Page 21 of Regal Rising

He pulled her into his arms, and the kiss that he gave her was so sweet it made her soul ache. He stepped back from her, and Ignis and Kael stood beside him.

Poppy smiled. “Ladies, step back.”

Regis and Rex stepped back, and their mates simply disappeared.

Poppy dusted her hands and smiled. “Okay, the guys are all out. Let’s collect the ladies and get out of here. This place gives me the creeps.”

Regis looked around and inhaled with a shudder. “You are right. This is a world of pain and murder.”

Rex put a hand on her shoulder, and they headed up the stairs again with their senses on high alert.

The Elite were zip-tied and kneeling. Their power was gone, and the women and children were gathered while they waited for everyone to reappear.

Poppy said, “The guys are gone. Do we have everyone?”

Pandora formed up from mist with a woman who looked alarmingly human. The woman smiled. “Hey.”

Pandora said, “She was in a portal below.”

Regis saw the Elite fill with fear. The woman smiled. “Just keeping shadow mages from joining the party.”

Pandora blinked. “Do I know you?”

“My name is Kay.”

Regis felt recognition come and move over her in a wave, and then it was gone.

They gathered their charges up and simply left the Stronghold with all of the vulnerable and abused members walking through the gateway that Win held open.

Regis looked back at them and said, “Your time is over. Our time is coming. You should have chosen another way.” The doorway opened, and they began to walk.

She made sure all her people were with her, and they headed to the new palace. It was time to sort the ladies and children. Homes had been arranged, and it would be a few days before everyone was in a safe place. The legal case was started as soon as the women could get their statements and identities proven.

On the other side of the gateway, the house was waiting. Wren and Ira were putting out all the snacks. Ira brought food to the kids, and Regis watched carefully as they moved to get everyone settled. Ela moved from person to person, softly asking them what they needed, and she was clutched at by two of the ladies as they sobbed in relief or panic.

The first hour after the attack was chaos, but then the children were settled into their bunk beds, the adults were put into rooms, and the house swung to quiet.

Regis looked around and tidied up the great room. Ira yawned and said, “Mom, can I sleep in your room tonight?”

“Of course, baby.”

Rex said, “I will take the first watch.”

Elaheh shook her head. “Sleep now. You had your own emotional moment tonight. For me, this was just physio.”

Poppy looked around. “Where’s Wren?”

Ela said softly, “She left the moment we had snacks.”

Poppy smiled. “I need to check in with her. I will take my leave.”

Regis smiled. “Go ahead. We have it now. Get some rest.”

Poppy chuckled. “Rest is a bit distant, but I have to brief her a little. There were details I couldn’t mention here.”

Regis frowned. “Where did that woman Kay go?”

“Pandora had her mates take her home. Then, Gia’s took her home.”

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