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“You are a de Riva, you will act accordingly,” Viago prattled on as she followed him down the long hallway of the Cantori Diamond. “Arenaria, are you listening?”

“Yes, Viago, shit…” She rolled her violet hazel eyes in his direction; her soft brown curls fell over her shoulder and down to the middle of her back. She was about eye level with the man, a little taller due to the heel in her boot, which wasn’t very common at all for elven women. She assumed both her parents were tall, but she didn’t know anything about them to know for sure.

“Your attitude will get you in trouble.”

“Hm, it hasn’t so far,” she smirked at him, and he let out an exasperated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. She enjoyed riling him up, always had since they were young and she’d first been sold off to House de Riva from Arainai.

“You are a good Crow, Aren, but Maker your fucking mouth.” He took a deep breath and let it out.

“What’s got you more wound up than normal?” She asked.

Another deep guttural sigh and if it were any other day she’d try to piss him off more, but he genuinely seemed distraught. “You were personally requested for this contract.”

“House Cantori wants me for a contract?”

“No. House Dellamorte does.” She stilled at his words. House Dellamorte? “Caterina in particular.”

She crossed her arms and cocked her hip, “The fucking First Talon wants me for a contract? This should be… interesting.”

“I am not privy to the details, but she asked us here. When the First Talon gives you a contract, you do it, Aren.”

She shifted her hands to settle at her hips. “I don’t have—”

“Yes. You do. Because I am asking you to do it, Aren. It will improve relations.” He almost sounded like he grit his teeth with that one.

Now she was the one letting out a frustrated sigh, but she hated the little piece in the back of her mind that tickled when Viago asked a favor of her. She always had a thing for this irksome, neurotic man, ever since he was basically an irksome, neurotic boy, but she could never confess that she did. And when she saw the way he looked at Teia Cantori just a couple years prior when he thought no one was looking she realized he would never look at her the same way.

So the pining continued, but she always knew it’d be one sided, and though part of her accepted that people wanted who they wanted and it couldn’t be helped, she couldn’t help burn that it wasn’t her. She was never wanted by the one she wanted and despite her flippant nature it hurt.

Despite all of that, she had gently tried to push the man into confessing to Teia and he’d admonished her every time that it wasn’t like that, but she rolled her eyes at him with every denial. She saw right through him. She’d become friends with Teia as well despite it all and bonded over being elves. She loved Teia like the sister she never had, and that was another reason she wouldn’t get in the way. She knew that Teia also had a thing for him.

“Fine, Viago. I’ll do it. Well, it really does depend on what it is. I wish you would’ve warned me sooner.”

“Why? You need time to put on that fake ass-kissing persona?”

She raised a brow at him. “Yes. And I’m sure you want me to lay on the ass-kissing pretty thick since it is Caterina.”

“Look, I don’t like the woman any more than you do. It is the reality that we live in though and the hierarchy we must obey.”

“Hm, that’s—”

“I swear if you sass me, Aren.”

“Fuck, alright, alright. Let’s just get this over with.” She couldn’t help smirking though at the deepening frown at Viago’s brow. He was far too easy to rile up, and again, she enjoyed every moment of it. He was so damn easy to tease.

She followed him further down the hall presumably to Caterina’s suite. Despite the Villa Dellamorte being just across town, of course she’d have her own lavish accommodations within the Diamond. Teia would see to it as she had a fondness for the elder that even her—as rumored—own grandsons didn’t have for her.

There was an attendant—a somewhat unassuming man of shorter stature and bland features— at the door and they bowed to the Fifth Talon as he opened it and let them in. The room was quite large, one that had its own living area separate from a bedroom, and likely on-suite, in the next room over. It was decorated according to Cantori fashion; glitz and gold, and gaudy wallpaper. It worked though, and it fit. The way this place looked before Teia took over as Seventh Talon was appalling.

They stood before Caterina and she felt Viago elbowing her in her ribs, and she straightened up her stance. Far too many times he’d told her that she needed to tone down her body language especially when she was in front of important people. As a tall woman she had to do her best to be less intimidating and less confident in front of certain people. As if she could help looking down on others or betters when they were shorter than her.

They greeted her. “You may sit.” Caterina motioned towards the chairs across from the rather important looking, almost throne like, chair she was sitting in. The woman was getting older, already in her seventies, but still intimidating and fiery as ever. She imagined she was going to live well into her hundreds at the rate she was going.

Caterina and Viago conversed in amicable, boring, Talon conversation to fill the space before they got down to business and she eyed the elder Talon’s fingers clenching over her cane. That cane—from what Aren heard—was legendary as well as rumored to beat even her own grandchildren into submission. Fledglings talked, and they talked a lot about the Dellamorte boys. Especially in House de Riva.

She remembered Viago dragging her along to some party they attended at Villa Dellamorte when they were roughly late teens. They’d associated briefly with her grandchildren as they were all around the same age group. Lucanis was quiet, and Illario was brazen. They’d had a brief back and forth, but she wandered off when the party became boring and Viago later admonished her for leaving him.

“I remember you, Arenaria.” She popped out of her thoughts and settled her eyes upon Caterina.

“From the party, yes? Fifteen years ago? I hardly made an impression.”

“Yes, you left quite early.” Viago sniped her way and she gave him a look.

“Oh, get over it, Viago.” She smirked at him, and she watched him clench his own walking stick as if he wanted to throttle her with it.

“You made an impression on my grandson, which is why I asked for you for this contract.”

She raised a brow, “I did?” She felt confused, she only briefly spoke to either grandson that night and she hardly thought that was worth mentioning even in passing after fifteen years. She had dealings with Lucanis every once in a while for some poisons, but nothing noteworthy.

“Yes, Illario spent part of the night looking for you. I overheard him asking around. When I saw him he looked like I’d caught him in the act, shuffling off like a sheepish little boy.”

That was… interesting to say the least. She couldn’t even remember them talking—or even flirting—about anything worthwhile. It wasn’t enough to keep her around, but she imagined they were both pretty terrible at the seduction game at that age, and if she were honest she hadn’t really come into her own then anyway.

“What exactly is this contract?” She sipped on the wine that a different attendant had given her—that Viago refused—and she crossed one thigh over the other, trying her best to be a respectable lady before the First Talon. She could almost feel Viago judging her out the corner of her eye.

“A simple job in Antiva City. There is a gala this weekend where a Tevinter Altus will be to strike business dealings. Someone who catches eyes will be needed.”

“With all due respect, First Talon, why me? Can’t someone from House Dellamorte execute this contract?”

Viago grunted next to her and she made a face his way. “She is a shrewd one, Viago. House de Riva specializes in poisons, a clean kill may be required, and Andarateia spoke highly of you as well. I see House de Riva also specializes in suspicions.”

She could see Viago wanted to protest but he cleared his throat. “I assure you if you need a master poisoner, Arenaria passed her classes with flying colors. Even the more difficult ones I implemented after taking over.”

She would give him so much shit for this later, but despite Caterina being stern and stoic without tells on her furrowed brow, Aren knew there was something else. There had to be.

“Viago, I would like to speak with Aren of the details alone. You are excused.”

And there it was, and she gave him a look that he shot right back at her, but he nodded all the same and stood. “Good evening, Caterina, I will see myself out then. Do let me know if my cohort gives you trouble.”

She sipped on her wine, staring at him as he left. “Down to the real business then?” Aren swilled the wine in her glass, inhaling the scent of it. She noticed the other attendants leaving and soon it was only the two of them and that same man who’d been at the door.

“What I am about to propose does not leave this room,” she started and immediately her attention was fixed more seriously upon the elder Talon. “It is not lost on anyone that I will need to name the next First Talon. Illario has not made it quiet that he wants it, but I do not trust he has the eye for the job. He spends his nights whoring around, and most of his contracts are… simple. Lucanis is better suited for the job. He takes them more seriously and he does not embarrass my House. I did not work this hard to see it crumble to ash.”

Aren wanted to ask questions, but she was curious where this was going. “I’m listening.”

“I am hiring you to bait Illario. If he can prove he is not easily distracted from the job then I will perhaps consider that he is worthy of being considered for First Talon. In recent years he has cut back from the gambling and whoring, but I believe it is all for show.”

Her mouth parted and she shook her head at the words that came out of her mouth. “Excuse me, I’m sorry, First Talon, but you want me to… seduce your grandson? It sounds like you want to set him up for failure.” A bad taste settled in her mouth. How gross it felt to be propositioned this way by this man’s grandmother.

“Illario will most likely foul things up; I do not have much confidence in that foolish boy. Illario failing will provide a smoother transition when I name Lucanis as First Talon. He will have no one to blame but himself for his failure.”

This was insane. Not only was she being propositioned to basically fuck this woman’s grandson, but to intentionally screw up his chances at acquiring the seat of First Talon?

“Why me?”

“As I said, I remember you catching his eye. You share the confidence of the Fifth and Seventh Talons and proved your trustworthiness to them. Prove your trustworthiness to me, and our Houses can share in a more prosperous alliance someday.”

There was something else nagging at her. Why did this all make her feel disposable? Probably because she was. If Illario found out she fouled things up for him, who’s to say he wouldn’t come after her?

“With all due respect, again, First Talon, what’s stopping Illario from coming after me when all this is said and done?”

“Illario will not come to find out. The pay will more than make up for the discomfort I see in your eyes.”

There was also the unspoken no way out due to the First Talon assigning this contract. She was trapped whether she wanted to do it or not. She couldn’t help wondering all the ways this could go wrong, but she felt like she had no choice. There really was no way out of this.

