the meadow were gone. Darian was gone. Now, I was the one staring east.
“I’m only worried,” said Leila, kneeling next to me. She reached around my waist. “It’s not the same as fear.”
I shrugged, but allowed her warmth to calm me. “Nothing is going to happen to you . The bandit was coming after me.”
“That’s why I’m worried.”
I looked down. My sister was still innocent, still pure. She had lived with me through the trials of Moon Season, but had maintained everything she was supposed to. She was the perfect choice to replace me in the Fae. I loved Leila.
“I’m not afraid of him,” I said, forcing a deceiving smile. I was afraid of Darian. The day was proof of that. The man could still affect me. “He’s already taken everything he can from me.”
“Why did he come here?” asked Leila. “What else does he want?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows.” I grabbed Leila’s shoulder. “Maybe that’s why I’m worried.”
My honesty made her smile.
We stayed in my room, forbidden to listen to the words of our parents downstairs. Ethan tried to sneak down and spy on them, but Father heard his steps and cursed him for interrupting. After that, my brother sulked at the window while Leila braided my hair.
When Mother finally opened my door, shadows were creeping across the meadow. “Rhiannon, will you join us?” She didn’t wait for my answer and promptly disappeared.
“Whatever happens,” I told Leila, “It’s for a reason. We learned that in the winter.” I stood and walked toward my open door.
“Will you be strong?”
I turned back to answer. “Moon Season made me strong.”
Downstairs in the dining room, Colin and Father were engaged in animated discussion. They stopped talking as soon as I appeared in the hall.
“Rhiannon, dear child,” said Colin, leaping from his chair like an excited courter. “We have a remarkable resolution for your dilemma.”
“That was fast,” I retorted. I winced from my rudeness. “I meant to say, thank you.”
“Sit down,” said Father, seemingly oblivious to my outburst. He looked satisfied and triumphant. “Let’s talk about your journey.”
“What journey?” I asked.
“Sit down, dear.” Mother prodded me in the back. “I believe you will find our solution interesting.”
I was confused, but obliged everyone with a flat smile. What journey? As I sat on the bench, Colin slid closer to me and Father leaned to whisper.
“You’re going to DarMattey.” Father grinned as he spoke.
“You’re sending me away?” My words spun as the room fell from focus. “I wasn’t serious when I offered to leave,” I told him. “I was trying to offer an option.”
“It was a brilliant plan!” said Colin, beaming as if he’d suddenly solved all the problems of our village. “Nia’s wedding is soon. I know you want to be there.”
“You’ll travel to DarMattey,” said Mother, and stay with Nia’s sister. After the wedding, you can return home.”
“While you’re away,” interrupted my father, “I’ll find protection for the house. The bandit won’t know where you’ve gone, and before you return, we’ll have the help we need to keep you safe.”
I stammered. “I—I’m going alone? What about Cael Bauer? He could protect me. He’s strong.” Cael was as strong as his brother Sean had been, although that was the only similarity between the two men.
“That’s not possible,” said Colin. “Cael has responsibilities to help Owen Dorsey. He’s also part of the guard for Darian.” Colin smiled. “You won’t be alone once you arrive at DarMattey. Madeline and I will travel there soon. We’ll all stay at Sianna’s home, together.”
I was still confused; everything was happening so fast. I stammered out my next question. “When will I leave?”
Mother placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll help you pack your things. You’re leaving tomorrow.”
Hallowed