Page 30 of Vengeance and Fire

A soft groan has us all train our eyes on the woman stirring in Falyn’s arms. Silva wakes with a start. Their eyes lock for just a moment. She doesn’t scream like I thought she would, instead she reaches out and touches his face. Then she gasps, and in true Silva fashion she scrambles out of his hold, almost apologetically as she runs to Cordelia. I know Falyn wants to follow her, to protect her, because that is exactly what we did with Cordelia.

Silva stumbles into Cordelia’s embrace, holding on for dear life. A sob crawls up her throat, making Falyn step forward. Reise tosses clothes to his Alpha to distract him while Cordelia consoles Silva. I can tell he is talking to the other Betas telepathically as they all start to move away from the scene.

When Silva finally pulls herself together, she pulls away from Cordelia and presents her with the bundle of clothes in her hands, letting her pack fall to the ground beside her. Cordelia takes a moment, clutching the clothes tight to her chest. Opening it up we see a sword, it looks as big as she is, and I know exactly who commissioned it. Maddox had mentioned that he wanted to present her with a sword. Hence Adrian teaching her how to use one. The folded clothes look suspiciously like Druid armor, and I know that was definitely Twyla’s idea.

“Miss Cordelia, we don’t have much time. Maurelle has invaded Celestia,and if we don’t hurry you are going to lose both your mother and grandfather,” Silva rushes out all at once. I look to Dravyn, then Gale, and Adrian. Cordelia’s hands instantly find the bracelet that has become a permanent fixture on her wrist. I can feel it in our bond before she speaks, and I mentally prepare myself for what’s to come.

“Then we leave now.” Cordelia’s voice is laced with determination. This is what she’s been waiting for since the moment she dragged Dravyn out of the portal in theBarren Lands. All of the secret training sessions she didn’t think we knew about in the middle of the night to get a handle on her magic.

Whatever happens going forward, I know one thing for sure.

Maurelle will pay for her crimes.

CHAPTERTWENTY

ADRIAN

We need a strategy, and we need it now. This is what I do. This is what I know. I don’t want to overstep my mate, but she isn’t skilled enough in battle to determine our next steps. We can’t cross Realms with no idea of what we are walking into.

I stand against the wall in the chalet, watching Cordelia pace. Silva is sitting at the table now with her head in her hands, still confused about the news that she is a Shifter. We’re almost certain she’s a Dire Wolf. Falyn is across from her speaking softly with her. I choose not to use my advanced hearing to overhear their conversation.

My only worry is right in front of me, even if she’s manically pacing up a storm. To be honest, it’s all another complication we don’t need. I know for a fact that Falyn is not going to let Silva out of his sight. Although, that may work out in our favor. They will definitely follow us into battle now if Silva comes with us. He will want to protect his mate for sure.

Torin crosses the room, speaking volumes without saying a word. I know he is thinking the same thing as me.

“Let me guess, you’re thinking that we need to take the lead here,” I say folding my arms over my chest as he leans against the wall next to me, turning his head so that we can talk privately.

“No. I think we need to advise,” Torin replies. I scoff, already getting irritated by the insult. That’s a hard ask. Of course, I understand why he wants to approach things this way, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“I know you don’t like what I’m saying. Remember, she’s our leader, as well as our mate. Our queen, Adrian, first and foremost, that’s what’s important. She needs to make the call.” Torin looks over at Cordelia as Dravyn moves to speak with her. Gale on the other hand is observing the entire scene. He takes one look at us, and I am sure he knows exactly what we are discussing.

“I was never one for diplomacy, Torin. I’m more blood and death. She tells me who to kill, and I will do it, but there needs to be a plan.” I sigh. “You heard Silva. Maddox practically gave himself up as sacrifice,” I say, recalling what Silva told us about the state of things in Celestia.

“Yes, and Twyla and her mates are the only ones remaining who can hold it together until we arrive. But for how long? Silva said they’re all exhausted. Gray made another bracelet faster than the one he made for Cordelia, and it almost emptied his magical stores.” He turns and looks out into the room. It’s only us, Falyn, and Silva who are looking a bit worse for wear. I am sure there’s an entire pack of Wolves ready for their Alpha’s instructions.

“I think we should get a move on before our mate is left mourning the little bit of family she has left.” I push off the wall and walk towards her, hearing the last of Dravyn’s sentence.

“I agree with Dravyn,” I say to her, keeping my distance, even though I want to pull her into my arms, but comfort is not what my girl needs right now. It’s action. “We need to return to Arcadia, rally the Dragons, and go as one.”

“Then the bracelet will transport us all,” Cordelia says, her hand instinctively finding the delicate bracelet as she turns it gently on her wrist.

“That sounds like a plan. We will only have one shot at getting as many people through as we can,” Torin says as he joins us.

“Maurelle has blocked all the portals into Celestia, but she has no idea what Gray can do, so that worked in Miss Twyla’s favor,” Silva pipes up from the table. “Your bracelet is our only chance. If it works the same way mine did, it will take you straight to her.” Silva looks over at Falyn, her eyes wide in disbelief of the massive man in front of her, but offers him a small smile, so that’s something. I would love to know what she’s thinking right now.

“The Dire Wolves are ready. Where my mate goes, I go. Plus, Maurelle needs to be put down. Arcadia won’t be safe for any of us while she’s still breathing,” Falyn says, taking Silva’s shaky hand in his and pulling her up from her seat. “I will go and prepare my Betas; the rest of my pack I will leave behind for now.” He nods his head and pulls Silva behind him. She looks so nervous; she looks like she’s going to pass out. My goodness, the little fragile Druid will learn in time that she is not as fragile as she feels. Cordelia’s eyes track their movements, but Silva makes no move to pull away, so we can only assume that she has accepted whatever it is between her and Falyn. Only time will tell.

“OK, that is going to take getting used to,” Gale says as the door closes.

“You think she will shift?” Cordelia asks, looking at the door for a moment longer, as if waiting for Silva to decide to run back in and hide behind her for protection.

“Anything is possible, Cordelia. Look at you and the wonder of who you are,” Dravyn says with a smile.

“Don’t worry, beautiful. She won’t be so far away that you can’t keep an eye on her.” Cordelia nods at Torin’s words, and she blows out a shaky breath of her own.

“Now that it’s just us, I will admit my fear to you because I love you all. I am scared about what we are going to see. I’m not going to pretend I know what the hell I’m doing. I am open to hearing whatever you think is best. Lead me when I need to be led and vice versa. We are a team, you are my partners, my mates. Everything that’s happened to me so far has brought me to this moment. However, Maurelle is mine. I don’t need any of you playing hero. I don’t want to worry about any of you. Kill our enemies, protect our family, and protect the innocent. That’s all I ask.” She smiles. This why I have fallen so hard for this woman. She has taken to this without fear, despite all the obstacles that she’s had to face. She doesn’t want to rule us, she wants to share the weight, and that is all I need to hear. My thoughts from earlier are easily squashed.

“Not too much to ask right,”she says to us telepathically.

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