“What is your answer?”
~~~My idiot de Riva :D

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Aren took a breath as she made her way through the doors of Villa Dellamorte. After Viago left yesterday, Caterina explained the details of what she wanted done and despite not wanting to do a damn thing for the First Talon out of principle alone, she had agreed. She hated that woman’s domineering attitude.

On one hand, brava to the woman for owning her shit and whipping that cane out to assert dominance when needed, but Aren didn’t like being forced to do something when she didn’t want to do it. She was also fiercely protective of House de Riva and didn’t like the implications of what could happen should this all come out in the open.

She thought about telling Viago—would’ve told Viago—but Caterina insisted this couldn’t go anywhere but that room. She wasn’t a fool—or maybe she was—but despite trying to pretend Caterina didn’t scare her, she knew she actually kind of did.

The woman held her fate as a Crow—as a person—in her hands, all because her grandson happened to try and sniff her out fifteen fucking years ago. Probably because he thought she’d be an easy lay. What gold blooded rich boy sought out an elven girl for anything other than an easy fuck?

She knew her limitations in this world. It was a hard pill to swallow when she knew how good she was. She was slightly full of herself—well maybe not slightly—but she burned inside thinking Caterina was using her because she was just another expendable elf in this gods-forsaken world. But, Aren, what about Teia? She loves Teia. Everyone loved Teia, but that was Teia and as much as she tried to be like her—idolizing the younger woman—she wasn’t her. She would never have that saccharine charm like Teia did.

She wasn’t quite born in the gutters of Antiva, but she was given to them. Sold to them. And sold to the worst bidder in House Arainai. She still didn’t know what House de Riva saw in her, but she would be forever grateful for them buying her out of there.

She operated under the banner of what a Crow should be, what was ingrained in her, and she didn’t much care about the fledglings as much as Viago tried to push her to mentor some of them. They could find their own way for all she cared.

The attendant began to guide her along for the start of this ruse. She ran her fingers through her thick, loose curls and swooped her hair off to one side. She wasn’t very voluptuous up top but that’s what nice lingerie was for to enhance what she already had to give her enough cleavage to peek out where her black blouse dipped low. The long dark blue coat she wore cinched at her waist and swished behind her as she worked the garment. She gambled on Illario having eyes for breasts over ass, but there were still several days before the party, so she had options later on to sway his eyes if need be.

She couldn’t really shake the distaste in her mouth though, but it didn’t help that within the last few years she’d begun to kill her marks before she screwed them. When she was younger it was fun to fuck them, but she’d become so repulsed at the idea of some of them even touching her now that she’d grown tired of the whole seductress persona and opted to end them as soon as she hooked them into privacy. She wasn’t going to be killing a mark this time, so she had to work herself up to stomach the game this go around.

She watched the attendant knock on the door and she heard Caterina bark out her order to come in. She made her way inside and saw Illario’s eyes land on her out the corner of her eye; she could see and practically feel his eyes on her and she gave him a passing glance, briefly acknowledging him, and she watched as he crossed his arms with a curious look upon his brow.

“Apologies, First Talon, I didn’t realize you had company.” She looked over at him again, this time giving him a deliberate up and down rove with her eyes before she focused her attention back to his grandmother.

“It is no trouble. Illario was just leaving,” she said and one more glance towards him saw him entirely put off by that statement.

He cleared his throat, begrudgingly gritting out, “As you wish, Caterina.” He left and she gave him one more sidelong glance and saw his eyes drift up and down her as well, and she felt satisfied that she could illicit that kind of reaction out of him already, but when the door closed she felt the rush of her thudding heartbeat right against her ribcage. What was that?

“So, now we shoot the shit for a minute before I walk out?”

Caterina looked annoyed and admittedly she relished just a little bit in her distaste. She wanted to make her at least regret a little bit that she hired her for this job. “You sign the contract and get to work.”

The attendant—she noticed it being the same one from yesterday and assumed this man was someone Caterina trusted implicitly—opened a box with a key and presented the scroll on the desk in front of Caterina. Caterina signed the contract before her and she let the attendant turn the paper around.

“You will receive a partial of your payment now, about a quarter, and the rest upon completion. Illario has taken the contract but is aware he needs to find a partner. Hopefully your candid little display was enough to catch his eye. If not, you have a harder job ahead of you, but I suspect it will not be that much harder.” She sensed a bit of disapproval behind that remark. Did she look down on Crows who used their wiles to take down targets, she wondered?

Aren tugged off her gloves and put them in her pocket. She leaned down to brace one palm against the table as she situated the contract. She couldn’t show herself faltering, not before the First Talon, and after reading over the simple contract she scribbled her extravagant A that swirled into delicate little swoops to complete the elaborate marking. She settled the quill back into its inkpot and the attendant handed her a coin purse which she tucked into her jacket pocket.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” She felt a nervous twinge at the back of her neck. This contract was a disaster in the making. It was aimed to fail—to fail spectacularly—and the plan was for Caterina to blame Illario no matter what the outcome ended up being.

There was still a mark, but whereas Illario’s contract was to kill the man, Aren’s was to sabotage him into looking bad and failing. The sovereigns better be worth it, and earning the favor of the First Talon would unfortunately be another perk. She didn’t exactly care, but it would look good for Viago, and she hated herself that that was what she cared most about.

She could see this turning to shit though, and she dreaded when it inevitably would because of course she knew it was going to blow up in her face. She’d already prepared her rebuttal to Viago.

“I hope you do as well,” Caterina said as Aren backed out and made her way out the office.

As she hoped she spotted Illario waiting for her to appear before him, leaning against the back of a decorative sitting room couch with his arms crossed.

“Arenaria de Riva.” He drew her name out, adding a little snarl on the end of de Riva. “How have we not managed to bump into one another in fifteen years?” He practically purred, and she realized that Illario’s game was much like her own as rumored. He’d taken the path of charming, dashing rogue just like she had. It could either be harder, or easier, to sway his hand.

“Illario, right?” She played with him, and he pressed his palm to his chest as if she’d struck him straight in the ego.

“You wound me. You remember me.”

She smirked as she stepped a little closer towards him and pretended to mull over how she wanted to approach this. Toy with him that she didn’t remember him or mess with him that she did? Perhaps toying with his ego would push it too far. She wanted him to think he had her, but intrigue him enough to join him on his contract.

“You might need to jog my memory.”

He chuckled, “Quit pretending. We may have been bumbling and awkward at the time, but you said some awfully provocative things to me.”

She let out a quick laugh; she honestly had no idea what she said, but apparently it really was interesting enough that he tried to find her afterwards. “Provocative or embarrassing?”

“Honestly, it was probably a bit of both.” He straightened his posture, hands pressing at his hips as he looked her up and down again. “What brings you to my home?”

“Caterina’s home, you mean?” She watched him bristle at that, a quick look of disdain that he impressively covered up rather quickly. Perhaps that was too much too soon in the teasing department, so she tried to smooth her way over it. “Delivering some requested poisons. Viago was too busy and apparently I am running errands now. Can’t have the fledglings working too laboriously now can we?”

“Hmph, is this what the Crows are coming down to? A bunch of soft romantics? It’s appalling.”

“Agreed, but,” she shrugged, “It’s not up for me to decide.” She gave him the same obvious eye rove treatment, again, and apparently they were going to be engaging in a battle of eye fucking for the time being. She wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t gorgeous, but he was a bit too clean cut in her eyes. His face was smooth, hair smooth, clothes smooth. But at least he looked clean, and that was more than she could say for most marks in her line of work.

He smirked, “What say we catch up? Old time’s sake. You can bore me about what poisons Viago is cooking up for the fledglings these days.” She’d say the plan was working so far, but she’d only succeeded in half of it. He clearly wanted something and though she wasn’t quite there yet, she needed to hook him enough to convince him to invite her on this job without her having to push herself onto it.

“Old time’s sake? It’s not as though we are old friends, Illario.” She put her hand on her hip, shifting her weight so she didn’t look too tall compared to him. Men like him probably liked smaller partners, not ones that were nearly as tall as them.

“Hm, true, but we could pretend that we are for old time’s sake.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Dinner, drinks, a little bit of sightseeing? It is not often you’re in Treviso, no?”

That part was true at least. “Fine, entertain me.”

He smirked at her, and motioned her towards the door. “After you,” he cooed, practically preening as if he’d already won her over. She’d have to make him work a little harder. She didn’t plan to fall in bed with him on the first night no matter how much she felt a piece of herself actually interested.

He’d led her out and about throughout Treviso, taking her to a popular Crow owned restaurant that looked a little better than the dive bars she usually preferred. He ordered for them, and despite hating that he did she went along with it for now but would certainly give him shit for it.

She leaned back in her chair, not quite lady like as she rested her elbow on the back of it. “Did I ask you to order for me, Dellamorte?”

He chuckled, “No. There’s only two things on this menu that matter though and I thought we could have a taste of both.”

When the wine came along she sipped and thought it tasted fine. She wasn’t much of a wine drinker, more hard liquors to match the harshness of her reality. Wine was for sappy romantics and pretentiousness; if she was going to drink she was drinking to get drunk and go numb.

“Working on anything interesting lately?” She decided to prod. She had him for dinner, had him thinking he could at least sway her for the evening, she might as well try her luck.

He quirked a brow. “Caterina off telling my business?”

“No, why? Ah there is something interesting then?” She leaned forward, catching his eyes wanting to glance down.

“Perhaps there is. I need a date. Care to join me? I’ve heard your style is similar to my own.”

“You heard? Keeping tabs on me?” She saw his eyes flick away quickly as he sipped his wine. She was fascinated that he remembered her. She propped her hands on her chin. “I’m intrigued.” She grinned at him. “I was a skinny rat back then. You actually remembered us conversing?”

“Hmph, you’re too easy to flatter.” And she couldn’t help faltering just a moment. Was he messing with her? No, he definitely remembered her, but damn did flattery ever work on her and he caught her. She didn’t particularly think she had that big of an ego but perhaps she was that full of herself.

“Perhaps, but you’re still the one who remembered me.”

“The job involves a fancy soirée. It’ll be easiest to tail the mark at the party. No one will miss him when he’s gone, too drunk to even care. You’d look quite good on my arm.”

She rested her knuckles against her cheek and absently picked at her lip with her pinky finger. “I’d look good on your arm?”

“Fine, we’ll make each other look good. We could have some fun in the mean time.”

“You get straight to the point.”

“What’s wrong with that?” He grinned. “Two beautiful people having a good time together? What’s not to enjoy?”

Ooh she tried not to shiver at his words. It was everything she’d use when stroking a mark’s ego. It wasn’t often, not at all, her own tactics were used against her, and she found herself achingly wanting to scratch the itch that began to kindle within her. The spark threatened to be lit. She hadn’t felt a little thrill like this in so long. Not since she gave up on Viago ever possibly returning the old dusty feelings she used to harbor.

“We just met, Illario.” She smirked at him fanning her fingers out on the table before her upon the soft silky tablecloth. It helped her keep her fingers busy as she buzzed with the excitement of desire.

“What are you talking about? We’re old friends,” he took a bigger gulp of wine.

“I’ll think about it. What’s the job?”

He practically pouted but she let him have a partial win by thinking about later. Now they’d settle the business side and he was falling harder into the scheme his grandmother set forth. Think about the money, she told herself. She could do a lot with that kind of coin.

“It’s a nothing job, yet Caterina is pushing that it’s of high importance.” In more ways than one she thought, and she sipped her wine as she kept her eyes intensely locked on him. The eye fucking continued. “Some ‘vint mage is trying to squeeze his way into Antivan politics. Somewhere he shouldn’t belong. A Trevisan noble has already been offended and another killed. It’s decent coin. I’ll cut you in for thirty percent.”

She balked at him and he must’ve gotten the reaction he wanted because he was laughing. “My help is only worth thirty? I should leave right now.”

“You’re only there as my date.”

“And not backup?”

“I don’t need backup.”

She scoffed and drank the rest of her wine, a waiter quickly refilling it. “Leave the bottle, signore. And bring another. His treat.”

He smirked and she drank what was poured into her glass and poured just a bit more. “Don’t tell me you feel the need to be drunk around me.”

“I feel the need to be drunk at your audacity.”

“I can make it up to you.”

“All promises, hm?” She felt the warmth of the wine finally hitting her. “Forty percent cut, and I’ll maybe use a dagger if you need the help.”

“As long as the dagger is strapped to your thigh.”

“Where else would it be?”

He smirked. “Thirty-five percent.”

“Like you need the money, Dellamorte, I’m sure your grandmother shits sovereigns at this point.”

He laughed loudly at that one and she found one thing she was curious about confirmed. He really had no love for his grandmother did he?

“For that I’ll give you half.”

She grinned at him, “deal.”

The food came and the conversation continued, and she found she was more than happy to scratch the itch so quickly. Perhaps it’ll keep him wanting more, keep him pliant. Perhaps she’d even have a bit of fun as she ruined his life.

She wouldn’t lie and say some sick part of her wasn’t getting off just a little at the prospect of bringing down a rich, spoiled man and dragging him through the mud. Especially the fact that it was a Dellamorte at that. Especially when his own fucking grandmother wanted to set him up for failure. It was like a night at the opera, and the most scandalous, dramatic show was playing. And yet that little kernel of guilt was ever present.

Later, they walked along the grounds of the Villa Dellamorte and he passed the bottle of wine back to her. They were both tipsy as all hell and she couldn’t help that she was also having fun. With him. Between the banter and sharp wit, it was satisfying. Not to mention that he didn’t get riled up the same way Viago did. When she pestered him he frowned, but Illario. Well, he drank her up in ways that made her heart skip a beat. Even if it was for show—a ploy to simply fuck her out of his system—she still enjoyed the way he looked at her.

“Would you like to see the guest house?”

“Is that where you take all your paramours so dearest grandmother doesn’t hear you fucking?”

He cringed, “no. And actually I have not brought anyone to my home to fuck.”

She scoffed, “fuck off.”

“Why would I bring a stranger to my home? I bring them to the Diamond or another fine establishment. I don’t always need a bed for a quick lay.”

She raised her brows and gave him a look. “Oh?”

“That makes you special.”

“Fuck off, Illario,” she chuckled and he grinned. “And anyway, who says I want to jump into bed with you?”

“Please, you’ve been undressing me with your eyes all night. Who could blame you.”

They stopped underneath the gazebo alongside the river. The wind breezed by them as she leaned her hip onto the railing. She took another long pull from the wine, deliberately looking up at him as she did so. He moved in close, his hand snaking the bottle from her grasp and she felt his other hand slip sneakily over her hip.

“We don’t have to play games, Aren. It’s just sex.”

“But I like games,” she lied. She hated games, but her eyes were half lidded as she looked up at him admiring that mouth of his.

“I don’t believe you.” She felt his fingers gently stroking at her hip, and she hadn’t realized how long it’d been since someone touched her intimately other than herself. “Let’s cut the shit and head to a room.” He took another swig of the wine.

Did she want to give him the satisfaction of winning her over so easily? This wasn’t supposed to happen this fast, but there was no denying the way the air sizzled around them. She was eager—she couldn’t deny it—but she had to do what she could to make it seem like she wasn’t the one who caved.

“If I promise to agree this is mutually desired, then will you come to bed with me, Aren? Both of us will win.”

Fuck. She eased in, watching his eyes close the rest of the way as he started to bridge the gap. She could smell the wine on his breath and she pulled away, tapping his chest.

“Fine.”~~~I took an embarrassing amount of screenshots of them...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Get on your knees then.” She said in response to his bragging and he couldn’t help going slack-jawed at her words.

She had the gall. “Dellamortes don’t kneel, de Riva.” He was almost a little put off at her ordering him to do something, but he couldn’t help that it fired him up all the same. She was exciting, and he hadn’t had exciting in a long while.

She was perhaps too similar to him in too many ways, but he knew part of her story, had asked around back when he’d first met her. He thought they’d hit it off that night and was eager to have a bit of fun, but she disappeared and he inwardly cringed at the way he tried to find her that night. He wasn’t supposed to pursue, he was supposed to be pursued, and when Caterina found him, admonished him for chasing after some silly elven girl, she made him feel ashamed.

But now, now he couldn’t give a fuck what Caterina thought except when it came to one thing, and one thing only. But he wasn’t stupid, he knew his cousin was the one who held her favor. Nothing he ever did was good enough for her, and even though Lucanis still didn’t want First Talon, Caterina thought he was better for it. Everyone thought Lucanis was better.

He moved around her, and a part of him felt a tiny little thrill that Aren wasn’t the least bit intimidated by him. She was a knockout, always had been, but age had been especially good for her. She was tall, nearly his height without those ridiculous block heeled boots alone, and curves that could make anyone shudder.

Her demeanor though, so domineering, so flippant. He couldn’t help wanting her but saw right through her trying to brush him off. Oh she wanted him; she ached for him and he saw it.
More so now that they’d polished off two bottles of wine and held strong, but the third bottle. Oh the third bottle was beginning to crack both their demeanors and he wasn’t mad about it.

There was something about her that turned him up in knots so far. If they were going to work together he’d rather get her out of his system now than later so he could focus on the contract at hand. Caterina personally handing down this contract to him meant something, and he viewed everything she gave him as a test. He could tell she wanted him to fail. She wanted him to fail everything so it’d prove her right and he’d be damned if he gave her that satisfaction especially when it came to his job.

He examined her face, soft and sharp, smoky eyes that curved just a little upwards and kissable lips. There was a black line on her lower lip that ran down her chin and over her throat with three lines on either side of the stripe on her neck. He’d heard of this tattooing amongst the Dalish but he didn’t think she was one.

He pressed his thumb to her chin over the thick black line, his index finger underneath it. “What is this supposed to be? I don’t remember you having that when we first met.”

“Apparently slave markings.” He watched a flash of bitterness extend over her eyes. She gripped his wrist and pulled his hand away. “Turning eighteen in a Dalish clan brings about a rite of passage. They marked themselves with vallaslin of the gods.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Me and a couple other elves decided to tattoo ourselves. June, crafter of the eluvians. Probably used slave blood to make them.” She sat at the edge of the bed and leaned back on her arms. She looked so inviting and he felt the pull of her.

“A few years ago some odd elves had come through town. They looked Dalish but barefaced and told me a story.” She waved her hand then settled it back. When had her blouse unbuttoned an extra button?

Was she ever a master at this game. But why admit a piece of her past if she was playing with him still? They’d already agreed to fuck, it wasn’t as if they needed to play this song and dance of telling each other intimate details.

He couldn’t help himself despite his earlier quip and he kneeled before her. She smirked down at him as he snapped open the button of her pants and roughly tugged them off her curvy hips and ass. Maker he couldn’t help it, her tall, long body was a gift from her gods themselves and he wanted his name rolling off her tongue as he pleasured her.

“Take your top off.” He ordered and he returned her smirk as she did what he told her. She undid the clasp at the back of her very lacy, black bra, and he pulled her knees apart so he could scooch closer and press his lips to the middle of her chest.

He cupped one breast and slid his thumb over her nipple, feeling it pucker and tighten beneath his touch. He nuzzled his nose alongside the swell of her other breast feeling her deeply inhale and let out a shaky breath. Oh, she was going to be that stubborn and hide her noises from him? That would do no good and he brushed his tongue over her other dusky rose peak feeling it pucker against his mouth.

He felt her hand ease through his hair, and though he wasn’t fond of her messing it up, he felt he could let it slide this one time. He eased away from his busy work, gripped her calves underneath her knees to tug her closer to the edge of the bed to where she was just over the side.

“You’re going to have to offer me some encouragement, Aren, otherwise I won’t give you what you want.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t have high expectations.”

“I assure you, I know what I’m doing unlike your pathetic conquests of the past, mia cara. I’ll have you begging.” He didn’t give her time to respond as he slid his thumb over her already wet core and he watched her eyes roll in the back of her head once he swiped her slick up to that little bud. He angled his mouth over her, sucking until he lapped his tongue right over her center.

Her hand shot to his shoulder, squeezing, and he heard a sharp breath escape her. It wasn’t good enough; he needed to hear her moaning his name. He continued his motions; a good suck then swirl of his tongue and he could feel her thighs quivering against his hands holding them open. He slipped two fingers within her slick heat and finally a sharp moan left her.

“You’re going to need to do better than that,” he purred, kissing along her inner thigh.

“Fuck, you don’t shut up do you?” She breathed, and the rise and fall of her chest was a delightful sight before his eyes.

“Where’s the fun in that?” He lowered his mouth over her again as he slid his fingers in and out of her, feeling her clench herself over them. He finally earned a whimper, so he curled his fingers inside of her.

“Illario!” She gasped, and he kept going, didn’t stop now that he had her hooked. And then he felt the tight clench of her over and over again around his fingers and she moaned loudly as she unraveled. He licked his fingers clean when she lifted her head, and he watched her shudder.

“Get on the bed, Illario,” she ordered and when he kneeled on it she moved behind him; he felt her lips on his shoulder when she peeled back his shirt. She pulled it further down his arms and the warmth of her breasts pressed against him had his cock hardening once again.

He was about to say something crass when suddenly her hand snaked beneath the waist of his pants and her fingers delicately brushed along his aching length. He tried to hold back the groan that rumbled in his chest at her teasing touch, but when she swiped her thumb over his tip he practically doubled over. His conquests never lasted this long—didn’t really involve foreplay—but Maker he was having a good time with someone who knew what they were doing.

She pulled his shirt down his arms the rest of the way and tossed it aside, and he would’ve protested at her tossing the garment so carelessly to the floor if her fingers weren’t expertly handling him the way they were. He felt her mouth at the chord of muscle at his shoulder—a suck here and nibble there—and when her thumb swiped back over him he yanked her hand away amidst her biting little laughter.

He shut her up when he tugged her to the front of him and pressed his mouth over hers. She tried to pull back, but he insisted, curling his fingers in her hair to lightly grip. It didn’t take much convincing and she was kissing him back and he smirked against her lips. So she didn’t like kissing did she? Interesting. But she seemed to enjoy kissing him now that he’d broken the ice.

“You like my lips on yours,” he practically purred against her mouth and she took another quick taste that left him satisfied.

“The deal was to not be smug about this.”

He chuckled, his hands easing down her hips to cop a quick feel of her fleshy rear. “Get on your hands and knees,” Illario demanded as he moved to discard the rest of his clothes.

She didn’t budge from her kneeling and he got on his knees in front of her. “It’s only fair. I got on my knees for you.” She rolled her eyes, but turned around at least.

She looked at him over her shoulder and he brushed her hair over it. She gripped his jaw and pressed a kiss to his mouth that he hungrily pressed back. He scooted closer, his chest pressing to her back.

“A little eager, hm?” She teased but he was past the point of teasing, he wanted his cock in her, now. She laughed as he moved to position her, pressing his hand to her shoulders to guide her down to her hands. He could see the marled mess of skin just below the back of her neck most likely the burned or cut out mark of House Arainai.

He resisted the urge to caress his fingers over the rough patch, and spotted the mark for House de Riva under her arm and over her ribs as his hands instead caressed over the curve of her waist. Why did he burn just a little knowing that mark now belonged to Viago?

He palmed her curvy rear, then delicately brushed his fingers over her feeling her shirk his touch and quiver. This time he chuckled as if he discovered some deep, dark secret of hers. “Ticklish? On your ass? I would not have expected that.”

“Not really ticklish, but sometimes the initial touch is… I don’t know how to describe it.”

“Sensitive then.” He lined his cock up to her slit, sliding the head of him over her obscenely wet core. “Fuck, Aren.”

“Just fuck me, Illario.” She whimpered and he couldn’t take it any longer and sunk himself inside of her, her walls tight around his cock before she welcomed him in. She pressed back against him to take him all the way in and moaned. He nearly faltered himself, hands gripping her hips so tight he’d probably leave marks if he wasn’t careful. She didn’t seem the type of woman to care though as she reached back to grip his hip.

She tried to control the motion again, but he held fast, making her wait until he wanted to do this. He finally slid out of her in a long stroke until he slowly eased back in and her hand dropped back to the bed to steady herself.

If it wasn’t for the satisfaction of making her squirm he’d have taken her much quicker but he wanted to draw this out and didn’t want this feeling to end so quickly. He set up a languid rhythm, his breath shaky as he tried to keep up the tortuous pace.

Aren had been fun so far this night and Maker was she fun to fuck. He watched himself sliding in and out of her, entranced by the sight and sounds. He couldn’t help the groan that escaped him at feeling her tighten around him. When she laughed he thrust roughly and smirked at the change in tone of her next moan.

“Enjoying yourself,” she panted, and he leaned forward, kissing up her spine as he reached over to stroke her; she let out a sharp moan as she pushed back against him and he chuckled into the groan that bubbled up his throat.

“And what if I am,” he reached up to pull her head to the side. He shifted deeper within her as he stretched to reach and kiss the corner of her lips. She gasped as he let go and lightly slapped the side of her ass. “Lie down.”

“Oh, don’t you dare,” she warned him and he sunk down over top of her when she eased down upon the bed. He draped over top of her, better able to kiss over her shoulders. He laughed as he flexed his hips in and out of her.

He moaned, “not a fan of… a little spanking,” he panted, sliding his hand over hers to intertwine his fingers with hers. She squeezed his hand and felt her squirming underneath him.

“No!” She managed to gasp out, “fuck, Illario, oh!” Maker, take him he couldn’t take it any longer. He needed to completely unravel her. He pumped inside of her quicker, and enjoyed that she was finally making more noise instead of holding it all back.

He cursed, he could feel himself about to fall apart when she clamped down tightly over him, her sheath pulling him tighter and tighter until one final thrust had him spilling himself inside of her. He tensed over top of her, grinding his hips against her ass as he squeezed her hand as tight as she squeezed his fingers.

When the undulations over his softening cock finally ebbed away he relaxed and felt the tension in her own body release as well. He kissed over her back, a thin sheen of sweat present on both their bodies. He finally slipped from within her and rolled onto his back and listened to the satisfied sigh that left her.

He watched her for a moment and when she finally glanced his way a little smile appeared at her lips that just as quickly disappeared. She moved to get up and he watched her as she walked into the washroom.

He swallowed hard at the clench in his chest when the thought of her leaving so soon made him ache. He should want her to go; he didn’t spend the night with any conquest, why should she be different? She came back out and he watched her.

He propped himself up onto his elbow practically putting himself on display before her. “Satisfied?” He tried to joke around with her and she rolled her eyes but offered a smirk at least.

“It was fun.”

“You could stay awhile,” he inwardly cringed then tried to save face. “The night is still young.” She snatched a few pieces of clothes off the floor as she hunted for more. “Arenaria,” he cooed, and she shook her head as she kneeled on the bed easing closer to him, her hair brushing his chest.

“Save it for another night.” She pinched his chin between her thumb and index finger, easing so close to his lips that he could feel them ghost gently over his before she pulled away. Before she could get too far he pulled her down to kiss her properly. She pressed her hand to his chest and gently pushed him back. “None of that.”

“You started it.” She began to dress herself and he watched the sight. It was almost as sexy watching her dress as it was to take her clothes off. The way she put her brassier on, situating it by tugging it down and… Maker he could feel himself getting hard again.

“Someone doesn’t like kissing.”

“It’s messy and intimate.”

He laughed, “More intimate than my mouth between your legs.”

She smirked again, buttoning her shirt only about halfway. “And then your mouth was on mine. Messy.”

“You enjoyed kissing me. Admit it.”

She pulled on her boots then made it to the door where she’d dropped her coat upon arrival and picked it up. She slipped it on. “The deal was to not brag.”

“The deal was to agree it was mutually desired.”

The way her chin dipped down as she looked at him sent another shudder up his spine. “So are you saying you enjoy kissing me?”

“Only if you admit it.”

“Good night, Illario.”

“Same time tomorrow then?”

“Fuck off.” She laughed, and slipped out the door. He took in a deep breath and let it out. Maker, what the fuck was he thinking?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

There truly was something wrong with him. Illario’s sleep wasn’t exactly restful, his wine hangover throbbing ever so presently in his head, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. They were just having fun—that’s all it was—but why did he want to keep having fun? With her? Why did he think about seeing her and not just to screw her, but to banter with her?

He hadn’t had that much fun in a long while. The days were growing bleaker and the resentment towards Caterina and partially Lucanis grew more and more, and he hated himself just a little bit extra each day.

He knew it wasn’t Lucanis’s fault, but deep down the bitter envy threatened to double, triple even. Lucanis could tell Caterina no and end this shit, and Illario could take over as First Talon and fix things. He had ideas, he had plans, but when no one wanted to listen to him it pissed him off further. House Dellamorte could truly be something fiercer and really rule Antiva openly and not just from the shadows like the Crows seemed content to do.

He was good at what he did too, but Caterina never believed in him and he realized Lucanis didn’t think he was good enough either. Not for the same jobs he did. Which was aggravating. He was so perfect and yet what did he have to show for it all? His cousin was so aloof, so alone. How could he prove to be a good First Talon when he didn’t even want the job? Hell, he sometimes thought he didn’t even want to be a Crow.

Illario felt restless as he thought about the job at hand. There wasn’t much that needed to be done for it. He’d already planned it all out, but he was curious about Aren’s opinion on the layout of the grand hall in Antiva City this party would be at.

He tried to tell himself it wasn’t just a reason to see her again so soon, and he did his best to hold off another day before he sought her out. He couldn’t help being slightly put off that she hadn’t sought him out, but he should have known better. They were both playing a game despite trying to pretend they weren’t.

He made his way to the Cantori Diamond, assuming he’d find her there. If Viago was still in town he assumed she’d still be hanging around him and Teia too. Even if he hadn’t noticed Aren—nor met her—fifteen years ago, he would at least know her name by how much either Talon talked about her. She certainly made quite the impression.

He ascended the stairs and caught sight of her leaning against the railing. Her brown hair was tied up high, curls cascading down to her shoulders. Long dangly earrings shimmered in bright gold hung from her ears. She had a look on her face, one that caught him off guard. That look was full of longing and yearning, and a pang of jealousy hit him hard that she could stare at another the way she was.

She hadn’t noticed him yet, and he eased up next to her and caught sight of the object of that affectionate look. It was none other than the Fifth Talon himself. She practically shrieked beside him as she backhanded him straight to the chest.

“Fuck, Illario, what are you doing here?”

He felt his cheeks burning and suddenly his mood had soured, however he tried to save face and smirked at her. “That was quite the look you had. Who was it for?”

She rolled her eyes, “Fuck off, Illario.”

He tried to let it roll off of him, pretended that it didn’t bother him. Why did it bother him? He hated that it bothered him. He smirked at her though, and she bit her lip to hide the growing smile upon them.

“What do you want,” she shoved him playfully.

“We have business to talk about.”

“I’m not fucking you in the alley.”

He rolled his eyes this time. “We are partners are we not? I merely wanted your opinion. I have blueprints of the grand ballroom in Antiva City. Care to join me?” He need only to continue the eye contact with her, and she finally relaxed.

“Fine.”

“Shall we then?”
~~

They were back to his room at the guest house at Villa Dellamorte, and Aren tried not to think about the events of two nights ago as she stared at the open door to the bedroom. She couldn’t deny it even if she wanted to, but he’d been the best lay she’d had in… Well, he simply was the best and she could never admit that to him. She knew how big her own ego would grow, had grown by her past marks’ stupid comments shortly before their death. She couldn’t go letting him know he was the best she’d ever had.

So much so she thought about it, about his hands all over her body as she touched herself the night before. So much for being repulsed by sex lately; it only took one egotistical, full of himself asshole that she desired and made her feel desired to light the spark back within her.

Yuck, she thought, what was wrong with her? She was beginning to become repulsed by herself. She slung her leg over the other after she sat on the couch, throwing her arms the length of the back of it.

“So, what are we talking about?”

“In a moment. Whiskey?” He offered a glass and she took it from him.

“Such refined tastes.” She sniffed and sipped.

He sat next to her on the couch. “I thought you might appreciate that.”

“I hate to break it to you, Illario, I don’t care about your high brow liquor. When I drink it’s to get drunk. It needs to do the job.”

He tsked her and she watched as he took a sip and set his drink down onto a coaster on the coffee table. “You must savor it, Arenaria. This is good whiskey.”

“I suppose it tastes better than Rivaini moonshine.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “You are ridiculous.”

She smirked and pressed her finger at his temple. “You get a little twitch there when you’re annoyed.”

He pulled her hand away then took the drink from her hand. “If you’re not going to appreciate it.”

“Oh stop, Illario,” she grinned at him. She settled her knuckles at her cheek and his eyes dipped down to her lip.

“You’re going to pick those pretty lips raw if you keep up that nasty habit.”

She scoffed at him, but couldn’t help shifting her hand away from her mouth and felt a little flustered that he’d noticed that habit already. She licked her lips and leaned back into the armrest.

“So back to business,” she said.

He unrolled the blueprints onto the coffee table, using coasters and her drink to hold them open. She watched as he began to explain the layout and as he went over his thoughts she honestly was impressed that he’d thought this one out. She’d heard much about the ‘lesser’ Dellamorte, how he wasn’t always prepared on his jobs, how he relied on his charm to get to his marks.

“I’m impressed. You’ve done your homework.”

He seemed to bristle at that statement. “Who’s talking shit about me? Have you been talking with my cousin?”

Ouch, she cringed at that. “Thought the Dellamorte cousins were more like brothers.”

“We are. Though my cousin never thinks I take things seriously.”

“Do you?” His eyes shot to hers and she chewed on that reaction.

He let out a sigh, “Everything he does is so effortless and perfect. He’s a fucking saint whereas I’m…” The playfulness was gone and her face had fallen. “Do you know what it feels like to try and do everything right and it still never be good enough?” She saw his eyes glance her way. “Spare me the biting remarks.”

“I wasn’t going to.”

“I’m sure everything came easy to a woman like yourself as well.”

She couldn’t help laughing at that. “You do realize I’m an elf right?” She leaned closer to him gesturing at her ears.

He shook his head, “That’s not what… Alright that was stupid. I don’t see how anyone could think lesser of you is what I’m saying. The way you carry yourself for example.”

She swiped the drink back up in her hand, the blueprint edge curling back slightly. She didn’t know why but his comment irritated her, but she tried to let it slide. She was supposed to still be gaining his favor. To distract him. Not the other way around.

“I worked hard to pretend. And if you think that way then I’ve done a good job of fooling you.” She sipped the whiskey and eased just a little closer so their thighs touched.

All rational thoughts went out the door; she didn’t want to talk business any longer, nor did she want to discuss intimate, personal details.

“I’m sorry if I offended you.” A hint of bitterness escaped him, as if he was trying to reach out for someone to catch him.

“I do know what it’s like to not be good enough,” she looked down to avert his gaze. “I know it all too well. At some point I learned to get past it.”

“How?”

“Drinking, assassination, and drinking again.”

He smirked at her, “That’s quite unhealthy. One would say you’ve a death wish.”

“Don’t we all in this line of work?”

“You’re such an asshole,” he plucked the glass from her hand again and set it back on the table over the edge of the blueprint. “Opinions?”

“You really want my opinion?” She raised a brow.

“Why not? I’m interested in a different perspective.”

She looked them over, he had exits in mind, the best rooms for the best escape routes. “Is this hallway open? It’s been a while since I’ve been to Antiva City, but I vaguely remember the second floor has an open walkway, yes?”

He nodded, “Yes, here.” He pointed to the spot.

“Best to avoid this area then. We’ll be exposed.”

“Nice catch.” He leaned back on the couch, his arms taking on the same stance that she had when she first sat down. The way he looked at her… She stood up and waltzed around the room. She couldn’t keep her wits about her if he kept giving her that look.

“So, what other business must we talk about first?”

He chuckled low, deep, “I say we could call our business talks concluded if you have something else in mind.”

She sat on the desk and leaned back just a little as he looked at her from over the back of the couch.

“You didn’t bother getting me food this time.” She tried to distract him and he only laughed as he stood up and sauntered his way over to her. When he was close enough he pressed his palms over her knees.

“We can get food later,” he answered, but before he could open her knees up to slide between them she stood and turned around to press her back to his chest. She didn’t want to be face to face with him. He’d kiss her, and she was terrified of the way it made her feel. She felt his hands snake over her hips and up to cup her breasts over her shirt.

She practically melted back against him, but he abruptly turned her around and guided her to sit back down on the desk. He didn’t give her a chance to protest as he lowered his mouth over hers. It was slow, knocking her off guard, and she found herself cursing him out tenfold in her mind, but she let him continue to do it—let him deepen it—let him do what he wanted and she cursed herself now for it.

He kissed down her neck and she let out a sigh as he tugged her shirt from her pants. All of a sudden she was pulling him back to her mouth and she was hungrily kissing him back as she opened her legs up and jerked his hips closer. And then she was pulling his own shirt from his trousers, unbuttoning it, and he was hurriedly pulling it off and removing her clothes as well. He managed to push his pants down far enough and he tugged her to the edge of the desk and slid himself within her.

She moaned in his mouth and he groaned as he leaned into their kiss. “Your fucking mouth,” he uttered and she nearly fell apart. She certainly hadn’t heard someone say that in an appreciative tone. She pulled him in, wrapping her legs around his narrow hips. She suddenly needed this now, and she wasn’t quite sure where this feral need seemed to spark from.

She reached down but he snatched her hand away, then ground his hips into hers. She liked the way he seemed to unravel as well, moaning with each snap of his hips. He leaned into her and eased her back against the desk, pushing things aside as he did so. He fucked her hard and she enjoyed it, rolling her hips as best she could to match his hurried pace.

She tried not to moan too much—still tried not to look too eager—but she’d already failed and she found she didn’t quite care anymore. He tried to kiss her, but they were both out of breath and she raked her fingers down his back, and though she was nearly blissed out of her mind she still felt the markings that peppered his skin.

For a moment she lost it, thinking about how he got these scars, but Illario’s hard thrusts pulled her back in. He lifted just enough to thumb her clit and she cried out, rippling around his cock. He came after another few strokes and listening to him come undone caused her to throb in pleasure.

He eased up, his hand gently gliding up her face, brushing her hair away that had fallen loose of her updo. Their eyes caught as he guided her to look at him, and Maker, fuck, that look in his eyes. She eagerly took his lips when he offered, ignoring the nagging little feeling in the back of her mind screaming that he had played her most expertly. But did it matter? She was doing far worse, wasn’t she?

She abruptly broke from him, studying the sharp lines on his practically perfect face, her fingers brushing over his cheekbone down to his jaw. Before he could settle his lips back to hers she felt terrified of what bubbled up within her and she gripped his jaw to stop the next kiss.

“I’m starving,” she said, and he grinned, “for food, asshole.” He chuckled as she pushed him off of her, and she grabbed her clothes as she made her way to the washroom off the bedroom. Once she’d cleaned herself up, she suddenly felt a panic as she leaned on the counter, unable to look at her reflection in the mirror.

She steadied her breathing, deep breath in and out. What the hell was wrong with her? It was just sex and a little bit of kissing; none of it meant anything. But the way he caressed her face like that and looked into her eyes. There was a bit of longing there, but she was fooling herself into thinking it meant more than it did. This was so stupid, but she couldn’t back out of this now.

There was no way out of a signed deal especially with the First Talon herself. And there was no way Viago could save her from this. She looked up at her reflection and for the first time she felt ashamed of herself. Why though? Illario was just another rich asshole who preened like a peacock. He wouldn’t give two shits if the roles were reversed. So why did she care?

She looked at herself and saw little marks from his mouth at her shoulder, neck, over her breasts. She closed her eyes and took one last deep breath and quickly dressed herself. They’d be leaving tomorrow for Antiva City, and she had to sink her teeth—figuratively—further into him. The more she got him to bare his soul to her the easier his downfall would be, right? The thought made her sick.

She pulled the tie out of her hair and shook out her soft curls. He’d messed her up too much this evening already. She made her way out seeing he was already dressed sitting on the couch, finishing off the whiskey from earlier.

“Took you long enough,” he quipped, and she could smell his freshly applied cologne as she dipped her head down beside his from behind the couch.

“You messed up my hair.” She nipped at his neck below his ear, eliciting a satisfied groan from him. She didn’t know what came over her to be so playful like this, but she found herself having fun doing it. She traced her finger behind his neck and felt the shiver up his spine and his skin pebbling at her touch.

“Do you want food or not? I cannot be responsible for what my hands might do if you keep touching me like this.”

She smirked and withdrew her hands heading over to the door. She heard him follow after her and soon they were out and about in the markets of Treviso. He tried to protest and push them towards another fancy restaurant, but she wanted street food, kebabs specifically, and it wasn’t even to entice him by eating a somewhat phallic shaped food; it was just what she craved.

Once they’d secured the food, she perched them on a wall that overlooked the canal and she dangled her feet over the edge to promptly eat her bounty.

He sat beside her, but faced the bustle of people wandering by. “This is hardly romantic.”

“Why do you want romantic?” She made a face at him and popped another piece of meat into her mouth delighting at the burst of spices on her tongue. “Just eat it, you snob, it’s good.”

“Hmph,” he did, and she saw the satisfied look on his face which also satisfied her. “Besides, I have to keep up appearances. Dellamortes are expected to be gentleman.”

She raised a brow as she swallowed. “You don’t have to woo me, Illario, we’ve slept with each other twice now.”

He rolled his eyes, “you don’t understand keeping up appearances do you?”

“When it actually matters. Do you always wear the mask? Are you ever just yourself?”

She saw him frown, and almost panicked. That was too deeply personal wasn’t it? Would it piss him off?

“I… don’t know who I am…” he muttered, and that sounded sincere; it caught her off guard. “What about you? Who is Arenaria de Riva?”

She leaned back, examining his face. He seemed bothered by the question she posed, and possibly bothered by his own answer. “Not a good person.”

He let out a huff of a laugh, “that was surprisingly honest.”

Their eyes met and she shrugged one shoulder, sliding the last piece of meat off the skewer with her teeth. When she finished chewing and swallowed she continued. “I’m selfish and also only care about myself.”

“You’re such a fucking liar. You’re almost as pathetic as I am.”

She scoffed, but couldn’t help the smirk on her lips. “What makes Illario Dellamorte pathetic?”

He finished his own skewer and she watched him intently as he scooted back to lean over, settling his hand on the other side of her thighs. “Do you know your family?”

She couldn’t help bristling at his question, but watched as his fingers toyed with the dangly part of her earrings. He really enjoyed encroaching upon her personal space, but she found she didn’t mind it when he was close.

“No.”

“Perhaps that is a blessing in disguise.”

“I was sold to Arainai by them.” She said as a matter of fact and watched him cringe.

“I guess you win.” His finger trailed up the long line of her ear and back down, slowly sliding past her jaw and down her neck. “My apologies… I wasn’t thinking.”

“You make it sound like growing up in your castle was a bad thing.” So were the rumors true that Caterina even beat her own grandchildren into submission?

He bitterly laughed a beat, his eyes watching where his finger traced over her collar bone. “You don’t have to pretend that you don’t know the rumors. They’re true. She beat us with her cane. She starved us. She didn’t care that she let our entire family die and gave us no time to grieve. She cried for Lucanis’s mother, but not mine.”

“You knew your mother?”

“For some time.” He traced his finger from the dip of her collar bone up to the vallaslin at her neck, gently tipping her chin so her eyes met his. “She told bedtime stories about the Black Fox. He was her favorite folk hero.”

“Do you need to talk about it?”

He sighed then scoffed, then bitterly chuckled again; it seemed she’d completely disarmed him with that question. He let go of her chin and pressed his hand over his mouth. “You’re the first person to ever ask me that.”

“I’ll have to start charging you for these therapy sessions. My hourly rate is not cheap.”

He laughed, “I’ll pay you in orgasms and food.”

It was her turn to laugh and she crossed her leg over the other to hopefully stave away the little need that throbbed. “I can get those myself.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, “but it’s more fun with me.”

“Perhaps.” She studied his profile when he eased to sit up straight and looked around at the crowd of people. Did he sit like this to watch her back? She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Most Crows are broken. We’re still here though, right? The old and elder guard.” Hitting your mid thirties as a Crow was practically being ancient in this line of work. Most didn’t make it out their twenties. She was surprised she had and not always glad she did.

He let out a dramatic sigh. “I suppose I should adopt my cousin’s way of thinking. ‘If it weren’t for her harsh lessons we would have died long ago because we wouldn’t have been strong enough to survive.’ I can’t help that I…”

“That you hate her?” His eyes shot to hers at her words. “She seems easy to hate.”

He snorted, “she doesn’t make it difficult. Your tattoo…” he changed the subject. “Why?”

She shrugged absently, poking his side with the skewer. “Stupidity. Longing to belong. Ignorant. Take the pick. It was stupid because as an assassin I shouldn’t be memorable or identifiable. Stupid again to want to belong to a people who never wanted me. I was told my father sold me off. Ignorant because… we elves never had the whole story did we?”

“We never do.” He took the skewer from her hand and tossed it over his shoulder into the canal. “It does not matter if you didn’t have markings on your face. You are memorable.”

She couldn’t help smiling at his words. “Was that a compliment?”

“Yes,” he said simply. “Viago is a fool,” he said under his breath and she felt her spine go rigid and her body tense. His eyes widened when he realized what he’d just said.

She wanted to lash out, admonish him, but the other part of her was embarrassed. Was she that obvious? Did she really have that stupid look on her face when she was staring at him earlier? She felt sick to her stomach.

“How early do you want to leave for Antiva City?” Her voice felt hoarse.

He cleared his throat, “If we leave by mid-morning we should make it there by tomorrow evening. Teia has offered up her guest house for us. It’s down the—”

“The way from the ballroom, yes. I know.” She swung her legs around to hop down to the ground. She placed her hands on either side of his legs as she leaned over him. “Bring me breakfast.” She gripped his jaw and pecked his lips with a quick kiss to try and make him think his words hadn’t affected her, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t want to feel his lips on hers despite his comments. “Good night, Illario.” She turned to leave and flicked her hand in the air a couple of times, trying to not think about what he’d said.

Ooh, did it burn so badly that he’d even mention—insinuate—her feelings about Viago. But she couldn’t be mad. She wondered how long he caught her staring at the man. And then she wondered… what did he really feel about that?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The carriage ride was long and awkward already. Illario felt like a fucking idiot for practically everything he said last night after they grabbed food. He wasn’t supposed to care about her like this. They were just using and satisfying one another for the sake of the job and to sate his curiosity from fifteen years ago. So why could he not keep his stupid mouth shut around her? Telling her about his mother? Idiocy!

And yet he couldn’t help himself, had not stopped thinking about her since she waltzed her way into Caterina’s office behind her squirrely little attendant. He tried to reason it was just the sex, that she was probably the best he’d had in a long while, but if he was being honest she was the best he’d had period.

His conquests were usually quick and to the point, and most of the time he didn’t care about his partner’s pleasure. But with Aren though… he could tell she tried hard to pretend she wasn’t enjoying him, but he knew that she was having just as much fun. It was the perfect little game to see how much he had to push her to let go. The way she tried to shirk away from his kiss, and then try to tease him with one the next. Sensational.

Perhaps he enjoyed her company so much because he knew already she was just as broken as he was. She was so cavalier about it all, but she was just like him, pretending to be over it but screaming so loudly and desperately in a room full of people hoping for someone to hear her.

They’d eaten in silence for the first twenty minutes of the ride, shoveling various breakfast foods into their mouths from the bowls that he had the kitchen prepare for them. For awhile he closed his eyes to think, the carriage ride oddly smooth so far on the road. Hours later when he finally grew bored enough and not so much into his own head he watched her popping grapes into her mouth.

“Ready for tomorrow night?” He broke the silence and her brows raised as she tore her eyes from the view outside the window.

“Hm? I suppose so. I’m only supposed to hang on your arm like a prized possession, yes?”

He shook his head, “as long as you’re paying attention to the cards in play.”

“Good little elven girl?” She spoke with a bitterness to her tone.

“Fuck what others might think. No one will care you’re an elf. Besides, opinions of people like that are shit anyway.”

He watched a tiny little smile and smirk at her lips. Did it please her he said that? Well, he did mean it. “Besides,” he continued, “we will only linger amongst the guests long enough to spot our mark and his slaves.”

“Then I will whisper rumored threats so they’ll bring him back to his room. And then you finish the job.”

“And we celebrate afterwards.”

“Hm,” she smirked at him, “only if you’ve earned it.” She propped her feet up on the bench beside him and he stayed his hands. He wondered if she was aiming for him to touch her, and he was trying his best to resist his desires. He still didn’t want to look too eager.

“Do you enjoy being part of House de Riva? Why not Cantori? You and Teia are close, yes? You could swap.”

She was smirking broader, her brow raised. “Have you been asking about me?”

“They talk about you. Teia visits Caterina. Calls her nonna.” He practically gagged. “She’s spoken of you.”

“She’s the family I never had.”

Hm, he wondered. That must’ve been extra complicated when she had eyes for Viago and Viago had obvious eyes for Antiva’s most desired seductress. He kept those questions to himself. It was certainly a sore subject that would immediately sour her mood, and he couldn’t help the push of his own jealousy. He found himself wanting her to look at him the way she looked at Viago; it irked him on both fronts.

“Who can really say they enjoy being property?” She said flippantly, reaching for the canteen of water beside her. “But, it was once worse. I owe de Riva a debt I cannot repay.”

“You’ve paid it enough.”

She scoffed, “It won’t be repaid until I die.”

“Why do you think that?”

“There’s no way out is there? If there was we would have run away. But this is all we know; all we were persuaded to know. And if you fail your contract your life is forfeit. We all know the story of Zevran Arainai. How he failed his contract on the Hero of Ferelden’s life. And his life has been plagued with the remnants of House Arainai continuing to try and kill him off.

“I actually remember him before he left and met him after. He killed my trainer after they tried to go after him. Without provocation I told him how to get out since they changed the layout of the House after he'd gone. Not long after is when de Riva bought me.”

Illario couldn’t help chuckling. “House Arainai is on its last leg. After six Eighth Talons were offed, Giuli is barely holding things together. Zevran has picked off her best assassins. It’s quite comical really. They may as well let him go, but he’s having fun haunting them.”

“If only he’d just get rid of them all.”

“If you could… Would you run away?”

She absently shrugged, “I don’t know. The money is good. Treviso is nice.”

“There’s always House Dellamorte.” He could throw himself off the cliffside for saying that. What the fuck was wrong with him? He relaxed when she burst into laughter thinking it was a joke. He played further into it. “We could get married and piss everyone off, no?”

“Stop it, you’re ridiculous. What the fuck could we do to change anything?”

“Change things? What would you change then? Thought you were against the more altruistic, new age Crow business.”

Her lip curled and nose crinkled as she looked out the window again. “Maybe there’s something to not beating lost children into submission to become unfeeling killing machines.”

He crossed his arms and leaned back into the plush seat. “Careful, that sounds an awful lot like you’re caring for someone other than yourself.” He watched her smirk and she tapped her toe against his side. He shoved her feet aside amidst her laughter. “Please do not touch me with your big, filthy boots. Your feet are nearly the size of mine,” he teased her.

“Oh, fuck off, they’re not that big! Besides, I’m almost your height, of course my feet aren’t as delicate as the preferred smaller women out there.”

