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The defiance in Ellie’s gaze had been replaced with resolution. Any chance of Niall earning her forgiveness was long gone. Undiluted hatred flickered in the young female’s gaze. But despite the gruesome show, they still needed to keep calm. Saoirse prayed Ellie knew that, too.
Ellie didn’t speak. She just stared Niall down, unflinching and unafraid.
Niall raised his brows. “No loyalty for the creatures you claim to love?” Niall’s gaze flickered toward Kirian and Saoirse’s heart plummeted when Niall pointed. “Bring him to me.”
Chaos erupted.
Ellie’s magic sprang to life as soon as the guards reached for Kirian and Saoirse’s stomach fell when an iron clasp clicked around Ellie’s wrist a second later. One of her guards had betrayed her. The young female fought, screamed, and beat those who tried to hold her down. One guard stumbled away, holding a bloody nose while she lunged forward, grabbing Kirian’s hand once before they were torn apart.
Ellie spun, wrapped the chain around the guard’s throat, and yanked him back. A sharp kick forced the male to his knees. She pulled the chain tight and eyed Niall. “Let him go.”
Niall laughed. “You think a hostage will sway me to release your precious half-breed?” He gestured to the crowd. “I have an entire room of hostages.”
Panic covered Ellie’s face. Saoirse’s heart was beating faster now. What should she do? Niall would likely kill the half-breeds anyway out of spite. Did she cut her losses, grab Ellie and Kirian, and make a run for it? Would her warriors make it out alive if she did?
Kirian was on his knees now. Niall wasn’t waiting. Ellie released her hold on the guard and lunged forward. A set of Niall’s warriors drew their weapons and Ellie’s guards met them swing for swing.
Ice and fire erupted, then Niall’s sweeping magic disarmed them all and sent the Móirín warriors careening into the nearest wall. Six guards disarmed with barely the flick of his wrist.
His sentinels forced Ellie to her knees. The young female was sobbing as she watched Kirian directly across from her, knowing she was out of options.
Saoirse stepped forward, but Gavin beat her to it.
“My Lord.”
Time seemed to freeze as Niall turned those hateful grey eyes onto his assistant. His nephew. Gavin’s throat bobbed but he stood straight and walked a few paces before sinking to his knees. “If my Lord would be so gracious, I would like to take this one and the half-breed to my rooms.”
Niall raised a brow and looked around as if he’d missed a conversation somewhere. He chuckled a bit. “Your father warned me you could be dull at times. You take after your mother in that regard.”
To his credit, Gavin didn’t flinch. “Please, my Lord.”
Niall studied the blade he’d drawn. “And why would I ever relinquish these two to your hold? What purpose would that serve of mine?”
“I have unfinished business with her, my Lord.”
Again Niall met the eyes of his warriors as if astounded the male had the audacity to speak. “I fail to see how that pertains.”
Gavin kept his voice calm. “She has defiled herself with a half-breed. She insulted my person when I confronted her and she failed to heed my demands.”
Niall tapped his blade against the marble floor. “Your point, please.”
“She’s my mate, my Lord.”
At that, Niall’s brows rose. He stood there for a few seconds before throwing his head back in laughter. The sound echoed through the large room, but no one joined him. Saoirse was fairly certain he’d lost his mind.
When Niall finally collected himself, he stepped away from Kirian and Saoirse relaxed a fraction. “Well isn’t this just fantastic,” he said and spread his arms wide. “The ambassador of Móirín, no, the future of Móirín, will come under the rule of Pádraigín.” He smiled brighter. “Gods know we need some new blood in Móirín. I fear their High Lord’s mind isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be.” Niall looked pointedly at Ellie, who was looking at Gavin, but Saoirse couldn’t yet tell if it was with anger or fear or a combination of the two.
“Just look at who he appointed as his ambassador. A sixteen-year-old female who hasn’t even come into her animal form. A child. It’s like he holds no respect for the royal city and all it stands for.”
Niall looked at Gavin again. The male hadn’t raised his head or moved from his knelt position. “Rise, nephew.” He curled his lip in disgust. “Are you certain you wish to keep the half-breed as well? I could just as easily take care of him for you now.”
Gavin stood, but kept his head lowered. “He will keep her obedient and I would like the eventual opportunity to do it myself.”
A wicked smile crossed Niall’s face. “Of course. I unfortunately understand what it’s like to have your female possessed by a lesser male.” He looked between them. “I highly recommend keeping them both in chains.”
“Of course, my Lord.”
Niall snapped his fingers and a group of guards escorted Ellie and Kirian from the hall with Gavin following close behind. Good, he’d get them out. Saoirse hoped.
