Braith watched him as he rose and walked to the shadows at the back of the barn. Aria remained seated on the bale, nervously watching her brother.
“We had better prepare the ones below and all those hiding nearby in the caves,” Braith said, and Aria rose to her feet.
She took hold of his hand and followed him underground once more.
***
William
“It’s so pretty,” Tempest said, drawing William’s gaze away from the glittering blue lake before them and to her.
He couldn’t resist brushing back a strand of her silvery hair from her cheek. “Nowhere near as pretty as you,” he said honestly.
Color crept through her face, and her gaze flitted away as she smiled. “You’re a flatterer.”
“Just calling it like I see it,” he replied and enfolded his hand around her neck to draw her closer. He kissed her forehead and inhaled her wintry scent. “I love you.”
“I love you too. We’re going to get through this.”
“Yes,” he said and kissed her again. Though he knew there was a good possibility not all of them would make it through the coming battle. “We are. Sabine isn’t going to know what hit her when she sees Braith, and she won’t be prepared for the forces we’ve managed to gather.”
Tempest’s gaze went back to the lake and the sun reflecting across its smooth, blue surface. He took hold of her hand, marveling at how small it was as he ran his fingers over the back of it.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Tempest.”
A playful smile curved her mouth as she turned her head to the side. “I certainly hope so. You’re stuck with me.”
“I can’t think of anyone I’d want to be stuck with more.”
“You’re such a romantic.”
He grinned at her as he went down to his knee before her. Her mouth parted as he pulled a simple wooden ring from his pocket. With no jewelry nearby, or any way to get it right now, he’d made the ring from a small branch and etched a Celtic knot onto its surface.
“Will you be my wife?” he asked and held it up before her.
Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she gazed at it in awe. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. William gazed up at her, his heart in his throat as he waited for her to say or do something.
“Yes,” she finally croaked out. “Yes!”
William slid the wooden band onto her finger before launching himself to his feet. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her into the air. Pulling her head back, he claimed her mouth in a kiss that left her shaking against him when he broke it off.
Her eyes were dazed when they met his, her lips swollen. Lifting her hand, she wiggled her fingers before her. “It’s beautiful.”
“When this is over, I will get you any ring you desire,” he vowed.
“Absolutely not,” she said. “This is my ring. It’s the only one I want.”
He grinned at her before kissing her again.
***
Aria
Aria gazed over all of the people crowding within the barn. There were easily over a few thousand individuals converging inside and flowing out the doorway beyond. Some men and women would be staying behind to protect and watch over the children who would remain below, but most would be coming with them.
Her fingers fidgeted at her sides as she struggled to appear calm and determined. They were going to war, again. Braith stood proudly by her side, his gaze surveying everyone within and those beyond the doors who wouldn’t fit inside. The feel of his arm against hers electrified her skin as the hard edge of his power caressed her. She didn’t think he was even aware of it seeping out of his pores right now, but the others were as they admiringly surveyed him while remaining a good five feet back.
What would happen if he died again? She didn’t want to find out, but would he come back stronger? Or did he only get one chance to cheat death and the next time would be the last? Aria shuddered at the possibility.
Keegan brushed against her side, his large head rubbing her thigh. She smiled before resting her hand on his head. It had been so long since she’d seen the wolf and she’d missed him. White hairs speckled his muzzle now, but he was still formidable and protective as he circled around the two of them.
Her head tilted back when she felt Braith’s gaze boring into her. “You did something amazing here, Arianna.”
“They’re always prepared to fight,” she replied dismissively.
“It’s more than that. You brought them all together during a time when many in your shoes would have fallen apart.”