“These boots make you almost as tall as me,” he emphasized. “You think you’re not desired because you’re tall?”

“Desirable enough to fuck, but no man wants a woman who’s not easily overpowered. Small, dainty; that’s preferred. My size? That’s too much trouble, and too much risk of fighting back and winning.”

“That’s not true. Don’t speak on behalf of all men’s sordid desires.”

“Are you saying you like tall women?”

“Perhaps it’s you.” He smirked at her and for a moment her smile faded as she crossed her ankles over each other and slouched back in her seat.

“I told you, you do not have to play games with me. We’ve already fucked each other.”

He watched as she crossed her arms and propped one up to rest her knuckles against her cheek, her pinky finger picking at the corner of her lip again.

“You never answered my question,” he said.

“About what?”

“About what you’d change in a place of power.” She snorted as she rolled her eyes. “Humor me. I’m curious.”

“Viago has asked me to be a Guildmaster. Wants me to help train fledglings.”

“You don’t already?”

“No. I take contracts, I kill, that’s the deal.”

“You don’t want to be a role model to the wide eyed babes?”

Again her nose wrinkled. “Me? A role model? I wouldn’t wish that on any foolish child.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” He threw her words back at her from the night before. She still hadn’t answered the question. “We’ve a way to go still I’m sure. What’s the harm in confiding in a friend?”

“You want to know my secrets?”

“I want to know all your secrets. They’re probably similar to mine.”

Her eyes looked colder, and she pulled her legs back to her and crossed one over the other. “We may have had somewhat similar training. But we did not have the same experience, Illario. I do not say this to piss you off, but merely inform you that we are not the same.” He watched her intently.

“Did you have to kill your fellow fledglings to survive?” He opened his mouth to respond and she held her finger up. “Did Caterina ever tell you to kill Lucanis to survive?” He quickly shut his mouth and swallowed. She waited for him to answer.

“No.”

She leaned forward, “therein lies the difference.” She leaned back again and drew in a breath, “There were ten of us around the same age in the same group when we grew old enough to understand what a knife could be used for. Some of them I considered like siblings. They let us grow up with one another, then for about a year they pushed us to form those bonds until the real training started abruptly. We were packed into what amounts to a closet and practically slept on top of one other.

“We shared scraps with each other. Until we were too hungry to share, and we started to steal from each other. Three starved to death. The seven of us killed another three. They killed two for making too many mistakes. And two of us were left standing. The only reason the other one lived was because they stopped me from killing him when they pit us against one another. For fun.”

He’d heard of the brutality of House Arainai, but to hear it from her mouth was chilling. No… no he didn’t grow up with that kind of savagery. If anything Lucanis was what helped him to keep going. He was fortunate in some other sinister way that Caterina was their grandmother he supposed. The other fledglings they trained with meant nothing to him and he didn’t care if they died or he had to kill them. But no, Caterina never asked him to kill Lucanis nor the other way around.

The assassins of House Dellamorte that were even still alive that they trained with… He didn’t associate with them, didn’t really look them in the eye. He had nothing to do with them, they were beneath him, and he didn’t want anything to do with them.

As far as he was concerned it was him and Lucanis against the world. And when Lucanis forgave Caterina it was like he stabbed him in the back. It made him feel unreasonable for hating her, that all the shit she put them through didn’t matter. But Lucanis didn’t have to worry. His mother was her favorite, and so became Lucanis. Her ‘poor boy.’ Illario didn’t receive that from her. Only Lucanis comforted him after it happened.

He didn’t hate Lucanis, but he hated that he wouldn’t stand up to Caterina for any of it. If he would just tell her he wasn’t going to take First Talon then maybe she’d give him a chance. But he wouldn’t. He knew he wouldn’t refuse her hand or favor.

Illario was getting fed up with his complacency. He hated and resented Caterina and he hated himself for envying everything Lucanis had. How he could just let things go and internalize them so easily while Illario was left crying out for anyone to understand what he was going through.

“I am not trying to invalidate what you went through, Illario. Quite the opposite; I sympathize. I’m merely pointing out the differences in our upbringing. We had similar circumstances, but the experience was different. I am not trying to say I had it worse; it’s not a pissing contest. I’m sure yours was just as mentally damaging. At least my father sold me off. Your own grandmother still drags you through the mud it seems. But I was sold to the gutter; you were born in luxury. We are not the same, Illario.”

He clenched his jaw. “Aren’t we? We could change that.”

She bitterly laughed low. “We can’t change anything. What is the point?”

“I didn’t take you for someone who gave up easily.”

A sad smile spread on her lips. “I’m just tired of it all,” she whispered. “Some days I want it to be over.”

He frowned, but before he could say anything the carriage came to a stop. Apparently, without realizing it, they’d arrived. She grabbed her pack and he watched her exit the carriage.

Illario followed after her, and they let the attendants take care of their things. She kept her pack draped over her shoulder though, and he could see that Viago’s own paranoia rubbed off on his fellow de Riva Crows about people handling their most precious items.

The heaviness of that conversation still lingered upon him. She really was something else. As much as she tried to claim they weren’t the same he couldn’t help thinking that they were. Only the circumstances of their Houses and family made the difference.

He tried to ignore it, but he felt for her. Sympathetic and angry on her behalf. The at fault people were probably no longer with Arainai but he assumed it still happened there. The surviving fledglings eventually become Masters then Guildmasters to repeat the cycle of abuse over and over again. It was all they knew after all. And no one cared to come to the rescue.

Except now he supposed with Viago and Teia slowly becoming the Houses all the fledglings wanted to pledge under. They’d stolen away quite a few recruits from other lesser Houses. He felt bitter about it. Why the sudden change? And why did they care so much to change it? It wouldn’t change what happened and what they went through when they were growing up.

They were whisked away and he suddenly saw Aren’s face light up when Teia Cantori appeared before them. She kissed the taller elf on each cheek and he nearly rolled his eyes at their excitement.

“Always a pleasure, Illario,” she acknowledged him briefly before whisking Aren away. “So you decided to help this buffoon on his contract?”

“Excuse me?” She ignored his protesting and he followed after them.

“I was bored. What are you doing here? You were just in Treviso.”

Teia waved her hand. “Getting ready. The Talons are gathering for a summit of sorts.”

“Something wrong?” Illario narrowed his eyes and wondered why Caterina hadn’t shared this with him.

“Nothing to worry your pretty head over.”

“Just the Talons,” Aren inquired. She must have been wondering the same thing as him.

“Just the Talons,” Teia confirmed. “It’s just business, don’t worry.”

Teia bade them follow her to the dining room and he and Aren shared a look with one another. He could see she was just as put off by that as he was. He could imagine her giving Viago an earful and he kind of wanted to be there when she did it.

They ate dinner and he watched the way Aren giddily laughed along with Teia and he couldn’t help wanting that for the two of them. He was almost disgusted with himself for the way he was pining after this woman. But he couldn’t help wanting her in his life. Were they good for each other? Probably not, more likely they were the worst for each other. But she got it—understood it—and she didn’t judge him for the way he felt about it all.

They finished their supper and Teia told them goodnight, and he followed after the attendants who were taking them across the courtyard to the guest house. It was just as grand as Teia’s home, and Aren gave a little wave as she slipped into her room.

He was a little irked, but they were keeping up appearances of only being partners and he followed the attendant to the room he was given. It felt empty, echoing the emptiness he was feeling with all the ways their time together had forced him to reflect upon everything. It bubbled up too many uncomfortable memories to the surface and he found the bar cart and fixed himself a drink.

He swilled the liquor in his glass and glanced over to the trunk. He made his way to the door to fetch an attendant to unpack it for him and was surprised to see Aren at his door.

“Well… I was going to slip in quietly, but…” He moved aside for her to ease past him.

“Didn’t think you’d stop by.”

She poked her head back in at the door by the balcony. “Why’s that?”

He shrugged absently, “Things got a little heavy in the carriage.”

She leaned against the open door. “Do we need to talk some more about it? I don’t mind.”

He sat on the couch. “No…” He watched her as she stepped back out onto the balcony and she stared up at the overcast sky, the moons struggling to push through.

“Think it might storm.”

“Are you an expert on the weather now?” He called back to her and sipped his drink, his eyes roving over her backside. She turned around and settled her hands on the railing as she stared back at him.

“Intuition. And a bad knee.”

He laughed loudly at that as he relaxed against the couch. “Teia put you in a good mood. Apologies that I soured it earlier.”

She came back into the room and settled down onto the couch draping her legs over his lap. “You didn’t sour it. It was… rather cathartic actually.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

She shook her head, “I’m not lying.” He watched as her knuckles settled against her cheek as the habit struck her again.

“Where did you get that habit? Do you do that when you’re nervous?”

She rolled her eyes. “No. Absently thinking, I guess. Something to do with my hands.”

“But picking your lip?” He felt his nose wrinkle and she was laughing.

“Don’t judge me, signore perfetto.”

He yanked her closer by her thighs and pulled a tin out of his jacket pocket. He could see those lilac hazel eyes watching him with curiosity. He dipped his thumb into the balm and set the tin down on the coffee table.

“Illario, what—”

“Come here,” he reached his other hand for her and she leaned forward letting him card his fingers through her soft curls. He brought his other hand to palm her jaw as he used his thumb to spread the balm on her lips, slowly, entranced by the sight and feel of her mouth parting. Her lips felt velvety smooth beneath the pad of his finger.

He could see the swallow in her throat, her chest rising and falling quicker, and he felt the hot gust of her breath over his finger. And then she dipped her head so his thumb slipped in her mouth and he nearly lost it as almost all the blood in his body seemed to rush for his groin.

He felt her easing closer and he couldn’t help falling against her lips with his tasting the vanilla of the balm on them. He reached over her hip, gripping her ass to pull her further onto his lap. Her hands palmed his face as she kissed him back, and then she moved to straddle his lap.

“You’re ridiculous for that,” she took in a breath as she panted, and he couldn’t help smirking against her lips. He palmed her ass in his hands, bringing them up to flirt with the hem of her top.

“Get naked and I’ll make it up to you.”

She shook her head but kissed him again, and for a while that’s all they did. Just kiss, and he couldn’t help, nor fathom, that he was enjoying just doing this. Why was she so much fun to kiss?

Her hips flexed against his and he groaned, and suddenly her grin was wicked. She unsnapped the button of his pants and he sucked in a breath when she freed his cock. She wrapped her hand around the base of him, gently pumping her hand up and down. His head fell to the back of the couch and suddenly she was out of his grasp as she moved to his side.

He opened his eyes in time to see her head lowering, hand still at the base of him and her mouth sucked the tip of him in. “Fuck,” he cursed as he felt her tongue swirl around the head of him and he felt out of breath as he brushed her hair aside. She stopped and immediately grabbed his hand.

“Don’t you dare, or I’ll bite it off,” she warned and he shook his head. He wouldn’t dare force her onto himself. The warning was already in the air with a woman like her. She wouldn’t tolerate funny business like that and he wasn’t the sort of man to do it.

“I’m well aware of the danger,” he panted. “I just wanted to watch, mia cara.”

She smirked, “then lie down.” He did as she told him and laid back on the couch and watched her as she tied her hair up in a pile on her head. She situated herself between his legs and he watched as she gripped him again and eased her mouth back over him. His gaze was intense upon her and the sight of her alone doing this threatened to make him unravel.

She didn’t take him very far in, but she didn’t need to with the way she expertly worked her tongue over him and swallowed when she did pull him a little further in. But when her tongue swooped over his tip he shamefully moaned loudly and listened to her delighted laughter.

“Take your clothes off. Fuck me.” He pressed his hand against her shoulder to ease her off of him and she smirked down at him.

“So needy.”

“We’re not supposed to brag, remember?” He tried to catch his breath as he sat up to pull his jacket and shirt off. The room was far too hot now and she moved back as he pulled his pants off the rest of the way. He watched her strip herself down, standing to squeeze herself out of her tight leather pants. He propped himself up onto the arm rest and she straddled his hips as he put his hands on hers.

The anticipation was killing him and he could see her enjoying herself. She gripped him, sliding down easily onto him and he squeezed her hips. The breath in and out she took was shaky as she hilted herself all the way down on his thick length and he swallowed hard at the sight of her consuming him.

He watched the way she slid up and down on him—slowly, excruciatingly—and he could die a happy man if it was by her hands. He almost wondered how many men got the chance to do this with her before she killed them, but he remembered her saying she’d come to detest doing it with her marks.

He imagined they didn’t see this side of Arenaria, the side that allowed herself to be free and have fun. He moaned thinking that she was able to control herself so easily, but now she was moaning along with him. He couldn’t fathom she’d give this side of herself to just anyone. But why did he think—and hope—that he was different and the only one?

He held her hips in place on the next downstroke and she braced her hands against his chest as she ground her hips against his. He gasped and she whimpered, and shit they were a mess of writhing fools, but, Maker, he loved it.

He sat up and kissed her, and when she grasped his face in her palms he couldn’t help thinking he’d won. She gave in so easily now to his kiss. He felt her slip her hand to the back of his neck, gripping his hair that he’d only just begun to grow out. A sharp cry escaped her against his lips and he felt like he was about to explode.

He rolled his hips as she rode him faster, his name gasping out her mouth, and it sounded so good off of her lips. He was very nearly there and he couldn’t contain himself. He couldn’t stop the moan as he came undone, and he pulled her hips hard against his as she whimpered, trying to find her own release.

“Illario,” she practically begged, and though he felt like he was completely out of it he thumbed her clit and felt her pulsing around him as she clung to him. He groaned at the feeling of her clamping around his softening cock, a new sensation coiling as she pulled him tighter. It was almost too much, too stimulating, but he held her close as she slowly stopped rocking against him.

They needed to catch their breath, and he caressed his hand up her back in an attempt to soothe her. She was shaking, and maybe he was too. His nerves felt like they were on fire. None of this was simple any longer, and he no longer felt like it was just fucking. He couldn’t believe his mind had shifted like this. Where did this feeling come from, and so quickly? It felt foreign, and he felt terrified, but he didn’t want to let her go.

When her lips ghosted across his shoulder he felt a warm feeling swell in his chest at the tenderness of her kiss. It was sweet… and somehow sad. She pulled back to look at him and he almost saw it in her eyes. That same yearning look she’d sent Viago’s way. Was it really there? Or did he just want it to be there? The hair that framed her face had fallen from the tie and he brushed it aside as he cupped her face in his palm. He ran his thumb over her lower lip, that thick black line that trailed down her chin.

“Aren…” he didn’t know what he wanted to say, but he swallowed down what he almost wanted to say especially when he saw a little bit of panic in her eyes. “Do you need food again, or did this suffice enough as payment?” He smirked and she started to laugh.

“The hours not over yet.”

“Mm… No… it’s not.” He pressed in for another greedy kiss and that stupid feeling swelled in his breast when she returned it in kind.

He couldn’t help think how he was fucked… first physically. Now, figuratively.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

She hadn’t wanted to leave his bed the prior night, but Aren couldn’t help feeling terrified by the way he was starting to make her feel. Well… continuing to make her feel. Because he already made her feel an alarming kind of way, and now it was just pushing it further.

She should tell him. She should, but the reality kept coming back to her and her initial Crow training was kicking in. It was every Crow for themselves and she couldn’t put her survival over his despair. It wouldn’t kill him to be denied First Talon after all, but if she failed to do Caterina’s bidding it could—probably would—kill her. And despite some days not caring about dying, this day she did care.

Even if she told him, it wouldn’t matter. He couldn’t save her. No one could.

She was out with Teia who offered to take her dress shopping and she was excited to spend time with her fellow elven Crow. She loved Teia and when she responded in kind with sisterly affection it made her nearly empty heart swell. She already had a gown for the party but she wouldn’t deny Teia the fun of it.

“So, what is with you and Illario?” She asked, and she knew the question would arise simply because they rode here together in the same carriage. She’d prepared herself though and glanced up with a nonchalant demeanor. “You two seemed a certain sort of… familiar with one another.”

“What do you mean?”

“He asked you, specifically, to partner on this contract?”

She shrugged absently as she looked at a dress on another mannequin. “Yes? I was at the Villa to give Caterina something from Viago when we met the other day. He needed a partner for this party, so I agreed.” She gave her a fake look of confusion. “What are you getting at?”

“Oh, I do not know.” Teia flippantly waved her hand. “Something about him asking about you at that party that you left some many years ago.”

She laughed, “Why does this party come up so much now? It was fifteen years ago.”

“Vi still laments about you abandoning him to the wolves.”

She wiggled a brow and pursed her lips. “Vi, hm? Did you two have fun in Ventus?”

Teia’s smile widened a moment as she waved her hand again. “Hush you. Nothing happened.”

“Mmhm… Despite you wanting it to happen,” she teased and despite it hurting a little for her own heart, she couldn’t help being happy for Teia’s infatuation with him. After Dante, Teia had struggled a little with how it all ended, but there was always a hint of a crush and something simmering between her and Viago. They would be good for one another.

Viago just simply wasn’t Aren’s person despite how much she had once desperately hoped he was. A little of the want was still there—it wasn’t so easily buried—but she was slowly, almost completely over it.

“He is far too complicated as you surely know. The timing just wasn’t right.”

“When will it ever be right,” Aren mused. She thought the same at one point until she realized he didn’t feel that kind of way for her. Perhaps it was a good thing she never revealed her feelings; it would’ve made things awkward and embarrassing for both of them and she treasured the ridiculous friendship and camaraderie they currently had.

“You’re right… Especially in this line of work.”

“Perhaps,” Aren ran her fingers over another silky gown, “the summit? Surely there will be a little down time? Maybe feelings can simmer.” She raised her brows at the shorter woman.

Teia breathed in and let out a sigh. “I fear there may not be time for that. Aren… You know the rumors, yes? About the Qunari?”

She nodded then realized what she was getting at. “Oh.” She realized and Teia now nodded.

“Yes, it’s serious. And the talks will be serious. It will be good to see Nonna though for more than a few minutes.”

She bristled a little at the mention of Caterina. “Hm, yes. I hope things go well though.”

“Too bad you are not coming with. I would have liked more time to catch up.”

She shrugged, “There’s not much to catch up on, I promise.”

“Except for…” She sidled up next to her. “You and Illario.”

Aren groaned, “There’s no me and Illario, Teia. We’re partners, that’s all.”

“Do not lie to me. I saw the way you looked at him.” Teia accused and she stilled.

“I’ve not seen that yearning look before from you.” Had she really been looking at him like that? Aren nervously swallowed, silently thanking both the Maker and the gods for sparing her on that front. At least Teia had not spotted her yearning looks towards Viago like Illario had.

“Fine, it’s nothing. We’re just fucking.”

Teia squealed a little. “I knew it!”

She rolled her eyes, “It doesn’t mean anything, Teia. Merely an itch to scratch.”

“Well, it’s about time. I know you’ve been having a little bit of…”

She nodded, “Yes, yes… Repulsion. I suppose it didn’t take much to get me out of it.”

“Good, I’m glad. Surprised though. I didn’t think Illario had it in him.”

She chuckled, “Why’s that?”

“A man like him is only usually after his own pleasure. I hardly would have thought he’d be a generous partner.”

She smirked, “I thought the same, but he’s surprised me. What about this one?” She stopped at another dress that was a bright gaudy blue with sparkling gems at the bodice.

“No, no. That one does not suit you. I was thinking this one. Subtle, but daring. You will already stand out enough as it is, so there is no need for bright colors, but this deep violet one will compliment those beautiful eyes. And the backless drop is to die for. Please try it on for me!”
~~

Aren heard the door open as she dabbed some perfume on the sides of her neck and just a little on her chest. When Illario appeared in the doorway behind her she glanced up to meet his eyes in the mirror.

“Ever heard of knocking?”

He smirked, “We’ve seen each other naked already.” He leaned on the frame as he looked her over in appreciation, and she busied herself with putting a long dangly earring in her ear to ignore the way that had her feeling.

“You look nice,” she complimented him on his attire. “A little flashier than I expected.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is stylish.”

“Oh right, of course. Yes, stylish.” She nodded, poking fun at him as she put another long threaded chain into the second piercing of her ear.

“You know nothing about Antivan fashion I see. It’s so hard to find people to appreciate my fine taste.”

She smirked, “trendy fashion is frivolous.”

“You only say this because nothing would look bad on you.”

“Shut up,” she laughed. Once she finished adorning her ears she grabbed a tie for her hair and when she began to pull it up she watched his eyes dart down to her bare back.

“Oh no, that won’t do.”

“What,” she asked.

He eased closer to her. “This,” she felt his fingers touch her lower back, delicately gliding up the length of her spine. She shivered, closing her eyes a moment. “This should be for my eyes only.” His voice lowered as he stood close behind her and she opened her eyes back up to watch him. He was looking down and she felt his fingers fiddling with the tie at the back of her neck that held the garment in place.

“Illario…” she felt breathless as he slipped his other hand over her hip.

“What would happen if my fingers slipped.” Her heart beat wildly against her ribs and she couldn’t fathom how he still had her fired up and ready to go. She thought she’d be tired of him by now but every interaction seemed to spark something new within her.

“We’d be late.”

“We have time,” he countered, and he tugged her hands from where they’d stilled in her hair letting her waves fall down her back.

She could ruin things now for him if she wanted to. Keep him in bed so he’d miss his opportunity; make him scramble to find another way to complete his contract. His hands landed back on her hips one slowly slipping past the slit of her dress and over her thigh. He was searching and when his hand found the dagger strapped there she felt his smirk upon her shoulder. He slowly began to ease his other hand up, but she stopped their wandering and pulled them away.

“Your contract, mia cara,” she said, nearly out of breath and he groaned behind her.

“You’re right. I cannot disappoint Caterina after all,” he bitterly laughed. “Besides, I’d rather take my time with you anyway; that is if you’ll stay the whole night this time.” He leaned over her shoulder, pressing a kiss at her jaw.

She was internally screaming, her mask in place perfectly betraying the inter turmoil that raged. She was torn in two directions. Every Crow out for themselves and wanting to warn him.

But she was scared, honestly, and she didn’t realize she valued living this life so much until the very real threat of being taken out presented itself.

“Something the matter?” He asked and her mask must have slipped.

She shook her head and turned around in his arms easing her hands up his shoulders and tugging on the dark purple cravat at his neck. That must’ve been Teia’s doing after she bought the dress. “No, just trying to focus if you’d stop trying to distract me.”

He seemed satisfied with that lie and eased his lips down to hers. It was innocent at first until he pressed her against the counter. Shit, he made her feel all sorts of things and flustered was one of them.

“Illario,” he continued to kiss her, “Illario!”

He broke from her mouth, “yes, yes, I know.” He pecked another quick kiss to her lips before he stepped away from her. “Stop trying to tempt me,” he smirked and she let out a sigh. And then he looked at her and something was there, that fucking affectionate look she craved so badly. She was so close to telling him, and then he spoke before she could. “Shall we?”

She nodded, biting her lip and taking the arm he offered. She couldn’t shake the sickening feeling within her though, no matter how hard she tried to hide it.
~~

Aren tilted the flute of champagne up to her lips as she looked around. She detested the bubbly drink but it was all they had and she couldn’t help hearing the little Viago voice in the back of her mind scorning her about not testing the drink first.

Despite them being fledglings around the same time Viago always had the ambition that would take him to the top. She’d adopted some of his skills; he was right after all, and some had even saved her life so far.

When he became Fifth Talon his ways basically became the course criteria. Despite her being somewhere between Assassin and Master assassin ranking, she was also encouraged—required—to take his courses. So his little, annoying, teaching voice was always right there in the back of her mind. Typically she could ignore it when she wasn’t working, but when she was on the job…

She felt Illario’s hands at her arms, slipping to hug her from behind. “He’s here.” He pecked an affectionate kiss to her cheek and she smiled to keep up appearances, but the smile was actually genuine. It felt good that he was willing to show this affection for an elf so publicly even if part of her thought he was faking it deep down.

“What was our cover story again,” she asked, just now realizing that they hadn’t exactly thoroughly planned that part out. “Do we even need one?”

“Not really. We are not here to mingle after all. I could give you a backstory if you’d like.”

She patted his hand and turned around to drape her arms over his shoulders. “Save it and impress me if we need it. I see him. He’s got five slaves. All elves.” She whispered in his ear, sliding her hand up his neck. “Theres a piercing in each of their ears to mark them.” She pretended she was swaying along to the music; they were after all on the edge of the dance floor. She turned them around so he could observe, and suddenly felt him tense for a moment. “Problem?”

“No, I thought I saw someone who would recognize me. It’s fine.”

“You sure? Could be a problem.”

“Will you do the honors? I’ll make my way to the spot.”

“I’ll meet you there, my love,” she laid it on thick for anyone who was maybe watching them, but the look on his face even had her faltering. Why did she say that?

“Yes, of course, love,” he smirked at her, but swept away.

She watched him leave glancing over his shoulder at her, and she took a breath to compose herself. They were getting dangerously closer and closer to the moment and she wasn’t sure how she was going to handle this.

She meandered her way through the crowd and inched closer to one of the slaves that wasn’t the closest to the mark in question. The ‘Vint was chatting up a few Antivans who looked like they were probably the nobles in question he was trying to woo.

She purposely bumped into the elf and they startled, quickly apologizing. They froze when they realized she was also an elf. “No worries, cousin,” she assured them. “Is that… your master?” They swallowed hard and Aren nodded. “You should be careful tonight, mia cara. I have not heard good things about your master. There are rumors an attempt could be made on a night like this. Keep yourself safe.”

The elf began to nod and Aren slipped away towards the drink table to watch things play out. If she was lucky the elven slave would listen to her and not think about her entrapping words. Luckily they were tapping on another slave’s arm and whispering to them. An alarmed look passed between them, and this one waited beside their master to tell them the news.

He looked shocked, panicked, looking around, and he excused himself. Perfect, so things would work in motion and she… Well now she had to figure out how she’d intercept them and botch Illario’s attempt without him knowing what she was up to. She had some powder in a little pouch she’d hidden at the neck of her dress. It would trigger a small explosion when mixed with the vial of liquid hidden in the hilt of her dagger.

She could plant it, and when they made their way to the room she could set it off and pretend someone had ambushed them. It was stupid, but it might work. Otherwise her option would be to spike both their drinks with something and knock themselves out. She would wake up fine, though Illario might wake up with something akin to a roaring hangover.

She made her way out into the halls deliberately avoiding their meeting point and continuing onward closer to the hall that held the suites. She ascended the stairs and down another long hallway that wasn’t very well lit.

“Signora de Riva,” she stilled and turned to see Caterina’s right hand man. “I’m surprised. Were you actually following the plan?”

She raised a brow, “Why are you here?”

“For confirmation of his failure of course. Caterina wasn’t sure you’d go through with it. She knows how convincing her grandson can be. I told her you two had gotten… close quite quickly.”

She felt embarrassed. Was he watching them? “Caterina truly is sick.”

“Caterina is merely making sure her investments pay off. Illario is too much of a risk. She is right to keep him from what he thinks is owed him. She’s worked too hard to let it all slip away.”

“Were you there when his family was—”

“I was there for it all. It was tragic, yes, but there was nothing she could do.”

“Convenient words for her right hand. Doing all her dirty work I’m sure. Did she even care that her family was murdered,” Aren asked and he was quiet. “I suppose only one death really mattered right? Her dearest daughter.”

“She is a great woman.”

“Hmph,” she practically laughed, “I think you mean powerful.”

“Power and greatness go hand in hand. It’s better to be the right hand of the—”

“The demon? Than to be in its path, yes?”

“You should know. You agreed to this.”

“I never had a choice.” She watched him as he passed her, then she looked at the floor, disgusted with herself. She could keep telling herself that, but she supposed she did have a choice. It was just more dangerous had she refused.

“Don’t worry, you did your job well.” And she suddenly felt a stab at her shoulder and she whipped around. “It’ll be over soon.”

Her eyes widened and she stumbled towards the wall. Fuck, he’d poisoned her. Fucking shit, she’d never hear the end of it from Viago. She pulled out her dagger and tried to swing at him, but he leapt backwards.

Suddenly she felt her stomach clench and she stumbled back again, bracing herself against the wall. No… it was Blue Oak, a nasty little cousin to Maferath’s Embrace. Her breath quickened. If she were any normal person, or normal Crow, she would be dead in a matter of minutes to hours depending on the dosage. But she wasn’t a normal person nor was she a normal Crow. She’d been dosing herself for years on the various poisons Viago thought they could build immunity to. She had laughed at him once for it, but on several occasions so far it had actually saved her life.

She looked up and saw Caterina’s man running away and she stumbled forward bumping into the decorative side table and sending the decorative vase to the floor where it shattered.

She gripped the table, dragging it down to the floor where she fell into the mess. If she could get to her pack back at Teia’s she had an antitoxin, but that was the problem. She had to get there, but she had some time.

She felt her body begin to tighten and she moaned out in pain calling out for Illario of all people, but she needed him, calling out for him again. He should be close right? Maker, she prayed he was close.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Illario slipped into the shadows of the hallway of unused suites and couldn’t help wondering where exactly Aren had gone to. She was supposed to meet him outside the ballroom and when she didn’t show he moved on to finish the deal. There was an anxiousness within him that told him he couldn’t wait.

He couldn’t help his wandering thoughts though. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt off and he wasn’t sure, but he could almost swear he spotted Caterina’s personal attendant. For years he thought something was up with that man. He was always a bit unnerving, far too quiet and observant. If he was following him then he was here to spy for Caterina and he didn’t like that at all.

He heard a crash around the corner and the call of his name. He quickly ran down the hall then stopped to catch his wits. He eased around to check out what was going on. His eyes widened and his heart raced when he saw Aren on the floor amongst the broken shards of a vase.

He rushed to her side and saw blood at her shoulder trickling down her back. He looked around to see if he could see the culprit, but then she clenched her fists hard and started to curl up within herself.

“Illar—” she groaned. “Go… get your mark before—” Another anguished groan escaped her and he moved her to her side, brushing her hair away from her face. It was twisted in pain.

He ignored what she said and pressed his hand to her cheek. “What’s wrong, Aren? Tell me what happened!” His heart was racing. She looked in a bad way and her normally tanned skin was beginning to pale. He pressed his fingers to her neck and her pulse was racing, her body on fire.

“Poi… poison,” she managed to grit through her teeth and he felt panic well up within him. “Anti… tox… m-my room… Blue…” the shaking started and he scooped her up in his arms and hurriedly made his way towards an escape route he’d mapped out. The speed at which he ran down the street to Teia’s home was swift and a flurry of attendants were trying to see what was going on after he raced through the home.

He ignored all of them as he kicked down the door to her bedroom and set her on the couch. His heart raced as he looked around for that satchel she wouldn’t let anyone touch. He finally found it and tore it open, looking for anything that might’ve looked like a kit. He didn’t find it.

He looked up and heard people talking behind him. “Illario, what—Maker,” Teia gasped, “what happened!?”

He didn’t answer as his eyes wildly looked around and finally he spotted a box on the desk. He snatched it up and opened it as he knelt beside Aren’s clenching form on the couch, practically shoving Teia out the way.

“Illario!?”

“She’s been poisoned!” He finally got out and he looked through the bottles each labeled with some ridiculous pun. It could only be Viago, or his influence, and he made a disgusted noise. “Aren which bottle.” She made a whimper, her eyes squeezing shut. “Aren, I need you to talk to me!” He let out a frustrated growl until it came back to him. Blue. She said blue earlier.

He looked through the vials and found a vial with blue liquid labeled ‘Blue Me Away.’ He mentally gagged and bit the cork stopper off and handed it to Teia.

“Mia cara, wake up,” he cooed softly. “I need you wake up a little for me.” He gently lifted her head feeling how tense she was and she groaned. “Loosen your jaw.” He tried to talk her through it but his anxiety heightened. She was barely with them, the shaking started again. He laced his fingers behind her neck and massaged his thumbs at the edges of her jaw.

A soft grunt escaped her but he felt her relax a little. “Teia,” she moved in and when he was able to pry her mouth open without breaking her jaw she poured the liquid into her mouth. He felt her swallow beneath his hand when he placed it at her neck and they waited. Her body relaxed a little more, far too slowly for his nerves. But when her fingers uncurled from her palms and her heartbeat slowed to a somewhat normal rhythm, he let out a relieved sigh.

“Maker, what the fuck happened, Illario? This was supposed to be a simple job!”

“Something’s not right…” he shook his head. She was too good to be caught off guard so it must’ve been someone she let her guard down around. But who? And why? His stomach churned. Something was wrong.

“Illario?” He heard Aren’s soft voice and he turned his attention back to her.

“What do you need?”

“Silver tin… directly in… wound.” She said and he grabbed the item.

“Teia?” He looked and she was already moving, coming out of the bathroom with one wet towel and another dry one. She handed them to him and he shifted Aren to her side to work on cleaning around the wound before he motioned for the bar cart. Teia grabbed a clear spirit and handed it to him and he doused his hands and poured it over the wound. The blood was barely trickling, the wound wasn’t very deep; a quick prick of a stiletto that sunk in just enough to administer the poison.

He made a face as he scooped the ointment onto his finger. He was never a fan of this part of the training and admittedly he hated blood getting on him. His kills were usually pretty clean and he didn’t always make a mess when he finished his contracts. He pressed his finger to the wound pressing just enough to hopefully get enough ointment in there without him actually having to push his finger in. The thought made him sick.

He finished patching up the wound and wrapped a bandage under and over her shoulder to hold the patch in place. “Illario,” she moaned softly, and it wasn’t the kind of moan that he craved to hear from her. “I’m sorry… your mark.”

“It can wait.”

“No… go… you have to… go now…”

He looked to Teia who nodded at him. “I’ve got her; she’ll be fine. Go finish your job.”

He couldn’t help the pang of worry that hit him as he made his way back to the party, sneaking his way back in from another point of entry. He worried about her, and that was… different. The surge of panic that hit him when he found her… he shook himself from his thoughts to focus on the task at hand.

He quietly slunk his way through the hallways as if he knew this place like the back of his hand. Lucanis didn’t think he took the job seriously but he did. Sometimes. But especially this time as there was certainly another factor at play, and when he found the door slightly ajar to the Altus’s suite he heard a voice from within.

“You may come in, master Dellamorte.” His heart skipped a few beats. He eased in to find Caterina’s attendant, that squirrelly little unassuming man. He was wiping off the blood on his stiletto as he stood over his target’s body.

“What are you doing here?” He closed the door behind him.

“Finishing your job.” He said simply; his voice had no touch of emotion to it. “Caterina expected this and sent me to finish it if you could not.”

He saw red, trying desperately to calm himself down. “You set me up.”

“Try again.”

His nostrils flared at the thought. “Caterina set me up.” Everything in his world seemed to darken even more, almost pitched to black. He knew Caterina didn’t like him but that she’d stoop this low to ruin his reputation? “Why?”

“You know why; don’t make me say it.” He watched the man take out something from his pocket. He pulled the stopper off the vial and dipped the stiletto into it.

“You plan to kill me now too?”

“Don’t be foolish. It’s merely assurance for the safety of my life during this exchange.” He put the stopper back on it and placed it back into his pocket.

“Tell me why.”

He shook his head. “You’re not fit to be First Talon. Caterina needed you to realize it so the future transition will go much smoother.”

“You fucking little—” he moved towards him but he held the dagger up.

“I only need one prick and you’ll die within minutes.”

He looked confused, Aren was still alive would she… would she still die after the antitoxin?

“I hadn’t anticipated Arenaria would be somewhat resistant to the toxin. She should’ve died quietly and quickly and I was going to dispose of her properly, but when she didn’t and you came along, I had to run.”

He always thought Caterina’s attendant was unnerving. There was no emotion on his face. He couldn’t even recall if he had a name. But he’d been there since Caterina took over as First Talon—as long as he could remember actually—and he must’ve been her right hand doing her dirty work for her. All the while disguised as her manservant.

He should’ve figured, especially when he thought he saw him earlier but he wasn’t sure. But it didn’t strike him that he’d do something like this. He just figured if he had seen him he was merely here to make sure he did the job.

Knowing now he’d been set up for failure he wondered… he even wondered what part Aren had to play in this and the way his chest tightened, his heart utterly aching… When did he come to care for her this much? So much so it hurt to think she would betray him. But then why would they try to kill her if she was in on it? Cutting loose ends he supposed.

“It was a shame to lose a fellow assassin like that, but… that’s on you for asking her to partner with you,” his heart sank again. So she didn’t betray him? It was his fault? “Yet another transgression perpetrated by Tevinter, no?”

“Viago will not buy this!”

“Master de Riva does not need to know. Do you want to be on the Fifth Talon’s bad side? Pick your poison, little Crow.”

He didn’t know what to do. This man was an unknown, someone he didn’t know enough about but knew way too much about him.

He’d have to talk to Lucanis about this one, see if he had any insights because he was going to slit this bastard’s throat and then have stern words with Caterina. Though he knew that would do no good. She set this up. And that hurt the most that she’d go through such great lengths to shame him.

“You’re weak, master Dellamorte. I was honestly surprised you chose her over the mark.”

“I didn’t, I was coming back to finish the job!”

“And you would’ve missed him. He was on his way out the door mere minutes after you swept her away.”

“I would have followed!”

“We couldn’t take that chance. Not after he killed another nobleman because you were distracted. You’re lucky this mess didn’t get more out of hand. Be grateful.” Illario watched him, the stiletto still ready and the man’s eyes never left his. “It’s best you leave so I can tidy things up. And so you will not get into more trouble.”

Illario burned and left immediately. How could Caterina sabotage him like this? Why? Did she truly hate him that much? He needed to go somewhere, to break something, to scream until his voice went hoarse.

Yet he found himself back at Teia’s house instead finding that there was only one thing that mattered to him in this moment. When he got to the open doorway—he realized he’d broken the doors—and saw Aren sitting up with a tired smile on her face he couldn’t help being relieved. She was talking with Teia and he noticed the buzz of Teia’s staff in the room.

The color had returned to her face but her eyes were tired and he could see the dark circles under them. She was dressed down in a tunic and she had a blanket covering her lap and legs. She spotted him and for a beat it felt like they were the only two in the room, but when the frown turned his lips down so did hers. It was like a thought passed between them—we’ll talk later alone—and he stepped further into the room.

He yanked the cravat from his neck and tossed it aside, unbuttoning his shirt halfway down his chest. He wanted to be back in Treviso now to get the distaste of the night out of his mouth. This was supposed to be simple, but it was everything but. From the job, to a simple partnership; they should be celebrating over dinner right now, and flirting until they fell back into bed. Now… it was a fucking mess to end all messes.

“How did it go, Illario? Is the job done?” Teia asked and he politely nodded.

“It’s done.”

“Good. Do you know who did this?”

“Our target had a henchman. I took care of him,” the lie came easily especially when it was already what Teia wanted to hear so the Seventh Talon didn’t question it further.

Teia truly was a good person underneath her own mask and Illario couldn’t help being jealous. She was charming, sultry, but people still liked her. Something he was never able to do no matter what mask he put on. He was charming, seductive, but no one liked him. Except Lucanis but could he even count him since they were family? Some days he wondered if Lucanis liked him.

“I was just admonishing this one for this atrocious display of antitoxins and antivenins. Did you read these,” she asked him.

He couldn’t help chuckling despite not wanting to. “Yes, I got that. ‘Blue Me Away’—I very nearly gagged.”

“I did not name them. That was all Viago,” she weakly protested.

“Perhaps, but you did nothing to discourage him,” Teia said.

He saw the little smirk appear at her lips. “Dreadful,” he remarked, and his heart skipped a beat when Aren gave him a satisfied look. That she’d somehow won this stupid little game of annoying people. She was so irritating.

“That is what I said. So what was this poison,” Teia asked curiously.

“Yes, I am curious as well. Apparently you should be dead right now.”

“There is a toxic plant that has blue leaves. It’s sometimes mistaken for Blue Buttons. Blue Oak has blue leaves; Blue Buttons blue petals. The leaves are similar shape to the petals but grow near toxic oak. The poison is fairly quick. Minutes to maybe an hour if you’re unlucky. You start to convulse, your joints tighten, and your insides kind of… burst.”

“How did you survive?”

She had a shit eating grin on her face. “I’ve gone through rounds of dosing myself.”

“Maker,” Teia rolled her eyes. “Did Vi put you up to this?”

“It’s a requirement in House de Riva these days. So we don’t end up getting poisoned.”

“I swear House de Riva is a cult,” Illario muttered, and she continued to smirk up at him.

“I’m alive aren’t I?”

Illario couldn’t bring himself to be grateful for Viago’s paranoia, but apparently he had to be, and it vexed him most profoundly. The man was dosing his House with poison? What was wrong with him? But she was here, breathing, smiling, alive, and he wouldn’t thank him out loud, but he’d quietly admit it to himself that maybe Viago wasn’t as bad as he thought he was.

For his paranoia Aren was stronger against the toxin, and she carried that silly little antitoxin kit with her.

“Are you hungry, my dear?” Before Aren could tell Teia not to worry about it she was up and corralling her staff telling them to fix up something that wasn’t too heavy.

“Teia, it’s fine. I’m fine.”

“You could have died, Aren! It’s not fine.”

“Please don’t worry,” she weakly reached for her fellow elf and Teia held her hand for a moment.

She let out a sigh, “Alright, alright…” She looked between the two of them, Illario had still been looming from his spot. “I shall head to bed. I trust Illario can look after you for the night? Perhaps… You should move to the room across the hall. He broke down your door when he brought you here.”

A giggle escaped her as she pressed her hand as quickly as she could over her mouth.

“I hardly find that funny.” He crossed his arms, but he nodded to Teia. “I’ll take care of her.”

“Look at Illario. Never thought I’d see the day. Him worrying over something other than his hair or outfits.”

“I find that offensive, Andarateia. And we are just partners, calm down.” He rolled his eyes but felt his face—and ears!—warming up.

“Partners, yes… Alright, Illario. Good night you two. Ana should be along soon with some food for you both. Please try not to scandalize her.”

“Thank you, Teia. I’m sorry about the couch.”

“I’ll buy a new one.” She stopped at the door. “I cannot buy a new you.” She winked, then waved flippantly as she left them alone.

Illario stood awkwardly by and he watched her, waiting, wondering what she’d say or ask. “Caterina’s errand boy shivved me,” she uttered, and he felt restless energy overtake him. “I’m sorry, Illario, I—”

“Stop… I know what happened…”

“You do?” There was a look in her eyes he couldn’t quite catch.

“I’m ruined… Caterina set me up. Made sure I failed so she has leverage on why I’m not good enough to be First Talon…” He made his way to the couch and she grunted when she made to move her legs, so he gently raised them as he sat down, situating them across his lap. “What a fucked up way to go about it…” He settled his hand over her thigh, the blanket was rather soft on his fingers as he picked at it.

He felt her hand on his and he welcomed her unprompted touch. “She’s a monster… What happened?”

“Her right hand man finished my contract. Said I failed because I tried to save you instead of doing my job. I think he thinks you’re dead. You know… this could be your chance to run away.”

He glanced over to watch her carefully to see her reaction. He couldn’t tell, her mask was set firmly in place, but her other hand reached up to settle her knuckles against her cheek as she absently pulled at her lip with her pinky finger. He still hadn’t figured out if it was nerves or if she told the truth that it was merely just her thinking.

She stroked his hand with her thumb and why did that soft comfort feel so good to him? It was so simple, but it meant so much.

“What about you?” She finally uttered, and their eyes met and they must’ve been giving each other the most pathetic looks because she actually looked so utterly concerned and he was drinking it up. He moved to reach for her, but a noise at the door stayed his other hand.

Ana had arrived at the perfect time to set down a tray of food, and another worker set down a pot. Soup and bread with cold cuts and cheese. Simple enough, and easy on the stomach. They both thanked them and they bowed as they left when they said they were good for the night.

“Make me a sandwich.” He shot her a look and she started to laugh. “Humor me. I can hardly move.”

“Oh, you’re going to milk this for all it’s worth aren’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

He let out a grunt, but he moved her legs from his lap, then leaned forward. He slathered some sauce onto the bread, layering cold cuts and cheese and more cold cuts. She was a woman who liked to eat, and he would put together a phenomenal sandwich for her with what he had available. Once he was done he took a bite out of it amidst her gasp.

“Hey!” She pathetically kicked at his hip and he couldn’t help laughing. He handed it to her and she curled her nose up at him. “You ruined it.”

“Your mouth has been on my—”

“Don’t you dare.” She glared at him and he smirked.

“Eat your sandwich, you snob.” He threw her own words back at her and she began to eat. “Is this what we’ll be like when we get married?” She snorted, laughing and he couldn’t help grinning at her. The joke was dangerously hurtling towards a thinly veiled line.

“I don’t think either of us knows what a healthy relationship looks like.”

He could feel the sadness wash over him, but he tried to leave the playful smile on his face. “I saw one once. Almost seems like a fairytale these days.” He leaned back into the couch and couldn’t help thinking of his parents. They were saps—terrible ones—but he saw how much they loved each other dearly. He heard that his mother was cradling his father’s body when they found them after he’d been assassinated.

“Oh.” She seemed to figure out his meaning, and he shook his head.

“Eat. It was another life; I don’t even know that boy anymore. Pay me no mind.”

“Sometimes I wonder what my parents were like. Did Arainai lie to me when they said my father sold me to the Crows? Are they still out there? Why didn’t they want me?” She took another bite and lowered the other half of the sandwich down to her lap. “Nobody wants me.” She muttered.

“I—”

“Don’t. I do not need to hear you lie.”

“Maybe it’s not a lie…” He mumbled. Though he couldn’t figure out if it was or if it wasn’t himself. He was all twisted up inside, but the emptiness he felt earlier at finding out what Caterina had done didn’t feel so bad when he was with Aren.

She handed him the other half of the sandwich. “I want soup now.”

“I am not your manservant.”

“Please?” She grinned at him underneath shadowed eyes, and he sighed, taking a bite out of the sandwich before he ladled some soup into a mug. He handed it to her and she inhaled, her eyes closing while a sigh escaped her. “Thank you.”

“It’s just soup and a sandwich.” He finished off the rest of it.

“No… I mean yes for that but… for saving me… even though it was fucking stupid.”

He scoffed, “I wasn’t thinking… I panicked. Guess Lucanis is right about another thing.”

“The way you talk about him doesn’t make me think you both get along very well.”

He rested his head on the back of the couch as he pulled her legs back across his lap. He snuck his hands underneath the blanket to run his hand up her smooth legs. “I love Lucanis. But it’s complicated. He has always had Caterina’s favor and he never had to work for it. He was just… him. Quiet, aloof, shy. He was Caterina’s ‘poor boy.’ Every time she said that it made me sick. Like I didn’t also go through the exact same shit.” He glanced over at her as she sipped at the broth. “This all must be so attractive to you.”

“If you’re being honest, I’ve not had a man bare his soul like this to me. I find it… endearing. But don’t forget my rates.”

“I’ll pay you the rest of your fee tomorrow.” He watched the wicked grin spread on her lips as she ate more of the soup. “I’m not lying… Why would I lie now?”

“Because we’re always playing the game.”

“Maybe at first…” The lines were all so blurred now, and he swallowed hard at the admission. “Aren…”

She foisted the empty mug in his direction. “I want to go to bed.” She started to move and he stopped her.

“Let me help—”

“No! You will not carry me! I can do it myself.”

“I already carried you here, stop being stubborn.”

“No!”

“Why not?” His brow furrowed at her stubbornness.

She averted his gaze. “I am too heavy.”

He started to laugh. “You are not that heavy, Aren, shut up.”

“You’re not carrying me.”

He sighed again. “Then how do you expect to go to the bed, hm?”

“I’ll crawl.”

“You’d rather crawl like a dog along the floor to the bed than to let me carry you? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Fuck off,” she glared his way and he laughed loudly once again.

“Fucking ridiculous,” he lamented and she moved again, practically flopping onto the floor when she tried to stand. He braced her and eased her back down and she crossed her arms.

“Shut. Up.” She warned.

“Just accept my help, you idiot,” he admonished her and she continued to glare at him. He let out a sigh, “Alright, how about if… I carried you on my back? Would that be better?”

“No!” She protested then he watched the wheels seem to turn in her head. “Okay… maybe…”

He moved to kneel in front of her before the couch and felt her arms latch around his neck. He lifted and hauled her against his back as he stood. “You’re going to strangle me, Aren, lift your legs.”

“No…” She protested and he pulled her arms as she lay slack against his back. “Aren! Lift your legs!”

“FINE!” She growled. She made a pathetic attempt before he let go of her arms practically strangling him and gripped her thighs to heft them up around his waist.

“You truly are fucking ridiculous,” he grumbled. “I swear if you are smirking I will—”

“You’ll what? Don’t worry, I’m mortified. I am not smirking.”

He hefted her up a little higher and held onto her thighs as he made his way down the hall to his room and she patted his chest.

“Why are you taking me to your room?”

“Do you want privacy from the others or not? I broke the doors to your room remember.”

“Oh… right. Hmm… were you worried? About me?”

He let out a sigh. “Yes…”

“Aww, Illario… Stop it, or you’ll have me thinking you’re falling in love with me.”

He wanted to throw up because that’s exactly what he was assuming was happening. He felt some sort of way about her and he hated it. They’d only been doing this for less than a week; it was fucking ridiculous to feel this way so fast!

But then he remembered the first time they met, the look in her eyes and the way she matched him toe to toe with insults. She wasn’t afraid of him, she didn’t even care who he was. “Such a pretty boy in his gilded house. You are pathetic.” She’d said to him, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. How utterly fun it was to banter back and forth with her. He insulted her, she insulted him back, and finally she ghosted on out of there without a word.

Did she think of him the way he thought of her, he wondered? She knew who he was when they met again some days ago, but did she feel something upon their first meeting? Did it matter? He felt something and that’s what plagued him. That he could feel that way fifteen years ago and feel that same spark now.

He was a fucking fool. He was just as sappy and sentimental as Lucanis and he made fun of him all the time for it. Here he was pining away for this ridiculous woman. Would she actually give everything up for him? Would he ask her to?

He admonished himself as he set her gently down on the bed. She was just as fucked up as he was, and neither wanted to openly admit a damn thing relevant to their feelings for one another. How could he hope that she’d be honest with him when he couldn’t even be honest with his own cousin about his feelings?

He helped to ease her down into the pillows when she looked worse for wear and she let out a little sigh as she relaxed into the plush comfort. He didn’t know what to say or what to do now. It was all so messed up and blurry. But she looked so pretty with her hair fanning out around her, her eyes lazily looking up at him as her hand lingered on his arm.

“Will you stay with me?” She whispered so softly that he wondered if she even meant to say it aloud. “It is your bed…” Oh, she meant to say it.

“Is that what you want?”

She stared at him; would she admit it? “Yes…” He moved to kick his shoes off and found some casual clothes. “Where are you going?” She asked.

“To get comfortable. Worried I won’t join you?” He grinned and heard her scoff. He found a pair of sleep trousers. He normally slept naked, but for the sake of her innocent request he figured he’d cover up for her comfort.

“Mmhm…” He heard her quiet voice and noticed she was drifting off already. Once he was undressed he eased under the covers and pulled them over her. “Illario…”

“Hm?”

“We can fix it…” she said softly and he chuckled.

“Don’t start being an optimist on me now, mia cara… I might start to think things.”

“Mm…” She was practically out of it. He could probably ask her anything and she might tell him the truth.

“Arenaria…” Her head turned to look at him and he slipped his hand over her stomach. “Would you run away with me if we could?”

“Illario, stop…” She smiled. “In another world…”

He was done for.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Aren didn’t run away despite her chance to do so. Illario told her she needed to, that she should; it would be her chance to get away from all the pain she kept bottled up. There was no need for her to face what he was about to face. There was no escape for him; there never would be. He’d have to face the consequences of what Caterina had planned for him. Then find a way to get back at her in time.

Aren was doing better today; the sleep had done her good during the ride home. Her head rested on his lap the whole way, and it was almost akin to having a cat on your lap; unable to move without risking them running away. He couldn’t help watching her at times while she slept. A silly little snort escaped her every once in a while—like she was jolting awake due to some sort of nightmare—but otherwise she was a soft sleeper.

