I focused on my mate, watching his eyes narrow and his jaw somewhat set. My eyes turned to my dad. Syrus hung his head, hands now in his pockets. I smiled softly, happy to finally have a father. I got answers to who I was and how I came to be. Syrus glanced up, giving me a half-hearted wink and a wan smile. The change in expressions made me wonder what might be said next.

  Evander broke the silence, still standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me and wrapping his arm around me. “So why did the dragons allow you to live?”

  “I was magically bound to never have powers or anything magical. I can't even buy a spell.”

  I nodded. It made sense to me. Dragons were particular creatures. But if Evander was concerned, it made me wonder what else to this ginormous fucked-up puzzle was missing. What else was it about me and my history that made him question? I had no answers.

  My former happiness at having a father was now in turmoil, battling with whoever I really was. The magical side came from my mother, though both of us, from what I knew, couldn’t form a damn spell. And the dragon fire made sense due to my dad.

  What in the fuck is happening? I wondered. I want more answers but it feels like I'm getting the runaround at points, even though I’m really not. It just feels… overwhelming and I’m trying to process. This is all a lot. I took a deep breath. I have more answers than I began with and I’m fine with that. I have a dad and now I know how this zaglis shit was made. Best of all, I still have my mate by my side.

  I glanced at Evander, watching the wheels in his mind spin in his emerald eyes. I wonder what he sensed, since I knew wolves could sense lies in people. But if Syrus was a smidgeon of a dragon, could he thwart Evander?

  I knew my emotions were all over the place and the attachment I had to Syrus before I found out he was my father made me lean toward believing him. I bit my bottom lip and wrung my hands together. I needed to take a step back and look at it from a different point. Trouble was, I don’t think I could.

  Evander took a step forward and proffered his hand to my father. “Thank you for coming out here for my mate.”

  Syrus took Evander’s hand. “This needed to be said for a long time,” he replied, sniffing and wiping his eyes. “I'm just happy I can call her my daughter now that the binding has been lifted somehow.”

  I nodded. “I killed her.” I took Evander’s hand in mine and squeezed it for support.

  Syrus stared at me for a moment and blinked rapidly. “You what?”

  “She annihilated a werelion village, tried to finish the job and us. So, I finished her.”

  Syrus nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets. He blew out a hard breath and shook his head. “I'm sorry you had to do that.”

  “It had to be done for the sake of other paranormals,” I stated in a nonchalant way. “She wasn’t a mother in any sense.”

  I still wasn't remotely troubled by having to kill my mother. I was so disconnected with her, it was like she wasn't related to me. More like she was just any bitch on the streets. She had done more harm in Quivleren than good. Even going as far as trapping me and trying to have me killed. Lyvia wasn’t a mother, or a good person. She was a monster.

  Syrus took a step toward me, pulling me into an embrace. “We got each other now and that's the important part.” He pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head. “I love you kiddo. And I'm happy to know you're mate-bonded to this fine wolf. Couldn't have found a better man,” he said, clapping Evander on the shoulder.

  I took a step back, lacing my hand in with my mate’s. “I really couldn't have. I'm lucky to call him mine.”

  Evander kissed my cheek and I grinned. “No, I'm the lucky one.”

  “We're both lucky.”

  I squeezed his hand, movement forcing my gaze to the right. Hundreds of beings walked around the streets, trying to find a place to settle in. My eyes widened. Never in my life had I seen so many hardened faces, nor so many weapons: primitive and new, and camaraderie all in one place. It was incredible to witness and I could only hope, after this war, we could all remain as we once were - peaceful.

  “We best get to the warehouse to finalize the plan,” Evander said.

  I nodded, watching the beings walk determinedly to places around the fishing town. “Yeah. Everything’s so quiet.”

  “It's the calm before the storm,” Syrus whispered. “Mind if I help you finish planning?”

  Evander shook his head. “Not at all.”

  I let go of my mate's hand, heading into the throng of bodies to make my way toward our meeting place to finalize the plan for war. Come tomorrow, the battle for Quivleren will commence. And I was determined to be victorious.

