“Continue,” Storm demanded.
Gulping, Kristopher continued, “There was one slight mishap.” Storm remained quiet as Kristopher prepared himself to speak once more. “Joseph was caught?—”
“He waswhat?” Storm seethed.
“Wait, it’s okay, Colonel,” Kristopher pleaded. “It ended up being a good thing.”
I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. The anger mixed with sudden fear for those who willingly risked their lives for this mission made the palms of my hands sweat.
“What happened to him?” I asked, trying to portray a collected version of myself.
Kristopher glanced between Storm and me, unsure of where to look. “You see, the Fae who apprehended Joseph turned out to be on our side. A tavern owner. Tom, I believe is his name?”
“Tommy Solomon?” I asked at the same time Ian did. “The owner of Dukes Pub?” I pressed.
It would be truly fitting if Tommy was out there kidnapping my men off the street.
Kristopher’s eyes lit up. “Yes, that’s the one.” He began speaking even faster, his nervous energy seeking a way to be released, “He too is building a resistance. He wants to help. Dukes Pub has become a sort of meeting place for those willing to fight against Andras and the dark ones. You just have to know the password. While we were there, we met several Fae who were ready to fight, and their next meeting is soon. Joseph stayed behind to serve as a point person on the inside. They want him to learn what they’re doing so that when we come, we can concoct a better plan together.”
Storm stepped forward. “And I assume you know the password, Kristopher?”
He stood straighter, returning to a solider-like position, which he had lost momentarily in his excitement. “Of course, Colonel. It’s tambourine marching band.”
Raya cackled from behind us. “You know, after all of this is said and done, I might decide to stay here in Brookmere, just to go to the infamous Dukes Pub for a night of debauchery. Every time this place gets brought up, it just gets better and better.”
Ian leaned forward in his chair. “I’d be happy to escort you there. I happen to be friends with the owner.” He winked, which made Raya blush. I narrowed my eyes at them looking for a tell as to what was happening there. I’d have to dig into that development later.
Ian settled back into his chair, allowing Storm and Kristopher to continue talking.
I knew it was hard for Ian to allow Storm to handle the army while we were gone. He had always loved being in control. He needed it after our childhood, and he’d worked damn hard to earn the right to it. But it impressed me how willingly he gave itup to be a part of this team. Our team. He truly understood what it meant to be a leader.
“Thank you, Kristopher. If that is all, you are dismissed,” Storm dictated. “Get some dinner—you are off duty for the next twelve hours along with the rest of those on the mission. Be sure to advise your superior accordingly.”
Kristopher saluted and left, but not before bowing his head.
Kade came to stand with us and put his arm around Storm. “Three days and you’ve built a command structure, rotating schedules, and Fates know what else.”
“Ian and I planned it together before he left,” Storm said, nodding toward Ian. “I simply had to put it into action.”
I would never have been able to accomplish any of that on my own. “We’re lucky to have both of you,” I said, hoping they knew how much I believed that.
Ian stood, glass of wine in hand as he paced around the room, deep in thought. “I think it’s time we take back our city.”
“With this unexpected insider knowledge, I’m leaning toward agreeing with you,” Kade added.
I nodded too, taking in a slow, deep breath to calm both the excitement at thinking of home, and the fear of what a siege could mean.
“You’re right, it is time to return home.” I lifted my chin, holding it higher. “And it’s time for Andras to die.”
Chapter 19
Ian
Astinging bolt of light struck my side, and I whipped my head around to throw my best glare at Lana.
“I swear to the Fates, Lan, we’re lucky you didn’t have magic all those years.” I rubbed my eyes, then smacked at my cheeks to wake up, especially since she’d tagged me with her magic more than once already.
“I need to practice aiming,” she said innocently, lifting a shoulder. “Besides, your mind is somewhere else, Ian. It’ll help you stay focused.”
