Why would Inquisitors hunt Liam? This one had stared out of more than mere hatred for foul-bloods.
Summoning my courage, I stood tall. "The last show you put on was entertaining at least. Are you trying to frighten me, this time?"
"Yes," Vaf said plainly. "History that is better left forgotten lies to the south. Death and ruin hide in its every crevice. Should fate call upon you to seek it—leap."
"Oh, riddles. I love those."
The fae smirked. "You and Brighid will get along famously, I think." He crossed the gap I'd created. "I'm not your foe, Mare Rohan. I'm trying to give you a warning." He leaned in, basking me in warmth so like Reese's. "Fear not the darkness, Lady Rohan. Stride into its embrace."
The last word echoed in my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut.
Sound erupted around me. Chatter, footsteps, horse hooves. I opened my eyes to see everything as it had been, before Vaf had stolen me to his quiet, empty realm.
Reese turned back when he noticed I wasn't following him. He took my arm. "Come on. You need to get some rest.”
I let him lead me, mind whirling. Glancing up, I tried to meet my brother's eye.
But he avoided my gaze.
Chapter 39
Mare
Igripped my mug until my knuckles whitened, staring into the crackling flames. Flames like those had consumed the pyre, turning a woman into ash.
A nobleman could be caught in bed with another man, and everyone would look the other way. Oh, we'd gossip, but he would suffer few consequences.
Should a foul-blood do the same . . .
My thumbs traced the mug's smooth clay, wondering what would have become of Liam had he never reached into Father's pocket.
Music carried from the stage behind me, and chatter rose from the people sitting around the tables. Here, by the mantle, I was alone on the loveseat.
A warm hand touched my shoulder. Bláth smiled down at me. “Are you okay? You’ve been quiet since we got here.”
Reese had ushered us into our inn and promptly disappeared. He'd left me two parting words, his tone seeped in fear. ‘Stay here.’
My Paragon thought the Inquisitors would hurt me. But I worried for Liam.
“I’m fine,” I said. “My father covered my eyes whenever there was a burning. It's not exactly a pleasant sight.”
“No, it's not.” Bláth stared into the fire. “Did you see their faces?”
“Who’s?”
“The crowd’s. They were all entertained in some way, even if it was through horror.But.” Her brow wrinkled. “They were all scared. Scared of the flames they knew might take them, too."
So many people had burned in Aenir during my childhood. Everyone had been terrified. Would they draw the Inquisitor's gaze next?
“I think,” Bláth said softly. “It's because we’ve all done something wrong. They spit on the corpse in starlight, but do they still curse them at night?”
Liam strode past her and sat heavily in an armchair. “Some people are hunted because their very existence is wrong.” He crossed one leg over the other. “It must be nice. Being born right.”
I’d never heard such bitter words come from my brother. Tight worry choked me.
What had he hidden from me?
Liam’s words lashed across Bláth like a slap. She reeled and then scowled. “You know nothing of my life.”