  ZURI

  I sat in a high-backed, cushioned office chair at a giant circular table. Paranormal beings surrounded me from all sides. I crossed my arms over myself, trying to keep the chill in the warehouse at bay. The giant gray building, used as a fishing cannery, we met in was the only place large enough to accommodate everyone. Thankfully, my nose was a bit runny from the cold, so I couldn’t smell the pungent aroma the others were complaining about.

  Evander sat to my left, staring at the map of Quivleren that swallowed the entire round table. The elves arrived, dressed in their finest purple silken attire that complemented their deep amethyst eyes, only to sit and offer no opinions in planning the intended siege on OKimma, where Diomedes happened to reside.

  I glanced around the room for the sixth time that minute searching for Jadiza and Holdur. The dragons had yet to show, even though the shady dragon queen promised to help defeat Diomedes. It made me irritated to say the least. But I couldn’t expect much else given who the queen was and her kinship to my deceased mother. My eyes searched the room again and I refrained from rolling them. Damn dragons.

  So far, the plan was made for the minotaurs and elves to attack from the west and the centaurs, cyclops and ogres to make a push from the east while everyone else came up from the south to overwhelm them from those three sides. If the dragons finally showed up, it was their duty to hold the north and create a magical barrier surrounding all of OKimma to contain the demons of Diomedes. It was everyone’s hope to destroy them all in one fell swoop.

  I was against dividing and conquering. Something terrible was bound to happen and it put me on edge. I was out voted on the topic, so I kept silent.

  While the minotaurs and elves attack first from the west, I was to sneak in during the distraction and make my way to Diomedes’s holding in the building of paranormal justice where the portal to hell was opened by Royan Pright. Supposedly, Diomedes didn’t ever venture too far from the portal to hell, wanting to guard it. Vampires also surrounded the department building. I shuddered, not liking the thought of vampires trying to eat me and drink my blood like a toddler drinking juice.

  I wrung my hands together, wondering if I should take a chance on the information gathered by Hyatt, a werewolf previously of the Vilkas. I had nothing to lose other than my life. I sighed. Living wasn’t guaranteed either and I figured I might as well die trying to rid the world of darkness.

  Glancing up, I watched Evander speak while staring at the map on the table. Each paranormal group knew where to be and how to attack depending on what demonic thing was thrown their way. Whether it be from wendigo to gogmagogs. We were prepared and ready for tomorrow. Now, it was just finalizing the last few details and then a break for the evening meal and some rest.

  Syrus, sitting on my right, grumbled under his breath, as Rydell, the centaur leader spoke. Rydell had a way of pissing people off, myself and Syrus included.

  “Diomedes controls OKimma and I vote that we annihilate the entire town,” Rydell stated, his hooves stomping on the concrete ground while he spoke. “It’s overrun with demons and hellish creatures anyway.”

  “No,” Elswyth stated, her amethyst eyes narrowing on Rydell. “How crude of you to wish destruction on the homes of other beings forced from them. I expected better of a race so highly regarded.”

  “What are we to do then, Elswyth? OKimma lies in ruins. The homes and beings, dead and gone,” Rydell countered, golden eyes glaring at the elven queen, “We have enough power, here, together and united, to destroy the dark enemies and I say we do whatever is necessary and rebuild after.”

  Elswyth closed her eyes and nodded. “We must save whom we can and what structures we can. We will all be needing shelter once the battle is completed.”

  “I agree,” Fredek the cyclops added. “I believe that is what Rydell was getting at.”

  “It was,” Rydell confirmed.

  Nods and murmurs of agreement filtered through the parties. I agreed, we needed to do whatever was necessary. Though, the main point of the discussion should’ve been how to get me close enough to take down Diomedes. I shrugged off my annoyance. I could figure it out once I got into OKimma. I could only hope we outnumbered the assholes, though in my gut, I felt we were in for quite a battle.

  “Who else will be joining us against Diomedes?” Evander’s voice boomed, breaking up the small side conversations regarding destroying OKimma. Or not, depending on who was speaking. “Has anyone heard from the witches' covens, dragons, or the vampires?”

