“I merely read a map,” Storm said, but I knew him. He thrived on competence and how meticulous he was when it came to battle. I had no doubt he had memorized every city the first time we pulled up a map. “I’ll keep an eye out on the perimeter.” He tilted his head, indicating he wanted me to follow.
I stroked a finger down Lana’s face. “I’ll be right back.”
We moved away from the group, and Storm crossed his arms, turning to me as soon as we were out of earshot of the others. “Do you have a plan?”
“For the battle?” I smirked. “Win.” I shot him the most arrogant grin I could muster.
“You know what I mean,” he snapped before inhaling. He hung his head, shoulders dipping. “To get rid of the darkness still inside of you, Kade.”
“Lana and I will figure it out.” I gripped his shoulder, refusing to acknowledge my own fears in order to convince him. He needed to focus like the rest of us. “We will.”
He narrowed his eyes, searching for the lie. So I made sure he didn’t find it. “If you need my help?—”
I took him by surprise, cutting him off and hugging him. He stiffened before hugging me back. Pulling away, I patted his shoulder. “You’ve always been there for me, and then you protected her when I couldn’t,” I said. “You’re the first person I’d go to if we needed anything.”
He slugged me loosely. “None of this mushy stuff. Save that for Jax. I’ll return to the front once everyone is settled.”
I nodded, watching the closest thing I had to a brother walk toward the back of camp. A few guards approached with questions, needing assistance, and I busied myself aiding our warriors. Some of the younger Fae needed help remembering their groupings. We’d hastily tried to mix the skilled and unskilled warriors as best we could, saving a few exceptional warriors for the middle to push their groups forward after the initial battle began.
Before I knew it, a hawk cried out above us, and I jogged back to the edge of the void where Lana waited.
“An hour,” Ian said immediately after landing. “They’re on the move quickly. We’ve got an hour. Tops.”
The havoc that ensued as word spread through our camp to ready for battle was exactly what I’d expect it would be.
Fear wormed its way into our army, which would only grow once they saw Thames face to face. They needed a distraction. Ian and I suggested each battalion leader speak to their groups, encouraging them, but experienced soldiers were few and far between in this army.
Andras allowed so many of the guard to turn or be forced to turn, that those who remained loyal and alive amounted to a smaller number than we’d hoped.
The people needed Lana.
She inspired them, encouraged them. I sent out my shadows, feeling for her. It only took a moment.
Jogging toward the tents, I found her putting her armor on.
“Let me help,” I said, staring at my mate as if the world revolved around her. Then again,myworld revolved around her.
She wore a fitted all-black outfit providing her the ability to move freely while also protecting her as much as possible from any initial strikes on her body.
“Where did this come from?” I asked, trying not to let my gaze linger on how well it fit her.
She looked over her shoulder at me, fastening the thicker armored vest around her chest. “Brookmere has an excellent group of Fae who design clothes, armor, and more. Perhaps you should visit when this is all over.”
I growled, tugging her body close to mine and reaching my fingers around to help her lace up the leathers along her arms. “Oh, I will be doing more than just visiting, my queen.”
She laughed, her face lighting up for only a moment before she laid a hand on my chest.
“You’ll need to save your energy, Kade,” she said. “No shadow armor.”
I brushed my knuckle over her nose. “I’ll give you shadow armor if I want.”
She gripped my arm, a small hint of fear flashing in her eyes. “Please,” she whispered. “Please don’t do anything stupid.”
Reaching my hand up to cup her cheek, I rested my forehead to hers. “That’s my line.”
We lingered for a moment, but it ended too quickly. “Your people need to hear from you. They’re anxious.”
She nodded, sheathing Apollo on her thigh, opposite a longer sword at her hip.
