My heart swelled. We’d done it. We’d pushed the demons from Spellcasters and won. Although that was amazing a groan from someone nearby made me rein in my internal celebration.
“We think the demons have retreated,” I repeated what Alice said. “Get the injured and dead back to the academy. Treat them, and help whoever you find in need of assistance. Of course, be on the lookout for any enemies who might still be on the grounds. Just in case.”
The surrounding crowd sprang into motion. I was about to do the same, but Hunter laid a gentle hand on my arm.
“Odie, you’re not glowing anymore.” His eyebrows knitted together. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Sana appeared in front of us. “She’s probably fine. The aether transfer just wore off. Odette used it, but she doesn’townit.” She paused and gave me a pointed look. “Unless you can use your own aether magic. And I’d love to learn more about how you acquired that . . .”
“Yeah, same,” Eva said. “I mean, come on, girl. If you’re going to just level up like that, and get another type of magic, I’d appreciate a heads up so I can try too.” She nudged me playfully to lighten the mood.
I chuckled. “I would have loved a heads up myself.” My gaze went to Sana. “Thank you so much for helping me. Your sister and Lyon too. Where are they?”
Sana’s face fell. “Luvon was injured in Hell. We’re not sure he’s going to make it. Ayla and Lyon are flying him inside the academy now.”
I hadn’t seen Luvon or Volwin, but of course they were both there, defending their ladies.
“And Volwin?”
“He’s with them. I should be, too, but I wanted to make sure you got out of there. And that you didn’t need a lift.” She fluttered her wings.
“Go. I’ll tell you everything I know later. I have a few things to take care of first.”
Sana disappeared, and the first thing I did was bring the Realm Slicer to my palm and cut across it so blood welled. I transferred it to the blade, approached the crevice in the earth, and stabbed the enchanted weapon into the ground.
Before my eyes, the fissure closed. When it sealed all the way, I turned to my friends.
“I need to check on some people.” I’d already spotted the wolves, just inside the trees. “Wait here for me?”
“We’ll be here,” Eva assured me. “Let us know if you need anything. Or they do.” Her blue eyes traveled over the wolves, full of empathy for them, but knowing Eva she didn’t want to intrude.
“I will. Thanks.” Turning, I steeled myself for what was sure to be an emotional conversation and approached Dasha, now in her human form.
Howley was at her side, gripping her hand as they huddled over Heath and Gregor. When neither wolf glanced up at my approach, I knew the worst had happened.
I knelt down next to the alpha, careful not to place a hand on her fallen mates, because I knew shifters could be protective.
“This is in no way adequate, but I’m sorry, Dasha.”
“They were all so good, so brave, I don’t understand why this happened.”
Howley’s face was screwed up so tight, I could tell he was just trying to keep it together for her.
The whole situation was unfair and wrong and horrible. While I hadn’t known Heath and Gregor as well as the alpha herself, I knew they had been good guys. And they’d given their lives to make our world safer, to rid it of the devils who’d wanted to rule.
“This might not mean much right now,” I said. “And I agree with you that this wasn’t fair, and you two don’t deserve it, and neither did they. But I want to thank you and them for joining us. Gregor and Heath died heroes’ deaths.”
Dasha’s eyes welled with tears, and her chin began to tremble. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into me, allowing me to offer her strength and condolences.
We were still holding on to one another when footsteps approached behind me.
I twisted to find the other person I wanted to speak with—Francis.
I squeezed Dasha. “I’m so sorry, again.”
She gave a single nod, her eyes darting between each of the white wolves’ bodies. “Thanks for getting them out of there. I’ll see that they get respectable sendoffs.”
“I’d love to attend,” I said. “But for now, I think Francis needs to speak to me.”