  Elswyth stood, hands clasped in front of her, “Unfortunately, the vampires have aligned themselves with Diomedes. I sent an elf to spy. He returned with that information. As for the witches’ covens, the Black Ash coven has not responded to our missives and my informant believes they, as well, have aligned themselves with Diomedes.”

  “And the Willow Coven?” Nadja, the minotaur, asked in her deep yet feminine voice. “Has anyone heard from Tordis?”

  “Tor-dee?” Rydell asked.

  “Yes?” a woman called from the southside of the warehouse. “I’m coming.”

  I furrowed my brow, rising in my seat to catch a glimpse of the witch with the melodic voice. I have never heard of the Willow Coven up until this moment. It made me wonder why they weren't as well known as the Black Ash’s were. They have to be what’s called white witches, I surmised. Maybe I could try getting a spell from them. The last one I got came from the Black Ash Coven. It was supposed to protect my house, yet it didn't seem to do shit. Now that I knew the Willow Coven existed, once this crap was over, I would use them for a spell to protect our castle home and hoped it worked better.

  Evander leaned in toward me, “Willow Coven is where Resi is from too.”

  I nodded, uncrossing my arms from over myself and took his hand. Instantly, I felt warmer. Evander leaned over, kissing the side of my head, before turning his attention back to the group, and the map, in the center of the table.

  “Greetings to all,” a dark skinned, ebony haired woman with bright blue eyes said, settling herself in between Rydell and Fredek. “The Willow Coven is settling in and we’re here to aid.”

  “Thank you for coming, Tordis,” Evander replied. “We will situate your people on the north side to attack with the dragons. Sprites have agreed to divide themselves into equal parties, and heal whoever they can during the battle.”

  Tordis dipped her head, long black hair falling in her face. “The coven appreciates the sprites' kindness.” Her beautiful blue eyes turned on Evander. “However, the Willow Coven will aid your mate Zuri in getting to Diomedes. It’s pertinent Diomedes falls in the first hours of battle or all is lost. The Willow Coven would like to discuss with you, Alpha Zuri, what you would like us to do to best aid you.”

  “Thank you, Supreme. I shall come by your coven later,” I replied, dipping my head in courtesy.

  “Have you divined this information, noble Tordis?” Elswyth asked politely. Concern laced her cream-colored face while her black brows pinched together.

  Tordis nodded. “I have,” she said, hanging her head. “To be certain, I have had several others divine as well, coming to the same conclusion. Zuri must prevail or our world is lost. Should she fail.”

  My gut churned and my right leg began bouncing. The weight that was already on my shoulders to destroy Diomedes became heavier. I stared at my right hand in my lap, wondering if I was even strong enough to do what everyone was counting on me for.

  Could I kill a God? I had the powers that were given to me by Elohi. I had practiced making shields and casting spells. Could I even cast something larger? Was the magic infinite or was there a limit to what I could do? Was there a limit to me? I was pretty certain there wasn’t a limit to magic, only the limit I put on myself.

  I puffed out an exasperated breath as I ran a hand over my face. There was only one way to know the extent of what I was capable of and that was to use it in battle. Tomorrow I would fight and I could only hope I would win when I faced the God of Darkness. I thought about praying, but Elohi was as helpful and useful as a dead horse pulling a cart up a hill in the snow. Praying to that idiot wouldn’t do shit.

  I looked up from my lap to notice that all eyes were on me. I swallowed. I had no badass words to say, nothing important or incredible that would rally the beings of Quivleren in this final stand.

  I stood up from the chair, shaking off the shiver that ran down my spine. “Thank you all for being here and uniting with us against a common enemy. I’ll do all I can to ensure the lives and future of Quivleren are preserved,” I stated firmly though my insides shook fiercely.

  I hung my head. I felt like my statement was a bit shallow and unconvincing. I would do all I could. But would it be enough?

