Page 34 of Fated for Dawn

“It’s not that easy,” Lucien mumbled, rubbing his temple. “Even if they aren’t invisible and we could stop most of them, we have no idea where they are and what they plan to do.”

“Since magic is back, I had an idea,” Ryker said, glancing at the others.

“What idea?” I asked.

“Sooner or later, Eris will make a move. My father is still recruiting men to his cause. So, I figured I should have some of my most trusted men infiltrate their ranks. I’m sure they might also have spies keeping tabs on us.”

Chad raised his hand with furrowed eyebrows. “That’s actually smart, brother.”

“They most likely will be killed if they are discovered,” Lucien alerted Ryker.

“I’m aware of it. But this is war, and we can’t keep playing defense.”

“I agree,” Zade said.

“Everybody agrees with Ryker’s plan?” I asked, looking at my mates, Lucien and Zade.

“Won’t your father be suspicious if your men join his ranks after choosing you as their leader?” Rafe questioned.

“Many of my members have graduated recently and didn’t have an affiliation. They joined me because I vowed to stay clear of illegal activities. Father doesn’t know the concept of loyalty. He believes the weaker should submit to the stronger. He’s stronger, so he won’t question if low-rank shifters join his gang, looking to make a profit or gain more power.”

Lucien cleared his throat and folded his hands on the table. “Let’s do this, then. We need spies. I’d volunteer, but… well, last time didn’t go so well.”

Chad laughed, pointing at Lucien as he turned to Zade. “Lucien was our honey trap.”

The professor squinted at the hellhound. “Not my fault. I was the only one mature enough to catch Clarissa’s attention.”

“I take offense to that,” Alister cut in.

I rested my hand on the table. “Alright, focus. We need a plan.”

“So we’ve agreed,” Zade said. “The dragons will plant spies in enemy territory. Once we know their location and plans, we can move forward—kidnap Eris and remove her from Lia’s body.”

“Wait,” Rafe called, grabbing his brother’s arm before he could stand. “What do you meankidnapEris?”

Zade inhaled sharply. “Are you suggesting we storm their compound and take on a goddess, powerful witches, elders, and an unknown number of shifters? Just the six of you? And one of you is human now.”

“I can still fight. And I’m damn good with a sword,” Alister protested.

“That doesn’t change the fact that we’re outnumbered,” Zade reminded us. “We can’t face them head-on.”

“We need more allies,” I murmured, considering his words.

“No one will join us until they believe Eris is a real threat,” Alister said.

“Just like before,” Lucien added. “Hardly anyone believed us when we told them what had happened before you and Alister disappeared.”

Zade nodded. “Evelyn is Hecate’s champion. She’s the only one who can stand against Eris. Ryker will gather intel while Rafe and I train Evelyn and anyone willing to fight.”

Ryker nodded. “Leave that to me. We’ll have eyes and ears on the inside this weekend. My undercover men are at the recruitment event as we speak.”

“Once my brother knows where Eris is hiding, Evelyn will kick her ass,” Chad grinned.

Zade shook his head. “It’s not that simple. Eris isn’t just any goddess. She’s the goddess of chaos and discord. Whatever she’s planning, it’ll be devastating.”

13

Evelyn

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