He felt the nerves bubbling up inside of him; he’d never had this feeling before, but he worried. He didn’t want this to be it for them, but he didn’t know how to ask without seeming like some eager, needy boy.

He led her inside the Casino, she only needed to brace herself on him a few times as he led her to the Cantori Diamond. Viago would be waiting for her, and he couldn’t help burning at whatever level of comfort she sought from him. “I need to see Viago before he leaves.”

He waited outside with her, leaning along the rails. It was late now; the other Crows were bustling in and out of the rafters where the real Crow business happened at Teia’s Treviso House. She pulled tight the blanket around her shoulders, looking slightly up at him.

“I’m sorry, Illario.”

“Why? Caterina is the one who made this all happen…” he averted her gaze for the moment.

“If it wasn’t for me… You would have…”

“We were both set up.” He offered and the guilt on her face was still ever present. “Aren…” He palmed her shoulders. For a moment their eyes caught and he wanted nothing more than to continue whatever stupid little thing they had. “You should go talk to Viago… Tell him what happened.” He watched her face for any tiny little tell he could interpret. There were none, just the odd amount of guilt in her eyes.

“What’s going to happen?”

“I don’t know… Nothing good I assume. Or perhaps everything will move on the same as it has been. Aren, will you—”

“Arenaria?” He turned and saw Viago making his way towards them. “Why do you look like shit and…” Viago glanced between them as Illario withdrew his hands.

“A mishap. The fault lies with me.” Illario nodded and made his way out of that mess. He didn’t want to be around Viago, not with the way he was feeling. He was likely to lash out at the man and thank him all at once.

He made his way to Villa Dellamorte, wanting to get this all over with as soon as he could. Caterina was no doubt waiting to admonish him and gloat that it all worked out the way she wanted it to.

“Cousin?” He saw Lucanis who was making his way out, dressed to the nines in his black Crow leather gear. “Where are you going?”

“Tevinter. I have a job. Actually… I could use some help; would you be interested?”

“Ah…” Illario faltered a moment. “It depends. When are you leaving?”

“Today, perhaps tomorrow. You could meet me in Vyrantium if that works out better for you.”

Illario nodded. “Ah… yes, give me some time. I could help if you wanted it but leaving tomorrow would be better.”

Lucanis nodded, “tomorrow then.” And he watched his cousin make his way out. It was now or never, but he stayed rooted to his spot.

“Get in here, Illario. Now.” He heard Caterina’s voice and he suspected her little tool must’ve alerted her to his arrival.

He went in, closed the door, and carefully watched her. “I suspected it, but I did not think you hated me this much.”

“Quit your moaning, Illario, you were always a disappointment. You only proved me right.”

It stung, more than he wanted to admit. “You were never going to give me the chance. You can stop pretending that it was a situation that wasn’t designed for failure. Your little bitch boy tried to kill my partner, for what? To prove a point?”

“You merely proved two things, Illario. That you cannot keep your wandering eyes from being distracted on missions, and that you wouldn’t put the contract first.”

“I have been successful on all of my contracts, no matter the case. There was no way to win this,” he yelled.

“It does not matter what I did. You would have failed your contract no matter what. You’re lucky I am forgiving.”

He scoffed, “So what happens now? What comes out of all this?”

“You will support whatever decision I make in the future. And for that you can continue being an assassin for House Dellamorte.”

“That’s all?”

“Do not disappoint me again.”

He didn’t know what else to say. No one said no to Caterina and he couldn’t say no to that. What else was he supposed to do?

He made his way to the door, hand pausing on the knob. “Why was I never good enough for you?” He couldn’t look at her, but her silence was deafening. “Lucanis and I were the same, went through the same things… Why did you hate my mother and not her sister?”

“Your mother defied my orders at every turn,” she finally spoke. “She made her bed.”

So that was the reason? His mother dared to say no to her for whatever reason? For everything it seemed. His chest tightened and he hated himself for the tears that threatened to fall but he resisted.

“Why bother taking me in then?” He wondered out loud. When she didn’t give him an answer he finally decided it was time to leave. As he left the Villa Dellamorte he felt the anger surging through him. Someday… he would make her pay for everything someday.
~~

“I’m sorry, you got fucking what?” Viago looked like his head was about to pop and Aren dramatically rolled her eyes. They were in his private room.

“I got fucking poisoned, Viago, stop making a big deal about it.”

“You are a de Riva, how—”

“Look, it was not my finest moment alright?” She snapped at him and he seemed to shut up. “Were you going to tell me about the Talon summit?”

He straightened, his hands settled firmly at his hips. “I… Perhaps… I did not know when you would get back from this job. What happened?”

“It went to shit. Remember that the next time you encourage me to take a contract from Caterina Dellamorte,” she practically snarled.

He let out a sigh, “I didn’t like offering you up anymore than you did, Aren, but…”

“When the First Talon gives you a contract…” She clenched her jaw. “You cannot trust Caterina.”

“What happened?”

She shook her head, “I cannot mention specifics, Viago, but…”

“You nearly got killed… And you are too good for this to happen under normal circumstances for something that was supposed to be a simple job.”

She couldn’t help feeling good that he thought so highly of her, but not knowing what was to come she couldn’t get too excited. No doubt Caterina would be summoning her soon, and she’d have to face whatever terms the woman set forth.

“You almost sound concerned for little ole me, Viago.”

He shot her a look and let out a sigh. “Do not start with me. Aren—”

A knock sounded at the door and he barked at them to come in. “I’m sorry, Fifth Talon, but a missive just arrived for signora de Riva.” One of Teia’s staff sheepishly handed off a missive and he took it, opening it.

“Caterina is summoning you for an audience.”

She swallowed hard, she knew it was coming but she didn’t want to face that woman. “Hm… I see.”

She could see him eying her suspiciously; he knew something was up and she wasn’t sure if she should tell him yet. She tossed aside the blanket that had been offering her comfort so far; Illario had pulled it over her shoulders in the carriage after he’d noticed her shivering.

“It’s fine, Viago. You do not need to pretend you’re worried after me.” She almost thought he was going to protest her statement, but she didn’t let him as she took the letter. It said exactly as he stated and nothing more. Caterina was trying to keep up pretenses. “When are you leaving?”

“On the morrow for Salle first.”

“Let us continue this later then,” she said and he let out a little grunt.

She made her way out and about through the streets of Treviso, heading down to Villa Dellamorte despite her wanting to just run away from it all. She should have run in Antiva City when Caterina possibly didn’t know she was alive, but she couldn’t. She didn’t know why when it was what she wanted after all. To disappear into the night with none the wiser. But she found she couldn’t. She would miss too much and seeing the way her friends reacted at her almost dying… Well, it made her realize she was pretty important.

Once back onto the estate her fucking attendant found her and began to lead her through the house. She glared daggers into his short little back and finally he stopped.

“You’ve impressed me again, signora de Riva. I had not expected you to be resilient to the poison.”

When he turned his head to look at her she kept walking past him then began to walk backwards. “You didn’t expect to fail you mean. I’m so sorry to disappoint you and her royal highness.” She made her way to the doors and opened them herself, shutting it into his face. He looked annoyed, finally showing a hint of emotion when he opened it back up.

She was glad to see it was just Caterina in her office. She didn’t need anymore surprises, nor did she know if Illario was wise to what truly had happened. Caterina looked put off which she reveled in; she was beyond placating this bitch any more than she already had.

“Your pay.” Caterina said and her little manservant scooped up the bag of coins on the desk before her.

“You tried to kill me,” Aren finally spoke up. “I agreed to your contract and you still had your fucking gremlin stab me in the back. Why?”

Caterina’s demeanor didn’t change one bit and she couldn’t help that it pissed her off even further. “You lived, be grateful. You fulfilled your contract. Consider us even.”

Aren could barely stomach it, was disgusted. “You are repulsive,” she muttered and finally Caterina’s lips quirked to a little bit of a smirk.

“I was not expecting you to play your part. Perhaps my grandson is not as proficient in his seduction as I thought. You’ve impressed me, Arenaria. I thought you had succumbed to his wiles.”

She swallowed hard, sucking her lips in and tried her hardest not to react but oh was she reacting. “You have no remorse for what you’ve done do you?”

“I have done what I needed to keep House Dellamorte in check and running smoothly. You will never understand.” Aren clenched her jaw as she looked over the elder woman. “Be grateful you survived. You live a new day. Forget about what happened. You have impressed me and that is what should matter.” Caterina said and Aren couldn’t help the disgusted feeling swelling up within her.

“Take your payment and leave.” Caterina motioned towards the bag of sovereigns in her attendant’s smarmy little hands.

“Keep the rest of your fucking money. I do not want it.” She turned around and left before they could say anything more.

She hurriedly made her way out, hoping Illario was nowhere in sight. She hated everything about this but at least for now she was free of Caterina. She fulfilled her contract; it was done. Now she had to live with her part in all of this. She hoped Illario didn’t seek her out. It would only hurt worse if he did. She had no way of knowing if Caterina revealed the truth to him and she didn’t want to know now.

Once back to the Diamond she sought out Viago, but she really had no idea what to say. She really needed Teia, but he was all she had in this moment. When she didn’t find him she didn’t know what to do with herself. She felt sick, about ready to burst, and she leaned on the railing to look out amongst Treviso from this view.

How did it all go so wrong? How did she start to feel the way she felt about Illario of all people? She truly didn’t know what to do. After all these years of not feeling much but emptiness, how was she standing here feeling so much guilt, shame, and whatever the feelings she felt for Illario?

“Arenaria.” She turned and saw Viago and she figured it was time, though she didn’t know what exactly she was going to tell him. He followed after her to her room.

“There seems to be more to this than what I know about.” She stilled when he said those words but she waited for him to continue. When he didn’t say anything more, she found she couldn’t admit it to him despite wanting to. Admitting would mean submitting House de Riva to more drama and possible danger.

“It was supposed to be simple… and I messed up.”

“Due to Illario’s foolishness no doubt?”

She nodded, “Something like that.”

“There is something you’re not telling me.”

She shrugged, “It’s not… Relevant right now. It’ll do no good to fret about it.”

“Are you sure, Aren? You almost died, if it wasn’t for—”

“Your teachings came in handy,” she dramatically rolled her eyes. “Preen about it why don’t you. Blue Oak by the way.” He nodded. “Thank you. Your lessons do come in handy. On more than one occasion.” She begrudgingly sang his praises.

She saw he wasn’t quite satisfied, and she hoped he’d let it go. If he prodded her further he would find his answers, but he relented. They chatted amiably about the summit before he left, and she let out a sigh of relief. It wouldn’t be long before Illario sought her out—she knew this—and she wasn’t sure how she’d handle the situation. Should she seek him out instead? She wasn’t sure. She hated this feeling of uncertainty.

She found herself down at the spot where they shared their inner demons just days ago. She liked Treviso, but she would head back to Salle to look after things at House de Riva in Viago’s absence. He needed someone to look after his precious Adder, and she planned to order a squeamish fledgling to toss the mouse in the cage in her place.

She didn’t care about watching her back as she looked out over the canal. Life truly was too short to be paranoid about every little thing around every dark corner and all she wanted to do was soak up the calmness of Treviso before everything else upended.

She didn’t know what she wanted. Well… she felt the pull in her heart that she wanted to continue whatever stupid thing she and Illario had going on, but the guilt in her gut just wouldn’t allow that. She couldn’t… But if she said something she’d risk hurting him further than he already was. He wouldn’t care right? They were only using each other for the duration of this mission; there wasn’t much else they needed out of each other any longer right?

But then she thought about their conversations. They seemed genuine, but he could have been only saying those things to maintain her favor so they’d keep sleeping with one another. Then she thought of the night before, how worried he was for her, how he didn’t hesitate to bring her back to administer the antitoxin. He gave up his mark for her. Even if he planned to go back he risked losing them.

There was no way to win that situation though; Caterina saw to it, made sure they would fail and used her in the exact same way she thought she would. Like she was disposable. She threw her out like she was trash all because she thought she’d fallen for Illario…

“You really should watch your back, you know,” she felt her heart do a stupid little flutter at his voice and she dramatically shrugged her shoulders.

“Does it matter anymore?”

He sat next to her, assuming the same position from that night. She glanced at him and he looked genuinely sad until he caught her eyes and smiled.

“How did it go,” she asked and he looked up at the sky.

“As we expected. Caterina said it was a test, but there was no way to succeed. I have proven what she always suspected, that I am not fit for First Talon.”

“Illario… I’m—”

“Stop… There’s nothing you could say to make it better… Your apologies aren’t needed. It’s not your fault.”

‘It is… and I did nothing to help you see what she was up to,’ she thought to herself. She felt his hand gently cup her jaw, easing it up to where he pressed his lips to hers. She kissed him back, and she felt she owed him one last time before they parted ways.

“Come to bed with me,” she whispered against his lips. He nodded, pressing back in before she led him back to the Diamond.

Once within her room they sat on the edge of her bed and she started to kiss him again until he seemed to not even be present. She parted from his lips, brushing her hand over his cheek.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing…”

“Talk to me.”

He sighed into a grumble and he hunched over leaning his forearms on his thighs. She eased her hand over his back and he flinched before relaxing. “She hated my mother because she defied her… It’s no wonder Caterina could not stand me…”

“Oh, Illario… That hag deserves the worst…”

He shook his head. “She’ll have her day…” He said darkly and she had to wonder what he was planning.

“Illario—” He swooped in and kissed her; she let him. If she could make him feel better for at least this night before she left then she would. This was just a stupid fling, and it didn’t mean anything. But she knew she was lying to herself. It meant something to her.

She heard the drop of his shoes and he slipped his hand underneath her thigh to move her to the middle of the bed. That he could handle her so easily sent a thrill up her spine and she let out a soft moan. He parted from her lips, kissing down her neck, down between the deep v cut of her shirt.

She watched him ease back, pulling her boots off and tossing them aside and then he was back over top of her, lips back on hers. He didn’t tease her about how willing she was to kiss him, and she wondered what had shifted. It felt as though he was deliberately going slow, taking his time, and she couldn’t help the needy feeling within her. She reached down, easing her hand down to his pants, but he pulled her away, lacing his fingers with hers as he pinned her hand beside her head.

“Slow down, mia cara,” he whispered in her ear, his voice rough but gentle.

“Illario, what—”

“Shh… Let me handle you.” He kissed her, tasted her, and she felt winded by the slow simmer of it all. “Open up for me.” He reached his hand down, and she opened her legs up for him to shift between them. When his fingers dipped below her pants, slowly sliding his middle finger between her folds, she bit her lip trying not to moan. She squeezed his hand with her free hand—her hips arching—and he sunk his finger within her to swipe her slick up to her clit.

“Moan for me, I want to hear you.” He stroked her and she bit her lip, trying to resist. “Let me hear you, Aren, it’s alright.” He slowed down and she shifted her hips against his finger. She couldn’t help the moan she let go and he pressed a kiss to her lips. “Tell me what you want.”

She whimpered, trying to find his lips but he eased away. “I want you to fuck me.”

“Not yet…” He kissed her and he swallowed the moan that escaped her, letting go of her hand to cup her cheek. She wanted so badly to turn the tables on him, to flip him and take what she wanted, but the other part of her was content to let him do what he wanted with her. If he got off on taking her like this, then she’d let it happen given the circumstances.

Her breath quickened as he broke from her lips, his finger sliding over her, building her slowly up. She gripped his shirt, whimpered again, and he groaned.

“You’re so fucking beautiful like this, Aren,” he grunted, and she opened her eyes to see him watching her.

“What, oh, what’s gotten into you?” She panted, and he slowed down his torturous work.

“I’ve not gotten to take my time with you yet…” she saw something shift in his eyes and she couldn’t help wondering… Did he know this was the last time too? Somehow that made it hurt worse, and she gripped his hand trying to urge him on.

“Illario, fuck, don’t stop,” she pleaded.

“Do you want to come?” A needy ‘yes’ left her lips before she could think and he swirled his finger a little faster. “Come for me, Aren,” he grunted, mashing his lips against hers. She moaned again, louder, his voice encouraging her was edging her on and finally she hit that peak, falling right over, crying out his name as she clung to him. He didn’t stop swirling his finger, and she felt the added throbs until she finally relaxed, trying to catch her breath.

He eased to her side and she could see the smirk on his lips, the playful side of him had finally returned.

“Stop it…” she lightly backhanded his chest. “You’re not supposed to brag,” she said and turned to face him so she could kiss him.

For awhile that’s what they did, and she couldn’t get enough of him. Her lips felt bruised, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t fathom how much she enjoyed when he kissed her. She’d never felt like this before when she kissed someone, and it was hard to want to anyway, but with Illario…

He moved to his knees, tugging her pants off, and then pulled her shirt open, the buttons easily slipping out the holes at the angle he tugged. She sat up to let him take it off and he undid the clasp of her bra.

“You’re an expert at this.”

“Does my skill impress you?” He smirked, kissing down her neck, down to her breasts, and her head fell back as he blew over one nipple and ghosted his thumb across the other.

“Fuck off,” she breathed, listening to his chuckle.

“I don’t spend this much time on other conquests, Aren,” he whispered, sucking her nipple into his mouth.

“You don’t have to lie,” she said as she ran her fingers through his hair. “We both know what we do…” She listened to the noises he made and she felt the throb between her legs again.

“I’m not lying… why take my time with nameless faces when we just needed the quick release.”

“So… why… mmm… why me?”

“Because I’ve not had this much fun with anyone else… I’ve not wanted to take my time. I crave you, Aren. The way you respond to me turns me on. Why would I lie to you?” He gripped her jaw and kissed her hard.

“Shit, Illario… Just fuck me, now…” she panted, unbuttoning his shirt with shaky fingers. He hurriedly pulled it off and moved to take off his pants. He was hard, more than ready and she laid back into the bed, spreading her legs for him.

“Tell me you want me,” he kissed her, and she felt the tip of him slide over her.

“I want you,” she panted, lifting her hips but he pulled away. “Illario, if you don’t fuck me now, get out so I can do it myself!” He chuckled, easing himself slowly inside of her and his moan was louder than hers when he sunk himself all the way inside of her. “You’re such an asshole, oh!”

“You enjoy it,” he groaned, holding himself steady. Then he was easing in and out of her at a languid pace sending her straight into a suspended state. It felt good, too good, and she couldn’t help thinking how she was going to miss this, the banter… him. She was going to miss him, and she caressed her fingers with care over the scars on his back.

He stopped, and brushed his hand over her cheek. “What’s wrong? Where did you go?”

She shook her head, “it’s nothing, don’t stop.” She squeezed his ass encouraging him further.

“Aren—”

“Please, Illario,” she moaned, and he shifted again, easing in and out of her.

She didn’t know how long they’d been at it; every time she got close he slowed it down and seemed to start the wave all over again. His lips would be on hers until they had to catch their breath, his hips stuttering against hers until he calmed himself down. She’d encourage him on, but soon she couldn’t take it anymore.

“Illario,” she whimpered his name against his lips, trying to turn him to mush to give them what they’d desperately been working towards.

He pulled the strings on their song a little harder, until they’d both let go in a crescendo that had her clenching him tightly, unwilling to let go. He stuttered over her, his muscles tense, and he groaned, clutching her thigh and holding on tight as if he’d fall through the cracks if he let go of her.

At some point they untangled themselves, and after a brief respite of teasing laughter, they found themselves at it again, much quicker this time, until they’d sufficiently worn each other out.

She fell asleep and woke to find him holding her from behind. This was new, unknown, but she liked it. She didn’t want to move—didn’t want him to wake—wanted to fall back asleep and never go back. It was so stupid; she felt like an idiot. People like her didn’t get a fairytale happy ending. She wasn’t willing to believe that someone could feel this way about her, especially someone like him.

But she relaxed anyway, trying to pretend that he could feel some sort of way about her. She listened to the softness of his breathing, the gentle press of his chest at her back. She drifted off again as her mind wandered and woke with a start when she felt like she was falling.

His arm tightened around her waist and his voice was even more gravelly in the morning. “You alright,” he asked sleepily, rubbing her shoulder as he eased his arm arm up across her chest.

“Sorry… felt like I was falling…”

“Mmm… I’ve got you…” he mumbled, then pressed a kiss to her back.

“How’s that?” She couldn’t help asking.

“Hm?”

“How will you keep me from falling?”

“If you let me…” another kiss at her shoulder. “More of this… more… of us?”

She swallowed hard and didn’t respond as she moved to untangle herself from him and to sit on the side of the bed. “We should probably get up…”

“Aren?”

She grabbed her clothes and dressed herself, though she realized this was her room and now she felt trapped. She could hear him putting his clothes on also and she looked over as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“I’m heading to Vyrantium with Lucanis for a job tomorrow… Will you… see me when I come back?” She was silent, heart pounding wildly against her chest. “So that’s it then?” His voice darkened. “We thoroughly fucked each other out of our systems?” She swallowed hard and turned away from him. “Aren!” He grabbed her arm and she yanked it away. “Tell me it meant nothing…”

“It meant nothing,” her voice wavered and she felt it all shift. The look in his eyes looked like he was utterly hurt and she turned away to avoid it.

“You’re a fucking liar… It’s incredible how bad you are at it.”

She whirled around to face him. “Don’t pretend that this all meant more than a simple fuck, Illario! We aren’t those kinds of people.”

“You’re running away from the wrong thing,” he countered. “You could have run away from the Crows, but now you’re running away from this!”

“This? What is this supposed to be? It’s stupid to wish for a fantasy that can’t come true!”

“You would know wouldn’t you?” She could see the hurt in his eyes again and she swallowed hard at what his next words surely were going to be. “Pining away for Viago as if he’ll ever look at you the way you look at him! He’ll never want you like this!”

“Fuck you, Illario!” She pushed him away.

“Aren, wait! Fuck! Stop!”

She whipped around on him again, her anger and own hurt getting the better of her, but it was for the best this way no matter how painful it was. “You’re spineless; a fucking coward. Complaining that Lucanis won’t say no to Caterina, but what are you doing, Illario? You’re just as pathetic. You let her treat you like this!” She said darkly and the wounded look that flickered across his eyes nearly had her heart burst. “I told you… I am not a good person. We’re done.”

His jaw clenched, eyes darkening. “You got what you wanted then.” He made for the door but stopped beside her. “I suppose I am pathetic… I now know what it feels like when I fuck them and leave them used up. I wasn’t the one pretending, Aren… Keep lying to yourself. Goodbye.”

The door slammed shut when he left and she felt her legs give out on her as she fell to her knees. She felt so sick about it all. He wasn’t pretending? How stupid could he be? Couldn’t he see through her? See through everything? He still didn’t know that she betrayed him.

And then his words echoed in her head ‘He’ll never want you like this’ and she felt another pang of hurt hit her. Like this. Like how he wanted her. And she saw it—several times she’d seen the look in his eyes and it was exactly what she wanted, but it terrified her. She didn’t deserve that affectionate look he’d been giving her.

Her heart hurt, but the tears wouldn’t come to relieve the pain that echoed in her chest. She supposed it was her punishment then… She needed to feel how much she hurt him. How much she hurt herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“You’re unusually quiet…” Illario looked up at Lucanis as he drank his drink. The journey to Vyrantium was long, and Illario certainly hadn’t felt very chatty between the events of the previous job and Aren ripping his heart out… he shook his head, flashing a fake, charming smile. He had immediately made his way to the closest tavern upon arrival and Lucanis had finally caught up.

“Pay me no mind, cousin, merely scoping out interesting prospects.” But his stomach lurched at the thought that he only wanted one person. He was such a fucking idiot to think someone who was like him would feel the same way he was feeling. She used people—just like he did—he couldn’t be mad.

Yet he was, because the look she gave Viago that day had finally been sent his way. She was lying, and it almost hurt worse knowing she was willing to throw him out and not even give what they had a chance. But it was stupid to hope and want for that.

How could they ever be anything when they led the lives they did? Would she change how she went about her contracts for him? Would he? And why would she want him now that Caterina had left him more broken and shamed?

He downed the rest of his drink. “What happened with your last job, Illario? I’ve never seen you this… shaken.”

“I told you… it’s nothing.” Lucanis quieted down but that damn wide eyed concerned look floated his way. “Tell me… what do you know of Caterina’s little toadie?”

“Her attendant? What was his name again?”

“Does he even have a name?” Illario wondered out loud. “For what it’s worth, don’t trust him.”

“Did something happen?”

“Our dearest grandmother…” he shook his head. “Don’t worry, Lucanis, everything will be fine.” But the look on his cousin’s face showed even more concern. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“What was the job?”

He flippantly waved his hand. “Some Altus mage needed to be taken out. Getting a bit too comfortable in Antivan nobles’ pockets. It’s been taken care of.”

“Who was it that went with you?”

“Are you spying on me cousin?”

Lucanis rolled his eyes. “I noticed you go with someone to the guest house. Twice. I figured you were working a contract with someone since you…” he trailed off and he could see his cousin’s cheeks getting slightly rosy. Most wouldn’t notice it, but Illario could always tell when something flustered Lucanis.

“Since I what? Don’t fuck the same person more than once?”

Lucanis sighed. “Yes…”

“Arenaria de Riva.”

“Oh, it was Aren?” Illario raised a brow at Lucanis’s recollection.

“You know her?”

“Teia and Viago speak highly of her. We’ve had idle conversation a few times when I needed some poisons crafted.”

Illario couldn’t help but wonder how he’d never chanced a meeting with her since that party. Was he truly that self-absorbed? “Does she come to Treviso often?”

He shook his head, “not that I am aware. I went to Salle to pick them up. She worked with you?”

“We were only partners.”

“What did you do, Illario?”

His brow furrowed and he made a face at him. “Why would you assume I did something?” Because everything was always his fault.

“Because you are acting different.”

“Fine, I promise to not act so out of character for you. I wouldn’t want to fail that too.”

Lucanis sighed, “Illario, that’s not what I meant.” There was a question or statement that seemed to linger between them. His cousin seemed hesitant to say what was on his mind.

“It did not work out…” Illario shrugged absently, staring at the second drink’s emptying glass. “It was stupid to hope for… something that got rid of the emptiness.”

“Illario…”

He shook his head, “it’s nothing, cousin. Do not worry about the lesser Dellamorte.”

Because no one does.
~~

Aren was already back in Salle—now a week later—and she couldn’t help thinking she was glad to be away from Treviso despite how much she truly enjoyed the city. It didn’t quite matter that everyone she wanted to avoid was absent from the city; she still wanted to put distance between her and Treviso.

She and Viago traveled back together so he could get his things gathered and then he was off to the summit of Talons. He left a list of things for her to do and she rolled her eyes. She wasn’t going to do even half of what he expected her to do. She would get someone else to do it while she took on a contract or two.

She was, however, going to work on some poisons and antitoxins. The one thing on his list she would do. She found it cathartic to mix them, and she needed to replenish her kit anyway and was out in the markets to do so. She was at her normal vendor trying her best to flirt the price down. It didn’t work so well these days but if she offered some more amiable conversation with Marco he’d usually cut her a deal just because he thought she was funny.

She was just about to pay him when she reached into her bag and she froze. That coin purse… her payment for the contract… how did they—?

And then suddenly her knees gave out and she went crashing into the counter where Marco tried to steady her.

“Oh, Maker, I-I’m so sorry master de Riva. I uh—” she glared down at the young girl; she recognized her and looked over to see two other fledglings scurrying down the street.

“It’s fine, Raea.” She straightened and brushed herself off, and she looked down at the elven girl, another orphan in the long line of lost children.

Her green eyes widened, “y-you know my name?”

Aren raised a brow. “I know all the recruits’ names. Flavio and Kite will be hearing from their trainers later for pushing you into your elders. I could’ve broken a bone.”

“Oh it’s… I’d rather you not.” She winced.

“Why’s that?”

“In case… they give me shit for snitching.” She seemed to be letting the nervous energy leave her, but there was some kind of look in her eye. Perhaps a touch of mischief? Aren took out a few sovereigns and an extra few for good measure.

“Thank you, Marco.”

“Take care!” He called out as she stuffed the ingredients into her bag.

“It would not be snitching when I caught them in the act. I see your point though.” The girl walked with her and Aren raised a brow. “Do you need something else then?”

“Oh… no…”

“Then what do you want? I am not your mentor nor your trainer. Go bother them if you need something.”

She saw the disappointed look on the girl’s face and she was getting tired of seeing disappointment from people. “Fuck…” she sighed, “What, Raea?”

“Well, I… I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to ask you some questions.”

“You are a fledgling, not a student at the college. There are no essays you need to complete.”

“Well… I just thought… with you being Dalish and all you might have some advice.” She could see the girl’s frustration and Aren couldn’t help finding herself put off at the situation she found herself in. “The… Fifth Talon said that… you were open to receiving questions.”

Aren’s face immediately fell at that utterance. “I’m going to fucking kill Viago.” She rolled her eyes and the girl’s eyes widened as if she majorly screwed up. ‘You fucking asshole.’ She mentally berated him then let out a sigh. She glanced down the street and saw the boys watching. “Fine. Come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m starving.”

“But I have… training…” she trailed off when Aren started to walk towards the street food market and she heard her running after her.

“You have an excuse. Private training. I’ll write you a note.”

“Oh! Alright!”

When they made their way to the food stalls Aren began to order and she grimaced when the poor girl was opening up her coin purse. She took a glance and saw a pitiful few coins in there and waved her hand.

“Put that away. You’ll only get yourself pickpocketed. Four kebabs, halla, extra seasoning.”

“What?!” Raea’s poor eyes looked about ready to pop out of their head. Aren couldn’t help but laugh at the poor thing.

“I’m kidding. They’re druffalo, calm down you poor thing, they don’t cook halla here.” She paid, tipped well after shooting the shit with the vendor and made her way out. Usually Wren provided her with her best cuts of meat when she rolled through.

She handed two skewers to Raea and she led the girl off to some stairs nearby that led to a rooftop. It had a decent view of the Bay and she set her pack down before she sat on the edge of the roof. Raea followed and sat nearby.

“Eat up, young one. You’re practically skin and bones. Are they only feeding you Crow Feed?”

“Oh um… no.”

“Are you not eating well?”

“Um…”

“Who’s stealing your food? I thought we were done with that nonsense.” She really was perplexed about that. She thought Viago had put an end to that.

“Oh, n-no! I um…” Aren raised a brow, waiting for the girl to continue. “There’s a cat…”

“Maker, preserve me. How are you ever going to expect to become a Crow if you’re off feeding others and not yourself?” She eyed her warily. “Are you… are you an orphan?”

“Oh um… yes. But…”

“Why on Thedas are you with the Crows, Raea? What happened to your Dalish clan?”

“There were too many children… so…”

“Oh… too many mouths to feed?”

She nodded, trying to eat her meal slowly. She looked her over. She was a skinny little rat not unlike her own self at her probable age.

“How old are you?”

“Fourteen.”

So fucking young. She would be out on her first kill in some time. “What do you want to know?”

“How… how did you get here? Did your clan give you up too?”

“I hate to break it to you, but I am not Dalish. Or at least I don’t know if I was.”

“Oh, but…” she pointed up to her own chin. “Isn’t that… June?”

She nodded, eating another piece of meat and the piece of grilled squash after it. “Yes. And don’t be an idiot like me. They are false gods.” She saw the girl’s eyes widen again as she slowly stared absently across the Bay. “Shit… look the world is fucked, mia cara… you have to forge your own path and come up with your own kinds of comfort. Whatever the ‘gods’ were,” she shrugged, “don’t take too much faith in them but if the stories give you comfort. There’s no harm in that.”

She absently nodded.

“You look like I just killed your cat.”

“Oh, I… hm…”

“Raea… do you even want to be a Crow?” She asked and the girl began to pull at her heart with that sad pitiful look on her face. But then something had her questioning the girl’s motives, again. Why did she get the feeling she was being played? “You’re good, you little shit.” Aren ate the next piece of meat, tossing the mushroom over the side to some actual Crows that cawed in thanks. The only beings genuinely happy to see her these days.

“W-what?”

“Do not play with me, girl. Aside from the halla freak out, your words are awfully rehearsed. You must be under Frannie’s care. Don’t listen to her toxic bullshit. Eat all your fucking food.” She would have to have words with Frannie. She thought that the nimble, svelte look was best and encouraged the young girls to have the tiniest figure they could. It was fine if that’s how the girl’s bodies were naturally but to make them under-eat? She hated when she did that.

“I thought I had you…”

“I have been in this game my whole life.”

She let out a sigh, “Alright fine! I was… making some things up, but… I did want to talk to you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re—! You’re Arenaria de Riva! You’re like the Fifth Talon’s right hand! His—” she sported a dreamy look on her face. “He’s so handsome. Are you both together? You spend a lot of time together.”

Why did she suddenly feel so pathetic for pining after Viago all these years? And now the fledglings were even pining after him. “The man is neurotic. Your fantasies would be better placed elsewhere. And no. We have merely been good friends a long time. He’s like my brother at this point.” She almost surprised herself at her words. How did it seem to change so fast? But she was being honest with herself… she really was coming to think that now and suddenly it all felt okay.

Raea let out a disappointed sigh. “That’s a shame… what about the Seventh Talon?”

Aren snorted, “Where are you hearing this from? No, we are not a thing either. She’s like a sister to me.”

“Oh… that’s a shame.” There was a deflated look on her face, more so than learning she and Viago were not a thing.

“Unfortunately I prefer men. They are much easier to control and influence. All you have to do is sway your hips a little or show some cleavage and you’ve pretty much got them.”

Raea giggled, “Well, you must have many lovers, yes?”

Aren began to chuckle, “ah to be young and hopeful in youth’s bliss. It is not all glamorous, young one.”

“How is it not? You’re so tall and pretty and you break corrupt men’s necks with barely a twitch!”

Aren gagged, “who’s been saying this shit?”

“Um… the Seventh Talon paid a visit once.”

“Maker, help me,” Aren groaned.

“You’re not at all what I expected.” Raea was grinning at her. “Somehow… you’re better.”

Aren started in on her second skewer and noticed the young girl stopped halfway through her first. “If you don’t eat that I’m going to.” She reflexively pulled it closer to her and Aren grinned. “Do not be afraid to fill your belly, child.”

“But the Fifth Talon—”

“Viago’s a mess. Yes, be wary of course of the dangers of poison, but do not deny yourself. Soon you’ll be required to dose yourself and then the food won’t taste so good for awhile.”

“Oh… that’s a thing?”

“Unfortunately, yes. And not to pump Viago’s ego, but it has helped. Several times.”

“You’ve been poisoned?”

Aren let out a sigh, “embarrassingly yes. Shit happens, mia cara.”

She looked out upon the bay as she thought about the events of barely a week ago. A little pang of hurt touched her heart and a little bout of longing lingered within her.

“What’s that look for? Thinking of someone?”

“An idiot, yes…”

“Oh.” Raea started in on her second skewer and Aren was pleased to see her do so.

“You did not answer my question. Do you want to be a Crow?”

She startled, emerald eyes widening. “Well… I don’t know what else to be… I feel fortunate so far.” Ah yes, fortunate… A feeling she felt upon her arrival at House de Riva. It wasn’t paradise, but it might as well have been after Arainai. “I don’t want to be helpless or treated like shit because I’m an elf… I want to be like you.”

“Oh, mia cara, you do not want to be like me.” She sadly smiled towards the young girl. “I am old and washed up.”

The young girl scoffed, “You’re not old or washed up!”

“Crow? Yes or no?”

She thought about it again. “Yes,” she finally answered.

“Despite the dangers?”

She nodded again, “I think so.”

Aren couldn’t believe she was about to say this but… She saw something in the girl. Something of herself from long ago. Though this one had so much more promise and a chance to not fuck herself up. “You may call upon me if you need me.” Her eyes shot to hers and Aren put her finger up. “Do not make a big deal about it or I’ll pretend I never met you.” The girl couldn’t help letting out a little squeak.

“If you need advice…” Aren made a disgusted face. “I will try my best not to fuck you up.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Aren cursed as she and Viago accidentally dropped Illario, letting him clunk down the stairs in his drunken rant. “Shit, Viago!” She exclaimed, and suddenly he was griping at her.

“You could’ve held onto him a little better, Arenaria!”

“Hush, the both of you!” Teia fussed from the top of the stairs.

“He was my cousin, but we were more like brothers, really.” The rant continued; it was possibly the fourth iteration. Aren lost count once the ceremony had ended and Illario went harder on the liquor. “Always getting himself into every sort of trouble. And I was always right behind him, you know? Always.” Illario’s voice caught in his throat, a quiet choke of a sob escaped him. “Now there’s nobody for me to follow.”

Viago looked at her and she grunted out a sigh. She grabbed one arm while Viago mimicked her pain and both of them hefted Illario up with a grunt. They made their way up the stairs again, Viago complaining that he wanted to leave him down on a couch. He’d be fine covered up, no one would be any the wiser, but Teia fussed, and when Teia fussed Viago complied. Especially these days.

Coming back from the summit Viago revealed many surprises. He’d been bitten by an Adder, as of then there were only four Talons left, and he and Teia had started some sort of thing. The fact that he’d been poisoned nearly just like she had made her feel slightly better. It showed he wasn’t as infallible as she thought he was. And though she felt a tiny ache at Teia and Viago finally coming together, she couldn’t be happier for the both of them.

Then five months passed and Lucanis was murdered on his way to fulfill a contract. The blow to Caterina was noticeable and it was a sight to see the First Talon finally distraught over something. Admittedly she relished in the woman’s pain, but she felt bad at the circumstances. It was a shame that Lucanis was gone; he was always a sweetheart when she dealt with him.

Aren had slipped in unnoticed to Lucanis’s wake. She didn’t want Illario to see her and possibly make a scene. She hadn’t seen him since the day he left for Vyrantium six months ago. She wondered if he still thought about her, wondered if his feelings were still the same, and she wondered if he finally knew what her part had been in Caterina’s betrayal.

Teia opened up the door to the room and Illario shifted tripping over his feet again, causing the both of them to crash into either side of the doorway. “For fuck’s sake, Illario!” Viago growled, but the surviving Dellamorte was now onto the bitter part of his rant.

“It should have been me!” He grunted out, and Aren’s nose curled up at the stench of liquor on his breath. What was he talking about? He muttered it again, a hiccup of a sob leaving him.

They practically threw him onto the bed and Aren felt bad for the state of him. “Did I tell you about the time Lucanis took me wyvern-hunting?” Aren could see Viago was taking something out of his jacket and she stayed his hand.

“I’ll stay with him.” He gave her a look as he raised his brow. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Vi, let’s go, Aren can handle him.”

He let out a sigh but relented. “Really, Aren?”

“Fuck off,” she rolled her eyes and he made his way out. Illario was mumbling about something else regarding wyverns and he tried to sit up. She quickly made her way in front of him and braced him, his head promptly falling right between her breasts.

He inhaled, she felt his hands grabbing at her hips, “Aren?” His bloodshot eyes looked up at her with the most pathetic look. She swept her hand over the hair that had fallen from the typical slicked back look of his. She wondered if his hair slightly curled if he didn’t mess with it.

“You fucking idiot…” she whispered and his eyes widened.

“I’m… sorry… I fucked someone else… Several someone elses.” He babbled and she rolled her eyes.

“We do not belong to each other, Illario.” She could feel the beginning of stubble at his cheek and she brushed her fingers along the sharpness of his cheekbone. His grip at her hips tightened, the look on his face more panicked.

“They didn’t mean anything… I swear!”

“Hush, Illario,” she pulled his head back. “Calm down. It’s been six months since we last saw each other.”

“Six months,” he asked incredulously. She knew he wasn’t going to remember anything tomorrow. He’d probably never even realize she’d been here.

“You need to sleep.”

“Why are you spinning? Hold still!” He pulled her closer, and she caught his eyes. They were glassy, wet, pathetic. And yet she missed him. Missed his sad, pathetic fucking face. “I fucked up, Aren… I… I’m the reason Lucanis is dead…” He whispered, and she stilled. Were these more drunken ramblings or did he really think that? Was he really the reason he was dead?

Viago said Lucanis’s boat was ambushed and he was killed. They found his body on board. Illario was supposedly supposed to be with him. She didn’t want to think he’d do something to betray Lucanis. Not with how close they were, not with how much he loved his cousin.

She brushed her fingers through his hair and his eyes closed as he wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his head against her chest.

“I’m sorry, Aren…” She stood there and let him embrace her for a bit until she felt his breathing steady, until his arms slipped away from her waist. She eased him back onto the bed and it wasn’t long before the snoring started.

“You’re disgusting,” she grumbled affectionately, and then pulled his boots off his feet. She pulled his legs up onto the bed and situated him onto his side. Hopefully he wouldn’t make a mess of himself come morning, but Crows were pretty good at handling their liquor, though he may have overdone it.

She found a bucket and tucked it up underneath his chin, his snoring getting a little louder as it echoed in the wastebin. She hated the thought of one of Teia’s poor staff finding a proper mess come morning.

She quietly slipped out the room and once she made it down the stairs she found the room empty save for Teia and Viago. He was actually sipping a glass of wine, but she saw his kit—a smaller version—on the table he was leaning against from where he sat.

“I think we need to talk.”

She rolled her eyes. “About what?”

“You and Illario. What is going on? You aren’t with him are you?”

She glanced at Teia behind him who shook her head. “I’m sorry, Viago, am I supposed to run every man I fuck by you?”

His ears turned pink and he sputtered, “No! But! This is different! There’s been… talk about Illario. If you are mixed up in his shit—”

“I haven’t seen him since he left for Vyrantium and we left for Salle six months ago. There was never an ‘us’ either for your information. Just an itch to scratch and nothing more.”

“I thought you had better taste.”

“I don’t apparently,” she gave him a pointed look before she found a glass to pour some wine for herself. “What do you mean there are rumors?” She already heard them but wanted to hear if there was more to it from them.

Teia let out a sigh. “Illario was supposed to be with him, but apparently he bailed for some woman at a bar.”

“He seemed pretty broken up about Lucanis’s death though…”

“Is that a Crow speaking or just your sappy assessment?”

“Vi!” Teia smacked him and his wine spilt onto his trousers. He cursed as he began to use the tablecloth to clean himself up.

“Perhaps a bit of both,” she shrugged as she took a big gulp of her wine. What did Illario mean when he said it should’ve been him? It should’ve been him to get captured? Die? The thump of a cane had them all turn their heads. Caterina had shuffled her way in looking dreadful. More than once she sobbed out ‘my poor boy’ and even Aren could see from the back the way Illario cringed.

Caterina sent a surprised glance her way and she waggled her fingers at the Talon in a little wave from her glass.

“I take it my grandson is somewhere he won’t embarrass my House more than he already has,” she asked and Aren felt herself bristle at her comment. She really did resent him. She wondered why, and something nagged at her.

How exactly did the fall and rise of Houses Velardo and Dellamorte happen? It was spoken in whispers after all of Caterina’s children and the six other grandkids were murdered. Then practically overnight House Velardo was no more. Purged from the Crow annals.

“We deposited him in a guest room upstairs.” Viago told her as he finished fussing with the wine on his pants.

“He’s asleep,” Aren told her and the look of distaste that woman sent her way would’ve chilled a normal person. It was amazing what loathing could do for once’s resistance. Aren merely sipped her wine, unbothered.

“See to it that he does not disturb anyone tomorrow. When Lucanis is cremated, I do not want another scene.”

“Yes, Nonna… Do you need anything?” Teia asked.

Caterina had turned, heading towards the door. “I want my grandson.” There was a waver in her voice as she left the room. Aren couldn’t help burning at her remark. She would continue weeping over her dead grandson before she realized the other was still alive and existed, desperately waiting for her approval.

Teia and Viago exchanged words and Aren wanted to make sure the thump of Caterina’s cane disappeared before she asked what she wanted to. She swilled the wine in her glass before she took another gulp.

“How did Lucanis and Illario’s parents die? What did House Velardo do to them?”

She watched their faces and Teia’s saddened. “I remember someone saying Illario’s father had a contract on his head by Velardo. Once they figured it out he tried to get ahead of it. The assassin died, but so did he.”

“Maybe a month or two later Lucanis’s parents were abducted.” Viago continued. “They killed them and sent his mother’s ring to Caterina demanding she give up the seat of First Talon.” Aren raised a brow.

“They killed his parents then sent the ring? Why would they kill their leverage?”

“No one really knows, honestly…” Viago said. “It was a mess apparently. Somewhere around then is when Illario’s mother was also assassinated. She was the last Dellamorte to be taken out before House Velardo was eliminated practically overnight. Caterina kept her seat of power.”

Something didn’t settle well with Aren. The turn of events seemed off. She couldn’t help shaking the feeling there was much more to the story than anyone realized. There was a loud thump upstairs and they all turned their attention to it.

“Go handle your man,” Viago said and she rolled her eyes again.

“You’re not going to help?”

“I played my part. You didn’t let me dose him. Now he’s your problem.”

Aren knocked back the rest of the wine, snatching the vial and handkerchief from Viago’s jacket pocket. She made her way back up the stairs. She could hear him moaning as she got through the door. He was struggling to sit up from his spot on the floor, the bucket sprawled out before him.

She helped to brace him up against the bed. “Aren… stay with me, please,” he slurred and she let out a sigh as she sat next to him. He leaned against her, head dropping to her shoulder. “This must be… so attractive to you…”

“It’s not, your breath stinks.”

“Oh… you wound me.”

“Why didn’t you stay asleep?”

“You weren’t there…”

“I was just here—”

“I came back and you weren’t there… Something happened… something’s wrong with me, Aren…” He tried to lift his head, but it flopped back to her shoulder. His random babblings were growing more concerning the more he spewed them out.

“What did you get yourself into?”

“I tried at first… for Lucanis, I swear…”

She shook her head then moved in front of him. “Come on, let’s get you back onto the bed.” She tugged at his arms, and finally hefted him up enough to get him sitting on the side of it. When he flopped back, she got on the bed behind him and hooked her arms underneath his to pull him closer to the middle of it this time.

She relaxed back a moment, his body pressed against her chest. “Stay with me…”

“I can’t… I’m sorry.”

“No one stays for me… no one… will ever love me…”

She stilled at his words and swallowed hard. She shook the thoughts out of her head as she moved out from behind him letting him flop back into the pillows. It was just the ramblings of a drunken man; he didn’t really feel that way and it certainly wasn’t directed at her. She doused the handkerchief with the serum and looked him over.

“Did I tell you about… the time Lucanis took me… wyvern-hunting?” He started up again and she let out a sigh.

“Come here, mia cara, I have something to help you.” He reached for her as she moved closer to him, pressing the cloth over his mouth and nose. He was out cold now, and she let out a sigh as she rolled him to his side again, fetching the bucket to set him up properly. He was in for an even rougher day tomorrow.
~~

If there was one thing Aren was good at, it was sneaking around despite her stature. While everyone else was at the Diamond still for the next memorial service for Lucanis, she made her way to Villa Dellamorte knowing the house would be mostly empty save for its staff.

The main one for concern was Caterina’s little rat hand, and he was firmly attached to her side when she spied the next morning before the events. She’d spotted Illario, he looked terrible, but he seemed to be holding it together especially when Caterina was right beside him to keep him in check and away from more liquor.

Inside the Villa she crept around, and she finally made it to Caterina’s office up on the second floor. She slipped within, easing the doors shut behind her, and she made her way over to the window to look at her escape options just in case. One window, one balcony door. She opened the balcony door leaving it slightly ajar and she began to look around.

Caterina wouldn’t be so stupid to leave evidence behind of crimes, but there had to be a contract. There was always a contract trail no matter the contents. She was pretty young when the Dellamortes and Velardos were at war, but it all happened around when she was facing her own battles within Arainai so she was not aware of the outside world.

One wall had bookcases lining it. If there was a secret room it’d be behind that. She pressed on some books and listened for any clicks. She was well aware that Caterina could have boobytrapped this office to the tops of the walls, but she somehow didn’t think that was her style. Caterina was arrogant, and she got the feeling the elder Talon didn’t think anyone was stupid enough to touch her.

Well, Aren was, and she was digging for more trouble after getting herself out of it. She knew it was insane to be doing this, but she was still furious about the events of six months ago and she hated that Caterina could swing her contract to frame the narrative that Aren had conspired against House Dellamorte.

It was one thing to threaten her but she was fiercely protective of House de Riva for many stupid reasons, and she wasn’t about to let Viago get mixed up in this woman’s shit on her behalf. Viago was no prince—well technically, he was—but he was a good man, and she wouldn’t allow anything to happen to House de Riva. Her home.

She continued to check any thick book she could and finally she heard a click when she pulled one. It stopped before she could pull it out all the way, catching on its lever, and she opened the shelf up like a door, peering into the dark depths of the stairs that led down. She saw the lever inside, and decided it was now or never. She was in too deep, and she hoped she had enough time to get in and out without anyone knowing.

She went in, closing the bookcase, checking the lever to see it pop back open and closed it again. She jimmied the backing loose in an odd looking spot and saw that it allowed her to open the back of the shelf and peer over top of the books and see into the room. Good, she could at least check before leaving.

She looked up, the narrowness of this entryway would allow her to scramble up the wall if need be and she actually saw a beam she could perch atop if needed. She felt good about her odds and chances, and she looked down the darkened stairway. There was a little light very far down, and she decided to go.

She slowly made her way down, and it wasn’t long before she felt she could hear the rushing of water around her. If she was right, then this room was possibly below or right about the level of the water outside the estate.

She made it to the bottom and peered into the unassuming room. There were many boxes, cobwebs, and a throne seat at a desk that looked dusty like it hadn’t been used in years. One lantern flickered, possibly lit by some sort of magical rune. She imagined Caterina didn’t come down here any longer. She probably only sent her gremlin down here to fetch her dirty contracts.

She checked the floor for dust spots and saw footprints. There was enough all over the room that she shouldn’t have to worry if that attendant was as sharp and meticulous as she assumed he was.
She stepped within his prints though knowing her boots were a slightly different shape. She had to tip toe as well considering her foot was larger than his.

There were small, long boxes like the one her contract was in—all locked—with embossed names on each of them settled on a shelf. She spotted hers; Arenaria de Riva was on the outside—on top of the others—and several other names adorned the other boxes. Several were for Velardo members. A few names she didn’t recognize, and then her eyes landed on one. It only had initials; M. D. faintly beneath the layer of dust. It was three below her box and above the last Velardo.

She leaned in to examine it, not daring to touch anything, not daring to breathe. It hadn’t been opened in years clearly, and there were five small locks in it. She had tools, and something told her this was it… this would be the thing that she needed to undo Caterina. Yet, something also told her she needed to leave.

She hurried back up the stairs and once up top she was about to pull the lever, but she heard the door open and immediately she braced her hands and feet against the wall as she ascended up onto the large beam in the ceiling. She hid above it and listened carefully. No voices yet, but she knew someone had to be there by the thump of light-footed feet.

Then she heard the distinct sound of Caterina’s cane and she froze. She heard their voices now, slightly muffled, but she could make out their conversation. They were talking about Illario.

“Where did he go,” Caterina asked.

“Considering his display yesterday, likely to get drunk again after we had them lock the alcohol up.”

“His display was shameful. That boy continues to be a disgrace. What of Arenaria?”

She stilled at the mention of her name and her heart skipped a beat. “I overheard her speaking with Viago that she was heading back to Salle this morning. Unfortunately I was not able to catch her before she left.” Her attendant answered.

“Send a missive with Viago. I have another job for her. Illario had something to do with my poor boy’s death, and I will know what he is up to. She seemed to charm him well enough.”

A burning rage passed within her. That bitch thought she could—? She took in a slow, steady, deep breath.

“And if she refuses?”

“We have leverage of course. We say she was conspiring against House Dellamorte.”

“I do not believe it will be easy to sway the Fifth and Seventh Talons of this.”

“Her contract with me is easily manipulated to show her involvement against House Dellamorte. It does not bare my official seal after all.” She froze again, a sickened feeling erupting within her. How could she be so stupid? She didn’t check for the seal, the crest? How could she not see it wasn’t there? “We can easily affix de Riva’s. She will not want to mar House de Riva’s name.”

“It’s a nice touch using ink that disappears.”

She inwardly cursed. So it was there, they just… Oh she was furious. No wonder those contracts were down in the basement, tucked away so no one can find them. It was blackmail, extortion, whatever pleased her. It seemed she didn’t do it often given the lack of boxes and how much dust was caked on the ones below hers, but still. That she would do this? It wasn’t shocking; it was almost impressive, but Aren burned at it being used against her.