  Evander squeezed my hand. I turned my head, smiling nervously at him. Without him having to say anything, I knew I would have to trust in the power of the paranormal beings that came to rally against the imposing darkness. I would have to trust them, to hold it all off until I succeeded - if I could succeed.

  I raised my head and cleared my throat, being sure to keep my chin up and my facial expression poised. Numerous eyes stared back at me. I dipped my head to Orlin and Molner. I steadily met the gaze of the other beings looking at me to say something.

  Their eyes upon me made me feel nervous and doubt myself, like I couldn’t lead or hold my own. I didn’t like the weight of the world on my shoulders, yet it was mine to bear. They were looking to me to guide them, to remain stoic and strong. I crossed my legs, hoping it would help to keep me from nervously shaking. To anyone else, it appeared I needed to pee. I did, but I had to say something first and I hoped I sounded good because wishing and praying only got me so far.

  I cleared my throat again, and forced my hands on the table. “I strongly believe with all of us working together and surrounding the enemy, we will succeed in crushing them completely. We have a plethora of weapons at our disposal and camaraderie in our hearts. Tomorrow, as we head to war, let us stand together in unity. Help each other should one fall. And be united for all of Quivleren so they may see that we will not cower when the enemy knocks on our door.” I stated, my voice steadily rang out in the giant warehouse. “I thank you for coming together, for being here in Quivleren’s final hour. I cannot promise you much. What I can promise you is my absolute best.” I finished, letting out a final breath.

  “Your best is more than enough, Zuri,” Evander assured, rising to his feet. “Now that plans are in place and we all have our respectable places for battle, let’s disperse to eat and rest.”

  I glanced to the ceiling of the warehouse where the glass windows along the top allowed for light to filter in. The sky was waning in color from the bright blue of the day to a reddish-pink sunset.

  Smiles and approving nods met my roving gaze of the warehouse. There were so many gathered. Many who might not make it back to their families. It made me angry at what Royan Pright had done and also sickened that so many would fall in the plight for freedom in Quivleren.

  Evander took my hand, tucked it into the crook of his arm, and led me out of the warehouse. I glanced over my shoulder to see my dad speaking with Nadja and I smiled. Once we got outside, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Dad said this was the calm before the storm. I could only pray, cross my legs and fingers, and hope the storm wasn’t the shitshow I felt it was going to turn out to be.

  EVANDER

  I only had a few more hours with my mate until she had to leave me and head to the Willow Coven. The witches there were going to help her get as close to Diomedes as possible to destroy him. I squeezed her hand, planting a small kiss on the back of it as I led her toward our little two person tent.

  I wanted to soak in all I could of her presence before tomorrow overwhelmed us all. I wanted to memorize her face, her laugh, the gorgeous honey color of her eyes so if anything were to happen to me, I would die remembering her beautiful soul.

  Knowing her, she would do all she could to kill the dark God and try to save me too. Throughout our time together, she always had my back. Her loyalty was something I greatly admired about her. She jumped in without a second thought of herself and did what she believed was right.

  Zuri stopped walking and turned toward me. She pulled her hand from mine, staring at me with a soft, contemplative smile.

  “I-” I was cut off.

  She flung herself at me, wrapping her legs around my torso and held onto me for dear life. “I love you too,” she said.

  I squeezed her against me, then adjusted my hands under her perfect and squish-able ass to hold her. “I love you too, baby.”

  “I'm scared I won't be able to do what everyone is expecting of me,” she whimpered, resting her head on the crook of my shoulder and burying her face against my neck.

  I carried her like this the rest of the way to our tent. The tent flaps were open, so I ducked inside and plopped her on the air mattress. The high pitched whine of air mattresses inflating sounded from around us as others settled in for a quiet and anxious filled night.

  Zuri laid on her side, worry and fear dancing in her light brown eyes and pouring out onto the stressed lines on her face. I sat beside her on the ground, my fingers playing in her soft blonde hair.

  “I know you're scared,” I began, “I am too.”

  Zuri nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “I'm scared, but it’s not what really concerns me. I'm more worried that I'm not good enough to do this? I don't want to disappoint you or those here to fight.”

 

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