Page 80 of Fated for Dawn

“Nah,” I reassured him. “Lucien’s just extra grumpy because we vetoed his boring documentary.”

“I heard that,” Lucien muttered, but I caught the hint of a smile on his lips.

As the movie played, Chad provided a running commentary. “Oh, come on, that sword fight is so fake!”

Rafe was completely enthralled, gasping at every plot twist. When a lead character was presumed dead, I caught him wiping away a tear.

To my surprise, even Lucien seemed invested. When the big reveal came, he muttered, “That’s actually a decent twist. Predictable, but well-executed.”

Alister leaned forward, critiquing the historical flashback accuracy of the costumes. “That’s not how we dressed in the 18th century.”

“Shh,” Rafe whispered, engrossed in the story.

I felt warmth spreading through my chest. This was what family felt like—chaotic, loud, and absolutely perfect. I smiled to myself. Maybe movie nights should become a regular thing.

As the credits rolled, I realized moments like these made everything worthwhile, no matter what challenges we faced. My eyes swept over my mates, and I knew I’d fight heaven and hell to keep this family safe.

32

Evelyn

The Arcanum headquarters felt stifling. I slumped in my chair, eyeing the mess around me. Papers everywhere, half-empty coffee mugs, and—because someone had spare time—a 3D replica of the Luminary coven, complete with tiny furniture.

Priorities, people.

But I guess we all had our various talents. Some were good in battle, others, apparently, in dollhouse-making.

The influx of supernatural helpers was both a blessing and a curse. More bodies meant more firepower, but it also meant more chaos.

Fitting, I guess.

The SLEA had been pushing for a strike on Eris’s headquarters. Their plan? Bomb it. Just drop a supernatural nuke and hope for the best.

“So, we’re agreed then?” I asked, lifting a brow. “We’re not actually gonna nuke my best friend?”

Grunts and awkward shuffling greeted my question like I’d just suggested tea with Eris instead of, you know,not nukingLia.

Alister nodded beside me. “Right! We must find a way to dismantle Eris’s hold without causing collateral damage.”

“Look,” I said, leaning forward. “I get it. The Supernatural Law Enforcement Agency wants a quick fix. Boom, problem solved. But Lia’s in there somewhere, and I’m not barbecuing her just because some trigger-happy suit says so.”

One of the agents—Bob or Bill or whatever—cleared his throat. “With all due respect, Miss Evelyn, sometimes sacrifices—”

“Not happening,” I cut him off with a deadly glare. “I don’t care if I have to fight every supernatural pencil-pusher. We’re not sacrificing Lia.”

His face turned an impressive shade of red. “We don’t need your approval, Miss Everhart, or to take your orders. You might be powerful, but if you—”

“I suggest you don’t finish that sentence,” Chad growled, his voice low and deadly.

I shot Chad a grateful smile and turned back to the agent just as the chief materialized. He stepped in with a curt nod as his deputy moved aside.

“We’re not going to obliterate the only chance we have to save Lia,” I told him as he joined us.

He looked conflicted. “We might not have a choice.”

After lengthy discussions with master scholars, specialized warlocks, and witches about possession, they concluded that Eris could hypothetically be removed from Lia’s body.

But there were skeptics.

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