That damn man caught her in his grandmother’s trap years ago all because of stupid banter between young idiots. She knew her own reputation as being charming and seductive like his also didn’t do any favors for her, but still. She could be mad at Illario for this too, even if it was unjustified.

She would have to do her best to duck Caterina for the time being. Perhaps Viago could fake her death? Perhaps he could have her back on this one and refuse to allow her to work a job for Caterina again? She didn’t want to be mixed up in her mess, nor did she want to betray Illario again no matter what he was mixed up in. She didn’t believe—nor did she want to believe—that he had a hand in Lucanis’s death.

Aren was getting antsy, hoping they’d leave soon. Footsteps left the office and she assumed her little shit was off to send a missive home with Viago. She actually told him later, privately, she had changed her mind and needed to take care of something and they’d leave as planned. She could tell he was getting suspicious of her actions, but she waved him off.

Finally Caterina’s cane thumped its way out the room, the door closing behind her. She waited to make sure she couldn’t hear the noise before she silently dropped to the floor and snuck out of the hideaway. She had a temptation to head back down to the cellar, but she didn’t want to press her luck. She slipped out onto the balcony, and she was gone.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Illario’s body stiffened when Aren waltzed right into the crow’s nest in the Cantori Diamond and she froze when she saw him too. He’d gotten here earlier; Caterina ordered him to come with her. She’d been ordering him around since the debacle a year and a half ago and he was biding his time until he finally moved against her.

Teia was bringing someone named Rook regarding some sort of alliance? Supposedly they were here to help with something going on with the events that happened a couple weeks ago when the sky ripped open again.

The Antaam who’d occupied Treviso had been whispering about the gods, and then whispers seemed to hit him in the dead of night. He wasn’t sleeping well, not since… not since he’d brokered the deal with Zara Renata to have Lucanis killed a year ago. At first he intended to take out the Venatori witch himself as proof that he could handle the same kind of contracts Lucanis took. But then…

Then she caught wind of his wiles and his game, and she was offering her own deal. If all he wanted was First Talon then what better way to make a grab for the seat when Lucanis wasn’t around to be given it?

In his own twisted way he rationalized that it didn’t matter anymore. His family thought he was a fuck up—thought he was no good—so why bother pretending he wasn’t any longer? His one glimmer of hope pushed him away too and it still stung that she had. It was mainly his family though, and how much he needed their approval and never got it. He felt so alone…

So he agreed. He would hand over Lucanis and Zara would be rid of the Mage Killer and his path to First Talon would be wide open. His blood was still on his hands though, and every day he felt more and more guilty about it. He could never kill Lucanis himself, but he sealed the deal and let it happen.

Aren was here though, which meant she was here with Viago and the flutter in his gut tightened to that nauseous, jealous feeling. He knew that Teia and Viago were a thing now, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still disgustingly jealous of how Aren felt about the Fifth Talon. Was she still pining away by his side?

She tried to mask her reaction at spotting him and gave him a curt nod. It wasn’t lost on him that once she’d seen him he could tell she thought about darting right back out. “Illario.”

He couldn’t help being irritated at her greeting. That was it? That was all she was going to offer after she left a year and a half ago? He knew they said some shitty things to one another, but… he hoped they could… he wasn’t sure what, but he found himself aching for her.

“You’re doing well.” He said as more a statement than a question and she leaned against the wall far away from him.

“I suppose. And you?”

He let out a disgusted noise, more disgusted at himself that she could still twist him all up inside. “Fine.” So it’d be like that then? But he couldn’t let it go. “You treat me like a stranger.”

She immediately crossed her arms, defensive. “Aren’t we?”

“I hardly think we’re strangers after all the shit we went through.”

“I liked you better when you were a blathering drunk.”

He felt confusion hit him until he realized. “You were at the wake?”

She nodded, “you were at least happy to see me then.”

“I thought I… dreamed you…” he shook his head. He woke up with a throbbing headache, bruises on his face and body, a full glass of water by his bedside, and a bucket he woke up holding in case he wretched his guts out. Thankfully he didn’t, but he wasn’t sure who had cared enough to take care of him like that. He thought he dreamed the faint whiff of her perfume.

“Thanks… I suppose.”

“I didn’t want Teia’s poor staff to clean up your mess.”

“How thoughtful.” He wanted her to ask if he was well. He wasn’t, and he had no one now, and it was all his fault. Even the drunken nights sleeping around were pointless now. He couldn’t pour his heart out to those conquests; they wouldn’t understand. Not only was Aren fun to be with, he found it was so easy to talk to her, to confide in her, to want to tell everything to. He had no one to talk to, no one to hear his turmoil, no one to relate to any longer.

He pleaded with his eyes to her; maybe she’d see he desperately needed her. But would she understand what he did? Would she judge him? He couldn’t help wondering, but he knew deep inside that she would probably be disgusted with what he’d done. She was about to say something when the familiar thump of Caterina’s cane reached their ears. They watched her enter the room, Viago slipping in moments later.

It wasn’t long before Teia arrived with Rook—Mahia Laidir—a Rivaini former Lord of Fortune who informed them about their plight. She was requesting the aid of his cousin, heard about the ‘Demon of Vyrantium’ and how they needed someone like him for their team to stop the gods. Illario felt the wave of guilt overtake him, and he kept his mask firmly in place. It was slowly eating away at him as if he was being poisoned.

And then Caterina dropped a grenade; Lucanis was alive and he tried with everything in him not to react. He was alive? How? Zara was supposed to kill him. He was fuming; Lucanis was alive all this time, and she was doing Maker knows what to him? That wasn’t part of the deal. Illario didn’t want him tortured he wanted a clean death. He felt sick to his stomach and even more sick at realizing that Caterina withheld this information from him.

He made his way out to lead Rook to the dock that Caterina mentioned and they found the Crow waiting for their group there and someone else who was waiting in the shadows. Caterina’s spy of course, it had to be. He bade Rook farewell under the pretense of leading off tails and made his way back to the Diamond to confront Caterina.

When he got there he found her little attendant was now in the room with Caterina. “You hid Lucanis being alive from me. Why?”

Caterina scoffed, “Surely you must be joking, Illario? I know it was you who betrayed my poor boy, do not pretend it was not. You are lucky I have not had your throat slit. How dare you.”

Illario shook his head, he didn’t know what to do. He was trapped and he saw her right hand man keeping a watchful eye on him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Caterina, I did not—”

“Quiet, Illario!” He flinched at her words feeling like when he was a child when Caterina blamed him for something or punished him for a mistake. There were times that Lucanis even tried to take the blame for stupid things they did so Illario would avoid the beatings. “You worthless excuse for a man.” Caterina continued to admonish him and then something whispered softly in his mind until the voice grew louder.

‘It’s time you answer to me, my child. I can give you everything your heart desires. Power, adoration, whatever it is you need. You need only say yes and give thanks to your god Elgar’nan.’

He looked around and noticed time felt as though it moved slowly now, Caterina mid shout and her attendant poised for defense.

‘Illario, your own family doesn’t want you. But we do. You can help us achieve so much, and in return you will be the First Talon, the King of Antiva.’

It was everything he ever thought he wanted; power, adoration. It was within his grasp; he could feel it already coursing through his body. He looked down at the pin on his chest; there were red tendrils slithering out of it, adding to the cocoon that seemed to be around them.

All he had to do was give in…

And he slipped and felt something rush within him. He didn’t say yes, but it was a taste.

The power coursed through him more fully, and even with just this little bit he felt incredible. The way he felt before almost completely melted away to this powerful feeling, nearly burying that tiny part of him that still cried out for anyone to see him. He was finally in control, finally able to do what needed to be done. He was going to take everything that was owed to him.

He pulled out his dagger and while still in this suspended state, he quickly plunged his knife into Caterina’s right hand man’s throat. The energy in the room seemed to burst away and time seemingly returned to him.

“Illario!” Caterina gasped as he let the man’s body crumple to the floor. Whatever piece of him seemed to be left echoed in the small part of his mind that this one was for Aren before he turned on Caterina. “I will—”

“What? Scream? They won’t hear you.” Someone else whispered in his head; Zara. “The Venatori are here and they’ve come for you.”

Before she could scream he put his blood soaked glove over her mouth and she tried to hit him with her cane before he caught it, yanking it out of her hand. The door burst open and Venatori filed in; they stayed their blades at the sight of him.

He didn’t look at them, continued to look down into her face. “I’m going to kill you now.” He cupped her cheek smearing the blood across her face.

“You do not have it in you, Illario. Just like your mother.”

He stilled at those words and suddenly he was a boy again; lost, confused, angry, and filled with so much despair that… He shook himself from his thoughts.

“What do you mean?” Caterina only smirked and he yelled at her again. When she still said nothing he hit her with her own cane and by the Maker did it feel good. He hit her again, then one more time, until he finally stayed his hand. Something tugged at him, and he found he couldn’t. He couldn’t kill her.

‘No matter, amatus… we can use her later,’ Zara spoke in his mind and he was angry at the woman but tried to keep his thoughts at bay.

Moments later one of the Venatori dragged a body with a similar shape to Caterina into the room and one of the mages used the blood from Caterina’s errand boy to make it look like her; if he wasn’t so worked up he’d be amazed that magic could do that. One of them informed him that Zara told them to take Caterina back to his villa and lock her up. The body was in place, the ruse was set, and the rest of the Venatori filed out.

He spotted something on the desk; a thin box with Aren’s name on it. He knelt down to dig in that man’s pockets and found his keys. He unlocked the box and found a scroll rolled up neatly inside the box sitting pretty on rich, burgundy velveteen.

Blood smeared on the parchment as he uncurled it and he felt his hands begin to shake. Caterina had given Aren a contract to spy on him and kill Zara. How could she… and then something seemed to hit him and his heart lurched and he nearly threw up.

She betrayed him to Caterina before too, didn’t she? And Caterina tried to get rid of her to tie up loose ends. It didn’t matter if Aren got caught up in something she felt she couldn’t escape… The utter pain he felt that she hid it from him… He curled his fingers around the contract, wanting to tear it to pieces; instead he rolled it back up to tuck it inside his shirt.

He needed to get out of here; he needed to keep up the pretense that he was still out in the city when the Venatori attacked the Diamond. Teia and Viago would be here any minute to discover her body and he hurriedly made his escape. He needed to have words with Zara.
~~

~Earlier~

Despite her best efforts Aren wasn’t able to leave fast enough and unfortunately found herself in a room with Caterina, and only Caterina, which surprised her. Her little wingman had slipped out not long after Illario left with Rook and her companion Bellara.

She leaned against the door as Caterina sat at her desk in her private room. “You have been ignoring my missives.”

“Yes.” She didn’t deny it, she didn’t very much care what Caterina thought at this point.

“I have a job for you.”

“Couldn’t kill me the first time, so you want to make another attempt?”

Caterina scoffed, “Quit being dramatic. You lived.”

“Rich coming from you.” She moved around the perimeter of Caterina’s room as the elder Talon seemed to frown more than she already did. “So you might get your poor boy back after all. You must be thrilled to know your golden boy is alive. Though I wonder how long you’ve been waiting. Must have been agony.”

“You will never know the pain I have suffered.”

Aren let out a hmph with an incredulous smirk. “So you win again,” she said in a somewhat mocking tone.

“Do not forget that—”

“You can cut the shit, Caterina. You always get your way, and surely you will use what happened a year and a half ago in some way against me. What do you want now?”

“I know Illario had something to do with Lucanis’s capture. I need to know to what extent.”

“Your errand boy can figure it out I’m sure.” Aren ran her fingers over a bookshelf, then slowly made her way to her desk doing the same.

“He has not. He has managed to evade him. Figure out what he’s up to and I will make it worth your while.”

Aren began to laugh, “How do you expect me to do that?”

“He has feelings for you.” Caterina almost looked pissed over that. “Use them.”

She couldn’t help but smirk. “You really hate that he liked me. Sixteen years ago. Now. Despite how much you seem to loathe him… is it because his gilded, Dellamorte blood is still too good for an orphan sold to the gutter? An elven orphan at that.”

Caterina didn’t say anything and Aren could only smirk broader. “Why do you hate him so much?”

“I do not hate my grandson.”

“But he is not Lucanis. He is the ‘lesser’ as he’s described himself. I imagine he heard those words often from your mouth. A boy always seeking validation, to know that he was good enough… He did nothing wrong did he when he was a boy? It’s just he wasn’t Lucanis. And you can’t have anyone stand in the way of your perfect boy furthering the Dellamorte line.”

“Hush your mouth or I will—”

“Tell Viago on me?”

“I will make you regret crossing me.”

“I have not crossed you. You have crossed me even though I did what you ordered.”

“I could not be certain you would.”

Aren shrugged, “Illario will not have me. I see no point in this. He does not ‘like’ me anymore.”

“You have your ways. I need answers; follow Illario, kill Zara Renata, you will be paid handsomely. Three times your last cut.”

“What’s stopping your man from trying to kill me again?”

“You have my word I will not move to strike you.”

Aren laughed loudly. “Forgive me if I am not willing to believe you.” She watched Caterina dab her quill in an inkpot and began to write on the parchment on her desk. It was all filled out already, but she was adding an addendum. In her own writing. She supposed she was serious about this. She pushed the parchment forward and Aren scooped it up.

She read over it, and it was wordy but it said what she stated already. The details were to follow Illario and find and kill Zara Renata; the addendum that no harm would come to her. “So it’s really a contract on that magister then?”

“Gathering more evidence of why that idiot boy shouldn’t be First Talon will be a bonus.”

Aren didn’t want to do this, but again she felt there was no way out. She was determined though. This would lead to finding more evidence to support how corrupt Caterina was.

She still hadn’t gotten back to that box labeled M.D. in Caterina’s secret cellar. She did do some more digging though during her time in Treviso. A few of Caterina’s children’s names started with an M, but Illario’s mother’s name was Mariella. Given how much the woman seemed to loathe Illario, she wondered what his mother did aside from defying Caterina’s wishes to make her hate her own daughter this much. Would she stoop so low to have her own daughter killed?

“Sign it and seal it with this ink.”

Caterina’s mouth twitched almost into a smirk. “You have been spying.”

“No, but you noble, rich-blooded types always have tricks. I want assurance. And an exact copy made for my records.”

“That is not how we operate,” Caterina snapped.

“Then I walk out that door and tell Viago everything. So if I suddenly die, he will know what’s going on and who’s responsible.” She felt she had a little bit of power. Her right hand man was out and she couldn’t sic him on her immediately, but she was ready the next time he tried.

“You will get your copy then on the morrow.” She signed the document and sealed it with the same ink she added the addendum with. She handed the quill to Aren and she signed.

“Pleasure,” Aren said and watched Caterina place the rolled up piece of parchment into another box with her name on it. She made her way out the Diamond and was glad to see Viago and Teia were nowhere in sight. She wanted to head out and see if she could find Illario now and see if he was getting up to trouble. She didn’t know what she was going to do this time, but the contract was for Zara’s head and she’d see that done at least.

He did seem pissed—visibly shaken—at finding out Lucanis was alive, but who knows what could be going on? All the cryptic moaning he made at the wake about him fucking up and something feeling wrong… Well… she still didn’t want to believe it, and she hated to admit Caterina was right, but at some point that man was going to break so hard. Illario was a bomb nearly thirty-five years in the making waiting to explode, and Caterina was going to set him off one of these days.

When she didn’t find Illario near the docks, she made her way into the market. She didn’t see the harm in grabbing some food real quick, so she made her way over to Café Pietra for a bite and some mixed fruit juice concoction.

After some time passed she made her way back towards the Cantori Diamond and found chaos had ensued. She was across the way on the rooftop and saw Teia and Viago tore through some Venatori when she looked over the edge, but Aren spotted something higher up. Illario leaving on a zipline. She peered below to the streets again seeing Teia and Viago doing alright. She couldn’t miss this opportunity, not with something going on and she made her way across the rooftops in the direction he fled.

She ducked down when she caught sight of him across another rooftop, and he scaled down the trellis on the side of the building. She followed suit once she knew he was out of sight, heading straight over to that building and hopping across to the next one. He was making his way down an alleyway and she looked up.

The Chantry. He was heading towards the Chantry. The Antaam had forced people out of there once they occupied the city. Could Zara be hiding right under everyone’s noses in the Chantry? She finally made her way down to the ground, easing through the shadows of the alley.

It was quiet, too quiet, and when she realized why, it was too late and she felt a hand at her throat as her back slammed against the wall. She gripped his arm, and as suddenly as his grip had tightened he loosened it.

“Aren.” He said her name in a mix of anger and frustration. He knew, fuck, he knew! “How could you. After I saved your life and ruined mine!” She swallowed hard, throat bobbing up and down against his palm. He let go of her, turning away from her, hands on his hips as he paced uneasily.

“Illario—”

“Don’t!” He put his finger in front of her face. “Not you, how… how fucking dare you!” She could hear the unspoken words in the air. Not after everything I told you in secret. She should’ve told him the truth, that Caterina had forced her hand to find any way to say that he wasn’t worthy of First Talon.

“I guess I really am just a fucking fool then like Caterina says. So what, Viago wouldn’t fuck you so I was the easier target, hm?”

“Fuck you, Illario!” It came out hotter than she thought it would as she furrowed her brow.

“Ah it stings, does it not?” He loomed over her. “You pine away for a man that doesn’t want you… I guess I’m just as pathetic as you are.”

She shoved him, and suddenly her back was against the wall again, his fist clutching her jacket tightly. A few beats passed between them. “When the First Talon gives you a contract. You do it.”

“Don’t pretend that I was just a contract, Aren. You were more than happy to bleed your own fucking heart out to me after I fucked you raw.”

She twisted his arm and elbowed him in the face. He was right, but it didn’t make her any less angry, any less feral. She went at him again, and after they traded a few good hits, he managed to get the upper hand in her carelessness. He’d gotten under her skin, but something else was up with him.

He shoved her against the wall again after twisting her arm behind her back. Her face pressed to the cool stone and his own tall body pressed against her. She hated that he still turned her on and a moment as vile as this had her bothered, but she couldn’t help that she never stopped thinking about him after their parting a year and a half ago, that she still touched herself at night thinking of his hands on her body. That she missed talking and bantering with him most of all and that he found out what she’d done broke her heart.

“Admit what you did, Aren.” He pulled her hair away from her ear to whisper his words, and she bucked against him. She didn’t want to say it out loud to him—to admit her own transgressions—and he pressed her harder into the wall. “Fine. Admit to me the reason you’re here now.”

She managed to pull her knee up, and she pushed off against the wall causing them to topple to the ground. More tussling ensued, until she finally pulled her knife out and pressed it against his throat. His hand clenched around her wrist while her other hand was pinning his free hand to the ground.

“I know about the second contract.” She swallowed hard, chest rising and falling rapidly. “You owe me the truth, Aren.” She watched the hurt flicker in his eyes.

“I had no choice.”

“The hell you didn’t; I could have helped you!”

She shook her head. “You could not have helped me… Why, Illario? Why’d you fucking do it? Why did you betray Lucanis?”

His expression faltered. “Get off me.”

She pressed her dagger a little firmer against his neck, almost enough to draw blood but not quite. “Tevinter? Zara fucking Renata, Illario?”

“I wanted to kill her!” He yelled. “I did not… I did not intend at first to betray Lucanis, but… her deal was too good. She was supposed to kill him not keep him alive doing Maker knows what to him!”

“Why, Illario!? You just had to say no to Caterina! You and Lucanis, that’s all you fucking had to do. And you chose this? You chose Zara!? Why did you not come to me?”

“You’re the one who broke us!” He shouted back at her and her heart didn’t cease its rapid beating. He was right, but why didn’t he still try? He could have still tried and he didn’t. “How could I come to you when you cut me out?!”

She watched him fighting back something, pain twisted his face. “I have the real power now. He showed me, and I will take what’s owed to me.”

She felt a pang of hurt. Because she knew that Illario would never choose her either despite the brief glimmer of hope they’d given one another. More than family, more than pleasure, he wanted First Talon.

“And you admonish me for betraying you,” she breathed. “Throwing your jealous insults at me as if you fucking cared. You’re a fucking coward!”

His eyes darkened, “As if you also aren’t one. You’re the one that ran away.”

She scoffed bitterly. “The only person you care about is yourself. You betrayed your fucking brother. How could I expect you not to do the same to me?”

“He wouldn’t relent what was owed to me!” And it almost didn’t sound like him; Illario had finally let the envy twist him up inside enough that it was all spilling out now that Thedas was in further chaos.

“Spare me your pathetic bullshit, Illario. You act like you’re the only one who suffered.” Suddenly he’d caught her distracted and she was now on her back, pinned with her own dagger pressed at her throat. She could feel the press of his fingers over hers as he clenched tighter.

“At least I didn’t suffer in the gutter right? Poor little flower sold off to the highest bidder. Twice. Because even the first House didn’t fucking want you.”

She practically growled, hitting him under his chin, and knocking him back once again. She was tired now—basically spent—as she gave up and laid back against the grass. He sat up beside her as he wiped the blood from his chin where she’d popped him.

“I don’t want to fight you, Illario…” She said quietly. “I didn’t have a choice a year and a half ago.”

“You did. And like everyone else you chose that bitch’s side.”

She sat up and slid her dagger back in its sheath at her thigh. “What would you have had me do?” She was trying to get him to answer honestly, but considering the state of the world right now she wasn’t sure if he would.

“You could’ve told me what she was up to.”

“And risk—” She stopped as he looked at her with those sad, pathetic eyes that she’d seen what seemed like so long ago as he laid himself bare for her.

The look twisted to bitterness. “You admonish me for thinking only of myself. You’re such a fucking hypocrite, Aren.” He stood and she did as well.

“Why can’t you just say it?”

“Why can’t you?” He yelled back at her and the swirling tension was too much as she kissed him, hard, and he kissed her back with just as much force, lips bruising against one another’s. He abruptly pulled away from her and both of them tried to catch their breath.

She frowned, “I hope Zara was worth it.” She bitterly spat when she saw the look on his face and she stepped away from him. “You deserve that Tevinter bitch.”

“You wouldn’t understand, Aren.”

“What wouldn’t I understand?”

He shook his head, “Caterina forced my hand. I have the power now; the pain is gone. You could come with me. Elgar’nan—” She shook her head. So it was much deeper and darker now than just Zara wasn’t it?

“You’re in league with fucking Elgar’nan?!”

He shook his head, wiping his hand over his mouth. He looked like he struggled, as if he wasn’t planning to let that slip. Was he that desperate now? And now he actually wanted her to side with him? With Elgar’nan?

“Don’t tell me you let the Antaam in too?”

He put his finger up, “I’m doing this to get the Antaam out. For Treviso, for Antiva.”

“You fucking idiot! You really think Zara is going to just let you have Antiva?”

“Zara is not even a factor once I am through with her.”

Her shoulders fell at that when she realized the meaning behind his words. “Why? Because you’ve used her up too and now she’s worthless to you? What special talents you have.”

Another flicker of hurt shot across his eyes. “I did not use you, Aren. Come with me! Do this with me! He can take away our pain!”

She shook her head and took a step away from him. “Antiva is a lot of things for me. It’s pain, and it’s dirty, and it’s a fucking nightmare, but I am not about to let it fall to Tevinter and blighted fucking ancient elves, Illario!” Everything grew quiet between them and she could see the anxious energy practically swirling within him.

“What are you going to do?”

They stared at one another for a long beat. “I’m going to help Rook. And Viago and Teia.”

“Are you going to tell them it was me?” She didn’t say anything; she didn’t know what to say. “Aren?”

“I have a contract.”

“Caterina is dead, your contract is nullified.” Her eyes widened at his words. “Think of it as a parting gift. Besides… You could not have killed me anymore than I can kill you. No one will know you didn’t fulfill it. Leave Zara to me.”

She felt her nostrils flare at that comment. She really was weak for this pathetic man. She hated herself for it.

“Fuck you, Illario.”

“You already did, Arenaria.”

She turned to leave, not sure what she was going to do. Viago didn’t know about this particular contract obviously since Caterina had discussed it only with her. And he still didn’t know the details of the first one. If he found out about this one—that she’d agreed to another after what happened with the first—he would kill her.

This was such a mess; a deep, dark pit that threatened to swallow her whole. She wouldn’t lie and say the temptation wasn’t there. To take the pain away? To have that kind of power over others? But it wasn’t right no matter how she spun it. She believed Rook, and she wasn’t about to be a slave to a false god. Not after what they did to her people so long ago.

She couldn’t help feeling some sort of guilt that she could’ve been that person for Illario, someone who finally chose him and chose to care about him not because they were family but because they wanted him. Ultimately his actions were his own. He chose the path to stay shackled underneath Caterina, and there wasn’t anything she could do to help him until he broke those chains of abuse himself.

She couldn’t pretend to be surprised that Illario let Elgar’nan influence him. He must have hit every sweet spot that Illario needed to hear. A chance to seize control, a chance to feel powerful, important, like he mattered.

But then there was a part of her that thought being altruistic and benevolent wasn’t exactly what being a Crow was about, was it? As stupid as he was going about it, Illario was doing what any ambitious Crow would do in this scenario.

But… there was something comforting about the approach Teia and Viago were taking their Houses. She’d always been miserable being a Crow and saw it as her only means of living this terrible life. It was a trap—death the only escape—and some days she wished for that sweet escape.

But if the Crows could be better? Could change the way they approached taking in children like her and giving them purpose that wasn’t solely killing for the highest bidder? What could Antiva look like if more Crows like her and Teia were taking out corrupt people?

Arainai was savage, brutal, and she did so many things to survive that twisted her gut in so many ways. De Riva buying her for whatever reason—whether they thought her look suited their ambitions, or whether they thought she was pathetic enough to be grateful for their rescue—she just knew that joining de Riva and befriending Viago was the best thing that happened to her. Two stupid idiot teens bonding over their shared misery.

She felt distraught though now. How could she face Viago knowing what she knew? And yet she didn’t want to give up on Illario that she could get through to him. Part of her hoped that when he asked her go with him that it meant he actually cared about her. Gods, what a fucking fool she was.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Aren was lucky so far that Viago and Teia were busy with the Antaam occupation. She was too, but it allowed for Viago’s normal annoying observations to be dulled. She was able to ignore his prying eyes after she got back that night but she got back to more chaos than she realized. Apparently Caterina really was dead and she couldn’t believe that Illario had it in him to do it.

She couldn’t help feeling some sick satisfaction at seeing Caterina’s little toad dead though, but something about their grandmother’s death seemed… off. Her throat had been slit, and considering how Illario felt about the woman she didn’t quite think that would’ve been his chosen method of killing for her.

She would’ve thought strangulation, beating, something that would’ve been more cathartic for him after what he went through under her “care.” It just felt wrong, but Teia was grieving, and the shock of having Lucanis alive also helped in her favor to fly under the radar about what she knew.

The guilt had swelled though. Lucanis deserved to know what was going on with Illario but there was still a part of her that wanted to help him, that wanted to pull him back up from the edge he slipped off. She wanted to save him like how he chose to save her. It was stupid to believe that he could come back from this, but she was stupidly in… Her heart skipped a beat.

No. She shook herself from her thoughts as she recalled the events to continue mulling them over. She had just missed Illario when she made her way back to the Diamond; he had gotten there before Rook and Lucanis arrived after their own confrontation to pretend he was out of the loop she presumed.

Teia spoke about his state, how he seemed in shock over Caterina’s death but relieved that Lucanis was alive. He was certainly a good liar, and it pulled at her heart. He could still be lying to her and she was foolishly trying to help him. She knew she should’ve told Viago that night but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

The weeks started to pass and she tried to follow Illario as best as she could but he was in and out of Villa Dellamorte and though they looked like hired help she knew Venatori now when she saw them. The estate was crawling with them. If Teia and Viago had just gone there—had put more resources into spying on him—they would’ve figured it out, but they were distracted, their focus elsewhere.

She tried her best to avoid Illario despite wanting to confront him and beat the stupidity out of him, but she needed to be careful if she was going to try and sway him. She needed to really find a way to get to him; she just wasn’t sure if she could.

In the time since then she’d gotten to know Rook, and Lucanis, a little more. She’d only dealt with Lucanis a few times when he wanted specialized poisons so seeing him more often now gave her a little more insight to the man. And she liked the Rivaini mage; she could already see a budding thing between her and Lucanis despite the poor man’s demonic problem. They’d even helped her find her fledgling.

Raea was with Jacobus and Dareth and almost nearly got herself killed. She’d hung back in the shadows, snuck around, but got caught by the Antaam. She had managed to get herself out of her bindings and killed one of the guards, and Aren couldn’t help being proud of the young girl when they found her though she was a little worse for wear with a broken arm.

Aren had been begrudgingly mentoring her, and it wasn’t so bad. If she were honest… she kind of enjoyed it. She was a little shit for certain—Viago admonished her for being a bad influence on the girl—but she continued to remind him he pushed for this, and he’d grumble out a response. Apparently others in Raea’s class had been inquiring about her mentorship, but Aren drew the line at one. She could only handle one fledgling at a time.

It wasn’t long before Lucanis had found a lead on Zara and she was admittedly a little sick to herself. A part of her burned that Illario was going to Zara and she wouldn’t lie and say the jealousy didn’t hurt a little within her that he was seeking some sort of comfort in her bed. Did he talk to Zara the way he talked to her? Did he confide in her? The thought made her ill.

She hadn’t been able to tell yet if he truly was being honest about trying to kill Zara at first, but it didn’t really matter when he admitted to handing Lucanis over to her anyway. No Crow would disagree that death is better than torture, but Illario still betrayed him. To Tevinter.

Overall it didn’t matter, she still tracked his movements back to the chantry again—ahead of Lucanis and Rook this night. If she didn’t get there before them, then she would miss her chance to try and talk sense into Illario.

Gear all black, she donned a hood and a mask covering her nose and mouth and made her way over the upper walkway within the chantry, passing quietly over Zara’s Venatori who were milling about. As she slunk by the main hall, she could hear them chanting, slipping in and out of a dreamlike state.

There was magic in the air, a certain buzz that made her feel like something was off. She kept moving and then she saw him. Illario was making his way through the halls and she followed as quietly as she could, her enchanted rings giving her an added edge to her stealth. She watched him disappear into a room and she eased around in the shadows of the night to follow him.

Once inside she wasn’t sure where he could’ve gone. It seemed inconspicuous enough but there was a bookshelf and typically that meant a hidden passage. She got to work and found the switch descending down into the underbelly of the chantry. She moved along and went up another set of stairs and saw him out across the courtyard from behind her corner.

He passed another couple Venatori lingering around and she crept along the upper walkway watching where he went. She continued to follow him from above, entering in the building he was within and an odor hit her—her nose curled at the smell—death was in the air and something else much more sinister and dark.

She eased her way along and dropped down to the main floor when she’d seen him slink further in; when she opened another door the smell hit her hard, the sound of buzzing from flies was deafening and the sight made her sick.

There were dead bodies strewn about—some were skeletons—some recent, and some just slightly past recent and revolting. She tried not to gag, her mask wasn’t helping, and she pressed forward. Some of these corpses—the skeletons—had been here for a long time. It didn’t surprise her this was beneath the chantry if she was being honest.

Once down the hall she found another door and her heart pounded in her chest. There were muffled voices but she couldn’t make out the words. She scrambled up a wall and once up in the rafters she found an attic that led her around. The voices were getting louder, and she could hear Illario.

“You have nothing more to give me, Zara, and I will not go down with your mistakes. You were supposed to kill him, not experiment on him and torture him!” She found a broken spot in the wall to peer down. Her eyes widened at the sight below. There was a giant pool of blood that spanned nearly the entirety of the room. Zara was dressed in a robe while Illario stood and watched her.

“Come now, amatus, don’t say such things,” Zara cooed. “We are good together.” Aren burned at her statements, couldn’t help the jealousy that seethed within her. That he sought comfort with her; it still made her sick.

Zara disrobed herself, her body perfect, no blemishes, petite and slim; she read up on her and found that this woman used blood magic to keep herself young and beautiful. The ridiculous amount of blood in the pool was evidence of that.

“I chose you, darling. When no one else did.” Aren burned at that and willed Illario to snap to it and kill her already.

“You broke our deal. For that I’m going to kill you,” he said darkly, but he didn’t move. With a flick of Zara’s bloody wrist his body language seemed to change. “Come kiss me, amatus,” she beckoned and Illario moved and kneeled at the pool’s edge, settling his lips upon hers.

She wasn’t going to keep watching this and she descended down, quickly moving upon Illario giving him a chop to the neck that promptly knocked him out. She eased him to the ground as Zara backed away further into the pool.

“How dare you,” the witch seethed, and Aren unsheathed her daggers.

“You’re the one who’s come to my country and screwed with my friends. I will fucking dare!” Aren practically growled. “Caterina may be dead, but I will gladly still finish this contract.”

Zara began to smirk at her, chuckling. “Are you jealous, my dear? Why would he ever want you? A filthy elf most likely from the gutter. You think your precious Crows even want you? You’re just another body. They don’t care who you are.” She sauntered through the pool of blood as Aren held her position.

“Do you honestly think you can get inside my head? As if I don’t already admonish myself,” Aren laughed and delighted when Zara frowned.

“I’m a mage, little Crow. How do you think you can stop me?”

“I have lots of tricks for little mages like you.”

Zara crouched in the pool and slowly stood revealing two of those Venatori sickle weapons in both her hands. Aren crept closer, trying to lure Zara into getting closer to a pillar. She had a fire grenade ready with that bitch’s name on it and she just needed her to get close so she could throw it at the pillar to break it in order to set it off and hope it blew her ass to pieces.

“Are you going to keep wading in your blood bath?”

“Aw,” Zara made a pitying face, “afraid to get a little blood on your hands?”

“When you’re able to manipulate it, I’m not taking any chances, puttana.”

Zara frowned; oh she knew what that insult meant. She watched her, Zara was doing something, blood swirling around her hand, and before she caught the noise she felt the rush of air leave her as Illario crashed into her. She tried to twist away from his grip, but he slammed her to the ground and she felt the wind leave her lungs.

She rolled out of the way; the bitter tang of that sickle weapon sparked the ground beside her and she kept rolling until she somersaulted backwards to stand. She managed to kick a dagger out of Illario’s hand but he caught her across the shin with the other. It cut through her leathers with a slight sting, but she managed to hop back away from him to assess the situation.

“Illario, stop!” She yelled at him, and she saw Zara chuckling in the pool so close to the pillar now. His face wrenched in pain as he clenched his fist around his weapon.

“You can’t have him you silly little Crow. He belongs to me now.”

No, she refused to believe it. She pulled down her mask and lowered her hood. “You are not weak, Illario!”

He came at her again and the sparks practically flew off their daggers as they clanged against one another. She tried not to get distracted by his red eyes, but she was worried. She didn’t want to kill him, but she couldn’t let him kill her either.

She managed to elbow him across the face and he swept her legs out from under her. She kicked the other dagger from his hand, but couldn’t move away fast enough. His hands found her throat and she used all her strength to try and pry his fingers from her neck.

“Illario!” She grunted, “tell her—” she gasped for air, “to fuck off!” His eyes shot to hers when she said that and a look of familiarity came to his eyes a moment as his grip loosened. “You can break free, amore mio,” she whispered as her voice wavered.

“Aren?”

A blast of magic rocked them both sending them rolling back across the ground. Maker, she was surprised her grenade hadn’t gone off yet, but she quickly swooped into action. She had to ignore Illario who looked shaken—still fighting the control—and with Zara distracted she threw the grenade as hard as she could into the pillar beside her. It exploded, she’d made it a lot more potent than she realized, and she felt the blast knock her back.

She could hear chunks of the ceiling falling when the ringing in her ears stopped, and she reached for another pillar to help her stand. She ducked in time when another Venatori sickle came at her and she dove for her daggers on the floor and rolled out the way. Zara’s cronies were filing in with all the commotion, but luckily the smoke in the air gave her a little bit of an advantage as she began to take them out one by one while her adrenaline coursed through her.

When she was sure they were all dead she tried to peer across the pool for Zara and saw her face down in it, her body a wrinkled mess. She took in a breath and made her way to Illario.

“You fucking idiot,” she slapped him in the face and he grunted coming to.

“Aren? What are you doing here?”

“Trying to save your stupid ass from yourself. Do you… not remember?” She quietly thanked the Maker that he possibly didn’t catch her calling him ‘my love.’

He coughed as she pulled him to stand, bracing him up against the wall. “Why do you care?” His words were bitter.

“This isn’t you.”

“Isn’t it?” He asked darkly and she swallowed hard. She didn’t like that look in his eyes.

“Amatus!” Zara called out and both their heads whipped in her direction. She was pulling herself up by the broken pillar and Aren could see tendrils of blood begin to slowly try to slip into her body, but the woman was too far gone, too out of it. She gripped her dagger and was about to finish the job when Illario quickly made his way over to her.

He grabbed her by the throat and without hesitation ripped it right out. Aren flinched at the display; it was alarming and she felt anxious at what he might do next. He turned to look at her, his hand bloody. The raw power he had to just end it like that.

“You need to leave before Lucanis and Rook get here.” He looked down at the ground. “It’s best I not ruin another life for what I’ve done so far…” His voice had lowered.

“Illario—”

“Just go! Get the fuck out of here, Aren!”

She wanted to be angry, but she could see it in his face. He was fighting so many demons. “It’s still Elgar’nan isn’t it? He promised you all the power you could ever want, didn’t he?” She shouted at him and he growled clutching his head in his hands.

“Why do you—”

“Because I care about you, Illario!” She shouted back. “I fucking lied; you know that! You knew that but you still did this!” She couldn’t help being upset with him.

“It’s always my fault. Everything is my fault!”

“Stop it, Illario, just stop!”

He moved up close to her quickly and she stepped back instinctively holding her dagger up.

He nodded, pursing his lips, “I thought so.” His eyes flicked down to her dagger. “Go. Now.” He growled. “Before I get you killed.”

He was so all over the place and she took in a breath making her way towards the back door. Surely Rook and Lucanis would follow the breadcrumb trail of Venatori leading to the way she came in.

“I am not giving up on you, Illario.” She called back to him and she watched him squeeze his eyes shut. She slipped out the door and she was gone.

~~

Aren was back at the Diamond and Viago and Teia quickly followed her as she went up to her room. She wanted to avoid all of this, but it seemed as though now was finally the time she had to come clean about everything.

She sat in the chair by her desk as she rolled up her pant leg, fishing for the right disinfecting balm to sweep over that cut. Viago was fussing and she looked up at the both of them.

“What is going on, Arenaria? I know you’ve been hiding something!”

“Mistress Cantori!” An attendant startled them at the door, all of them almost immediately grabbing for a dagger. “I-I’m sorry, but Rook and Lucanis are back and there’s something wrong.”

“Thank you. I’ll go, you get your answers,” Teia gave Aren a look and she let out a deep sigh when she and Viago were left in the room alone.

“Aren, what’s going on?”

“It’s a long story…”

“Humor me.”

She told him everything so far, and to say she feared his head would pop from how deep the furrow in his brow got would be an understatement.

“And Zara is dead?”

She nodded, “Ripped her throat clean out like it was nothing.”

“And Illario?”

“Not dead… I cannot kill him, Viago…”

“You fucking idiot,” he muttered, trying to massage his temples.

“Yeah I know, what else is new?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because Caterina was an evil bitch and if I didn’t comply she would have tried to frame me against House de Riva, and I couldn’t do that to you! Not after all we’ve been through. I couldn’t embarrass you like this if it got out what really happened.”

“You should have come to me, Arenaria.”

“It’s hard to tell you the truth about a lot of things, Viago…” She admitted and she saw the deep swallow in his throat. “You knew didn’t you… how I felt about you?” It suddenly wasn’t about the contracts and Caterina or Illario anymore. It was about them.

“I… suspected, but…” He tapped his foot. “Arenaria, these are not the words you want to hear, but… you are important to me. It’s just…” Viago said, and Aren put her hand up.

“More like siblings, yes?” It hurt, she wouldn’t deny it, but that he felt at least that about her she couldn’t help but be happy. He nodded and she smiled. “I know I have shamed House de Riva and if you want me to leave… I understand. I don’t feel like that anymore about you, I promise, but I do not want to cause trouble with you and Teia. You both matter too much to me.”

“Stop your nonsense. You may be a fucking idiot but you’re my idiot, and you’ll stay with House de Riva until we manage to kill each other.”

“You still want me in your life?”

“I do,” he said quickly. “You are very important to me, and I trust you, implicitly. I do not want this to change things for us.”

“Can you forgive me,” she felt the tears welling in her eyes and he cupped her face in his gloved palms to force her to look at him.

“You need not ask. We all do stupid shit… Especially for love though I question your poor taste…”

She laughed, sniffing, and smiled up at him. “Thank you, Viago,” she whispered.

“You need a shower.”

“Fuck off.” They both laughed and she grabbed him, pulling him in for a hug that he tried to push away from and promptly groaned about. “You’re my brother, you will suffer a hug, asshole.”

He sighed, “You are such an idiot.”

“I know… But it takes one to know one.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Illario sat at Caterina’s desk, palming his fist as he leaned on his elbows. He could smell the dried blood on his gloves filling his senses, metallic and sharp; dark like the blood magic Zara used on him.

He could feel the anxious energy swirling inside him. Zara was dead but why didn’t he feel any better? And Lucanis… that demon inside him lost it, and it nearly cost him his life when they found him standing over Zara’s dead body.

The demon practically exploded and attacked him; it knew. He should feel lucky that Lucanis and Rook were trying to do everything they could to keep the demon from killing him. Ultimately he had to use the pin on his chest to neutralize the demon and if that didn’t incriminate him he didn’t know what would. He couldn’t keep playing the fool; he had to make his moves now.

Rook had a look in her emerald eyes, he could already see how fiercely protective she was of Lucanis, how sickeningly sweet her flirting was with Lucanis when they had coffee what seemed like ages ago. The way they were together made him ache for Aren in ways he almost couldn’t bear. But then Zara would creep into his mind and he felt guilty even if he was only using her to further his own gains. He felt disgusted when he fell into bed with her, but she wanted him, and it was enough to just be wanted when his life was falling apart.

If he hadn’t been so stubborn and angry when Aren was pulling away maybe things could’ve turned out differently. But that she betrayed him too weighed heavily on his mind. He knew deep down she was right, that she had no choice if she wanted to live. Caterina had already tried to kill her off once—because of him—and now she was fighting for him. Despite the way they’d parted and the terrible things he said to her she decided to be in his corner even knowing he was guilty of everything.

He thought the power Elgar’nan gave him would make him feel good, and it did, but the self-loathing and guilt still haunted him. He wanted to be First Talon so badly but he was questioning whether he really wanted it or he just wanted the acceptance and respect—the power—that went along with it.

But he had nothing. No one. He didn’t do enough to hold onto Lucanis and then he betrayed him, and he hated himself for it. Recent years he thought about what it’d be like if Lucanis was gone. If he had died on some contract maybe Caterina would finally take him seriously. But she didn’t. And the past year only sent him into an even worse downward spiral.

He was alone.

Suddenly he stood, sweeping everything off the desk in a fit of rage. The desk went next, splintering and cracking when he upended it. He trashed everything, the books, the shelves until he came to one shelf that wouldn’t budge so easily. He took a breath and backed away, slumping to his knees on the floor.

He didn’t know what to do, and the whispers from Elgar’nan crept back into his head to offer sweet salvation. A promise that if he fully submitted then the pain would completely go away, that he hadn’t fully accepted yet and that’s why he felt the way he did.

Lucanis and Aren… Caterina… they were holding him back and Elgar’nan whispered that he knew what he had to do. In order to not feel anything anymore he had to get rid of them. He had to kill them.

He felt himself slipping further and further… was there any hope he could come back from this?

Aren thought so…
~~

Since the incident, Viago had tasked Aren with spying on Illario and Villa Dellamorte. Any information she could possibly glean, safely, would be crucial. She knew she needed to get in there, not only to see about convincing Illario, but she needed to get back into that cellar to get those contracts. There wasn’t much she was finding by surveilling the grounds without getting in the house proper.

Another week passed, and Viago called Aren in for them to report something. One of his spies found a ring in the trash—the one thing Aren refused to rifle through—and Teia was certain that it meant Caterina was alive. Aren couldn’t help being disappointed; she wasn’t surprised but she had hoped the woman actually was dead. It seemed Illario couldn’t do it. Despite everything Caterina put him through he still couldn’t kill her.

And then he had sent out invitations to the Talons and their Houses to the Dellamorte opera house this evening. Apparently he planned to announce himself as First Talon and Aren couldn’t help shaking her head. What was he thinking?

Teia and Viago were going to Rook’s base of operations—the lighthouse—to tell Lucanis what they found safely away from prying ears. Viago had warned her not to do anything stupid while they were gone, but Aren wasn’t about to listen to him. She had to get to Illario first and convince him to stop.

She made her way to the Villa and she’d been here so much now she felt as though she had a good lay of the grounds. She found herself upon the roof of the house and she made her way over to the balcony that led into Caterina’s office. She needed the proof.

If she got the proof then she’d be able to convince Illario that Elgar’nan was using his pain to further his own agenda. She wanted to convince him that he didn’t need to fight Lucanis and Rook, nor her, and he needed to fight Elgar’nan and the Venatori who were all using him to their own gains.

She desperately hoped he could give up this idea that becoming First Talon would make everything right and better. Would he even be receptive to listening? She was anxious as she dropped down onto the balcony. The office was dim, only one candle lit within, and it was a disaster in here.

Once inside she made her way over to the bookshelf and almost placed her hand on the book lever. She stopped, elven ears hearing the faintest gust of a whispered movement, and she unsheathed her daggers and blocked a cloaked assailant. They were glowing red now as she tried to fight them off, but they were so quick.

“Lord Elgar’nan thought you’d be here.” Their voice sounded warped, and she twisted her daggers around to push off of their own sickle weapons. “I have a message for you from him."

'My child, there is no need to fight. You can join him, side by side, while I take away the pain and memories that keep you up at night.' She was caught off guard, Elgar’nan’s voice entered her mind promising sweet temptation that sounded so good, but she wasn’t going to entertain him. She refused to.

“You can go fuck yourself. You are not a god,” she growled and went after the Venatori assassin. She countered his attack sending one dagger up underneath his ribs and the other straight into his throat then let him fall to the floor. She knelt down, using his clothes to wipe her daggers clean, and sheathed them.

That was unnerving hearing Elgar’nan’s voice in her head. It was almost like he was trying to show her echoes of Arlathan—what once was—to try and convince her. She couldn’t help that sometimes she wondered about the ancient times when elves were on top, but then she remembered those elves she’d met.

From what information she’d gotten from Rook, they were most likely once Solas’s agents. They spoke of the slavery and corruption of their gods and Aren wasn’t about to trade one oppressive life for the promise of another equally oppressed god-led future. Even if Elgar’nan promised them power, it was power under his thumb.

She made her way to the door; she was going to check to make sure she hadn’t drawn attention with the commotion she’d just caused, when suddenly a powder hit her right in the face. She stumbled back into the room trying to reach for something—anything—in her delirium until she started to fall and then she was out.

She startled awake when she hit the floor hard, and she felt a tightness in her shoulders and legs. When she came to, she groaned, still able to smell that knockout powder. It made her woozy, and she tried her best to open her eyes. She tried to move but found her wrists tightly bound behind her back. Rope was tied tightly around her ankles too and they were pulled up behind her to connect those bindings to her wrists.

A dark chuckle landed on her and she craned her neck to see Caterina sitting in a chair.

“What a pathetic sight you are,” she smarted off and Aren felt perplexed. “And before you ask, no I cannot untie you. Our captors threatened death upon me.”

She let out a growl of frustration as she wriggled around embarrassingly. “Why am I bound and not you?”

“I suppose they believe you are more dangerous and plan to kill you when my foolish grandson tells them to. I am merely waiting for my opportunity.”

“You’ve been waiting this long,” she bitterly chuckled and heard a ‘hmph’ from Caterina.

The wriggling wasn’t helping so Aren tried to relax, feeling a bit more anxiety creep within her. She didn’t like being bound, and she didn’t like how it was bringing up terrible memories. She’d been bound nearly just like this when she was with Arainai. She tried to extend her fingers to reach her feet and found she was able to scrape her fingers against her ankle.

“Tell me… Since I’m going to die anyway… Why did you have Mariella assassinated?”

She could tell a lot by the look on that woman’s face and the way the room went deafeningly silent. “You don’t have to pretend, Caterina. I found the box in your cellar with her initials on it. I saw the contract.” She was trying to get Caterina to spill the secrets despite not having seen the contract yet. She could speculate, and she hoped she was able to convince her that she’d seen it all.

“Why does it need my confirmation if you are already sure of what you’ve seen?” Caterina seemed to try to call her bluff, but she felt like she practically admitted to it right there.

“It takes some sort of gall to murder your own child. What did she do that upset you so badly? It must’ve been something big for you to still hate her through Illario.”

“I did not murder any of them.”

“Putting a contract on her head still makes your hands bloody.”

The silence spanned between them, and it was loud and charged. She craned her neck up to see Caterina scowling down at her.

“She was going to take Lucanis away. She never understood the decisions I had to make. If it were not for the things I did the Dellamorte name would have been a footnote in Antivan history. The war of succession took nearly everything from me. But I did not falter.”

Aren couldn’t help scoffing. “You chose power at the cost of your whole family? Your children? Some kind of mother you are. At least my parents showed their true colors. The way you made your children, then your grandchildren suffer. Well… You take the prize. Congratulations.”

“You will never understand. You think because you are rich now, that you hold favor with Viago and Teia, that it makes a difference? You will always be nothing because you came from nothing.”

“I would never betray my family. And the ones I’ve found are far more valuable than any kind of power I could attain.”

“Yet you betrayed Illario.” She tensed at that. “You never told him your dirty little secret.”

“You gave me no choice. You already tried to kill me.”

“A shame it did not work out.”

Aren started to laugh at her bitter tone. “I can’t help but thinking… that if you hadn’t tried to kill me, we may not even be in this mess.”

Perhaps it was wishful thinking to think that she and Illario would’ve grown closer, that they would’ve figured out how to be something. Stupid and in love. And not all of this. Maybe it was silly to think Illario would have given up the obsession with First Talon, that she could have helped him work through his trauma—through both their trauma—together.

What if she hadn’t gotten scared and pissed him off that morning? Would he have gone to Vyrantium with Lucanis? Gotten caught up with Zara? Could she have convinced him to stay with her and make love every night and talk about their issues? Would that have been so bad?

“Illario was always weak.”

“You equate weakness to needing care and love. I actually feel sorry for you. I used to think like you, but I realized I would be nothing without the love from my friends. Is that why you hated his mother? Because she dared to want and need love from her mother?”

Caterina scoffed, “Let us not pretend who is the more pathetic one amongst us.”

“You can play pretend all you want.” Aren was doing her best to unlace her boot. She could feel the ropes cutting into her wrists. If she could just get her foot free, that’s all she needed. She could snap a Venatori knee and choke them out once they hit the floor.

“I’d rather be pathetic than to be a monster of a mother like you.”

“I was protecting our lineage.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you!? Only Lucanis and Illario survived and you couldn’t give a fuck about Illario! How’s your lineage working out for you? You think Lucanis will ever be the same when he’s plagued by a demon? You are old and alone and I’m sure they both hate your fucking guts!”

