Tears filled Niamh’s eyes, but she fought them bravely.

“I didn’t know if he had you!” she blurted.

Lorcan flinched in surprise at the force of her words.

“I didn’t want him to kill you, me, or anyone else. I wanted to put an end to all these wars, all these petty arguments and forced respect. I had to put an end to pointless suffering.”

Niamh took a breath.

“Did you know all Lord Beluar wanted was his family’s land? So, yes… I did ...