Page 55 of Blood and Hexes

Elder Blood

Diana was mentally drained like she’d never been before. As it turned out, summoning one of the most powerful entities in the universe took its toll.

Still, the buzz of energy around her was electrifying. Never had she felt part of something like this—the gathering of a clan, a family, that didn't rely on a patriarch dictating everything.

The eldest among them, Eirikr, shared his perspective and opinion, but didn't try to quieten their voices. And there was Chloe, first among all, but not because she bullied her way to the top. She spoke for them, not over them, like a true leader.

They made their way to the Institute, Mikar still close, though she was done leaning on him. It had felt pretty nice, and she was mentally exhausted, but she had her pride. They walked side by side in comfortable silence.

Levi detached himself from Chloe to join them. “I think you should go.”

Diana blinked, the jolt of surprise rendering her speechless. Go? He was banishing her? Did he think she had something to do with…

“Both of you,” Levi added, looking between Mikar and her.

This was getting more and more bewildering.

“What?”

“Diana, this isn’t your battle. You’re in the middle of it because you’re kind and my mate is irresistible. But if you stay, you’ll have to fight—either for or against us. It could be some of your friends coming at us. Not to mention, you’re drained. In your state, what you need is rest.”

She let that sink in.

“And Mikar…you don’t belong here. You never have.”

She couldn’t stay silent any longer. “Now wait a minute—”

Levi ignored her. “You should have left Oldcrest and created your own domain a long time ago. Or at the very least, you should have claimed your place on the hill, built the house of Ash.”

Diana looked up at Mikar, confused.

“She doesn’t know?” Levi asked.

Mikar shrugged. “We don’t know each other.”

That was true, and completely wrong all at the same time. They’d barely exchanged a few words, none of them deep. Hell, she’d done her best to remain at a distance, where he was concerned. But she knew him. She knew he was loyal, and funny, and a born protector, always ready to put himself in the line of fire for those he loved.

Just like he’d volunteered his life to save Chloe. Just like he’d pushed her down the moment he’d seen a threat coming.

“Mikar isn’t a child of Ariadne like the rest of us. He was turned by a god. Risking his life here would destroy his legacy before he’s ever had the chance to build it.” Levi looked straight at Diana. “Take him away. Somewhere safe. He’s too loyal, but he’ll go if you ask him to.”

Levi was insane if he thought that she had that much sway over Mikar.

And he was insane if he thought she’d so much as try.

“Let’s get one thing straight, De Villier. I don’t take orders. Not from you, not from anyone. And neither does he.” She pointed to Mikar. “If he’s here, it’s because he wants to be. It’s because this place is his home, and you, thickheaded as you are, are his family.”

“What the lady said.” Mikar grinned, placing a hand on Levi’s shoulder. “I’m where I want to be. To the end, if that’s where it’s going. Others would agree, if you gave them a chance. Luke would come back and fight with us. So would many of our old acquaintances, friends or even foes.”

“Luke is no fighter. He has other skills.” Levi didn’t address the rest of Mikar’s suggestion. “But fine. Stay and risk dying here, if that’s what you want. Do you want to help me get Seth out of Oldcrest, at least?”

“Don’t even think it, dickhead,” Seth bellowed from somewhere behind them.

“You're supposed to play a part, be on their side.” Levi groaned, marching to the Stormhales. “You can't come with us when we move against Aveka's pawn. It'd blow your cover.”

“Dead men tell no tales.”

“We can't guarantee we'll kill everyone who enters Oldcrest.”

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