The door opened and Aren quit her struggling as a Venatori came in. “You two need to quiet down!”

“Make me, testa di cazzo! Sei un pezzo di mierda! Vaffanculo! Fanculo tua madre e tuo padre!!” And a long line of insults in Antivan left her mouth until she even slipped in a ‘fenedhis lasa’ for good measure.

“Please gag her, I am tired of listening to her.”

“You won’t have to listen to her much longer.” He rummaged in Caterina’s drawer until he found a scarf. The woman was yelling at him for touching her things and he ripped it. “But in the meantime.” Aren struggled as he came closer and she tried to fight but all she could manage was wiggling around like an idiot as he pressed at the back of her jaw like she was a fucking dog, opening her mouth enough that he began to stuff the cloth into it.

She was growling like a feral cat, struggling against the rope but finally thought better of it, she was only succeeding in tightening her bindings more. He tied the other part of the scarf around her head to keep the gag secured.

“Maker, that’s a mouth if I’ve ever heard one. Typical elf I suppose.”

“She is not a proper Antivan.” Caterina smarted off.

Aren glared daggers at the woman but only her muffled grunts could be heard.

“Get up, he wants to see you now,” he said to the elder Talon and she sat there not complying until he pulled her to her feet..

“What else could that idiot boy possibly say to me at this point?”

Once they were out the door Aren frantically tried to further unlace her boot; everything about being bound and gagged like this just sent her into a panic. Her shoulders hurt, fingers slippery from the blood trickling down her hands, and she tried to stave off the feeling of needing to gag with the scarf stuffed in her mouth.

She was so angry, and it was times like these that she wished she was a mage so she could burn alive all the Venatori in this house. She managed to unlace her boot, trying her best to grip at her ankle. If she could just wiggle her foot out free that was a step in the right direction. She struggled a little longer and finally let out a moan of relief when she managed to get her foot out her boot.

Then she stopped as she heard something. There was crashing, yelling, footsteps pounding down the hall, and she tried her best to awkwardly roll across the floor. She tried reaching for the knob with her foot, but her sock was keeping her from catching a grip. She just needed a Venatori to come through so she could snap their knee and roll out into the hallway. She didn’t care who else found her pathetic like this, she just needed to find Illario. He would help her; she just knew he would.
~~

Illario was pacing in the office when the Venatori henchman finally brought Caterina in. As soon as he left they stared at one another before she sat down in the chair, calmly, and he felt himself getting twisted up inside. He was going to name himself First Talon tonight, and he was finally going to be rid of her. How depended on her answers.

“What do you want, Illario? My forgiveness? Permission? You will have none of that.”

He scoffed, “You think I want you to forgive me? After everything you’ve done to me?”

“You still never learned that what I did was to help you survive. You are weak. You always will be.”

He felt the nerves rattling around within him. Why couldn’t he just kill her and be done with it? He hated her so much, but she was still his nonna and part of him still desperately wanted her acceptance.

“I will take over as First Talon tonight.”

Caterina huffed out a laugh, “You really think you can do this job? You let Venatori into this country, into my house, and you think you can rule? The other Houses will have your neck within the hour.”

“They will fall in line.”

“Why? Because you let a god in too? You’re pathetic.”

He growled as he moved in front of her; he pulled out the dagger that once belonged to his mother, but he stopped himself. She was smirking.

“You can’t do it can you, Illario? You want to kill me but you can’t. Your mother lacked the courage too.”

He froze. “Explain yourself. Why did she try to kill you?”

She pursed her lips, hand gripping her cane, as she averted his eyes. “House Velardo kidnapped my Gianna and her husband. They tried to use them as leverage and send the ring as proof.” She stared at him and he realized something.

“They didn’t kill them first did they?”

“I could not risk our House falling. We already lost so much.”

“You let them die? You didn’t even try?”

“I did try!” She tried to protest.

“Clearly not hard enough!” He couldn’t believe she’d choose power over her daughter, her favorite daughter at that. And then he realized just how much in common he now had with Caterina. He basically did the same thing…

“You know about this all too well,” Caterina smirked. “I’m honestly impressed that you moved against Lucanis the way you did.”

“You’ve done nothing but berate me for it.”

“Because ultimately you failed, thus making it foolish. If only you had the sense to follow through. If you hadn’t messed it all up by betraying him then we would not be in this mess.”

“It’s always about Lucanis with you,” he shouted.

“He is my boy.”

Illario shook his head and a bitter smile spread on his lips. “I cannot believe how long I’ve tried to gain your favor. It was never me was it? It was you… obsessing over Lucanis, obsessed that he was what you deemed the perfect boy because he did everything you wanted so perfectly. I did everything you wanted too,” he yelled, nearly exploding. “Why could you never see me the way you saw him!?”

“You were never good enough.”

“WHY?”

“You were never as good as him. You are an embarrassment to House Dellamorte, whoring and gambling, getting drunk in public, bringing shame to my House. Lucanis never brought this House shame. He is known for something. You cannot handle the same contracts as him; you are not good enough to be mentioned in the same breath as him.”

It hurt to hear it all in one breath. He’d known it all these years, the snide comments, the admonishment after ‘simple’ jobs. It was all why he started drinking more and gambling and in general not caring. Nothing he ever did was good enough so why bother?

But then he started in recent years trying to be better, trying to make Caterina see that he could handle what Lucanis handled, and she still didn’t care. Then she actively sabotaged him so he would relent and accept when she made Lucanis First Talon.

“And what of my mother…?”

“She tried to take Lucanis from me after House Velardo took my daughter from this world. She just couldn’t let things lie as they had. And she stood before me as you do now… unable to kill me. She couldn’t kill her own mother and you cannot kill your grandmother because you know you would have done the same in my position. And you did the same, Illario. You can take the title, but know that it comes with the blood of your mother with it. I did what I had to do to protect this legacy, the rest of this family.”

“You killed my mother…” His heart felt like it was stopping. “Did you kill my mother?!” He screamed in her face and an evil little laugh left her.

“No. I would never kill my own daughter.”

“Not with your own hands…” He thought of her manservant. “Why, Caterina? How could you? Why did you hate her too?!” He tried not to whimper but the pain echoed in his voice.

“Your mother never knew her place.”

“Power was always more important to you than family…”

Caterina’s grin was nauseating. “Another thing we have that in common then.”

He felt his stomach churn at the comparison. He couldn’t be like her. He couldn’t be everything he hated in her. Why did he let himself become everything he hated about her?

'It’s time, Illario. She’s only ever held you back from the greatness you deserve.'

He felt frustrated hearing Elgar’nan’s voice trying to persuade him to give in, and he hit her, knocking her out, and she fell to the floor. He left the room and in his rage he sunk his knife into a Venatori standing guard.

He went after one who stared at him stunned and another came at him as he fought and killed him too. His rage wouldn’t be sated and he continued to slaughter them before a mage started to throw fire at him. He managed to dodge it, and then sunk his dagger straight into their neck.

He noticed a tapestry on fire and he couldn’t help thinking… add more. Burn it down. Burn it all down. This house was poison, and every memory here made him feel more and more hurt and enraged. He found a fireplace, grabbing a log with gloved hands to fling one towards the curtains and another one onto the couch and rug.

Once the room was up in flames he made his way back to the office where he closed the door and found Caterina trying to push herself up from the floor.

“I hope you enjoy watching your house burn…” He felt empty inside.

“What have you done you stupid boy?”

“I am taking everything you ever cared about away from you. Everyone is going to know what you did.”

He could smell the smoke filtering into the room underneath the door, and he finally saw a little bit of panic on her face.

“You would let Arenaria burn too?” His eyes widened at her utterance.

“She’s here?”

“Yes, bound and gagged. Helpless.”

“Where is she?!” He pulled her up into the chair. “Tell me where she is?!”

She began to laugh. “Get me out of here, and I will tell you.”

He unsheathed his dagger holding it up against her throat as she laughed at him. “You’re losing time, Illario. If you truly care about her then get me out of here.”

He wanted to kill her now, but he still couldn’t bring himself to do it. And then he heard the whisper of Elgar’nan in his head again. 'Do it. Release her from this world. Sup the nectar of that which you were denied your whole life.'

He wanted to do it… Needed to do it. 'Yes, accept the power that I can give you. You will be the most powerful man in Antiva. All will cherish you, accept you, love you. You will be rewarded as you bring the Crows to heel.'

It all sounded so good, but he couldn’t help the cry that left him amongst the smoke beginning to fill the room. He raised the dagger, Caterina goading him on as the fire crept through the wall and ceiling. He felt torn in all directions, the more time he wasted…

And then a memory hit him. Lucanis holding him as they both wept when they were young. Lucanis lost both his parents and Illario’s mother soon after. The last of the Dellamortes aside from him, Lucanis, and Caterina.

But Lucanis was there. He was there holding him; they were holding each other. He was always there no matter how many times Illario spurned him, made fun of him, embarrassed him. His cousin was there. He knew he was partially at fault for why Lucanis doubted him when they got older. Why he started to spurn him right back, chastising him for his lack of skill. Illario felt he was right to.

He betrayed the one person that had his back when they were children. His brother. It wasn’t like that anymore; it hadn’t been that way for a long time. He admitted he shared blame for giving off the impression he didn’t care. The mask never slipped after he’d been hurt too many times.

He heard something bang against the door, knocking him out of his memory. The smoke was creeping closer, threatening to consume him as he let Caterina fall back to the floor. He realized what he wanted now. He wanted to fix things with Lucanis, he wanted to be better, he wanted to be rid of Caterina’s abuse overshadowing his life, and he wanted to choose what he wanted for his life. He wanted Aren.

He ripped the pin off his chest, tossing it aside, and he ran to the door; it smashed open as he got to it and there she was, one leg freed from her bindings.

Her eyes looked relieved, bloodshot from the smoke, hair coming out its braid, and he kneeled to work on ripping out the gag shoved deep into her mouth.

“Illario, are you with me? Is it you?” Her voice was raspy, but the way he felt at hearing it made him feel so much better.

He got completely down on his knees as he worked to cut her from her bindings with his dagger. Her arms were tied painfully behind her back, one ankle still caught in the other knots. Once he’d freed her, her limbs were shaky as she grabbed hold of him.

“You fucking idiot,” she admonished him, brushing her palm across his cheek.

“I know,” he rolled his eyes. “How did you get all the way here? What happened to your boot?”

“I managed to unlace it and slip my foot out. And I crawled like a fucking dog, alright? Let’s get out of here before we suffocate and burn.”

“I would say you more likely wiggled like a worm.” The look she gave him was practically murder. “You have to admit—”

“You shut your mouth,” she said darkly and he chuckled. He hefted her up, wrapping her arm around his shoulder as she groaned, then looked back at Caterina lying on the floor.

“Is that?” She looked up at him and he felt conflicted. “You should let her burn. I know what she did to your mother…”

His jaw clenched; he wanted so badly to let her go up in flames with this Maker forsaken house, but he didn’t want her to get off this easy. He wanted to embarrass her. “No, she needs to pay. Can you stand,” he asked and she nodded as he went to grab Caterina’s practically lifeless body, passed out once again.

He picked her up, and when Aren shook out her limbs, she hobbled on one boot to lead the way.

“This is why you shouldn’t wear heeled boots when you’re already a giant,” he grunted.

“Fuck off, Illario,” she shot back at him, but he couldn’t help grinning when he saw her smile at him.

“Don’t you find this romantic,” he panted. “You finding me in a blaze? Me rescuing you?”

Another dirty look darted back his way as they made their way down the stairs. “You’re joking? Now, of all times? Your house is about to collapse! Who started the fire anyway?”

“I suppose I did…”

“You what?!”

“So sorry, I’ll try to remember to act with a little more decorum when a god isn’t whispering sweet nothings in my ear.” He shifted Caterina in his arms. Was the dead weight even alive? Fuck, he hated that the tiny shred of himself decided to haul her ass out of here. Only for the hope and possible sick satisfaction of seeing her suffer what she wrought.

“Aren, this way! It’ll lead us to the courtyard. We can get some air, hopefully get away from the worst of it,” he huffed, trying to take this a little more seriously. He was starting to feel a little woozier, and he could see her looking worse for wear as well as she used the wall to help her along.

He stumbled, knees buckling and he eased him and Caterina down to the floor as best he could. “Illario, get up, we have to move!”

“Go… I can’t…”

She kneeled in front of him, “the fuck you can’t. Get up, NOW!” She ordered and helped him heft Caterina back up into his arms as she pulled him to stand. Her hands were firmly gripped under his shoulder and he needed her to help brace him up. He needed her assurance, her belief. He also desperately needed water.

They finally made it past a fiery door, out into the courtyard and away from the burning house and into some sort of fresh air. They sucked it in, and he dropped Caterina to the ground as he fell to his knees. He watched Aren toss her other boot away.

“Illario, what did you do?!” He felt panic rise within him as he heard his cousin’s voice but before he could move closer Aren stepped in front of him.

“Wait, Lucanis, listen!” She stopped them, and Illario could see Teia, Viago, and Rook sidling up behind him. Their faces… he couldn’t stand to see their faces. “There’s things you do not know.”

“I fucked up, cousin, I did… But… I swear I have reasons.” Illario panted, pleading down on his knees from behind the safety of Aren.

“Arenaria, what is going on? What the hell have you done?”

“I’ll explain everything, Viago. Just… give Illario a chance, please!”

Illario looked up at her and he couldn’t help reaching for her hand. She held it, squeezed it, and he finally felt his heartbeat quelling just a little easier. They had too much to talk about, but right now… Right now she was on his side. She believed in him. She offered support. And she tried to save him from himself.

Lucanis came to stand before him, and Illario had a hard time looking up at him. “Dearest grandmother has some demons of her own to share… If she’s still alive.”

“Mahia,” Lucanis called to Rook and she made her way over. He watched Lucanis press his fingers to Caterina’s neck. “She has a pulse, can you try?”

Mahia nodded, and Illario bitterly watched as she attempted to heal her. She woke up coughing, and she almost immediately started berating him. Aren pulled him away and steadied him against her.

“He set my house on fire; he tried to kill me!”

“Shut up,” Aren snapped. “Sei un pezzo di mierda.” Even Illario was shocked she said that right to Caterina’s face. “She took out a contract on her own daughter!”

Lucanis’s eyes widened and Illario clarified. “My mother Lucanis… After she tried to take us away because Caterina let your parents die and did nothing to stop Velardo.”

He looked like he couldn’t believe it. “Is this true,” he asked her, and she averted his gaze. “Caterina…” He practically whimpered and Mahia put her hand on his shoulder.

Rain started to fall and Illario couldn’t help thinking how the cards were always stacked against him. He couldn’t even burn down his own house without nature intervening and trying to put it out.

“We need to get out of here,” Teia said as she made her way to Caterina. She would be the one to still want to help her. Teia’s heart was too good—far too good for the Crows—and he always held a certain fondness for her. She was one of the only ones who believed he was good at being a Crow. “Let the rain put the fire out.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Illario was alone in his room at the Diamond. With all the commotion the others had been fussing over Caterina to make sure she was alright. Viago had pulled Aren aside, no doubt to give her an earful. He overheard him saying something about ‘what part of don’t do anything stupid while we’re gone did you not understand?’ He couldn’t help the jealous pang that the Fifth Talon was taking any of her time at the moment when he wanted her time, but otherwise, the thought of her defying orders to go to his villa made his heart do a little leap.

He smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed, fresh from his shower, his wavy hair still damp as it touched his cheeks. He used his towel to try and dry it better before he tied it back to keep it out of his face. He didn’t shave, he was too tired to, and he could feel the stubble on his cheeks as he rubbed his face. The smell of smoke still lingered in his nose, but otherwise… He couldn’t help feeling a spot of hope for himself.

A soft knock tapped on his door and he debated on letting them in but called out hoping for it to be her. When Aren appeared at the doorway he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of her. Her hair also looked damp, and she was wearing a tunic and sleep shorts exposing her long legs he couldn’t help roving his eyes over. And then the thought of all the nights he spent in Zara’s bed came back to him and he recoiled, looking away from her due to the guilt and shame.

How many nights he suffered the smell of blood and rot lingering just beneath the heavy smell of flowers just to try and feel a shred of what he felt when he was with Aren. But it wasn’t the same, it never felt even close to how it felt to be with Aren, to kiss her, to run his hands over her body and feel the way she shivered under his touch. Zara couldn’t come close and he felt sick for even trying.

He looked back at her and she was leaning against the door. He saw the bandages around her wrists from the bindings. She really fought like hell to get out of that.

“Thank you, Aren…” He tried to smile, but he was sure he looked pathetic.

“Is this you now? Free from Elgar’nan?”

He nodded, “He’s out of my head. I will not let him tempt me again, I promise.”

She moved closer now and sat on the bed next to him. “For what it’s worth… I’m sorry I said those terrible things to you that morning… I cannot help but think it’s partially my fault…”

“No, stop… It hurt, but it was not your fault… I fucked up, Aren… There was always this part of me that wanted Lucanis dead so I could have a chance… It was there before we met again… You could not have helped me…”

“But I also betrayed you.”

He shook his head, “you were only trying to protect yourself… Anyone would’ve done the same. Caterina already tried to kill you; I cannot blame you for it.” He already spent his time being mad and upset over it. It still stung, but he felt a weight had lifted and he was able to look at this from a different point of view.

“Illario… I am so sorry.” The way she looked at him made his heart flutter. She brushed the piece of hair that had fallen out of his updo back up into his hair; that small comfort… Maker, she was killing him. “The things she put you through… What she did to your mother.”

“I have no proof… It’s the lesser Dellamorte’s word against hers.”

“There’s a contract, Illario. I know where it’s at. It has to be it.”

“But the house…”

“There was a secret door in her office that led down to a cellar. We’ll find it. The box had your mother’s initials. And I found missives in the library archive from House Velardo members that could prove she did nothing for Lucanis’s parents.”

“You… looked into it?”

She nodded, “Yes… After the wake, I started to wonder about how it all went down. Then I snuck into your house the next morning and found the secret room.”

“You did all that… why?”

She shrugged, “I felt I owed it to you. For saving my life… for what I did to you.”

He couldn’t help that her admittance made him feel some sort of way. That she wanted to find out what happened for him.

“Besides it came with an added bonus of getting leverage on your bitch of a nonna.”

He couldn’t help the bitter chuckle that left him. “I wonder if it’ll be enough,” he said and he felt her hand on his.

“Do you think Lucanis could get her to confess,” she asked. “That way he’ll see.”

“I don’t know… And I don’t know if he would even want to try… I’m sure he hates me… He has every right to.”

“It’s… just a typical Tuesday in the Antivan Crows.”

He let out a small laugh, “Considering what Caterina did… I suppose it’s not unlike the Dellamortes.”

“It’s just a bump in the road.”

“Aren…” He looked at her; Maker, she was so pretty even all undone. “What about us?”

She shrugged, “We’ll figure it out… but… I’m not leaving Treviso any time soon.”

“Thank you…” he breathed, and then he felt her pull him in and she wrapped her arms around him. She was hugging him, and after the initial shock wore off he melted into her, burying his face in her neck smelling the sweet clean soap on her skin. He couldn’t remember the last time someone hugged him like this, unprovoked. “Will you stay with me tonight? Just to sleep.”

“Yes.”

He couldn’t help the way his heart swelled, the way it felt for someone to be in his corner like this. He didn’t want to ruin this night with anything else and they situated themselves under the covers. He wasn’t sure if he had any right to touch her, but she sidled up next to him and laid her head on his chest.

“Remember, you’re not supposed to brag,” she mumbled and he chuckled, putting his arm over her waist.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
~~

The knock at the door woke Illario from his sleep. He thanked the Maker he didn’t dream; it was the first time in a long while that he’d not had nightmares. He was lying on his side and felt the press of Aren against his back, holding him, and he felt the warmth rush to his cheeks. He’d never felt this kind of comfort before, and when the knock happened again, louder, his brow furrowed.

He slowly eased out of the bed, Aren was completely knocked out and he didn’t want to disturb her. The ordeal she went through yesterday was as exhausting as his. He quietly padded to the door, opening it up and finding Viago outside and he felt himself cringe. Viago’s eyes narrowed, his eyes flicking towards the bed, and Illario was sure his shirtless state of dress didn’t help any.

“You had your chance,” Illario muttered quietly and Viago pinched the bridge of his nose.

“It is not like that between us. But she is family and you… You’ve already almost gotten her killed, twice.”

Illario sighed, “I know… I do not deserve her… I do not deserve anything good in my life… What do you want, Viago?”

“Get dressed. We all need to have a discussion.”

“Can it not wait?”

“No. It will not be long before the other Talons demand explanations for why your estate has burned down. They were all waiting for you at the opera house. They are anxious. Especially when the summit Caterina called where we lost half the Talons is not so far in the past. AREN!” Viago barked and Illario heard her startle awake and immediately begin cursing out the Fifth Talon.

“Fuck you, Viago…” She called back sleepily and Illario couldn’t help chuckling. Fuck off—at least he hoped—was affectionate where as fuck you was anger. He’d been on the better end of mostly ‘fuck offs’ since he met her.

“Make it quick,” Viago said and Illario closed the door as he left.

“Maker, he’s like your overbearing husband,” he muttered and he watched her cringe.

“I hate it. Stop,” she said and he started to laugh. “I… I do not feel like that about him anymore, Illario…” She said softly. “I would appreciate if… you could forget that I once did…”

The way she sincerely asked that, how she looked so embarrassed. He couldn’t help feeling badly about it. “I’m sorry for what I said too… It was cruel of me to throw that in your face… Especially when I had no right to be jealous…”

“You were jealous?” She walked by him. Her curls were messy from sleep and she looked divine still sleepy.

“Yes…”

She stared at him for a moment before she picked at the bandages at her wrists. “Well then… I suppose I should go get dressed before I get yelled at again.” He nodded as she made her way to the door. Why did things suddenly get so awkward between them?

He let out a sigh when she left and he got dressed. He was thankful he had a few outfits stashed away here, but he’d have to head to the tailors and get something new ordered considering… well everything he owned had gone up in flames.

Once he’d freshened up in the washroom he headed out and eventually found Viago who ushered them into a suite. Lucanis was already there drinking coffee and from the look on his face it probably wasn’t from the Diamond. When he glanced over and saw him Illario couldn’t help shirking his gaze.

Aren was sitting on a couch and he made his way to sit beside her; she was the only one he felt wouldn’t attack him outright for everything that happened and she nudged his knee with hers once he settled in. Teia arrived and informed them that Caterina was fine and sleeping. He saw the look on Aren’s face and he couldn’t help agreeing with her sentiments.

Once they’d all sat amongst the carefully placed chairs and couches he wasn’t sure he was ready to explain things.

“Perhaps you should start from the beginning,” Viago started. He expected the man to look at him, but he looked at Aren instead.

“Do we really need to hash through that part?”

“Yes.”

She sighed, “Fine. A year and a half ago Caterina called upon me for a contract, but it was not a typical one… She… wanted me to sabotage Illario on his contract. She wanted leverage to put him down when the time came to name Lucanis First Talon…” He glanced at Lucanis who was staring at the ground until he glanced back up at him.

“But the whole thing went to shit. She ordered her right hand man to kill me, and luckily I had been dosing myself with the poison to build up my immunity. Illario saved me over finishing the job. I lived. Her man killed his mark to make it look like he was unfit to handle the job, so the deal was done. We parted ways once we got back to Treviso.”

Illario took in a breath; he supposed it was his turn now. “I went to Vyrantium with Lucanis for a job. Heard about Zara wanting to take down the mage killer. I did my research and…” He looked at Lucanis who was staring intensely at him. “I promise you, cousin, I intended to take down Zara myself, but… I’m sorry I…” He found he couldn’t admit it to his face.

“Instead you handed me over to her,” Lucanis said and Illario nodded.

‘Fear and loathing; he hates himself.’ Illario felt unnerved at the demon’s words coming from Lucanis’s mouth, his eyes momentarily flashing purple.

They were all quiet until Illario continued. “I thought that… with you out the way she would realize I existed that… Caterina would finally give me a chance… It was stupid, I only keep proving how fucking stupid I am.” He looked at Aren, and he wanted her to reach out for him, wanted the comfort of her touch. He had to settle for the look in her eyes and the way she fiddled with her fingers.

“She was supposed to kill you, not torture you, I swear that was the deal we made.”

“As if that makes it any better,” Rook said.

“You should have had the guts to do it yourself.” He looked up at Lucanis again, he looked angry, betrayed.

“I couldn’t kill you…”

“Only have someone else do it for you.”

“What else would you have me say?” Illario suddenly barked. “I’m a fucking coward? That I cannot do anything right? I know what I did, but you—” He let out a frustrated sigh. “The rest is… Caterina had a feeling it was me. I didn’t know what to do and I let them take her because… I couldn’t kill her either. And I let… Elgar’nan influence me. From there I think you all know the rest.”

Lucanis shook his head, “Fucking Elgar’nan? Illario, how stupid can you be?”

He put his hand on Aren’s knee when she was about to fire off at his cousin. He gave her a look and she eased back into the couch.

“It’s not my finest moment, cousin… I’m sorry.”

“What happened at the villa,” he asked.

“Caterina admitted what she did to our parents, Lucanis… I snapped. I burned it all down.” He watched Lucanis for a reaction; he wiped his hand over his mouth and he could tell he didn’t want to believe him. “I know you think I’m lying but I’m not…”

“Caterina has several contracts in a secret cellar she hid away. There is a contract box for M.D. down there and I’m certain it’s for Illario’s mother,” Aren added. “We can go back and find it. That’ll prove what she did. I also found letters at the library. They’re from within House Velardo that suggest they had your parents for a while before they got rid of them… because Caterina wouldn’t play the game.”

Lucanis let out a frustrated growl and stood. “This is… this is ridiculous; Caterina would never do that!”

Illario stood as well. “Then you don’t know our grandmother well do you? Just because you’re her favorite doesn’t mean she’s some sort of saint. Did you forget what she did to us?”

“She only did it so—”

“So we’d survive? As if we couldn’t without her beating and starving us?” He yelled and he felt Aren’s hand on his arm.

Viago stood and waved his arms between them. “We need to figure out what to do. It might be best if you both cool off for a bit.”

“Fine, I’ll go.” Lucanis headed out and Rook followed after him. Illario sighed and sat back down.

“I’ve made such a mess of things.”

“You have, but neither of you are doing yourselves any favors by yelling at each other,” Viago said.

“I am not lying about what she did to us, Viago… Caterina is a monster.”

“I believe you.”

He was surprised as he looked back up at him. “You do?”

“I believe Arenaria… and if she believes you then… so do I.”
~~

“How is Lucanis,” Aren asked Rook as they looked over the burnt husk of Villa Dellamorte. Parts of it were still standing, the rain put out a lot and the fire didn’t spread the whole breadth of the house.

“He’s shaken…” she said and Aren watched as she used her magic to blast away some of the remains as she led her towards where she thought the stairs could be. “He… he only just confronted his own inner demons, no pun intended… so it might take him time. I know he loves Illario though. He was really torn up over realizing he betrayed him. He never suspected him until Zara’s death…”

Aren nodded, “he could help the situation by showing it better.” She smarted off as she climbed over some wood.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Look, I am not excusing Illario for what he did. I know he fucked up, and no one knows they fucked up any better than Illario does. But Lucanis is not helping by putting him down.”

“He doesn’t put him…” Aren gave her a look. “—down…” she seemed to recall just an hour ago Lucanis berating him.

“The way he talks about Lucanis is as if Illario believes he doesn’t even like him. I cannot fathom how it took Illario this long to break. He knows he was not the greatest person to him either, but between Caterina calling him a failure his whole life to hearing Lucanis parrot her words?”

“I don’t think Lucanis meant it like that…”

“I know. Yet he put Illario down just like Caterina did. When he forgave her that’s when Illario said he pulled away. He felt as though Lucanis betrayed him by forgiving her, how he felt like he was wrong to be angry with her still. He couldn’t understand how Lucanis was able to let it go when he couldn’t.”

“I… didn’t realize.”

“I am not trying to make you feel bad, Rook. Illario’s a fucking idiot for what he’s done, but… I sympathize with him. The self-control that man has for holding out this long… he is very broken too; he’s probably more fragile than Lucanis.”

“They’re both very messed up.”

“But you love him, yes,” Aren asked and she saw Rook’s eyes shoot to hers, a little rosiness appearing at her cheeks.

“I… yes, I do… you seem to love Illario.”

“Maker, no,” Aren denied it, “I…” she let out a sigh. “I care about him a lot… one could say it’s… some sort of way of… maybe something sort of like that…” she babbled and Rook was practically giggling at her.

“I’ve been told I’m a bit of a sap. Some sort of way feels strongly of love. Well… if Illario is as remorseful as he seems to be… I’m glad someone is there for him.”

Aren grumbled, “I mean… he’s a fucking idiot. But…”

Rook was laughing more now. “Fucking idiot seems to be a very affectionate de Riva term of endearment. I’ll take it as a compliment every time I piss Viago off.”

Aren felt herself smiling. “For what it’s worth, Rook, I appreciate everything you’ve done. Our problems here in Treviso pale in comparison to all of Thedas but… I’m glad for your support. And I never properly thanked you for helping with the dragon, or Raea. So… thank you. And for this, for coming with me here.”

“I want Lucanis to know the truth too. I try to keep my opinions to myself but I… well I kind of hate Caterina too… the things she did to him, to Illario… It’s hard to explain but I was inside of his head and I saw what she did to them… they were just children when she abused them, I just… I can’t fathom why their grandmother would do that. I know I don’t know how the Crows work but…”

“It’s not at all like what Viago and Teia have painted it to be… but they are trying to make it somewhat better…”

“I take it your experience was…” Rook trailed off.

“It was a nightmare, yes. The kind you cannot escape no matter how many times you think you’ve buried it. But it is in the past and there’s nothing I can do but keep moving forward every time it catches up with me.” They were quiet as she looked over the rubble. “There! I think that’s got to be the stairway!”

Rook began to clear out the rubble around the area and they saw the intact stairwell. They climbed up and Aren began to pull boards and books away from the hole. Rook joined her and soon they made an opening and descended down.

With a flick of her wrist Rook brightened up the long descent with a pop of green magic she held in her palm until it floated in a ball before them seeming to lead them forward. The air was stagnant down here, and once at the bottom Aren made her way straight to the shelf.

“We should probably take all of them. Who knows what these other contracts might say.” She brushed her fingers over her own box; the contract that started all of this for her. Bittersweet almost.

It was hard to admit to herself that she was on a dark path before it all began. Well, what Crow wasn’t on their own dark path? But she didn’t care about her own life. Was ready to die if it came to it, but something changed.

She wasn’t sure what it was, but perhaps being very near death was the trigger point. And seeing Illario desperately trying to save her life, giving up his mark for her, caring for her… She hadn’t really experienced that.

Viago and Teia were the only ones who watched her back, but it felt different that Illario had shown her that kind of care. He risked—and failed—his contract for her, didn’t leave her side until she told him to. It may not have seemed significant but it really was.

She’d been feeling alone in recent years with no direction, no satisfaction, and she was hating what she was doing. Illario was fun, and she hadn’t had fun nor someone willing to talk about the heavy things with.

It was funny considering both of them bottled every little thing up inside but for whatever reason she felt like she could talk to him about it. Sure they fired their secrets at each other in order to inflict maximum pain but with everything out in the open… she wondered how things would or could change between them.

She wanted him. All of him. Only him. She never thought she’d feel that kind of way for someone, let alone someone like him. He was all wrong but he was so right for her.

She brushed off the dust from the front of the slim boxes, taking half and making sure M.D. was in her grasp. Rook followed and grabbed the rest. Aren’s heart felt heavy, and then it started to quicken at the thought of what this all could mean for Illario.

It would be pain—opening wide the old wound to make it fresh—but at least it could provide him closure, and possibly… a way for him and Lucanis to bridge the gap.

What it all would mean for Caterina remained to be seen.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Illario couldn’t help himself. He was anxious and alone and he needed to talk to Lucanis. He had to make him understand. He made his way down the hall and found his room. He knocked and when he didn’t answer he banged a little louder.

Finally the door opened. “Now is not the time, cousin,” he said, but Illario shook his head.

“We need to talk.”

“I don’t want—”

He shoved his way in and closed the door behind him. “You never wanted to talk before!”

“You didn’t want to talk either! You are the one who made fun of me for wanting to talk!!”

Illario threw his hands up. “Then we are talking now! We have to talk now!” He was desperate but he could see the anger and hurt flash across Lucanis’s eyes.

“You betrayed me! I was tortured for a year and had a demon force fed down my throat!” He yelled. “You did this to me, Illario! And not once in that prison did I think it was you!”

Illario’s face fell; he never suspected him? “I’m sorry…”

“Your apology is not good enough! Why did you do this? Was First Talon really that important to you? More important than family? You knew I didn’t want it!”

“It didn’t matter, Lucanis, she was going to give it to you no matter what and you weren’t going to say no!”

Lucanis looked down shaking his head. “Yes, I would have.”

“No… you wouldn’t have. I couldn’t say no to her either even though she humiliated me… over and over… my whole life. Then you forgave her and I felt… I felt so alone.” He couldn’t look at him. “I am not excusing what I did… I snapped… I will hate myself every day for being weak and proving her right…”

“Your apologies are meaningless!”

“What else do you want me to say?” Illario shouted. “You betrayed me too by forgiving her! How could you abandon me like that?!”

“Don’t you dare try to put this on me, Illario! You tried to kill me!”

“How many times do I have to say I’m sorry?!”

“Every damn day for the rest of your life!”

They lunged at each other, the punches flew, and the knockdown drag out brawl began. Things began to break after they crashed into them and they continued to shout at one another. Illario didn’t even hear the door open, only felt someone pulling him away and pushing him back. Viago and Teia were between them now.

“Enough of this!” Teia shouted at them. “Like children I swear! We leave you two alone for five minutes!”

“What the hell is wrong with you both? This is not the way to handle this!” Viago helped Lucanis up.

Illario was fairly certain he was worse off than Lucanis but he was at least able to bust his lip open and he felt somewhat satisfied he was able to pop his untouchable cousin. Illario’s eye and cheek hurt though, and he could feel the pain radiating in his face.

“If that’s what it takes, Lucanis… Caterina has already humiliated me several times over. If I must grovel for your forgiveness…”

Lucanis shook his head, “that is not…” He let out a frustrated sigh, “necessary… I need time, Illario…”

That was all he needed to hear. If Lucanis needed time then he would give him that.

“I promise—” he stopped himself; his promises were always empty and hollow with Lucanis. “I swear to you I will find a way to earn back the right to be called your brother again…”

“What’s going on?” He glanced towards the door seeing Rook come in, and she made her way straight to Lucanis. He turned back again and saw Aren; he tried to avert her gaze. He must look so pathetic right now.

“It’s fine, Mahia, we were… talking is all,” Lucanis said, his eyes still lingering on the boxes she placed onto the coffee table. When Illario realized what she had he whipped back around to Aren who placed the other boxes in the same spot but held one.

“I am sure one of us is able to pick the locks.” She held it up to him and he stared at it not sure what he should do. He finally grasped it in his hands, the lingering dust smudging on its shiny black surface underneath his fingertips. “If you would let me…”

He nodded quickly and she looked around. Viago handed her a set of tools and she went over to the coffee table, sitting on the floor as she got to work. There were five locks and he watched her anxiously as she worked. He could see Lucanis looking at the other boxes, most of them had Velardo on them, but a couple were unknown to him.

He shuffled around, waiting impatiently, until Aren glanced over at him. “Sit still, Illario, you’re making me anxious.”

He grumbled, “So sorry, you’re only about to reveal the truth about a tragic moment in my childhood, forgive me if I am unwell about it.”

“Do not make me come over there,” she teased him further; another lock down and three more to go. He resisted the urge to tap his foot, but the jitters in his body wouldn’t leave him. He glanced over at Lucanis who was also watching quietly.

“I’ve got it,” Aren said, and he rushed over to sit beside her. He put his hand on the box and then she put her hand on top of his. “Do not let this make you waver, mia cara.” Their eyes locked and he squeezed her hand before she eased it away. “I am here for you this time.”

He opened the box and it was what he expected, but to have it confirmed that Caterina sent her manservant to kill his mother… Just to make it a legitimate contract kill in case it was found out. Caterina’s name was conveniently missing, but it was her handwriting. He knew it well.

At least he already killed the man who took his mother’s life, but it still hurt that his own grandmother would take her away from him. All because she was going to save him and Lucanis from this life. Who was he kidding? Caterina only cared that she was planning to take Lucanis too.

Illario could only assume she kept him around because of Lucanis. He could vaguely remember a brief week or two where he and Lucanis were separated. Once reunited he remembered that they’d cried into each other’s arms until Caterina scolded them for their tears.

He couldn’t imagine what his life would’ve been like had his mother managed to escape with them. What kind of life could he and Lucanis have lived? Would it have been better? Or would there have inevitably been some other tragedy to befall them? Probably the latter knowing his luck.

Then he felt a hand on his back give him a gentle rub, and every time Aren offered some sort of comfort he felt as though his world was crashing down around him. Oh how he hadn’t realized how much he needed these simple comforts—how much he wanted it without realizing.

“Did she do it?” Lucanis’s voice was quiet, wavering.

“Yes…” He responded, still unable to tear his eyes away from his mother’s name as the target.

The sound of hurried footsteps suddenly swept towards the door and they all looked until Lucanis stopped. “Illario… come with me. We need to talk to Caterina.” He turned away from all of them. “Talk, Spite, only talk.”

Illario couldn’t help looking to Aren; he wasn’t sure what he needed from her. “You should go. You both need answers, and she’s the only one who can give them to you.”

“Is this wise?” Teia spoke up with a nervous edge to her voice, and he could see her conflicted. She dearly loved Caterina and even though she didn’t show much emotion, it was always clear how she adored Teia.

“Do not worry, Teia… I do not believe either of us could kill her even if we wanted to,” Lucanis said the loud part out loud, and he tried not to laugh at how true it was. Though he certainly did a number on her, and he was surprised in his rage he hadn’t hurt her worse than what he had. She really must’ve been made with dragon bones.

“Thank you,” he whispered to Aren and got up to follow Lucanis out with the contract. “What are you planning,” he asked him once out in the hallway.

“I… do not know. But we need to hear her say it. We need her to tell us the whole story. No matter how much it hurts.”

When they got to her door they both stood there and Illario didn’t know what he was feeling. A mixture of anger, sorrow, and the anxiety that went along with it.

“What are we doing, cousin?” Illario looked to Lucanis who looked just as lost as he felt. A memory sprang to mind, the two of them as boys standing outside her office wanting to ask for something silly. He couldn’t even remember what they wanted, but they were petrified to even ask or tell her whatever it was.

But then suddenly something sprung up into Illario’s thoughts. Aren calling him a coward because he also couldn’t say no to her—how he let her treat him like this—and suddenly he felt emboldened. They had no reason to fear her any longer, both of them held so much more power over her. They held her fate within their hands. He put his hand on the door knob and opened it without a second thought. He refused to cower in front of her any longer.

Lucanis followed him inside and Caterina was sitting at the table as if she was waiting for them.

“I wondered when you both would come to see me,” she said, sipping on some tea. “I suppose you think you know everything now.”

“I have the contract you put out on my mother.”

Caterina’s scowl never left her face and she let out a scoff. “I knew against my better judgment that I should not have hired that woman. I suppose she succeeded as much as she failed. And you… my boy…” she looked at Lucanis. “That Rook has had an impact hasn’t she? Both my grandsons falling at the feet of whomever pays just a little attention. I thought I taught you both better than that. To not be weak.”

Illario couldn’t help the bitter chuckle that escaped him. “So long as you were the only one whose feet we fell at? We cannot allow ourselves to be loyal to friends and comrades. Only shackled to you.”

“I am still the First Talon of House Dellamorte. You will still do what I say.”

“I would think you’d be happy to finally be rid of me. And now you want me to fall in line? Be a good little Dellamorte?”

“Caterina…” Lucanis finally spoke up and he watched him. “Was there ever a moment you tried to save them? Any of them?”

She looked away, the scowl on her face deepening as she squeezed her cane. “There are things neither of you would understand. One cannot be soft and hold power.”

Quiet enveloped them all for many beats. “You are wrong,” Lucanis spoke up again. “Power at the cost of our family… that never should have come to pass. If you had made allies… things could have been different. If the Crows changed how we operated… wars of succession would never need to happen.”

“You are far too idealistic. That demon has changed you.”

He saw Lucanis falter a moment; he didn’t realize she knew about the demon… Which was his fault. In his bid to convince her further it should be him, he told her about the demon inside his cousin.

“Spite has not changed me,” Lucanis seemed more confident and reassured. “I have never wanted First Talon. For so long I have been following orders—allowing you to shape my life for me—unable to say no to you. I cannot keep living this lie of a life for you, Caterina. I will never forgive you for letting my parents die… I think… the best punishment for you is to live with what you reaped. Keep First Talon since that is what you truly care about most, and we will no longer do your bidding.”

Lucanis looked to him and Illario’s eyes widened. He was looking to him for solidarity. Did he want it anymore? What he thought he wanted his whole life? Was he really ready to give it up when he could so easily take it now?

“First Talon is tainted with the blood of our mothers, our whole family. It was far too big a price to pay. I do not want to be like you. I am not like you. I am done living my life waiting for your approval. First Talon can die with you. There is nothing more I want from you.”

Illario didn’t want to hear her rebuttal. He was done, and she called after him until he slammed the door. He felt winded, could barely breathe; he needed some air.
~~

Aren felt nervous on behalf of the boys confronting Caterina as she waited with Viago, Teia, and Rook for them to come back. It wasn’t long until the other two Talons decided to head out to the crow’s nest and get on with the day. The Dellamorte business was none of their concern at the moment and there were greater things that needed their attention like the Antaam threat.

“How do you think it’s going,” Aren asked Rook and the Rivaini mage chewed on her lip.

“I’m not sure… what I do know is that Lucanis doesn’t want First Talon. I hardly think he knows what he wants but that is certainly not one of them.”

Aren nodded; she wasn’t sure what Illario wanted any longer either. She wondered if he could give up the desire for First Talon. He spent so much of his life thinking he needed it, but did he really even want it now?

First Talon was a symbol for him. Achieving that meant that he was worth something to Caterina, that she thought he was good enough. It meant others would look to him, revere him, and he would finally receive validation that he had worth.

She couldn’t blame him for wanting that. He spent his whole life feeling worthless. Now would be the perfect time to take it, but so much had happened in the last day. They hadn’t had time to truly talk about it and she knew this was something he definitely needed to talk about. She wondered if he wanted to talk to her about it.

Lucanis entered the room and to say he looked as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders was an understatement. She waited to see Illario but he didn’t follow and Lucanis closed the door behind him.

“How did it go,” Rook asked and he blew out a sigh.

“We told her we didn’t want it. That she could keep it and live with the outcome of her decisions.” Aren’s eyes widened at that. Illario didn’t want it anymore? “She will stay First Talon. When she passes… we do not know what will happen. I suppose we shall deal with it when it happens. She will probably outlive us all, honestly.”

“Aren’t you worried she might… retaliate?” She could see Rook worrying from her spot on the couch across from her, and Lucanis sat beside her.

“No… I believe we have too much leverage on her now. Plus, she is stubborn enough to think that we will fall back in line someday. I will take the contracts back to the Lighthouse. I think they are safest there.”

Aren nodded, settling her fingers against her cheek and absentmindedly picked at her lip. “What about Illario,” she asked.

“He spoke his mind and walked out without giving her the chance to tell him no.”

“Where did he go,” she asked, and she was about to get up to leave and find him.

“I am not sure, but he probably needs you.” Aren faltered at that. Did he really think so? “I am surprised… I have never seen Illario act the way he does when he is around you,” Lucanis said.

Aren couldn’t help fiddling with the bandages at her wrist. “How so?”

“I am used to him being all flash, bravado, cockiness. He was always good about showing off and being the center of attention. The way he’s been today… the way he looks at you, appreciates you. It’s something I’ve not seen before. I used to think he only cared about himself… now I am not sure what to think.”

Aren took a moment to think about what he said. She couldn’t help the stupid smile that crept upon her lips at the thought of him acting different because of her. Was it entirely self-absorbed of her to think that? Probably, but he’d changed her too though she wouldn’t readily admit it to anyone.

“Did it not occur to you that it was all an act?”

Lucanis thought for a moment. “I suppose I did not…”

“I do not know when I noticed it… perhaps the second day that we were with one another… it was not hard to see how he was practically screaming for someone to notice him. To see him as something other than what he thought of himself. The ‘lesser Dellamorte,’ ‘the failure,’ ‘the fuckup.’ He has fucked up, but no one knows that better than him. He will hate himself every day for it.”

Lucanis looked down, fiddling with his fingers in his lap. “I suppose I bear some of the fault for treating him the way Caterina did…”

Aren shook her head, “I do not think you are to blame. Illario knew what he was doing. And how could you be at fault when Caterina doted on you your whole life? He said he started to be the way she thought of him, that how could you not see him the way she did when he gave up. You are not to blame for the shadow she casted for you.”

“I should have realized how much harder it was for him… how much Caterina put pressure on his mother compared to mine…”

“You were just boys…”

“And now we are men… and I still refused to see the signs.”

She moved to the armrest of their couch where she sat and placed a hand upon his shoulder. “You have a profoundly fucked up family. Though that’s much the same for the rest of the Crow houses. If both of you continue to live in the past you will find no way forward. I know I cannot push or ask you to forgive him—what he did was terrible—no one would blame you for not forgiving him. He would not blame you for not forgiving him… but he is desperately hoping for you to. I think he misses what he wished you both could have had. What you had before everything became more messed up.”

He was quiet again and she withdrew her hand. “I was able to forgive Caterina for what she did to us… that is when our relationship changed… I see that now. We never talked about it. I should have tried harder.”

“Perhaps when you’re able to it could be your way forward. Your way back to one another.”

“I do not know how to not be angry with him… but… he probably felt the same way at one point…” he looked at her and she saw that same look in those sad, pathetic eyes. The Dellamorte men shared more than they realized. “Arenaria… you are a good person.”

She was taken aback by that statement, flustered even. She’d never been called a good person. “You are mistaken.” She tried to wave him off but he smiled.

“That you could care and show forgiveness for my cousin after all he’s done… he needs that… he needs you. I am glad he has found someone like you.”

She shook her head, “I am just as profoundly fucked up as he is.”

“Perhaps. But it seems you understand one another… I suppose I was never able to understand my cousin… we were both shouting into the endless void and neither of us realized we could catch each other.”

“You’ve caught each other now.”

“With help… with so much help.” He was smiling broader now as he looked to Rook. He reached for her hand, slipping his fingers over hers. A rosy blush crept upon her cheeks.

“Well… I am sure there is much you need to discuss with one another. I wish you both well. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

He nodded, “I will… I hope you continue to take care of my cousin though you are not obligated to. Thank you, Arenaria.”

She left them and immediately she wandered to see if Illario had lingered amongst the Diamond. She didn’t find him and thought hard; she realized where he probably ended up finding himself.

She crossed the bridge towards the Villa Dellamorte. There were some people scrounging around; possible help though she couldn’t be sure. If Caterina was back in charge she was sure in no time she’d have this place built up within a week to its former glory with everything to be forgotten and blamed on the Venatori no doubt. If she blamed Illario that would look bad, and if there was one thing Caterina wouldn’t tolerate it would be being made a fool of.

She made her way towards the courtyard and found him. He was underneath that gazebo they’d found themselves under that night he first brought her here. Where they made silly promises while drunk like stupid teenagers. Gods, what a fun fucking night it was though. She watched him for a moment, he was fixated on the dagger in his hands and she finally eased her way over to lean against the gazebo.

“Thought I might find you here.”

He startled a moment and looked up at her, then back down at the dagger. “I dropped it during the chaos… this was my mother’s dagger. She gave it to me when I was a boy. She stopped taking contracts after she had me.”

“She wanted to spend all her time with you then?”

“It is a comforting thought. Caterina once said I was a lousy assassin and it did not surprise her because of my parents. It could have been directed at my father’s expense but considering…”

“No, stop. Do not do that to yourself.” She made her way to his side. “Your mother loved you. She gave up her livelihood for you. Make it fact. You have the power to make it so now.”

“Just like that?”

She nodded, “who can argue otherwise?”

He took a good long look at the dagger. Its dark blue hilt was decorated with sapphires and an intricately delicate pattern in silver. The hue of the blade looked like lazurite—a beautiful shade of blue mixed with silver—with Antivan lettering inlaid into the metal.

“My father had it made for my mother. Apparently Lucanis wasn’t the only Crow who thought gifting a dagger was a good way to woo someone.”

“A good gift,” she agreed. “I would think anyone would enjoy a beautiful dagger like this.”

He sheathed the weapon into a sapphire encrusted sheath and put it into the sack he had at his feet.

“Do you regret burning it down? At least part of it?”

He let out a sigh. “A little bit… the memories here weren’t all bad. But if they were not bad they are sad.”

They were quiet and she was waiting for him to talk. She didn’t want to pry it out of him if he wasn’t ready to talk about it.

“I feel like you could’ve done something a little less dramatic.” She teased and watched him carefully for his reaction seeing a little smirk pop at his lips.

“And what would you have done? Need I remind you that you are the one that nearly blew us up with a fire grenade. I thought you were a bit more finessed than that.”

She scoffed, crossing her arms. “Excuse me? And what else should I have brought? Just a knife to a magic fight wouldn’t have been very smart. I am finessed, grazie tante,” she lied; she absolutely was not finessed. She was a stampeding druffalo once she wasn’t sneaking around, but if he didn’t remember their fight very clearly she wasn’t about to admit that to him.

He laughed and she playfully shoved him. This felt good, joking around with him, playing with him.

“You are ridiculous. Are all de Rivas a disaster?”

“How dare you,” she crossed her arms.

“A beautiful disaster anyway.”

“Fuck off,” she rolled her eyes, throwing her hand in the air, and he caught it, threading his fingers with hers.

“I do not know what to do now, Aren… we told Caterina that we would not do her bidding. We refused to take First Talon.”

“How do you feel about that?” She was curious; it was something he thought he wanted for so long. She gently cupped his bruising cheek and swept her thumb underneath his eye which was also getting darker; he leaned into her touch. Lucanis really did a number on him.

“Conflicted. But I did not realize just how much blood it took to soak her throne. I do not want to be like her. I already tried that and I am lucky it failed. If only Lucanis didn’t pay the price for it… it should’ve been me…”

“That Tevinter bitch wanted to hurt Lucanis in whatever way she could. All the better if she could turn his family against him.” She settled her hand on his shoulder.

Illario shook his head. “It did not take her much to convince me… I will always be ashamed of myself for it.”

She squeezed his hand. “Move forward. Make up for it. You know Lucanis loves you despite it all. Give him time and space. Help him when he calls. Help us in this fight.”

He nodded, “I did nothing good to deserve you…”

She smirked, “if you think I’m going to make things easy for you, mia cara, you are sorely mistaken. I am not always this nice.”

He smiled, then cheekily grinned at her. “Let’s hope not. You are starting to get rather boring.”

“Keep insulting me and your debt will continue to grow.”

“Will my original payment suffice?”

Ooh, that cheeky little shit. “I think we can come to an arrangement.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A week later and the fiasco of House Dellamorte seemed to quell. Caterina indeed went with the lie that the Venatori had infiltrated her House because of an unknown traitor who’d been readily dealt with. The convenient absence of her right hand man seemed to work in their favor and some people filled in the blanks themselves with what they wanted.

Caterina appeased the other Talons, and after that she’d shut herself into the guest house of the villa and refused to come out or be seen to. He supposed she was licking her wounds while the villa underwent repairs—no doubt upset that Lucanis had finally spurned her—and Illario found he didn’t care. He really didn’t. He felt free from her.

He found himself at his tailor’s shop; he actually had a good relationship with many merchants, and that was one of the things he actually did take care of for House Dellamorte. Acquiring supplies and accounting. Which was probably a surprise to most, but he was pretty good at haggling deals and keeping track of the books when he wasn’t playing around.

