Heart of Torment (Breath of Mist Book 2)

N I N E T E E N - Erik

"We will move our forces into the Sidhe lands." Willis began the meeting by dropping new information. "My wolves have scouted the territory. It seems that the Sidhe never venture between their city and their borders. Staying hidden amongst the forest and mountain range should not be an issue as we slowly close in."

His gaze moved around the room, landing on the several of us privy to such meetings as we sat around the wooden table.

"And what if the Sidhe have someone like you? Someone who uses animals to monitor and spy," Eislyn asked. She joined us several days ago, and her mind has been invaluable since.

"Then they already know what we have been doing, but I do not think that is the case," Willis answered with a frown.

"I agree," Kiora stated in support. "From what Shay has shared with us, Clause seems fond of Ariana." My blood boiled at the mention of his name as the young sparrow continued, "Maybe even obsessed. Yet he did not know of her existence until she displayed her power for all to see and took back control of the Bavadrin lands. He likely has spies, but they are probably not animals. They are people. They know the common knowledge and not much more."

"You think he only knows common knowledge? Care to wager a bet on that?" Iver smirked.

Kiora snorted softly, hazel eyes sliding to Iver. "You have nothing to offer which I desire in order to place a bet."

He tsked softly. "Is that so?" Earning an eye roll from her.

"Why move our forces now?" I asked Willis, getting back to the point. The Bavadrin turned to me and hesitated. Something was happening. He refused to give detailed accounts of Ariana's whereabouts and experiences anymore. Only things he deemed pertinent to our success moving forward. Though for him to now wish for us to advance into the Sidhe territory meant something.

"Did something happen?" Kole leaned forward, resting his thick forearms on the table, when Willis was not quick to reply. Everyone looked at him, waiting for a response.

"Nothing of concern yet. But there is a strange tension rising. Shay senses it. The wolf fears for Ariana. I believe it is time to move closer in case she needs us to act. We have learned a lot since her time there, and we have prepared for what is to come." He finally stated, brown eyes holding my stare.

"Why do you hold back what you know?" I pressed. Under the table, my hands formed into fists as frustration heated me from within. The Bavadrin Ariana left in charge pulled back on what he knew, and all that it did was anger me.

"I share what is needed," Willis said.

"We are on the same side," Kole stated.

Willis shrugs, turning to him. "Does not mean that every detail of the Leader Superior's time there needs to be recanted for everyone here to judge."

"What is there to judge?" I asked, my voice deceptively even, portraying a calm that I did not feel.

Willis turned to me, lips set in a firm line.

I released a disheartened breath. "You think I would judge her? For doing all she can to survive in that place?"

Iver sighed, turning to Edda, whose gaze remained fixed on the table, not present in the moment. "What about you, seer? Care to share what you see?"

Onyx eyes lifted towards my youngest brother. "Everything is drenched in shadows. Nothing is as clear as it should be."

"Ah, you Bavarians and your cryptic replies." Iver remained focused on her. "You see something. You just wish to keep it to yourself, much like your little friend here." He nodded towards Willis before turning back to her. "Say we move into the Sidhe lands. Will that further endanger Ariana?"