world claimed as their queen.

She felt his rage and restraint warring against one another, then the male standing at her side snarled, pulling his lips back to reveal razor sharp teeth. But it wasn’t Rion who lunged for him, crashing into his full frame. Before she knew what she’d done, Arianna had the male pinned beneath her body, her hand at his throat, and her fangs bared. His eyes flew open wide and his hands released their grip on her arms, pulling back to open his palms in surrender. She couldn’t stop the growl in her voice. “Threaten him again and it will be the last threat you make.”

He’d allowed her solitude the first time, thinking his company unwelcome, but she’d tugged at their bond so hard it had sent him into a frenzy. She wanted solitude, just not from him.

“Breathe,” his gentle voice coaxed, nothing at all like the slick nightmarish one she’d heard seconds ago. And his face, it didn’t carry that horrid smirk. His eyes were calm. Concerned. “You’re safe.”

Ellie had told her those thing were normal, that it was simply her mind finally processing everything it’d been through, but she wished it would process it differently.

“Let me love you. Let me in despite your demons, and let me face them myself when the time comes.”

She was the light in the darkness. A sweet summer rain after a long drought. Perfect and resilient and full of hope.

Saoirse gave him a sad smile. “When are you going to start valuing yourself?” Himself? Probably never.

Arianna smiled and leaned back into his strong frame. Rion hadn’t attacked. He’d come to her aid, a weapon waiting to be used.

“I never thought I’d have something like this. I never thought I’d get the chance to feel this way about anyone or have them feel anything for me in return. I’d walk through fire and sell my soul to keep it even if it were only for a few seconds more.”

love that,” she breathed. Rion’s mouth didn’t stop moving. “Love what?” “Your magic. The feel of it.” He pulled back just enough to stare into her eyes. “I thought I might have been annoying you with it.”

She giggled. “And if I asked for the moon?” He tilted his head up toward the half crescent in the starry sky. “Then I’ll spend the rest of my life reaching for it.”

here to escort Lady Arianna to the council meeting.” “I have it covered,” Talon said. Gavin pouted. “Can you at least pretend I’m leading you there then?”

“I’m starting to feel like everything I know is a lie.”

“They said you’d bring peace, I didn’t imagine you’d bring a backbone with you.”

“I feel we’ve gotten off to a bad start.” “Lying tends to do that,”

“To know someone wants to fight for me. Kill for me. It’s . . . not a feeling I have words for.”

“You are the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen.”

But Talon wasn’t a lesser male, and he wouldn’t bow to her intimidation. If she wanted him on his knees, there were other, more agreeable ways to convince him. Her brow rose and somehow,

if she wanted to, gods, he’d beg for it.

“Just send someone to tell me if you don’t want me in your room when you return.”

Arianna made a promise to herself. She wouldn’t be that weak little female plagued by darkness and memories any more. She’d place that female in a box full of plush blankets and books and chocolates and protect her from the outside world. She’d give that female love and comfort and nothing, absolutely nothing, would ever hurt her again.

“No, I’ve thought about a lot of ways I could kill you, and poison is the furthest down the list.” Saoirse took the cup in one hand. “Glad to know you’ve been thinking about me.”

“Jealous I’m not leaving yours?” “If you’d been in my room, we wouldn’t be done.”

“You said you were fine.” “I was. Mentally.” “So you were hurt?”

He just needed to know she was there. He wouldn’t survive the visions otherwise.

Saoirse leaned forward and the knife bit deeper, drawing a line of blood. “Easy,” Saoirse whispered, then her lips were at Zylah’s neck, her ear, before grazing over her delicate lips.

“I’m a half-breed.” “Why should that matter?” “I’m a female.” Saoirse quirked a brow. “Again, why would that matter?”

Arianna was afraid, if she needed it, he’d wear iron for the rest of his life.

He’d finally found someone who didn’t see him as just a monster and he’d ruined it.

No. No, I don’t want you. No, I don’t trust you. No, no, no, no, no.

“I need you,” she admitted.

“Then I guess it’s your turn to convince me.”

A thread, so tiny and frail, wound its way up that single strand and braided together. He almost wept when another did the same. Then another.

“Tell me what you want,”

“Stay,” he begged as exhaustion dragged him under. His eyes were already closed. “Always.”

A home was built one brick at a time and this was where she would start.

Kill him, then leave his body out for the crows. She was done pretending everyone could change. Some people were just monsters and deserved to be put down.

“Promise me.” Rion kissed her fiercely again, then pressed his forehead to hers. “I’ve never lied to you. I’m not going to start now.”

Maybe all wasn’t lost. Maybe, just maybe if they survived this, Saoirse would get the chance to court Zylah properly.

Zylah was definitely watching and she’d make sure to give the female a show she wouldn’t forget.

Promise me this isn’t goodbye. Gods, he’d wanted to.

He would hold the city up until every last soul escaped from above and below, even if that meant he wouldn’t follow.

His eyes widened. “And you knew that would work?” She shrugged. “It was an educated guess.” Rion collapsed again and started laughing, the sound deep and true. Ellie laughed with him,

Why did older Fae always have to speak in riddles?