He stepped inside and the old man greeted him. Gio was a fine gentleman who’d always been fair, and Illario wasn’t averse to lining his pockets since he made him look good all the time.

“Good afternoon, master Dellamorte. I see you got my missive. I’m sorry to hear about the villa. Is the lady alright?”

Illario had to firmly put his mask up; he refused to make his way back over to the villa now, but he still had to pretend that there was nothing wrong for the ruse’s sake.

“She is shaken but otherwise fine. You have my order ready?”

“Oh, sì, sì I do.”

“All of it?”

“Marisol brought over the boots this morning. She’s such a wonderful cobbler, I’ll say. They’re marvelous.” He watched him make his way into the back of his shop. Since one of Aren’s boots were destroyed in the fire and she’d tossed the other, he retrieved the one he could find for them to discern her shoe size in order to have a new pair made. He figured it was the very least he could do pay her back for what she’d done so far.

Gio brought out the boots and a garment bag with clothing inside he’d had fitted to replenish at least a small part of his wardrobe. He’d snuck into the guest house and retrieved some other items from his room there and he had a somewhat decent number of things that were already stored at the Diamond. Teia was kind enough to let him stay there for the time being before he figured out what he was going to do and where he’d go from here.

The boots really were beautiful. Her other pair weren’t flashy, a basic black leather with that silly heal that made her even taller than she already was. He could roll his eyes, never had he met a tall woman who actually wanted to be taller, but she seemed to want to be.

These boots, well, he wanted them to make them a tiny bit bold to suit her. She didn’t seem to care about fashion, but Maker, she looked good in whatever she wore even if it was sleep clothes a size or two too big.

He decided on dark and light blue as those two seemed to be favored colors of hers. From the dark blue long coat she wore when they first met again to the light blue socks he’d noticed on her feet. It was a good color combo. He thought about violet to match her eyes, but that may have been too corny especially for him.

The boot was all dark blue leather with silver buttons lined up the outside to fasten them up. The light blue was a stitched pattern in the shape of the flower that matched her namesake. It was somewhat flashy, perhaps for her, but subtle enough that he hoped she’d like them. There was a wedge heel on these pair, so he was sure she’d like that at least.

He thanked Gio for his time, passing him some extra sovereigns, and he made his way out with the boots in a box and his garment bag slung over his shoulder. Once back to the Diamond he deposited his items in his room, setting the box aside.

They hadn’t much time together this past week. With him dealing with the fallout of the villa and aiding Aren, Viago, and Teia with what was going on with the Antaam and trying to find out who the traitor was, they’d been too tired for much and heavy conversations weren’t really on their mind.

There was also the matter that he realized he’d fallen for Aren, and he didn’t know what that would mean coupled with intimacy. He was almost afraid of what he’d feel. She hadn’t pushed him either; he wondered just how much she saw when she encountered him with Zara that possibly made her not initiate anything.

It also didn’t help that he still felt disgusted with himself for sleeping with Zara. He couldn’t get the scent of that woman out of his mind. He wasn’t sure how to handle himself now. He wanted to kiss Aren, but he couldn’t get Zara forcing him to kiss her out of his head. Aren must’ve seen that considering he blacked out completely right after and came to fighting her.

He sighed, he felt like such an idiot fretting and fussing in his mind over all of this. They just needed to take their time with one another and take it slow. He shouldn’t be worried when she’d stuck around this long. He went to put his clothes away when something caught his eye on the desk.

He made his way over and was about to pick up the small package that had his name on it. He thought better than to pick it up and open it; perhaps this was one instance where he should adopt Viago’s paranoia about potential poisons.

He left his room and made his way up to the Crow’s nest and the activity was sparse for the early evening. He found Viago standing quite close to Teia, whispering in her ear before the man seemed to scowl at his presence when he noticed him.

“So sorry to interrupt, but you are in a rather public place; you can hardly blame me,” he said, and Teia laughed.

“Don’t mind Vi, that’s just his typical surly brow. How are you, Illario? Have you heard from Lucanis?”

He shook his head, “No... I suspect I will not hear much from him for some while.”

“Give it time. He’ll come around. You know how much family means to him and you’re all he has left.”

“Thank you, Andarateia...” He couldn’t help the soft smile that spread on his lips.

Viago cleared his throat. “What do you want, Illario? Aren is out on a scouting mission.”

“I know that; I am not here for her. As much as it pains me, I need your help with something.”

He saw Teia’s brows perk up. “Oh? This should be interesting.”

“Indeed. What do you need?”

“I found a package with my name on it in my room.”

“Oh yes, one of my staff said it was delivered here. I had them put it in your room when they changed the sheets. Is something the matter?”

Viago actually grinned. “For once someone else finally understands the importance of caution. I had hoped Arenaria would share in that, but her attentiveness is still lacking upon certain things.”

“Vi, not everyone has the patience to test everything they eat, drink, and touch for poisons. You need to relax.”

“Need I remind you—”

“Yes, the Adder, I know.” Teia rolled her eyes and groaned. “I was there.”

“Given the events of this week, and the likelihood of potential threats upon my life, I felt it prudent to be cautious. Could I borrow your poison kit,” Illario asked.

“No, but I will test the package myself. I don’t need you messing up my supplies.”

“You wound me, Viago, do you think I would not be careful?”

“Hmph.” Viago grabbed a kit from the desk and both Illario and Teia followed after him to his room. He pointed to the package on the desk and Viago made his way over to it.

“You both are being far too paranoid. Lillian is not ill; the package is probably fine.”

“I’m only trying to be careful, Teia.”

She let out a sigh. “Fine, I suppose I understand.” He looked to Viago who was examining the box and testing it.

“Oh, what is this?” He turned to see Teia looking at the box with Aren’s gift and he wasn’t quick enough to tell her to not open it. “Oh, Illario, what did you do?” Her eyes lit up.

“Teia, please…”

“She will love them!”

He groaned when she squealed, feeling a bit embarrassed. He didn’t need everyone to know that he was doing something thoughtful. “Please put that away before she inevitably ends up walking in here.”

He glanced over at Viago who was now eying them, but he opened the mystery box carefully, slowly, and set the lid down.

“It’s just a gift. To thank her,” he said to him.

“You do anything to put her in harm’s way, again, remember I know many different ways to make you suffer,” Viago said, and Illario couldn’t help glaring at the Fifth Talon. “Slowly. Very painfully.”

“Yes, yes I get it,” Illario waved his hands and he glanced back at Teia who was admiring the shoes still. “Mierda, Teia, please put them away!”

“Fine, fine. But let me know your shoemaker. I have ideas now. And a need.”

Viago shook his head, “Your closet is already bursting at the seams I hardly think you—” he quieted down once he glanced back down at the letter within the box. From this angle Illario could see there were a few lines written, but Viago was blocking the complete view. “Er… I do not think there’s anything nefarious going on with this package, Illario… It’s from Caterina.”

Illario’s brows raised, “That only makes me think it’s even more nefarious.”

“Perhaps you should come take a look before I test anything else.”

Illario moved to his side and looked at the letter sitting on top within the package.
A parting gift.

Infer whatever you like.

They belong with you.

~Caterina

He took a chance and moved the letter aside. A somewhat small to medium sized square plush black velveteen box was inside. A box that was typical to contain… jewelry? His brow furrowed. What could this possibly be?

“Your jewelry that survived the fire perhaps,” Viago asked, and Teia moved to Illario’s other side.

“Stop your fretting, nonna would not poison her grandson no matter what went down. You and Lucanis are all she has left now. She won’t do anything to harm either of you.”

“I think you grossly underestimate how much she loathes me, Andarateia, but you’re sweet for thinking otherwise.”

“If you will not open it then I will!” Teia made to reach for the box

“No!” Both he and Viago protested and Illario smirked.

“See, even he doesn’t trust her intentions with me.”

Teia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “You are both irritating me.”

A soft rap on the open door and they all turned to look. Aren was in the doorway and Teia let out a soft ‘oh shit’ and rushed over to the still open box of shoes.

“What are you all doing?” She absently glanced at Teia who was pushing the box under the bed, and Illario tried to keep himself from palming his forehead.

“The boys think Caterina sent a poisoned package to Illario. Please tell them they’re being silly,” Teia said and he saw Aren grimace.

“I am sorry, amor, but I am probably not the one to agree with you on that.”

She came over and he showed her the letter. “Infer what you like?” She raised a brow. “How touching.”

“Would you like me to test the box,” Viago asked and Aren started to laugh. Viago’s brow furrowed deeper. “You laugh, Arenaria, but remember who lived because of my teachings, hm?”

“Oh, shut up, Viago. Would you like me to open it?”

Illario glanced between Viago and Teia. “Perhaps it’s time we leave. It does not seem our help is appreciated,” Viago said snidely and Teia began to laugh.

“You’ve wounded his pride.” She began to push Viago towards the door but not before he snatched up his poison test kit. “We will leave you be.”

“Don’t bother me again!” Viago said once he made it to the door and Teia gave them a little wave.

“Good evening you two.” She closed the door behind her and he caught Aren smiling.

“What on Thedas was all of that about,” she laughed.

“It was nothing.” He pulled the box out and shook it, hearing a slight rattle within. He stared at it for a moment, and Aren’s brows rose at his apprehension. She gave him a look like she was about to mock him, so he opened it and froze.

“What? Illario what?” She moved to his side and looked at what was sitting inside. Two gold rings with a black lacelike pattern overlaid with black diamonds dotting the bands. They were settled within a cushy slit to hold them in place. The other item was a black-gold crow feather pendant with three tiny black diamonds dotting it on a gold chain.

“My parents’ wedding bands… and my mother’s necklace. I… I asked Caterina about these fifteen years ago… She told me they were lost…” His voice grew quiet. “She hid them from me…” He wanted to be angry, felt it bubbling up, but mostly… he just felt sad. Sad to know she kept them from him.

He wasn’t sure what to think. She either kept them from him under the guise of toughening them up and keeping sentimentality out of their lives, or she hid it to further cause him pain. Either option made him feel worse.

“Why would she give these to me now?”

Aren’s fingers brushed over his forearm. “Maybe she’s finally realizing what she’s brought upon herself?”

“I am not going to forgive—”

“Hush. I am not suggesting you do. It was merely an observation.”

He let out a frustrated sigh, “I know, my apologies…” He couldn’t help but continue to stare at the jewelry. He didn’t know what to do with them. Aren reached and watched his reaction as she picked up the pendant by its chain. She moved behind him, undoing the clasp and putting it around his neck. He felt his heart beating just a little quicker at the intimacy of the light brush of her fingertips against the back of his neck.

“Wear it. Keep her close.” She tapped the pendant displayed right between the deep v-cut of his shirt and he set the box with the rings back into the box they came in before he brought his hand up to clasp hers in his. He settled his forehead against hers and he closed his eyes. What a whirlwind he kept going through, and he settled his other hand on her cheek. He started to ease his lips towards hers when a sudden sound outside on the balcony had them jumping apart and pulling their daggers out.

A tiny voice squeaked out ‘I’m sorry’ and suddenly Aren groaned making her way towards the open doorway. “Raea? Are you fucking kidding me what are you doing spying on me you little shit?!”

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t uh…” Aren hauled the young girl inside by the back of her jacket.

Illario’s brow raised. “Have you been here the whole time? Before I even came in?”

“I’m sorry, I thought it was Aren’s room, I swear! I was just waiting for her, then you came in and I uh… I was on the balcony already and panicked and just… hid.”

Aren looked like she was about to throttle the poor teen. “What did I tell you about coming into my room!?”

“Um… you said I could…?”

Aren’s face fell and she glanced back at him. He was highly amused now. “I swear to the gods, this is my punishment for trying to do good by others. You were supposed to be with Heir.”

“Training ended early?”

“Like hell it did. Thinking you can get away with shit because you are glued to my side half the time. Go!”

Raea made her way to the door before she turned around. “So is this the idiot you were thinking about almost two years ago?”

“Raea, I’m going to murder you if you do not leave now!”

She practically giggled as she left the room and Illario couldn’t help laughing once the door shut. “You were thinking about me? Was this after we parted ways, I wonder?”

“Say another word and I will murder you too.” She pressed her hands to her hips and pursed her lips as she gave a little side nod. “After.”

He smirked, “I see. So you are a mentor now? She seems more like a little sister. She even favors you. It’s only a matter of time before she gets a matching tattoo.”

“Shut up, you asshole.”

“Whatever happened to not wishing the misfortune of yourself upon the fledglings?”

“It is only one fledgling. Besides she’s a little shit.”

“Just like you then,” he laughed and she swatted at his chest.

“I am hungry.”

“You are always hungry,” he sighed. “Is this what our lives will be like when we are married? Me having to make sure you’re fed all the time?”

“Well, you are already proving you are not up for the job. I may have to look elsewhere.”

“Perhaps Lucanis will give me cooking lessons again.”

“Again?” She raised a brow.

“There was a brief time that he tried to teach me how to make churros. It did not end well; I burned myself on the oil. I do not have his desire, nor talent, for cooking. Though it was a welcome escape sometimes from the trainings. He would cook; I would be his taste tester.”

“That’s adorable. I’ve heard about his cooking. It must be pretty good.”

“It is.”

“So… what was Teia hiding under your bed?”

He faltered, “It was nothing.”

“Oh?” She began to slink towards the bed, but he caught her arm.

“Let’s go eat.”

“Oh, c’mon, Illario.”

“I thought you were hungry?”

She let out a sigh. “Fine, let’s go then.”

He took her to the place by the water where she took him for kebabs that one night. He didn’t want to admit they were delicious but they were, and even after she’d left his life he found himself down here getting them and sitting in the same spot every so often. She seemed delighted—wore a shit eating grin on her face—as he bought two skewers each and led them to sit at their spot.

Instead of assuming the same position as the first time she sat facing him, crossing her legs. She was already halfway done with one skewer before she started chatting.

“So, was this just for me or do you like my not so fancy place?” She was grinning, popping the last piece of meat and roasted squash on the first skewer in her mouth.

“I will admit, you have good taste. In food. However with people your judgment is questionable.”

“I don’t know. I keep a tight circle; I’d say my judgment is pretty good.” She gave him a pointed look and he quietly ate. “I know to judge oneself so harshly is a terrible quality we both share but… you have never intentionally tried to harm me, Illario. If that is what that sad, pathetic look is about.”

“Aside from our little spat in the alleyway…”

“I do not really think that one counts. You didn’t hurt me.”

He scoffed then let out a little laugh. “You think you can read me so well?”

“Yes.”

“Then tell me what I’m thinking.”

“That’s easy. You are confused; everything is so up in the air that you are not sure if you can land. It’s only been a week, Illario. Try not to be so hard on yourself.

It seemed she did know what he was thinking. And then he realized he neglected to think about her in that respect.

“I have been self-absorbed with my own life as per usual… what about you? No one’s stopped to ask if you are alright.”

“I am good. Surprisingly. I did not realize how long it took me to get here but… I suppose fighting for something and finding purpose does actually help.”

“Crows being heroes. Who would have ever thought that?”

“Something else to blame on Zevran then,” she joked.

“What will you do when we free Treviso from the Antaam? Will you go back to taking contracts… back to Salle?”

He watched her carefully as he finished his food tossing the wooden skewers into the canal. She had already finished and he took them from her hand and did the same before she could start poking him with them. She smirked at him then shrugged.

“I had not thought that far ahead to be honest.” He nodded slowly, slipping into his own thoughts. “We could figure that out… together,” she quietly added and looked slightly nervous as he looked to her. She leaned back on her arms and averted his gaze.

“I would like that… but Aren… you do not have to…” he felt frustrated with himself, almost feeling like he was sabotaging them before they even started anything. “You do not have to worry about me. You do not have to feel obligated to keep an eye on me…”

“What are you saying?”

He let out a sigh. “I don’t want you to think I am dependent on you.” She waited for him to continue, but he wasn’t quite sure that what he was trying to say was coming out the way he intended. He wanted her in his life, but he didn’t want her to feel like if she wanted to leave that she couldn’t because she was worried he might fall apart without her.

Which he might. It would hurt, and he didn’t want to think about losing her before they even got something going. But it was different this time. He wouldn’t let himself fall from grace if they grew apart or it didn’t work out; it wouldn’t break him completely to a point of no return.

“What I’m trying to say is… I want you in my life. And I hope that if… whatever happens I would hope we stay friends. But it is not your job to burden yourself with my well-being.”

“Friends help carry each other you know. You are not a burden.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “How do you know all the right words to say?”

“Just one of my many talents I suppose. But, Illario, I am just as lost and confused as you are. I am only trying to think of the now but if you need that assurance for the future… I’m not sure what to say.”

He shook his head, “no, I… well… hm…” he grumbled and wasn’t sure what he needed. He mainly wanted to know if she planned on staying in Treviso, but he didn’t know what he wanted to do either. Being an assassin was one of the only things he was good at—the only thing he really knew how to do—he didn’t know what else he could do if he wasn’t a Crow.

“How about this? I won’t be leaving Treviso for some time. And when that time comes we will discuss what it might mean, but for now… let’s just enjoy the quiet uncomplicated parts, yes?”

“I do not believe we are capable of not being complicated, mia cara.”

“It would be boring otherwise then.”

He sighed, “there has not been a moment in my life I wasn’t focused on the future.”

“I suppose my problem is… I never thought I’d have a future. Now… well I find myself wanting one. For what it’s worth… I want that future to have you in it.”

He felt butterflies practically erupt within him. How did it all end up here? Like this? With this sickeningly sweet feeling. How did she offer him so much promise and hope? He tried to give her an out, tried to tell her to not feel obligated to him, but it wasn’t like that.

She wanted him… Maker, someone wanted him and he didn’t know how to handle it, didn’t know how to function properly knowing someone actually cared about him and said it out loud.

“I don’t think you know just how much that means to me.”

She smirked, nudging his side with her knee as she leaned forward. “Don’t go getting so sappy on me now.”
~~

When they were back at the Diamond Aren couldn’t help feeling content. Despite the lingering problems still persisting in Treviso—Viago still adamant that they shouldn’t kill too many Antaam without upsetting the Butcher before finding the traitor—she found that things felt alright for the time being.

What it all meant for her and Illario she wasn’t sure, but she found that she was enjoying herself with him again. He brought her back to his room and made his way over towards the bed where Teia had hurriedly stuffed something underneath. She was curious what it was they didn’t want her seeing and he pulled out a box and slid it towards her on her side.

“I do not know how to not make this awkward and… cringeworthy, but I got you something. A gift. Custom made.” He wouldn’t look at her, and she could see his ears turning a little rosy.

She couldn’t help the quiet that enveloped her. Now she couldn’t look at him as she stared at the box. “You... you got me a gift? No one has given me a gift like this before...” She finally looked up at him and he looked surprised.

She touched her fingers over the box. She didn’t know what it could be but the gesture was already something. She finally slipped the lid off and pulled back the cloth that surrounded it to a pair of beautifully decorated boots.

“Shoes?”

“Well, you lost your boot in the fire. Seemed like such a shame.”

She couldn’t help that she started to laugh as she tried to hide her smile. “These are… sensational, Illario! How did you…?”

“When I went back I found the other one you tossed and gave it to my tailor.”

She brushed her fingers over the delicate threadwork of the flowers on the back of the boot. “Do not tell me these are supposed to be arenaria blossoms?” He shrugged and she laughed again. “You are so corny.” She couldn’t help the fit of giggles that left her as she sat on the bed. She didn’t know if she should press her luck with him; they’d spoken about a lot of heavy things today and she wasn’t sure what he wanted from her as far as intimacy yet.

She looked at him from over her shoulder. “Are you going to help me put them on?” He smirked, moving around to her side of the bed where he kneeled down in front of her.

“You just want to get me on my knees again.” He began to take her current pair off and she grinned at him.

“Perhaps. You do look good down there.”

“Hmph,” he grunted, and she handed him the boot she’d just unbuttoned as he gripped her ankle. He slipped it on her foot while she unbuttoned the other, and she waited as he got to work—rather quickly—on fastening the buttons. When it came to fashion Illario was an expert, and though she found him a bit too flashy sometimes, he did have good taste.

She handed him the other and he repeated his motions, his hand easing up the back of her calf. Ooh she wanted to take her pants off just to feel his hands on her skin.

“They look good on you.”

“Of course they do,” she said, and she stood when he did. “I am surprised you had them add a heel.”

He smirked, “I thought about omitting them, but I figured you’d throw them at my face.”

She laughed, slipping her hands over his shoulders. “I wear flat boots. When working.” She looked down at her feet. “They’re perfect. Thank you.” She brushed her hand over his cheek, the black eye was starting to fade and she couldn’t help leaning in, just as their lips brushed ever so slightly he grunted and she opened her eyes to see him pulling away.

“I’m sorry, I…” He looked frustrated with himself and she tugged on his arms before he could get too far away. “It’s not you…” He added quietly.

“I know that,” she tried to tease him, and she eased her fingers over the back of his neck, lightly stroking over his undercut.

“You let your hair grow out since we parted…” she said, attempting to diffuse the situation to make it a little lighter. She wasn’t entirely sure what that reaction was for but she had her suspicions. He let out a chuckle.

“Do you like it?”

“No,” she answered and he pulled back from her a little put off.

“You truly do not understand what’s in fashion in Treviso.” She watched him grin at her and she was glad that she was able to lighten him up.

She pressed her palm against his cheek. “The stubble looks good on you. I think you’d look quite sexy with a beard.”

“Are you saying my hairstyle does not look good on me?”

“I did not say it. You said it.”

“You are an asshole.”

She smirked tapping the underside of his chin. “Did I not already tell you I am not a good person?”

He shook his head. “You’re a terrible liar. If you can even show someone like me mercy and grace…”

“Stop it,” she shook her head, rolling her eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He sat on the bed and leaned over onto his forearms. He seemed a little distraught and she sat down next to him.

“I remember her forcing me to kiss her… It’s all I can think about when we try… I never kissed her before that… But I did fuck her…”

She shrugged; it did bother her, she couldn’t really lie about that, but it wasn’t as if they were together. “You do not have to feel guilty over it. Does the thought make my skin crawl, fine yes. But we were not together. It is what it is. Why does it bother you so much?”

He breathed out a sigh, “Because I tried to chase what it felt like with you…” She stilled at that utterance; it felt so small in the grand scheme of everything, but then it also felt so big. She wanted to kiss him, badly, but he was struggling and she had to control her wants. “I want to have you, trust me, it’s just I… I feel disgusted with myself… for everything…”

She gently brushed her hand over his jaw to tilt his head towards her. “I want you too, but we do not need to rush. I know what it feels like to be repulsed by sex…”

“How did you get over it?”

“By touching myself and fucking you,” she said bluntly and he let out a startled laugh.

“Stop fucking with me, Aren.”

She shrugged, “It had been a while since someone I desired wanted me back. Take the compliment.” She eased in and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I will not readily admit these things in the future.”

He let out a little grunt as she made to stand. “It might be time for bed for me.” She felt him tug her to him, and he wrapped his arms around her, his head resting against her chest. She let her hands slip over his back, fingers easing up his neck.

“Stay?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“I promise I’ll behave then,” she teased and he let out a groan.

“I am embarrassed; please do not make fun of me.”

“I am not,” she said, pressing her palms to his cheeks to make him look up at her. “I meant it when I said I understand. When you’re ready. In the meantime I shall continue to touch myself while thinking of your hands on me.” He frowned up at her and she laughed.

“You are cruel to tease me like this.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was another eventful couple of weeks, but they’d found out that Ivenci was the traitor and Rook and Lucanis had handedly taken care of them. The Antaam were retreating from the city, and they cleaned up many that lingered and tried to cause any trouble.

Illario felt good about helping to rid Treviso of the Antaam even if it was in the way he hadn’t initially intended to. At least he also got to take out additional Venatori; he was practically hunting them down and vice versa.

When he made it back to the Diamond he happened upon Aren, Lucanis, Teia, Viago, and Rook having drinks with one another. They hadn’t spotted him, and he didn’t want to intrude. In the past he would have been the one to crash a party like that, but he felt awkward about it, and he didn’t want to impose on Lucanis. His cousin was laughing, smiling, he couldn’t even remember a time where he’d see that from him. He didn’t want to be the reason to ruin his night.

“Illario!” He heard Teia’s voice call out to him. “Come back, join us!” He let out a pained sigh as he put the mask up.

“I am good, Andarateia, have your fun and pay me no mind. I need to wash up.” He quickly went up to his room. He really needed to wash the filth of the day off himself and took a quick shower. He dried himself off and leaned on the counter, staring at himself in the mirror.

He wanted to shake the anxiety that still threatened to overwhelm him. He was trying his best not to fall apart after everything, but it was all still so much. He didn’t know what he’d do without Aren helping him, distracting him, making him laugh, but he also didn’t want to take up all of her time and keep her from her friends.

He heard a knock at his door and he made his way out into his room to put on a pair of trousers and grabbed a shirt that he shrugged into and buttoned halfway up. He knew who it probably was but when he opened it up he was surprised to see Lucanis.

“Cousin?” His brows raised. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to say you do not need to hide from me. You could have joined us.”

Illario couldn’t help the shock that hit him. “It’s fine, I am tired.”

“I know you’ve been helping… I appreciate it.”

He shrugged, “I am merely trying to clean up the mess that I made.”

“I have noticed.” He saw Lucanis glance over. “Have a good night, Illario.”

As Lucanis left, Aren moseyed on up. “I was expecting you at my door, not my cousin.”

She shrugged as she leaned against the jamb. “I was not quick enough. Figured I’d let you take your shower first.”

“Been drinking without me?”

“Only a little while you were out playing hero.”

He snorted, “Please, do not make me sick.” He stepped aside and she waltzed her way in. He watched her take off her boots, and then hopped onto his bed, getting comfortable against the pillows at the headboard.

“Please, make yourself comfortable.” He joined her on the bed, lying across it at her feet.

“You can stop punishing yourself, Illario. You could have joined us.”

He shook his head, smiling sadly. “I did not want to ruin Lucanis’s evening.”

She sat up and leaned forward, her hair fell over her shoulder and he found himself wanting to run his fingers through it.

“You wouldn’t have, but now we are here. What would you like to do the rest of this evening?”

He knew exactly what he wanted to do finally, and he felt his heart beating rapidly. Where had that charismatic man gone, the one who was able to banter and flirt with her so easily? It felt like a lifetime ago that they’d had one another, and he was aching for her. A couple weeks ago she said she touched herself thinking of him and he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I want to watch you touch yourself.” He watched her brows pop up in surprise and then a smirk splayed across her lips.

“Do you now? Are you sure? Do you think you can keep your hands to yourself as you keep torturing yourself?”

He smirked at her, “hopefully not.”

“Oh? Why not just touch me yourself then?”

He shifted on the bed kneeling in front of her. He settled his hands on her knees easing up to her thighs.

“Because I want to watch you pleasure yourself.”

“Well then… you could at least undress me to get me started.” He watched her shift her hips and he leaned forward to ease his hands further up her thighs. “If I do this for you, do I get something in return?”

“Hmm… yes.”

“Anything?”

“Anything you ask,” he said as he curled his fingers under the waistband of her pants. She lifted her hips as he pulled it and her underwear off her long legs, and he watched her smirking at him. He took a moment to press a kiss to the scar he’d given her on her shin, and she leaned forward lifting her arms up. He slipped her shirt slowly up, ghosting his fingers over her ribs before he took it off her.

His pulse began to race as he undid her bra and looked over her naked before him. He finally felt invigorated about this and wanted to let himself have her now, but he was forcing himself to wait. He wanted to watch her, see how she touched herself.

She leaned back into the pillows at the headboard, shifting her legs open and he swallowed hard at the sight of her splayed before him. She was not shy at all—he certainly didn’t expect her to be—but he asked her to do something very intimate and she didn’t falter. Maker, he wanted to devour her.

He watched as she slowly eased her hand down her stomach, closer and closer as she reached her destination. She slipped her middle finger between her slit, sucking in a breath as she slowly moved it over her clit.

He couldn’t help leaning forward, his hands pressing her knees open wider and her breath hitched in her throat. His eyes drew back to her slowly working herself and he groaned when a bead of her slick slipped from her. Her finger slipped down, dipping within herself and he nearly lost himself right then and there.

“Fuck, Aren…” he rubbed his thumbs at her thighs, feeling himself becoming more aroused.

“You like what you see?” She panted writhing her hips and when she sunk two fingers within herself he groaned with her.

“Yes,” he breathed. “Don’t stop.” He looked up at her face, her eyes closed as she slipped her fingers in and out.

Her soft noises were delicately sweet as she slowly worked herself and he watched as she eased her fingers back up to slide over her clit. She finally moaned and he cursed again. She was going to be the death of him—he knew this—and he was ready to do whatever she wanted of him after he got his fill of her like this.

“Open your eyes; look at me.”

She did, but stayed her fingers, “You’re being awfully demanding for nothing in return,” she breathed.

“What are your demands then, mia cara?”

She leaned forward, “I want you to kiss me, Illario.” His eyes widened for a moment; the woman who tried to push away his kiss when they first started this, who said kissing was messy and too intimate… that was what she wanted? Him to kiss her?

He didn’t waste another second; he cupped her face in his palms and pressed his lips to hers. For a moment the thought of Zara forcing him to kiss her entered his mind, but he pushed it away. He wouldn’t let his past mistakes ruin how he felt about Aren any longer. He needed her, he was ready for her, and he slipped his tongue inside her mouth to taste her again.

“Make love to me,” she whispered against his mouth and he froze. How did everything seem to change so fast between them? From fucking to making love despite them not having touched each other like this for almost two years. “Remember,” she kissed him, “we promised not to brag when this is mutually desired.”

“I’m not bragging.” He pressed in and kissed her again while she unbuttoned his shirt and then went for his pants. He reluctantly broke away from her, hurriedly taking his clothes off before he was kneeling between her legs again and easing her back into the pillows. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him, and the feeling that swelled within him was unlike anything he’d ever felt before.

He broke from her kiss as he tried to catch his breath, palming her cheek, then running his thumb over her tattoo. How could he have fallen so far and still end up back in her arms? He felt like he was about to fall apart until her lips softly eased against his.

“It’s okay if you—”

He kissed her again, “I want you; I want this.”

“Then come back to me, Illario; you can have me. Let me have you too.” Her hand was brushing over his side, rubbing up and over his back, offering comfort and waiting to touch him more intimately.

“You want me?” He felt like he could barely breathe, and he couldn’t fathom how she could still want him after everything.

“Yes, Illario. I want all of you. It’s messy, we are both a mess, but I want us… I want us to be something.”

“Maker, take me.” He kissed her; if he didn’t kiss her he would tell her he loved her and that may be too much too soon for both of them, but he did. He fell in love with her. He wasn’t even sure when, but he realized he’d fallen for her the moment she said it meant nothing and it broke his heart.

“Illario, please,” she whimpered against his lips and he shuddered. He gripped himself, settling the tip of himself against her and slowly eased within her. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her perfume, relishing in her scent while he filled her with his cock.

He needed a moment or else he was going to come undone so quickly. She wouldn’t stop writhing underneath him, whimpering as he brought his lips back to hers. She must’ve been close, and he wanted to feel her fall apart. He slipped his hand down to thumb her clit and she clenched his dick.

“Wait, Illario, wait—I’m going to—”

“Let go,” he uttered, and no sooner he said that she moaned, and he felt her pulsing around him. He groaned, trying his best to hold out through the blissful feeling of her tightening around him. “You feel so good, Aren.” He felt breathless; he kissed her, swallowing the moans that escaped her as he waited.

She was snug around him—supple and warm—a comfort really to feel her like this once again. Even to just kiss her felt like his own gift, and he reflexively ground his hips into hers, gasping into her neck. He ran his fingers into her hair, his nose brushed along her clavicle. He spotted a freckle he caressed with his lips, trailing over until he kissed up the black line along her throat. She moaned and it was the most thirst quenching sound she could have made.

When he felt her hand squeeze his ass he shifted his hips, slowly sliding out and back inside of her. It felt like everything seemed to slow down—how cliché—and he lost himself in the feel of her around him.

It felt different than the other times, as if realizing how he felt about her made him feel so much more. Every stroke felt like he was edging right on the brink of falling deeper and he worked to keep himself from speeding it up. He wanted to feel every bit of this, wanted to unravel her again and again.

He couldn’t bring himself to say anything as he thrust in and out of her, wanted to hear her little noises, listen to her body talk to him with every little quiver and press of her fingers. She was moaning as she met his thrusts, trying to make him go faster, but he sunk himself inside of her to kiss her and edge them again.

Another groan escaped him as he ground his hips against hers, and he gasped for air at her neck. She dug her fingers into his back then ran her hands down to his ass where she gripped and pulled, begging him without saying it with a curt gasp. When he felt her clench around him he almost lost it. How the hell did she do that?

“Illario,” she whispered in a soft moan, her body writhing beneath his. She must know what moaning his name like that did to him. He eased out and thrust back in, and he was ready to fall apart with her. It was building quickly now, and he gripped her thigh as he thrust faster. The feelings threatened to overwhelm him, but he pushed them back as he chased this new high.

He didn’t want to ruin this with curses but fuck did it feel so good, and he was moaning and groaning as much as she was. He wasn’t typically vocal, but she brought it out in him. He felt desperate in his pace, and when she whimpered for him to not stop he almost did just to suspend this feeling.

“Aren,” he strained, his thrusts beginning to stutter. He was right there at the edge and before he could shift his finger to her clit she cried out as her walls began to tightly clench around him.

He toppled over immediately, snapping his hips to hers and grinding out every bit of himself to completion. He moaned at the feel of her clenching him still, pulling his cock deeper. He felt like he couldn’t breathe; he was hot and sweaty, the stars wouldn’t stop dancing before his eyes as he tried to look at her, to see the absolute look of bliss painted on her features.

He kissed her but could barely keep that up with how out of breath he was. He slumped against her, burying his head at her neck. Maker, that was something else entirely that he couldn’t fathom. How did it feel so much more different and intimate than the other times? Was this really how it could feel being in love with someone?

He lifted to brush his hand over her cheek and she finally opened her eyes. She eased her finger down the line of his cheek then pulled him to kiss her. Even kissing her felt different and he couldn’t believe how big of a sap he’d become. He was truly pathetic—finally in a good way—and he felt himself aroused all over again.

He moved his hand down, thumb pressing at her clit, and she arched. “Oh fuck,” she breathed, breaking from his kiss and he was hard again at that utterance.

He pulled out of her and she grabbed at his shoulders. “Get on top,” he panted as he moved to his back. “I want to watch.” She eagerly moved, straddling him, and her hand on his cock nearly had him coming already. He gripped her hips tightly as she sunk herself over him and he cursed at the sight of himself slipping inside of her, their aftermath leaking out of her. It was obscene, messy, but fuck did it turn him on even more.

She rode him and he was entranced by everything. The way she gripped his cock as she slowly slid up him, to the look on her face and the way her hair fell over her shoulders. He watched a bead of sweat slip down her chest between her breasts, and he moved his hand up to palm her, stroking his thumb over her nipple.

She dipped her head back, and he moaned when she did, bucking his hips up into hers to cause her to stutter. She braced her hands on his chest as she writhed her hips, grinding onto him. He sat up, catching the next bead of sweat with his tongue as he licked up her chest, bringing his lips over to her breast to suck her nipple into his mouth.

He felt her fingers grip his hair, a sharp whimper escaping her as she fluttered around his cock. “Don’t stop, fuck, Aren, don’t stop!” He groaned, and she continued to ride him. He tried to buck his hips up into her, desperate to feel his release again and he shattered to pieces when she cried out and came again on the heel of her last orgasm.

They both clutched each other tightly, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe as her sheath squeezed him one last time. It took a long moment before either of them moved, loosening their tight embrace of one another. She eased back, her hand brushing over his cheek as she kissed him. That yearning look she gave him; it was everything he wanted to see in her eyes.

They were both shaky from the intensity of it all; that second wind hit him hard and swift, nearly knocking him out. It was incredible, and he resisted the urge to tell her ‘I love you’ over and over and over again. But he couldn’t help himself, couldn’t help the way his heart swelled, and he pulled back from her lips to just look at her. The look in her eyes nearly sent him into the next life again. Did she love him too? Was she feeling the same things? The possibility nearly broke him, but he held himself together.

It was a difficult process just to disentangle themselves from one another, both of them completely spent. Their shaky legs brought them to the washroom one after the other to clean themselves up before they crawled back into bed. By the time he’d gotten back she was already passed out.

He settled his lips to hers briefly before he relaxed next to her. He couldn’t help staring at her, unable to believe this was really happening. How did his life completely fall apart to only begin building up again so quickly? If she really did love him, he didn’t know what he’d do with himself, but he couldn’t help the smile that lingered on his face as he finally nodded off.

When he woke later his heart was racing and he quickly got out of the bed. He needed fresh air and he made his way out onto the balcony opening it to feel the weather had chilled and the rain was falling. He gripped the railing; the dreams were still plaguing him about all the mistakes he’d made.

Zara still troubled him; his dreams repeating over and over the moment he made the deal with her. He wanted it to stop, wanted the guilt over what he’d done to stop making him sick. He had no one to blame but himself, but no matter how many Venatori he killed to try and make up for it, it still haunted him.

“It’s cold out here.” He heard Aren’s sleepy voice then felt the warmth of her body against his back as she wrapped the blanket around him. “Gods, you’re freezing, Illario. You should’ve put some clothes on first.”

He let out a sigh as he relaxed back into her embrace, felt her lips at the back of his neck then down to his shoulder. The feel of her body against his helped to warm him up even more. “I needed air, I wasn’t thinking…”

“Nightmares?”

He chuckled, “how’d you know?”

“I have nightmares too.”

Lightning streaked across the sky and thunder rumbled moments later.

“I don’t know how I got so fucked up…” He mumbled. “How did I become this loathsome person?” He felt hollow within his chest, an emptiness that threatened to consume him. He felt her chin settle on his shoulder and a bit of the emptiness faded away.

“Your life has been full of tragedy.”

“Do not make excuses for me… I made my choices… I just… I don’t know how I came to be this way. Before my parents died… I don’t know who that boy is anymore…”

“Maybe… at some point you become what people make you believe you are…” she said and he couldn’t help it. He gripped the railing tighter and dipped his head low. The rain cascaded down before them, loudly pattering over the covered balcony; the tears finally escaped him.

The last time he cried was the day he and Lucanis reunited after being split up; Caterina scornfully yelled at both of them for their tears. ‘Emotion is weakness. File it down. Make it useful.’ He wouldn’t allow himself to show this weakness after that.

But he felt safe with Aren, like he could tell her anything, show her anything, bare his soul wide open for her. Her body left his back and she pulled at his arm, dislodging his hand from the railing and pulled him into an embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, buried his face into her neck as he sobbed. He felt her fingers at the nape of his neck until they slipped up into his hair.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered.

“Do not apologize for feeling,” she whispered, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Maker, where was she so long ago when he needed someone like her to catch him?

At some point they made it back in bed where she propped up against the headboard and he was content to lie against her chest while she held him from behind. Her arms rested over his chest and he reached for her hand, threading his fingers with hers. Her thumb stroked along his palm and he let out a content sigh.

“You have me wondering what it would’ve been like had I found you before you left that party.”

She huffed, “I swear that fucking party never goes away. You know I actually did not leave it. Viago bitched about me leaving him alone, but I was too embarrassed to say that I got very drunk and passed out in a bedroom.”

He couldn’t help laughing. “All that time wasted looking for you and you were passed out?”

“Yes… I didn’t know how to handle my liquor at seventeen.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better after Caterina caught me looking for you, I also got drunk and passed out.”

She sighed, shifting a little and he made to move so she could get comfortable but she pulled him back to her chest. “You would not have liked me back then.”

“I liked you well enough.”

She laughed, “Yes, but I was not so worldly. My sage advice is a recent development.”

“Perhaps it’s for the best then.”

“It was. We were different people then. I promise I was not so charming as I am now.”

He found it hard to believe. She was pretty charming when they first met.

“Illario, it does us no good to think about what ifs… We wouldn’t be who we are if we had not gone through what we did, would not be where we are. As much as I still feel guilty about betraying you… If Caterina didn’t give me that contract… We would not have spent that time together. I would not have come the closest to death I have ever been… to see that my life was truly worth living. You helped me with that.”

He scoffed, “You cannot give me credit… I pursued you for my own selfish reasons.”

“And I did the same, but I am giving you a little credit. You saved my life against all your training to put the job first. That has some sort of effect on a person.”

He remembered her calling out for him in her desperation. His name is what she called out. How could he not answer her cry? He didn’t even give the job a second thought in those moments.

“I wasn’t going to let you die.”

“You got a silly girl all twisted up inside over that.”

He let out a laugh. “Well… you’ve had me twisted up inside since the day we first met.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Minrathous was a hellscape, but they’d all managed to persevere so far and were taking one last breath up in a makeshift safehouse before Rook, Lucanis, and their companions figured out their next moves. It seemed crazy to Aren to think that Fen’harel was currently battling it out with Lusacan every time the building shook. What sort of wicked dream had she entered?

In the time between Illario’s downfall and now, Aren felt they’d found themselves in a good place. They were good, but for the other things it was still hard for him; the guilt still crept in and threatened to consume him. He was trying and she told him that that’s what mattered; he was the first to jump to the call when Lucanis asked them to come to Minrathous to help.

It wasn’t without its hardships; Venatori at every turn here were scrambling to kill Illario for what he did to Zara. They still had run ins with them in Treviso, and he had a target on his back that would probably be there for some time.

“You really ought to be more careful,” Illario chastised her as he grabbed a towel and positioned himself between her thighs from where she sat on the table. She almost laughed at the way he grimaced at the sight of the blood on her face. He was such a priss when it came to getting his hands dirty like this, which was so comical considering she still remembered—explicitly—the way he ripped Zara’s throat out without a second thought.

“It is just a scratch, quit your fussing,” she gently pushed at his hip.

“That Venatori almost took your head off.” He dabbed at the slice over her eyebrow. “You are lucky he didn’t take your eye instead.”

“Are you worried over me?” She gripped his hips. His hand swept under her jaw, the feel of his supple gloves against her skin made her shiver and ache for the touch of his bare fingers.

“And if I am? You’re being quite destructive out there.”

“You’ve not had the pleasure of seeing me work in this capacity until now,” she smirked up at him. “I am mostly destructive.”

“Perhaps you should try not to fight five Venatori at once and avoid darkspawn while you’re at it. At least to keep me from worrying so much, amore mio.”

She grinned at the casualness of how he said that with so much ease. They hadn’t talked about them throwing around ‘my love’ now, but she didn’t want to bring it up for fear it’d stop. That someone could consider her their love turned her insides to mush. What kind of giddy idiot had she become?

“Are you saying I am not finessed enough in my fighting?” She rubbed her thumbs into his hips and listened to him groan.

His voice lowered as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, “There are too many people around for you to be… handling me like this.” She chuckled while he eased over to grab something, and her eyes caught someone across the room speaking with Isabela. Her lips parted as they looked at her—hands letting go of Illario’s hips—she thought she was seeing a ghost.

The ghost that haunted House Arainai. Zevran.

Illario straightened—a tin of ointment in his hand—and when she glanced up at him she must’ve had some sort of look about her. He turned to see where her eyes were just moments ago and she could see Zevran heading over.

“Well, well, if it is not my savior, all grown up and thriving?”

“Zevran…” She finally dared to breathe and Illario looked back at the elven man.

“Zevran? Arainai?”

“Hm, I prefer not to use that name any longer. Besides one name sounds more ominous than two, but yes, I am Zevran,” he said.

“What are you doing here?” Aren was shocked to see him.

“A few old friends requested my help. The more the merrier, yes? It seems my skills are needed to save the world once more.” He grinned and glanced between her and Illario who continued to hover beside her. She almost wanted to ask him to leave, but it was a knee jerk reaction to not wanting to be vulnerable. Now, well, she didn’t want to hide things from him.

“You look like you want to tell me something. Go ahead.”

“Did they ever tell you how you came to de Riva?”

She shook her head. “No… I am guessing you had something to do with that.”

“I figured I owed you a debt. If I could save at least one poor soul from Arainai then I would cash in a favor. If House Arainai found out you helped me—”

“I assumed that would happen. It would’ve been welcome but the alternative worked out. I always wondered… I suppose I owe you now.”

“Consider us even.”

“Well, you killed everyone I wanted to in that House, so I feel as though I am in your debt.”

Zevran shook his head, “those were on the house. Did… the former Talon tell you anything else?”

“They told me nothing. Bought me and threw me into their training. Well, they gave me time to heal from my injuries, fed me… why? What else do you know?”

Zevran again looked between her and Illario; he’d been quiet so far beside her. “This may be something you’d like to hear in private.” She glanced at Illario.

“If you need me to leave I will.”

“No, you can stay. Tell me.”

“Arainai kept a file on their stolen and purchased youth to keep track of where they came from should they need more stock. The Fifth Talon at the time should have had it upon their transaction of you. I suppose they did not tell you about it.”

She stood, alarmed. “What was in it?”

“Possibly information regarding your origins, mia cara, but I do not know the details, my apologies. I passed along your information to the Fifth Talon and left Antiva shortly after.”

Immediately she turned and practically ran out the room, her heart about to burst out her chest. She heard Illario call her name, but she ignored him until she made her way outside and found Viago, grabbing him by his jacket.

“Why did you not tell me?!” She felt Illario pulling her back and Viago looked confused. “You had my file all this time and you didn’t tell me!!”

He actually looked a little panicked. “What are you talking about, what file?”

“You are the Fifth Talon, how do you not know?” She felt Illario’s arms wrap around her midsection when she tried to lunge at Viago again.

“Aren, calm down,” Teia said gently and she watched Viago shaking his head.

“You cannot tell me that when you took over that you did not look through every bit of everything in that house! Someone as meticulous as you?”

“Arenaria, please, now is not the time!”

“A good time would have been when you took over as Fifth Talon! You are my brother, Viago, how could you not tell me?!” She felt the tears slipping down her cheeks and she furiously tried to swipe them away.

“I didn’t look at it! I… I’m sorry I did not know how to tell you about it. With everything that happened I didn’t want it to cause you pain. I’m sorry.”

She tried to steady her breathing and she started to relax feeling Illario’s arms loosen around her.

“You should have told me,” she said and he looked down.

“I promise when we get back I’ll give it to you.”

She turned away from him and went back inside, Viago trying to call after her, but she was admittedly too hurt to listen. She found a room without anyone in it and slammed the door behind her, pressing her palms to a desk to keep herself from falling over. The tears fell heavily again; she couldn’t remember the last time she cried, but she couldn’t help the feeling in her chest, the pit of despair that threatened to consume her.

She thought she was over this. Evidently she was nowhere near over her past. She heard the door open and she grabbed the book on the desk and hurled it towards them. “Leave me alone, Viago,” she growled. They ducked and the book popped off the door and fell to the floor.

“Mierda, Aren, calm down, it’s me!”

She stopped before she threw something else. She thought it’d be Viago, but it was Illario. She tried to wipe the tears from her face, sniffling, feeling embarrassed.

“Don’t look at me like this,” she rubbed her face, turning from him, and she felt his hand on her arm trying to tug her to look at him. “Illario, stop!”

“Shh, calm down. It’s not as if you’ve not seen me ball my eyes out already. It’s fine, amore.” He rubbed her shoulders and she didn’t look up at him until he nudged her chin up. “If it makes you feel any better he tried to come in here, but I didn’t let him.”

She tried to look away, but he gently gripped her jaw to look back at him. She hated that he tried to give her the comfort of knowing Viago still tried to come to her. He eased down and pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Talk to me.”

She balled up her fists and lightly tapped them against his chest before she slid her hands up over his shoulders. “I hate you,” she narrowed her eyes knowing his agenda.

“You love me. Now talk to me.” Her heart skipped a beat at his utterance and she felt flustered. Ignoring that, she went back to what was really on her mind.

“He has a file on me, Illario… One they got from Arainai… what if it says what happened? What if it tells me how I got to be there? I thought I was over this… I cannot…”

“Hey, I’m here for you. You will get through this.” She felt his gloved palm cup her cheek and she wanted to rip them off along with his clothes, but now wasn’t the time nor place for that.

“I don’t know if I can handle this.”

“You can. You will.”

She made a face at him. “Look at you being signore positivo.”

He rolled his eyes, “Don’t go telling anyone.” She felt his hands slip down over her ass while his lips trailed down her neck.

“You’re getting a bit handsy there. Now’s not really the time for this,” she sighed though as he squeezed her then sucked at the pulse in her neck.

“Oh, so it’s alright for you to put your hands on me where everyone can see, but I cannot do the same in private?” He pulled her to his hips and she groaned.

“Illario,” she let out a gasp and he found her lips, stealing the noise from her. She felt his smirk against her lips and she pulled away to glare at him.

“You’re just trying to distract me you asshole.”

“But it worked,” he slipped a hand up to her hip while his other raised to her face to cup her cheek. “Better?”

“No. Frustrated.”

“We’ll take care of that later then when we’re doing our victory lap. We still have more Venatori to kill.”

She sighed. “I suppose you’re right. We can pretend to play heroes a little while longer, yes?”
~~

“Viago, Teia!” Aren desperately called out for them when she spotted them across the courtyard; Illario’s arm was slung over her shoulder, and he was pale, barely responsive, as he moaned in pain. She ignored her own searing pain at her outer thigh, the lightheadedness that was daring to overtake her.

Viago saw her, rushing towards her, Teia following suit after slicing through another few Venatori. The battle above was raging until a loud cry erupted, rippling across Minrathous. The dragon was possibly dead, but the Venatori only seemed to swarm the Crows.

Not long after a tear had opened up in the sky and all around them the air crackled with magic. The demons came at them—came at them all—swooping in and cutting through what they could find. A Venatori took that moment to go for Illario and Aren wasn’t quick enough when she noticed; their magic dart went right through him.

She ripped through them in a panicked rage, her daggers going straight through the mob. One of their nasty sickles sliced right up her outer thigh, but she was far too concerned about Illario and the state he was in. He was declining, fast.

Viago caught them before she toppled over, Teia grabbing her while Viago eased Illario to the ground.

“Shit,” Viago cursed.

“It’s a lot of blood, Viago,” Aren whimpered.

“Maker, Aren, your leg!” Teia propped her up. “You both should’ve stayed by our sides!” She quickly started pulling Aren to some other Crows that finished dispatching a group of demons and Viago dragged Illario with him.

“We need a mage,” he barked, “healers! Now!” It was a whirlwind after that, the nausea was starting to hit Aren, but she was too concerned over Illario. The healers were over him for quite some time until they told them they’d done all they could and time would tell if he lost too much blood or not.

Aren couldn’t help the ache in her chest; she wanted to yell at him for breaking off too far from her where she couldn’t watch his back in the chaos, but now she only hoped he could survive. A mage had helped stop the bleeding on her end, and she was sitting next to him as he was propped up inside the house they’d commandeered.

“We found a potion!” Teia hurried to her side and handed it to Aren.

“Illario, wake up for me, amore.” She patted his cheek and he groaned, looking at her.

“This must… be so attractive to you…” he groaned and she wanted to slap him.

