Page 77 of Detonation
"If she won't help us, we need to leave soon. We can't afford to wait for them to come around.”
We come up to the large crowd of fae gathered, Luke and Zedd standing near the edge of the group with smiles on their faces.What’s got them so happy?As we make our way over to them, I notice that Luke’s hand isn’t bleeding anymore and ask him, “Did someone heal your hand?”
A corner of his mouth lifts. “A fae child ran up to me, grabbed my hand, healed it without a word, and then ran off before I could draw in a breath.”
I share his smile, proud of the future of our realm. “The heart of these children gives me so much hope. They’re so pure, so innocent. Sometimes I forget how much we can learn from them.”
He nods before his face settles into a serious expression. "We have to get Lana back and get rid of the dark fae from this realm. Even if they refuse to help us, we have to help them, Hale.”
I look at the fae hugging and crying, rejoicing as they reunite for the first time in who knows how long, and resolve settles in me. "You're right. I can't lie, my focus wasn’t on them and with Raven’s blatant disrespect of Lana and her selfishness..." I grimace, hating how this makes me sound. "Their wellbeing just wasn’t a priority to me."
Luke gives me an understanding look before changing topics, much to my relief. "From what I've been able to gather, these are prisoners from the dark fae castle."
I grin. "I wonder who helped them escape. Perhaps a certain fiery queen we know?"
Leo calls for us, waving at us to follow him and we do so. We walk to the other side of the group where Raven and her brother are holding a redhead between them in a fierce hug. For the first time, I see Raven's strong persona in shambles as rivers of tears rush down her blotchy face and she hiccups from her sobs.
The unknown woman releases them from a hug and backs up, smoothing the sack of clothing that she wears. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Raven calls for a healer and straightens her back, falling into the persona of a warrior.
When Raven looks back to the strange woman, there’s a steel in her gaze as she stares back at their leader. "We have to go back. You need to bring your resistance and help Lana." Raven splutters, shock and anger on her face, but the woman continues, "Don't start, Raven. You know that I held no love for her after her death but you don’t know what she’s done for us this time."
While Raven remains slack jawed, I address the woman, "What is your name? What is happening at the castle?"
She whips her head around, giving my brothers and I calculating looks before deciding to respond, "You can call me Sera. Who are you?"
Zedd cuts in, pleading with her. "We're Lana's mates. Please tell us what’s going on over there."
Shock colors her face before she quickly pulls herself together. "It's bad for her. A mage prisoner and Lana broke us all out of the dungeons but I know Sebastian and Anshar won't let that stand. They’re bloodthirsty, cruel fae..." A shiver has her trembling
Hang in there, Little One. We're coming for you.
Leo paces at the revelation. "We have to go now. Right the fuck now. She's in danger." Luke steps in, trying to calm his brother, reminding him that we need a plan but Leo glares at his brother, flames curling around his palms as he seethes. "Right thefucknow. Weneedto get to hernow!”
Raven speaks, so quietly that I almost miss it in the middle of the chaos. "We will help you."
Sera hops on that instantly, turning to who I assume is her brother. "Zackari, please alert all able bodies that we'll be heading back instantly. We were lucky that Liviana had enough power to speed up the journey here but nothing any of us can do will get us to Lana fast enough now."
Serenity shows up then, clapping her hands, glitter falling from them. "I have that handled."
Such a dramatic witch.
I lock my eyes with Raven. "We must convene and form a plan of attack. We need all the knowledge we can gather from the prisoners. I know it’s not the best time to speak to them of their capture but it's necessary. We can’t go in blind and expect to win this."
Serenity crosses her arms over her chest, giving me a slight nod of approval.
The healer walks up to Sera but she shoos him away, "I'm helping. I will be fine until—"
Raven cuts her off, "Not a chance. We just got you back, little sister. I will not risk you again unless you’re entirely ready. Go get treated by the healer."
Sera narrows her eyes on her but at Raven’s glare, she snaps her mouth shut and decides against arguing, instead choosing to trail after the healer.
Zackari runs up, coming to a halt beside us. "I've told everyone to gather in the dining hall within the next five minutes."
Raven thanks him and turns her attention back to us. "We have much to discuss."
* * *
Zedd
