Page 59 of Between Imminent Fates

“I take it the others are on their way?” Ava asked as they walked into Nina’s living room. Many of the other delegates were already there.

“Hitching a ride, of course.” Blair elbowed Nina playfully. “We’re trying to get Nina to disclose what Key’s asked of her.”

“And as I’ve said,” Nina repeated, “you’ll simply have to wait like everyone else.”

Beside her, Zeke said, “As long as she’s not putting her life in danger, I’m satisfied.”

Nina shook her head. “Of course not, Zeke.”

Lie.

The realization of Nina’s deceit hit Remmus hard, his ability to discern truth flaring with falsehood. He stared at his sovereign in horror.

Dread pooled inside him as she met his gaze. Her tight smile slowly faded.Conversation progressed around them, but neither joined in the dialogue. Stuck in a state of shock, Remmus remembered the brief warning Key had given him, and his vow to remain quiet.

So he did.

When the technopath finally managed to tear his eyes away from his stricken sovereign, he forced himself to wear a false grin. Nina, sensing the cover-up would remain, rejoined the conversation alongside him.

Twenty minutes later, each of the original couples Key had summoned, plus Derikles, were gathered in Nina and Zeke’s living room. Torrin’s death and the burning of the last holding facility were the primary topics of discussion.

By the time Key arrived, Remmus was up to date on every mission that’d taken place over the previous two months.

When the silver-blonde foreteller teleported in, she gently bid everyone to take a seat. Remmus settled for the loveseat, pulling his mate into his arms.

“In two days’ time, we fight for our lives.”

Remmus’ gut dropped, and he could feel Ava’s alarm rising beside him. Sliding his fingers through hers, he gave them a quick squeeze. Key hesitated a beat, letting them digest the news before continuing.

“Over a thousand mercenaries and the members of theCitizenswill converge on your territory, Nina, with hope of killing every last one of the people in your clan.”

A flare of fury pulsed from his sovereign. When she spoke, the hint of fang she sported betrayed her.

“Where will they enter our lands?”

“They’ll come from the south, arriving en masse, with vehicles and on foot.” Key turned to Jeremiah and Zia. “You both will be there to cover the enemy and render them invisible. Three humans will notice their convoy, Zia, and you’re to clear their memories.”

Jeremiah paled. “I’m not sure I can cover that many soldiers, Key. Even for me, that’s a stretch.”

“Believe in yourself,” Key reassured him. “I’ve already seen you do it.”

Across the room, the wind Elemental locked gazes with Gideon, who gave him a small, but reassuring, nod. “I’ll do my best.”

“You’ve all reviewed the battle plans and should know them by heart. The twenty-five of us will be the only defense.”

Each immortal felt the weight of Key’s attention as she studied them. She held power over their future, and the knowledge of their past. It was a dizzying sensation.

“Nina—the pink-haired one, Celeste?” Key asked. “When she asks if she can pop in for a bit tonight, don’t tell her about the gathering.”

“Of course.”

“Most of you can and should rest tonight. For now, I’ll have need of just three of you, and then the healers thereafter.”

On that ominous note, Key’s attention turned to Remmus. He stiffened. He wasn’t certain he liked the sound of it—whatever it was—and he’d already done his task. Perhaps there was another.

“Remmus,” she began, “we’ve procured Torrin’s laptop as well as the phone Barlowe used for communicating with Rayn.”

“What do you need me to do?”

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