“Shut up, drink this.” She put her hand behind his head and he opened his mouth letting her ease the bitter liquid down his throat. She made him drink the whole thing and was relieved to see a bit of color returning to his face after a few minutes passed.

“That tastes disgusting…” He grumbled and she rolled her eyes.

“You are going to be a pain in the ass aren’t you?”

He smirked at her before easing his head down to her shoulder. “I think you owe me a sandwich.”

She couldn’t help smiling as she lifted her hand to pat his cheek. “I’ll make you the best damn sandwich you’ve ever eaten.”

“What happened,” Teia asked, she was still sitting by their sides.

Aren let out a sigh. “You know he has a target on his back… It was that combined with all that chaos going on—” A bright flash of green light popped outside the windows. They all looked at each other and Viago made his way to the door to peek out.

“I’m not seeing more demons.” He slunk his way out, returning moments later to report that the tear in the sky was gone. He shook his head with an incredulous smile. “Perhaps Rook managed to pull this one off too.”

“It’s Mahia, Vi, of course she did,” Teia smiled. “I will go find another potion for you, my dear, sit tight.”
~~

Back in Treviso, Illario found himself sentenced to rest in his room at the Diamond. His wound was pretty grievous and he still felt the pain it’d done internally. It wasn’t everyday one got impaled by magic and nearly bled to death. Which was mainly the problem after the healers managed to stitch his wounds inside and out. The loss of blood was nearly fatal, but the quick action taken and the potion were able to help stave off death for the time being.

In the thick of his delirium he hadn’t realized that Aren was injured as well; he wasn’t going to ask anything of her but she insisted on helping out with his care. ‘It’s merely a flesh wound, a silly scratch,’ she’d insisted, and he hadn’t seen it yet but he knew that bravado hid just how bad it really was.

He shifted to sit up in bed, the shower he’d suffered through earlier took a lot of energy out of him and he lifted the covers to examine his own scar again. Just off center of the middle of his chest, beneath his ribs.

He ran his finger over the scar, tendrils spidering out like lightning from the epicenter. It was another scar to add to the mix of Caterina’s stamps upon him. At least most of the cane scars were on his back. Usually those had been only bruises but on occasion she’d break skin.

When the door opened he watched Aren come in trying to disguise her limp as she brought over a bag to set on the table beside his bed.

“I thought you might be hungry. Soup and sandwiches, the meal of tender healing apparently,” she said and he laughed until he let out a groan.

“Did you make it yourself? All for me?”

She pulled out the sandwich and took a sizable bite. The tables had turned as she did the exact same thing he’d done back when he fed her.

“It’s the best sandwich I’ve ever made,” she said and handed him the bounty.

“You’re lucky I’m not as picky as you,” he teased as he took a bite.

“You not picky? In what world?”

“I’m hurt you would accuse me of such.” He took another bite and she looked at him expectantly.

“Well?”

“It’s delicious! Did you really make this?” He eyed her suspiciously; something seemed a little familiar about this particular sandwich.

She scoffed, planting her hand on her hip and her haughty attitude enveloped her. “Are you accusing me of not making it?”

He took another bite. “Lucanis made it didn’t he?”

She stubbornly glared at him before she crossed her arms. “Fine, yes. He helped me make it. He insisted on whipping up your favorite sandwich with some special secret sauce that you always liked. I assembled it though.”

He tried not to laugh and he clutched his abdomen. “Aren, please.”

Her nose wrinkled. “I suppose it is too good to be something I could make.”

“What are we going to do? Neither of us can cook worth a damn.” He continued to eat and she sat on the bed.

“I suppose we’ll have to keep taking on more contracts or else we’ll starve.” She said that but then there was a faraway look in her eyes.

“You do not want to be an assassin anymore, do you?”

She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I suppose I do not…”

He offered up the last quarter of his sandwich but she waved her hand. “I already ate one,” she smiled.

“So the giant bite you took earlier was just for show?” He continued to finish it off.

“I have been waiting to do that since you massacred my sandwich.”

He chuckled again shaking his head. She had that faraway look again and he nudged her hip with his foot.

“What do you want to do then?”

A long pause settled between them. “I am not sure… this is all I know. I am not good at anything else. A boring life disgusts me, and this hero nonsense is tiring.”

“I’m sure there is plenty you’re good at outside of assassinating. You’ll need to figure out what you want to do instead.”

“So simple.” She glared at him, then crawled up unto the bed to sit beside him. “What do you want to do?”

The thought struck him cold; if he were honest with himself he hadn’t really thought about it lately. All his life all he thought about was the future, First Talon, what his life would be like running the show while House Dellamorte admired him.

Ever since he’d been knocked on his ass and thoroughly embarrassed in front of the people closest to him, he tried not to think about the future. At least he hadn’t made it over to the opera house; he could save some of his dignity in Treviso though he was certain there were rumors about what he’d done.

“I am not sure… The rest of Thedas will be in shambles. Treviso is probably the best place to be, and yet it is the worst place…” What kind of normal life would Antiva have after this? “Before anything else though… I need to make sure the Venatori are completely gone from Treviso… From Antiva.” He watched her eyes perk up at that comment.

“Killing more Venatori? Sounds good to me!”

He tried not to laugh. “It will not be a bountiful job. We will not be getting paid for it.”

“It’s fine. We’ll figure that out in the future. Plus I’m pretty sure dearest nonna won’t cut you and Lucanis off just so she can save face. All that Dellamorte money in your savings will come in handy.” She smirked as she tipped his chin towards her, settling a lingering kiss at his lips.

“Are you only with me for my money?”

“Of course, haven’t you already figured that out by now,” she teased and he nipped at her lip. “Well, it’s only fair since you are only with me for the sex.”

“You found me out. I cannot help myself,” he kissed up her cheek. “It was so good, I could not help but fall in love,” he uttered then froze at the same time she did. They hadn’t spoken about it despite the lovey pet names they’d been throwing around for one another. It was one thing just to call each other ‘my love’ but another to actually say they loved one another.

“I do, Aren… I love you.” He couldn’t help himself now that he blurted it out. Those violet hazel eyes were wide with shock until she slowly smiled, a bashful look appearing on her face as she palmed her cheeks.

“You cannot be serious?” She was trying to hide the blush on her cheeks and he pulled her hands away.

“I am. I love you,” he said it again. He wanted her to say it; he knew she did too, but he also knew how hard it was to admit for someone like them. He kissed her and she kissed him back. He eased back to trace his thumb over her lower lip down the line on her chin. He began to pout. “I suppose I can wait if you cannot say—”

“I love you too.” Her whisper nearly broke and he kissed her again as the rush of this warm, nauseating feeling he never thought he was capable of nearly overwhelmed him. He always thought he was immune to this brand of bullshit that Lucanis read about in his silly little novels, but it seemed as though even he couldn’t help but be stricken by it when the right person found him.

“I was beginning to think you were going to make fun of me.”

She grinned at him. “Not when it’s mutually desired.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Aren left a note with Illario early that morning before he woke. She was heading to Salle with Viago; Reia too now that their House business was beginning to dwindle in Treviso with the Antaam threat at next to nothing. She felt bad about leaving Illario without giving him the chance to convince her to come along, but she felt as though she needed to do this alone. She reasoned that he sorely needed all the rest he could get as well.

Though if she wasn’t trying to lie to herself it was that she was embarrassed enough of her public sobbing episode, and she didn’t want him to see her like that again. She needed to do this alone; she needed to see that file and process it and what it would mean for her. With how surprised she was of there merely being a file, she didn’t want to risk him seeing her take a complete nose dive into despair.

She knew it’d hurt him. He’d probably think it was Viago who would inevitably comfort her, but she was still furious with the Fifth Talon. She even tried to take a separate carriage, but he told her to stop being a baby about this and to ride with him. He’d even offered to allow Reia to ride with them, something the young fledgling was not so secretly excited about.

Though her excitement soon deflated when the poor thing caught herself in the middle of both of their angry, aggravated, and charged silence. She was awkwardly staring out the carriage window along with the rest of them.

For hours it dragged on like that until Reia finally spoke up. “If I did not know any better I would say you’re both in the midst of a lover’s spat.” Both Viago and Aren’s mouths gaped open at her accusation. Neither could seem to find the words in the moment to refute it.

“Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?” Viago finally sputtered, then immediately turned on Aren. “You are corrupting my fledglings!”

She rolled her eyes. “I did nothing to corrupt this one. She has a mouth and mind of her own, all her own making. Fuck you, Viago, and fuck your accusations,” she spat and she could see Raea’s eyes widen, her eyes almost popping out of her head.

“Y-you are allowed to talk to the Fifth Talon like this?”

Before Aren could say yes, Viago fumed across from her. “No, she is not allowed, however there was never anything I could do or say to keep her in line. She does whatever she damn well pleases despite authority. There is no respect.”

“Oh please, go fuck yourself, Viago. Your authority. You only became Fifth Talon because of your fa—”

“Not. Another. Word.”

She knew she’d strike a nerve with that one and she was hell bent upon pissing him off. “Everyone knows, Viago, it’s the worst kept secret in Antiva.”

He took in a deep breath, shakily letting it out as he tried to soothe his anger. “Are you done? Does it make you feel better to piss me off?”

“Not enough.”

“How many times do I have to tell you I’m sorry?” He finally grumbled out and she crossed her arms.

“It will never be enough.”

Silence spanned between them again and her anger began to tamper down when she saw the way Viago’s brow softened while his eyes filled with shame and guilt.

“I promise I am not lying that I only wanted to spare you the pain…”

Her jaw clenched. “You said you did not look at it. Did you?”

His head dipped as he averted her eyes. “I lied… I did look at it.”

She swallowed hard, trying her best to not burst into tears once more. She would never live it down if she cried in front of her fledgling who was currently still watching this all unfold with wide eyes.

“What did it say?”

He glanced over at Reia then back at her. “We will discuss this—privately—when we get back to the house.”

“I promise I won’t tell,” Reia said, and Aren gave her a look.

“Breathe a word of any of this conversation, and you will have your last day within de Riva, Reia. Understood?”

“Y-yes,” the youngling managed to squeak out. The poor thing practically shrunk back into her seat.

“Shut up, Viago, do not frighten her. He will not harm one hair of your pretty little head, mia cara, don’t worry. He is too soft-hearted these days.”

“Arenaria, I fucking swear—”

“You do not get to talk to me like this, Viago.” She threw those words at him and his brow furrowed once more, his arms crossing. It seemed she’d managed to shut him up now, and Aren angled herself to prop her feet up on the bench beside him. He glared at her again and she returned it and he promptly shoved her feet off onto the floor.

“I take it back,” Raea started, “this is most definitely sibling behavior.”

“Shut up!” They both said to her and she pressed her lips together as she looked out the window. She could see her smiling, and Aren let out a sigh as her anger began to dissipate once more.

“Are we there yet?”

“Maker, I pray it is so,” Viago muttered in response to her.

It wasn’t long before they’d made it to the house and Raea practically bolted as soon as the carriage got there leaving her pack behind. Aren grabbed it and followed after Viago. They were going to get this over with as soon as possible and it wasn’t long before they made it to his office.

“Lock the door, Arenaria,” he said and she did so as she watched him head to another back room after he slid the wall into itself. She knew about this hidden room behind the pocket door, but when she followed him within and he closed it behind them he made his way to the corner bookshelf.

“You have secrets within secrets.”

“Of course I do. I had them add it in when I took over. I cannot have any damaging files privy to anyone but myself.”

“Not even me.” Admittedly she was a little hurt that he wouldn’t trust her to know this and he glanced back towards her.

“I have plans in place should something happen to me that would have informed you when it was needed.”

She raised a brow. “Should something happen? I cannot, and would never assume your role as Fifth Talon, Viago. The other Talons would never accept that aside from Teia and you know who would kill me before that could happen. Plus I do not want your job.”

She watched as he turned a dial behind the bookshelf. He was concentrating, twisting it back and forth several times over until finally they heard a click and he pushed a small section of the wall into itself.

“Be that as it may, you are the only person I completely trust in this House, Arenaria. There are things that I would not have the others know, but if someone had to know, it would be you.”

“What kinds of things?” She frowned.

“Things that do not need discussing this day.” He slipped into the small opening and she waited until moments later he came back with a simple folder. He closed the doorway, putting things back to the way they were as he walked out into the main part of his office.

He sat down and she went to sit across from him. “Arenaria, you once said to me that you wouldn’t allow your past to define you. I kept that to heart when I took over and found your file amongst the former Fifth Talon’s things. I wanted to tell you, but then I didn’t want it to throw the life you’d built off kilter.” She opened her mouth and he silenced her with a finger. “I know. It was not my right but rather an obligation I felt I had to you as your friend.

“I know that it was not my right to decide for you what was best. But my silence was never out of malice, and if you do not know that—”

“I do know that…” She interrupted him. “It was just easier to… direct my anger and fear on you at the potential truth of what this could be.”

He sighed. “I was not sure how you would react to what’s in here. A pain you’ve held your whole life could be mended only to open another, far greater, wound.” He looked at the file in his hands and offered it to her.

She swallowed deeply, tried to hide the shake in her hands as she took it from him.

“Would you like me to leave?”

She stared at him for a long while. She wanted to say yes, but she knew she needed the comfort despite thinking she needed to face this alone. She said nothing but opened the folder. She read, her heart beating faster and faster as she tried to take in the words as quickly as possible.

She felt her lip quiver. “They really are dead then?” She sniffed, trying to hold the tears at bay. “But neither of them sold me.”

“No, they did not…”

She swiped away a tear, then another. “I always hoped at least one of them was still alive… The stupid little child inside of me hoped I’d someday meet my mother. Arainai told me my father sold me. Said that I was worth nothing to my family. I should not have believed them but it was hard not to.”

“I am sorry, Arenaria…”

She shook her head. “I suppose you were right. One wound mended for only a deeper one to open. But at least… at least I now know they were dead rather than the alternative. They did not give me up because they did not want me…” She read further, there wasn’t a whole lot on them, but there was one thing.

“They were Dalish. Clan Revasan.” She scoffed, how rich. The place where freedom dwells. Did they know that one of their own sold her off into basically indentured servitude? Then something dawned on her. Clan Revasan? She’d heard of it before from someone else and her lips parted.

“What?”

“Is… is that not the Dalish clan that Raea belonged to? The one with ‘too many mouths to feed?’” Viago stood and made his way back into the second office. He had the fledgling folders hidden in the second room rather than the super secret third room.

He came back a few minutes later and handed Aren Raea’s file. She scanned through it and sure enough, the same clan and the same name for the ‘mediator,’ Mel. “Who is this mediator? This Mel person?”

“I am not sure. Davina handles recruitment, but Raea was acquired shortly before I took over if I am not mistaken.”

“She was four when she came to de Riva. She said she remembers very little, but she knew her mother’s name. Has her journal.”

Viago shook his head. “It would figure you two came from the same clan. It would not surprise me at this point if you both happen to be related.”

Aren snorted. “She is twenty years younger than me, I would hardly think it’s possible we have family in common.”

“I am convinced that you are distant cousins. Especially after that little show in the carriage.”

She rolled her eyes. “She did not learn it from me, your highness.”

He sighed. “I am pleased to see this has not affected you too deeply.”

“No, it has, however I am suddenly reinvigorated by the possibility of vengeance.”

“Is it wise to poke the bear?”

“I do not care, Viago. This person sold me from my clan, sold Raea. If anything I owe it to both of us to find out what happened. To make sure that if they are still alive that they will never sell off another child again.”

He nodded and silence spanned between them. “Do whatever you need to do. Should you need my assistance… I will be there for you.”

“Thank you, Viago. But this is something I must do for myself.”

“I hope… I hope you can forgive me, Aren…”

She let out a sigh. “I could never stay mad at you… I just needed you to sweat for a little while just so you knew how pissed I was.”

He slumped in his chair, mimicking her sigh. “You are going to make my veins rupture.”

“Good.” She heard something on the other side of the door and sighed once more.

“What is it?”

“You know who is eavesdropping.”

He raised a brow. “She’s behind the door?”

“Yes. My ears work perfectly fine, Raea,” she said a little louder and she could hear the quiet but hurried footsteps leading away. “That little shit,” she shook her head. “I should have known better.”

“You should probably involve her anyway.”

“I was thinking about it, but I suppose she forced my hand. As she usually does.”

“It bites doesn’t it? When someone gets under your skin?” Viago was smirking and she resisted the urge to shove the desk into him with her foot.

“You can stop your gloating.” She looked at the two files in her hands. “Please, take them away. There is nothing more I need to see in mine.” She handed them back to him and he went back to put them away.

Several minutes passed before he joined her again standing beside her chair. He hesitantly pressed a hand to her shoulder. She was almost proud of how far Viago had come with physical touch.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

She nodded and stood before him, pulling him into a hug. “You ever hide something like this from me again and I will make you suffer.”

He let out a groan of a sigh as he patted her back. “I know.”
~~

“Oh quit your moaning, Illario, Aren did nothing to slight you by heading off to Salle,” Teia chastised him as she put down another card. He tried not to curse at the bind she just put him in, but he was sorely tempted to swipe the cards off the bed.

“She could have woken me up.” He was still sour about it and Teia giggled at his expense. “What is so funny, Andarateia?”

“This is so refreshing to see you like this, my dear.”

“See me like what?” He wrinkled his nose, playing another card and watching her as she looked over her hand.

“Fussy and in love. I never thought I’d see the day. Honestly I am even more surprised that it was the both of you that found each other.”

He tried not to grumble, but he did anyway. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Look, Illario, I have known Aren for quite some time now. Do not take this personally but out of all the men she pursued you don’t exactly fit her type nor pattern.”

His brow piqued and he couldn’t help leaning forward. “Now you have me curious. How am I not her type?”

“You are too pretty.”

Both brows shot up. “Excuse me? I am too… pretty?” It felt like an insult and he wasn’t sure how he should take it, but Teia was laughing again.

“She tended to like men who were more ruggedly handsome.”

Now he couldn’t help but be offended. “I take offense to that. I am quite handsome.”

“Yes, of course, but you are polished, rich, and smooth.”

Teia played another card and he really was about to toss them off the bed. “Smooth… did you really just call me smooth? As in what? What is your meaning?”

“Before not a hair was ever out of place, you’re always clean shaven, your clothes are perfect.”

“Oh, so you are admonishing me for taking care of myself?”

The Seventh Talon couldn’t help herself; it seemed he was putting on a comedy show, but he wasn’t exactly laughing at his own jokes, especially when he seemed to be the punchline.

“You asked what her type was I told you, now you are upset at me for elaborating. She chose you, you know that right? She wouldn’t be in your bed every night if she didn’t want you.”

“You’re making it sound like I would be the last man she’d ever be with and settled.”

Teia rolled her eyes. “Do not bend my words around to suit your dour mood. Don’t be an idiot about this. She needs to handle her business, and if she needs to do it alone it is not some sort of slight against you. Just admit that the reason you’re upset is because you miss her.”

He froze when she said that. She’d accurately called him out for what the real problem was. He did already miss her and it made him irritated in multiple ways. First that she’d left without waking him, and second that it bothered him so much that she left.

“It’s so cute the way you pine for her.”

He let out a sigh. “Fine, I concede defeat, Andarateia.”

“You know you can call me Teia, Illario? We are friends after all.”

“I always wondered… Why were you always so nice to me, Teia? No one else was.” He glanced up to see her smile brightening.

“You think I do not pay attention? I do dearly love nonna but I am not blind, Illario. I saw the way she treated you, and it was not fair. You really are a good assassin, and you’re good at what you do.” He scoffed, about to refute that but she continued. “Your downfall in one of the greatest schemes in Crow history is that you have a heart underneath that bitterness you used to carry. You tried to hide that your heart was just as soft as Lucanis’s, but I am not a fool. You could not kill Lucanis by your hand nor could you kill Caterina despite how you feel. I think that says something pretty loudly does it not?”

He swallowed hard, setting his hand down and she revealed hers. She’d beaten him handedly, again, but somehow he didn’t seem to mind so much this round.

“You really think my scheming was good?”

“If you were as ruthless as you tried to pretend it would have gone down in history. No one would have known the wiser had you played your cards right. Not that I am encouraging that nonsense. I would hope you’ve learned your lesson, and I hope you know that there are many knives ready to end you should you harm Aren”

“She is lucky to have found such friends.”

“And you are too. Do not mess it up again, Illario.”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

Teia nodded. “Good because when you are not being a doom and gloom Dellamorte you are quite fun to be around.”

“Hmph, you’re far too nice for your own good, Teia.”

She smiled. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”

They turned their attention to the knock at the door. Teia called for them to come in and an attendant stepped within and bowed. “I’m so sorry to intrude, but there’s someone here to see Master Dellamorte.”

“A guest for you. I wonder who it could be?”

“Hm… I wonder.”

“Don’t act so suspicious, I shall go with you if you’re scared.”

“I am not scared, Teia, I am cautious.”

“Right, right.” She tugged him out of the bed and pulled him along despite his grunting. Once they’d made their way out into the waiting area Illario froze. It was an elder elven woman who was his visitor; the nanny that helped to take care of him for some time before Caterina took him in.

“Rhona? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Look at you,” she covered her mouth, “you’re all grown up, Illario!” He wasn’t sure how to greet the woman but she swept in and tugged him down for a quick hug. “How do you fair?”

He didn’t have the heart to reveal his downfall; he hoped she wasn’t still in contact with the servants he’d had kicked out once he let the Venatori in, but knowing her she probably was. Caterina had let her go not long after his mother was killed, citing that the boys didn’t need a nanny any longer. Rhona was one of the kind spots in his former life.

“I came to give you something. I am sorry it took so long to give it to you, but I wasn’t sure how to get it to you without Caterina taking it away from you. Then I was gone for quite some time in Antiva City.” She dug into her bag and pulled out a black leather bound journal and handed it to him. “It’s your mother’s journal. I believe your father also wrote in it as well.”

He felt frozen to the spot. “Their journal?”

“I’m sorry I took it, but I was…” she leaned in and spoke quieter, “admittedly worried that the First Talon would toss it out… especially after your mother had confessed to me one night about her worries.”

“I… I do not know what to say other than thank you.”

She smiled warmly. “I suppose you are still a troublemaker? Hopefully not breaking too many hearts.”

He very nearly cringed but Teia chimed in. “He has found his person; it’s been quite a journey.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

“Would you like to stay for some tea?” Teia offered and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Illario joined them but all he could do was stare at the journal while Rhona told embarrassing stories from his childhood. It was fuel for Teia’s fire but he found he didn’t quite care.

Teia could have her stories, he didn’t quite mind when she poked fun at him. He almost felt like she had the right to being the only person who treated him alright before everything went to shit.

When Rhona finally said goodbye, when Teia had finished milking every single story she possibly could out of the elven woman, she elbowed him in the side.

“You were awfully quiet.”

“Hm? I was thinking,” he said.

“Yes, clearly. You could have opened that journal up already.”

“And risk balling my eyes out in public? Not a chance.”

“Oh c’mon, Illario, I’m sure Rhona has already seen your tears, and it’s me. No need to hide that you have feelings. I’ve always known you were a little softy.”

“You know, I think it is time for bed. These wounds are still aching.”

Teia rolled her eyes and waved her hand. “Alright, fine, abandon me on our fun game night.”

Illario scoffed. “Fun for you maybe. You were the only one winning.” She grinned and turned to leave. “You know, Teia, you are too good for Viago.”

“Remind him of it,” she waved her hand in the air as she turned to him with a smirk. “It’s good to knock him down a peg from time to time.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was surprising how quickly Aren was able to discover information. She’d gathered Raea and made her way to the lighthouse to meet with Neve and Bellara. She’d already done some sleuthing herself in Salle and found some local Dalish who said clan Revasan used to be near the border of Rivain but had traveled more west in recent years.

Knowing that Bellara knew all things Arlathan and a lot about the Dalish close by, she figured it couldn’t hurt to ask the woman if she’d heard of them. She got lucky and Neve relayed that she’d heard of a man who’d sell a Dalish child here and there over the years in Dock Town, but since it didn’t happen often enough she didn’t have too much to go on.

Neve found it impressive that Aren had a name, even joking that if she wanted to get into detective work they could join together and she could run an agency in Treviso. Aren laughed at first but the more she thought about it, the more she kind of liked that thought. She did enjoy researching about the Dellamorte Velardo feud.

With help from Bellara and Neve—and that interesting Caretaker of theirs—a pathway opened up in their Crossroads that led them to the edge of Arlathan Forest, up near the White Spire. Once through the Eluvian they’d found themselves up in an old ruin in the mountains, the air a little chilly.

They’d packed a light pack and Aren pretty much immediately used the cloak she’d almost left behind if not for that sweet little Caretaker kindly warning them of the climate. Was it terrible she flirted with that interesting spirit? Probably, but she couldn’t help herself.

Raea complained most of the way in the mountain path; the girl was too soft and city sweet and she berated the fledgling for her whining. Aren would never admit it, but she felt the same way, and it also didn’t help that her wound up the length of her thigh was aching a little more at the stress.

Internally she was hating this; her boots were sensible, but they certainly weren’t made for mountain hiking, and her ankles were screaming at her. However, she refused to look weak, so she internalized her discomfort and pretended she was absolutely built for rugged adventuring.

She’d have to rethink her retirement plans; adventuring like this was not for her. She was too used to the finer things and she refused the thought of having to sleep in such meager conditions. There was no way she was going to—gods forbid—camp out in the wilderness.

She wanted to conclude their business here as quickly as possible and return to Treviso to a lavish Cantori Diamond bed that hopefully included using Illario’s warmth for her comfort—if he wasn’t too pissy with her.

She couldn’t help being antsy, anxious; she missed Illario already and felt bad enough that she didn’t wait till he woke to say goodbye for now. He was resting so peacefully though, and they’d been up all night talking with sweet, innocent touches; he was still far too injured despite his protests he wasn’t, but he could still barely exert much energy without wearing himself out.

That was another reason she’d left him. He’d only slow her down in case she did find out more. She couldn’t help thinking though that she’d be listening to him complain just as much as Raea currently was.

After a good little hike they’d finally happened upon some people milling around, and soon they were within a surprisingly bustling village amongst more ruins. It seemed as though clan Revasan had settled into these parts quite nicely, and it certainly was lively. She’d learned from Bellara it was quite a large clan, and Aren could somewhat find it reasonable that someone selling off an orphan here and there would fall through the cracks.

She and Raea were met with some scrutinizing eyes; it was odd to see two obvious flat ears amongst their clan she supposed. Aren was a little more questionable considering her small bit of vallaslin, but her garb—and demeanor—would out her any day as a city dweller.

They found the market area; many colorful stalls were set up for sale and she assumed they must’ve gotten some traffic from outsiders to have such diverse options. She caught eye of the delicious smelling food stalls down the way, resisting the urge to stop by for whatever smelled so savory. She would definitely come back later for that, and she could see Raea give her a look. She had the gall to bring attention to the way her eyes immediately found what she smelled.

After some asking around they waited near the vhenedahl—a rather grand and beautiful tree that looked to be millenia old—in the center of their village. It’s branches sprawled out like a willow canopy with golden leaves on long stems that draped down to the ground.

Supposedly this Mel person liked to frequent this area midday before heading to the market to trade his goods. Aren leaned against a crumbling wall watching the few people walking by.

It was hard to imagine what her life could’ve been like had she not been sold, or if her parents hadn’t died. What kind of person would she be? Would she even recognize herself? Would she have grown into the crass and brash disaster that she was, or would she have assimilated to the simple life of the Dalish?

She found that this life was too small for her. Perhaps it could have worked for whatever version of Arenaria could have blossomed here, but… she quite liked who she was—even if she thought herself a terrible person most of the time.

At one point in time she would have welcomed the chance to erase everything that happened in House Arainai—to go more than a week without some torturous nightmare. What happened there was awful, but it was rather poignant it led her to the outcome and life she now lived… and loved.

She let out a grunt when Raea elbowed her side a little too forcefully, her hands patting her arm to point at a man who was now speaking with someone across the clearing. “I heard his name,” she whispered, and Aren swatted her hands away lightly but the girl in her anxious state wouldn’t stop patting at her bicep so she smacked her hands a little harder.

“I got it, Raea,” she hissed and the girl sheepishly stopped herself. She knew Raea was just as anxious as she was about confronting the man that sold them off. He’d noticed them standing there watching him.

“You are Mel, yes? I need to have words with you,” Aren called to him, beckoning to him. It happened so fast—his eyes widened—perhaps the Antivan accent tipped him off to who they possibly could be, but Aren could see the guilt clear as the day.

When he bolted Aren was flying right behind him. Once she’d gotten close enough she’d whipped her pack at the back of his legs, taking him down to the ground. She kicked him to his back.

“I get the feeling you already know what words I need to have with you, Mel.”

He cursed in Dalish. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You are getting up there in age from the looks of you; I wonder how brittle your bones are. How easily do they break?”

He tried to scramble away but Aren firmly pressed her boot to his chest. “So you have quite the lucrative side business.”

“You’re making things up.”

“Oh, but Mel, unfortunately for you the Crows like to keep good records of their dealings. You probably should not have told them the name of our clan when you sold us off. Or your name for that matter.”

“You Crows are a pack of lying filth—” he cried out in pain when she pressed into his ribs harder, hearing the popping of his cartilage the firmer she pushed. There was a crowd beginning to gather, and she heard the hushed whispers at what was going on.

She wondered for a moment why no one was intervening, but given that Aren was quite tall and imposing for an elf they were keeping their distance for the moment. She hauled Mel to his feet, looking down at him.

“You have very few options right now, and it will do you no good to keep lying to me. I assure you I can and will do worse things than death if you do not answer my questions honestly. Keep in mind I am a product of your choices—your reckoning if you prefer—and your worst mistake was selling to the Crows.

“I know many intricate ways of torture, of poisons that will make your insides feel as if they are melting. If you wish to avoid that pain you will give me the answers I seek.”

He was trembling in her grasp, but he nodded. She let go as he slumped against the wall.

“Are you selling orphaned children?” She asked loudly for the crowd that gathered. He wouldn’t meet her gaze, but he nodded. “Did you sell us to the Crows? Why?”

“Pretty little girls sell for more to the Crows…” he admitted and Aren backhanded him hard in the face.

“How many more children have you sold,” she growled as she grabbed him by the shirt once more. “Do you sell them to Tevinter too?!” He still couldn’t look her in the eye and she hit him repeatedly. When he was crying and whimpering loudly she stopped.

Raea ran up clutching her dagger and Aren grabbed her. “No.”

“But, Aren, he sold us like fucking property; he should die—”

“We will make sure he suffers. Right now…” She looked around, the members of the clan were starting to gather. “We are already drawing a crowd.”

“What are you flat ears doing to Mel?!” Someone ran up.

“Get your keeper.”

“If you think—”

Aren loomed over him and he shirked back. “Get. Your keeper. I will not ask you again.”

She watched his throat bob up and down and he nodded, running off as the others looked on.

“Who do you think you are coming here like this and assaulting one of our own?” Another elf spoke out and before Raea could say something Aren pressed her hand to her shoulder. Mel was on the ground half in and out as he bled from the minor wounds she’d inflicted.

“If all of you paid more attention to your orphan children you would know,” Aren said and some averted their eyes. “I thought so.”

It wasn’t long before the other elf from before came back behind the Keeper and Aren faced her as she came up.

“I do not know who my parents are, but her mother’s name was Fanora. We used to belong to this clan before this piece of shit sold us off.”

The Keeper’s eyes widened. “Is this true, Mel?”

“I… I only did it for the betterment of the clan!” He whimpered from the ground. “We had too many mouths to feed! I bought food for the clan with the money.”

“Like hell you did!” Raea promptly kicked him in the gut and he cried out in pain.

“Enough!” The keeper held her hand up. “Take Mel and lock him up for the time being. You two, come with me.”

They both watched Mel get hauled away, and Aren was somewhat satisfied with the state of him as they followed after the keeper. They made their way up and through the ruins made new for current homes and they were brought to a modest hut that was much like the others.

The keeper offered them some tea and Aren accepted as they sat at a table. Raea however was still fuming and even though Aren could commiserate, she tried her best to be polite. She couldn’t help feeling a little rusty in her handling of things, but she also couldn’t deny how anxious she was that they’d found what they’d been looking for.

“You both claim that Mel has been selling off children.”

Aren nodded, “he admitted to it.”

“After a sound beating.”

“I assure you that he admitted it before I even hit him.”

“How did you find this out?”

“The Antivan Crows keep good records,” Aren said and the Keeper looked somewhat nervous. “Do not worry, I have no contracts to fulfill. However I will be somewhat cross if I find that you plan to not do something about that filth’s actions.”

“Your accusations do not come lightly… but… if Mel has still been carrying this out then I must do what I can to retrieve what we’ve lost.” She took in a deep breath and sighed, rubbing at her temple. Their keeper was older—weathered—there were streaks of grey at her temples, but she seemed perplexed regarding this information.

“I swear I have tried to do right by this clan, but our numbers have grown larger over the years. Even more so lately when darkspawn and blight began to creep upon our village. Thankfully with the news we’ve received from the cities we’ve been able to breathe. My hope is that there are not many children that Mel has sold over the years, but I am shamed to admit that there is not a lot I am privy to… Perhaps I am too trusting.”

“Perhaps you need more help to carry your load.”

“If you know anything about Dalish clans we’ve been trying to operate a little more freely than some of those we know in the south. We have several keepers, we don’t force our mages to leave, but with how large our numbers are… There are some things that slip our attention.”

Aren couldn’t help feeling sympathetic to the woman. She wanted to hate her for allowing this to happen, but perhaps she was a real grown up now in feeling empathy for the woman.

“I am Ira. Please tell me your names.”

“I am Arenaria; I do not know who my parents are, so I cannot tell you their names.”

“Raea… My mother was Fanora. I have her journal. I think she became sick and passed.”

Ira nodded at the two of them, breathing out a sigh as she turned her attention to Raea. “I knew both your parents.” She looked pained to admit it, her eyes welled a little as she stared up and beyond them for a moment of reflection. Aren could almost feel the heavy beat of her heart.

“Raea…” She reached out for the young girl’s hands. “Your mother was very ill. Your father—I’m sorry to say—left the clan before you were born. He may not have known your mother was with child. You were young, and I was told you’d run away. Ir abelas, lethallan.”

“I didn’t know what was happening when I was taken. I don’t remember much…” Raea was trying to hold it together and Aren placed her hand at the girl’s knee. She smiled through teary eyes at her and then she looked back at Ira. “I was luckier than Aren though for where I ended up.”

“You are always welcome here, lethallan, should you need a new home.” She glanced sideways at Aren. She could tell she disapproved of their way of life, but for Aren it was all she knew. It wasn’t that bad, especially not these days with Teia and Viago leading the charge in a new kind of Crow.

“You disapprove, I understand.”

“I did not mean to cause offense. I—this clan—have failed you both and… who knows how many others.”

Aren tapped at the tea cup until she felt brave enough to ask the question in her mind. “Do you possibly know my parents.”

Ira shook her head, a somber feeling washed over them. “I’m sorry… I do not recognize your name.”

“If it helps I am roughly thirty-three years old.”

“I was not the keeper but an apprentice at that time. I will find out what I can from Mel.”

“Please let me know if he needs any additional coaxing.” She could tell that Ira didn’t quite approve of that little quip, but Aren was more than happy to inflict more torture upon that man.

They spoke for a little while longer. They’d gotten all they could for now and Aren was eager to make their way back to the lighthouse before it got too late. She let Ira know to send a missive to House de Riva in Salle if she found out anything more.

Perhaps more foolishly… Aren told her if she needed help in retrieving lost children that she had the means to retrieve them discreetly. Ira may not have approved of the Antivan Crows, but if she wanted those children back without incurring outrageous costs, she would need someone like Aren to steal them away in the night.

It seemed the bleeding hearts that Viago, Teia, and Lucanis had was contagious, and though she was a bit disgusted with herself regarding it… she couldn’t help that she looked forward to the mission should Ira come calling.
~~

It was late when they’d made it back to the lighthouse and much to Aren’s surprise Illario was here. Apparently he’d come here at Lucanis’s invitation and they’d had another sit down chat that according to Lucanis went well. Raea followed after him; he’d offered them food, but Aren decided to find Illario first.

She made her way down the long hallway off the library eventually coming to a stop near the door. Lucanis said Illario came in here once he mentioned the music room and she was surprised to learn that Illario was a music lover. Considering he planned to announce his dramatic takeover of the Crows at the opera house, perhaps she shouldn’t be surprised of his interest in fine arts.

Though when Lucanis told her Illario knew how to play the lute—and play it well—she was genuinely intrigued. She could hear the plucking of a lute behind the door as she listened, and she heard him finally find a tune that he started to play. It was slow, sad even, and she listened for a bit until she crept too close to the door that swiftly opened upon her approach. The music stopped abruptly as Illario looked at her.

For a moment she felt as though his face lit up at the sight of her until his brow furrowed and he set the lute carefully on a table. Ah, so he was still pissy with her, and she cringed as he placed his hands at his hips.

“You know, your timing is shit.”

She sighed, trying to save face as she flippantly waved her hand in the air. “I have not been gone long, and I left you a note. I’m so sorry you could not bear my absence for a few days.” She meant it to come out in a teasing jest but realized she was being a bit too snappy. She’d have to nearly grovel; this man annoyed the shit out of her that he’d gotten so deep under skin that she felt the need to soothe his ego.

But she’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy giving in to him, that she didn’t also enjoy the stupid, wet and pathetic look of longing love he sent her way. She’d have to say ‘I love you’ unprompted many times she surmised and was only a little put out about it.

“You know I love you right?”

He scoffed, crossing his arms. “Do not think you can placate me by offering sweet nothings. You left me. Without a spoken word.”

“Illario,” she pouted playfully, “are you really going to stay cross with me?”

“Yes,” he said stubbornly, looking away from her. The light shining in from the windows was rather lovely within this room and the way it framed him. She sauntered her way up to him and tugged at his arms.

“Illario,” she whined and heard him grumble. “Amore…” she slipped her hands over his shoulders, up his neck to cup his jaw and turn him to face her. He had a little bit of a beard going and she couldn’t help thinking about how good he looked with it.

“I like the beard,” she commented as she kissed up his cheek, easing closer to his ear. He still hadn’t touched her and she was growing impatient. So he needed more tenderness. She dramatically sighed and saw the twitch at his lips as she eased back. He was enjoying this.

“You are not getting off easy,” he said.

“Mmhm,” she hummed as she leaned back in and sucked at his earlobe, feeling him falter just a little as he inhaled; his chest lightly pressed against hers. “You have a good chat with Lucanis?”

It was his turn to dramatically sigh, but she knew he was relishing in the attention she’d showered upon him, and she felt his hands finally find her hips. She wrapped her arms over his shoulders as she looked up at him, watching him intently.

“Tell me about it.” She further encouraged him, stroking her finger behind his ear.

“There’s not much to tell… it’s better though. It is getting better and easier to talk now.”

“This is good to hear. Look at you being all grown up.”

He rolled his eyes. “So you like the beard?” He deflected so obviously.

“I do. Makes you look a little more rugged.”

He scoffed. “Is that so? I heard that I am not your type.”

A startled laugh escaped her. “Do not be offended, I am not your type either.”

“How do you figure?”

“I’m not easy, nor short and cute.”

He now snorted, chuckling. “Are we back to that nonsense again? I enjoy your height. And you are easier than you think.”

“Fuck off! Easy? Do not pretend that I am not the best you ever had.” She eased her mouth to his and he kissed her back. It seemed he was no longer too cross with her. He seemed eager, and she found herself just as excited as he deepened their kiss. The walk through the Crossroads back to Treviso would be long and aching if they kept this up.

He’d finally disentangled himself from her after their heated exchange, and she watched him close the piano behind her.

“Bend over then,” he said and she raised a brow.

“Excuse me?”

He smirked. “You bragged. I am merely returning the favor the first night we fucked. You had the audacity to order me to my knees.”

“Well, you were making some boastful claims. It was only fair you proved yourself.”

“And now, you have boasted about how good you make me feel. So this time, I’m ordering you to bend over.”

She crossed her arms. “I feel as though you’ve been calling the shots too much lately.” She playfully responded as she leaned against the piano.

“Think of it as making it up to me for abandoning me, amore mio.”

“I left a letter,” she countered and he shook his head.

He gripped her chin with his thumb and forefingers. “We are proper lovers now, and that requires a proper goodbye. Your punishment is I get to do what I want with you.” He leaned in pressing a kiss to her cheek until he lowered down to her neck.

She let out a sigh. “So you are saying… mmm… that when you fuck up again, then I will get my way?”

“You always get your way, even if I have the illusion of getting my way.”

Aren smirked and finally complied, turning around and settling her hands upon the surface of the piano. She felt his hand press between her shoulder blades to gently urge her down. She bent over the instrument and felt his hands sliding down to her waist as he began to tug her pants over her ass.

She felt his bare hands on her skin, and she let out a gasp when she felt his thumb swipe over her clit. He was going to make this so agonizingly slow and she felt the gentle throb of anticipation as he gently touched her.

If she whined then he’d torture her longer, and as much as the thought thrilled her she wanted to feel him inside her. It’d been a little too long and she was admittedly aching to have him. His hand slid up the side of her thigh over the scar that was settling into her skin.

“Does it hurt still?” His voice was low as he smoothed his fingers along the healed cut.

“You are focusing on the wrong thing,” she breathed and listened to him chuckling. She heard him undoing his belt and pants and imagined the sight of him. She felt him palm her ass and she shot her hand back to grip his wrist. “If you smack my ass again I’m going to break your knee.”

“Aren, please,” he started to laugh and he braced his hand beside her. “I was not going to do that. Stop making me laugh, it still hurts.” He eased down as she let go and he kissed the corner of her mouth then up to her earlobe.

“Mm, are you sure you’re up for this then?”

“Yes, I’ve been aching to have you.” She felt the tip of him slowly begin to dip inside of her and she tried to stifle the moan that threatened to escape her. She hissed a breath in through her teeth, writhing her hips as he pressed his hand at her lower back to keep her from moving. Finally he sunk inside of her and she moaned.

She listened to him groan as he eased out and slowly slid back within her. She clenched him tightly, and he braced his hand against the hard top of the piano, the strings within vibrating at the force of his palm.

“Fuck, Aren, do that again,” he moaned, his hips snapping against her ass. She chuckled, clenching his dick again when he eased back inside of her on the next stroke. He faltered, lying over top of her as he panted hard. “You do not know what you do to me.” He kissed the back of her neck, rocking his hips in and out of her and she let a whimper escape her.

“I have… oh… an idea!” She scrambled her hands at the slick piano top until he threaded his fingers with hers. She squeezed his hand tightly as he continued his thrusts and when he let out another gravelly moan she nearly came by the sweet sound of his voice. She called out his name, knowing if she encouraged him more he’d quicken his pace.

His groan was deep as his thrusting began to stutter. He was close like she was and she reached her other hand back to grab at his hip. She whimpered out his name again, squeezing her eyes shut. She was right there—so close—when he stopped within her.

“What if…” he panted by her ear, “what if I stopped right now? Made you wait till we get back to Treviso to finish you?”

Her eyes shot open. “You wouldn’t.”

“Mm, maybe I would. The sight of you squirming all the way back would be even more arousing.” He took in a shaky breath. She made to reach down and finish herself off at his threat, but he straightened and grabbed her other hand, pinning both down.

“You would be cruel to deny us.” She squeezed his cock again and he groaned, abruptly sliding almost all of the way out of her. “Illario, fuck,” she whimpered; she knew it was pathetic but she was so wound up and eager for her release.

“I would only be denying you. How much do you want me to finish you, amore?” She wanted to smack that stupid little purr out of his mouth, but as stubborn as she wanted to be about this, she supposed she owed him for leaving him. “The sight of you like this is enough to make me come.”

“Please, Illario,” she gave in, begging him. “Please finish me.”

He sunk back within her and they both moaned, squeezing each other’s hands as he quickly pumped in and out of her until she was pulsing around him, pulling him deeper to his own finish. He moaned as he came, his body slumping over her as he ground his hips into her. She could barely catch her breath, the weight of him almost too much.

It took him a few minutes to right himself, and a few more before she could move from her position and pull up her pants. She felt the warmth at her cheeks as she looked at him, pulling his shirt to tug him to her lips.

He smirked against her mouth and she lightly smacked his cheek. “I will get you back for that.”

“I’m sure you will. I look forward to it.”

“Don’t be so eager,” she panted, catching her breath, “I may not be so benevolent.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was thrilling; hopping from a zipline and running across the rooftops, launching themselves onto the next building without a care for anything. Thrilling. Illario couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun.

Life had a funny way of blooming whenever it felt like it. He’d endured so much tragedy and despair in his life so far, it was hard to fathom what life felt like without it.

A flower blossomed in his life and threatened to poison him, but after some time the sweet scent of her was what helped him crawl out of the muck and back into living it.

She would say he did the same for her, but he still could hardly believe that he was able to do that. Being called a failure by the two most important people for most of your life wouldn’t be something easy to forget—to scrape out what had settled into his bones. He tried, but the insecurity still lay deep; it probably would linger for some time like the guilt he felt for betraying them.

He caught up to her sprint and grabbed ahold of her; the beat of his racing heart thumped rapidly when he pulled her to his chest. He felt her heart race as much as his and her laughter was like the sweet sounds of the opera to his ears.

She’d teased him mercilessly when she figured out that he loved the opera, even having his own private booth to watch the shows. He almost always attended all of the events. He couldn’t help it, and when he confessed it was one of his escapes that brought comfort during the ugly times of his life, she gave him that warm look and swept a soft touch up his cheek, uttering ‘well, I cannot tease you for that then.’

The last few months they’d been doing whatever pleased them—a good majority of that included each other. Their ventures had taken them to Tevinter—even Rivain—wherever the Venatori were creeping and still trying to put in a foothold.

Minrathous was still a cesspool of hidden Venatori trying to insert themselves into the battered city. They figured that they could still try to rule despite having no master. It was quite fun picking them off with Lucanis and his crew.

Aren worked on her own project as well; stealing back the few kids that man had sold that she could find. There were a handful in recent years, and the Keeper gave her a list of where and when the transactions happened and what their names were.

The list was somewhat long dating back over the past thirty-four years; Aren was the first. She knew it was probably hopeless for any over the past five, but he caught her from time to time staring at all the names on that list. It was hard, but she’d managed to find a few so far.

This night they were celebrating. It was her real birthday; she didn’t know it before and thought it was in the summer but really she was a child of the fall. She admitted to him that she’d never really had a reason to celebrate it before. He laughed, she could be just as self-absorbed as him and yet she’d never used the one day that was meant to be all about her to her advantage?

He spoiled her, woke her up and made love to her which was—admittedly—just as much for him as it was for her. After that it was food of course; her favorite kebab spot. Then he’d taken her to his favorite smith who made all sorts of fancy daggers, weapons, and armor.

He once scoffed and teased Lucanis mercilessly about gifting a knife to Viago, but apparently that worked for Aren as he’d found out at some point that a man once gifted her a dagger that she still used to this day. She said it didn’t mean anything, and that it wasn’t so much a gift as a bribe and therefore didn’t count. He absolutely could not have that though, and so he was thrilled to see her describing the fancy dagger she had in mind with stars practically glittering in her eyes.

Instead of someone gifting her something they thought she’d like, she was giddy to describe exactly what she wanted. Making the right choice in this made him feel good. She couldn’t stop talking about it when they left the shop.

He still couldn’t help wondering how did he get here? His life had fallen apart so spectacularly almost all at the same time, but she helped pull him out of the fire—quite literally—was there when he broke down to the lowest point he’d ever been. She didn’t judge him; she offered a shoulder to lean on—patience and understanding with wise words that rang so clearly within him.

He was the Maker of his own downfall, but it was up to him to drag himself out of the pit he’d dug for himself. It helped that someone gave him a boost and believed in him though. Admitting how he felt worthless most of his life was hard but somehow she made it easy to confess it to her.

As much as she tried to pretend that she was selfish, terrible, and not at all a heart that bled for others, she was so obviously one that was desperate to love and be loved just like him. She showered him in thoughtful gifts too, and it turned him into a pile of mush that someone could be so thoughtful with his interests in mind.

When she gifted him a lute made by one of the finest luthiers in Treviso he could hardly believe it. She assumed—rightly—that the one he owned had burned in the fire back at the villa. The instrument was beautiful, and more so considering it came from her.

It hadn’t all been roses and sunshine with them though; there were times that they’d argue and annoy one another most profoundly, but it almost made it worth it when they’d come back together. They were both stubborn assholes, but they’d promised each other not to lord things over one another, so eventually whomever the guilty party was would grovel their way back into the other’s good graces. They were still a mess, but somehow they made it work.

Aren grabbed his hands and shimmied to an imaginary beat, smiling up at him, drunk off of the wine they’d practically obliterated at the dinner party Teia had insisted upon. Her long dangly earrings were sparkling underneath the moons’ light and he couldn’t help pressing a kiss to her pretty little smile.

“Are you done jumping rooftops for the night?” He kissed down her neck. “I had more plans for the evening that included our bed.” He slipped his hand past the high slit of her dress, slipping his hand over her ass and underneath her lingerie. Her head dipped back and he kissed up her neck to her chin.

“Do you not enjoy the detour? The night is beautiful. Freeing.”

Free. How interesting that felt. To be free. Is that what they had now, their freedom? He was still a Dellamorte and she was still a de Riva, but for the past few months they’d been operating under their own banner doing what they felt like.

Caterina had been reaching out to both him and Lucanis, and neither so far had answered her missives. He didn’t much care about what she wanted, though he was curious what she had to say. Was she upset that her two best assassins were no longer working for her, or did she actually think she could mend fences with her only two surviving family members? Whatever it was he knew it’d be laughable after all she put him through.

Aren on the other hand had taken an unofficial leave of absence. Considering she did whatever she pleased under House de Riva, Viago didn’t exactly fight her on it. Perhaps he still felt guilty about withholding her file from her, or perhaps he knew Aren would do whatever she wanted regardless of what he had to say.

They’d never really be free from the Crows, but tonight felt like the closest they could get to it.

“The night is yours, my love. What else do you want to do?”

“Dessert. Then you naked in our bed to end the night.”

He smirked, kissing her, running his hand through her curls. In one of his mother’s journal entries she’d written that all she and his father wanted was for him to be happy. They wanted him to be able to choose what path his life went down and not have it chosen for him like they did.

Illario wasn’t sure what the future held for them—nor did he know what he wanted to do with his life now that he had the freedom to choose—but he knew this at least. He finally found some kind of happiness, and he wanted to do whatever he could to hold onto this feeling, no matter how soft and pathetic it might have made him.