Finvarra merely smiled, and it promised death right back. “You’re welcome to try. Now, I believe I have a scroll to find.” He nodded at me and Samael. “Majesties.”
Then he was gone.
23
DANICA
The next day, I stood outside the palace gates, enjoying the feel of the sun on my face, even as I stifled tears. I’d been saying my goodbyes to my friends all morning, and it wasn’t getting any easier.
Samael was busy organizing meetings, checking on the wounded, and preparing for our first council session in a few days. He’d already said his own goodbyes, and I doubted he’d said them around a lump in his throat. My lips twitched at the thought.
Lucifer’s army may have surrendered, but Samael wasn’t content until every single one of them swore their fealty to him. Most of them were more than ready to do just that. Others were convinced by the fact that Samael had given them the opportunity to live, when many who had fought against him expected instant slaughter at his hands.
Of course, there would be some that were unhappy. Some who would be a threat to us, who would fan the flames of rebellion.
We would deal with that when it happened.
Healing tents were set up throughout the battlefield. Samael called in favors from every realm, ensuring that their healers were sent to us to save as many lives as possible.
Aubrey had decided to go back to my realm, but he may not be there for long. By fighting on our side, he’d defected from his court. He’d known he would be branded a traitor, and he’d joined us anyway. The seelie dotted amongst our army had been loyal to him, and there would be repercussions.
His king? As soon as Taraghlan had felt Samael get his power, he’d fled, ordering his people to follow him. Samael had taken some of them prisoner, but it was unlikely the seelie king would negotiate for prisoners of war.
But Taraghlanwouldwant his ring back. The ring that had saved our asses. I’d used it for the third time, which meant, as far as I was concerned, it was likely a dead artifact. But I had no doubt that the seelie king would want to determine that for himself, and the white slash on the back of my hand made it clear our deal was not complete. That meant he’d have to face me one day.
I was looking forward to it.
Gary had immediately returned to our realm to be with Cil and Zip. But he’d promised to bring them for a visit soon.
Meredith had also left earlier today, and I’d thanked her for using her power to ensure Lucifer couldn’t call in any reinforcements.
She’d hit it off with Selina, and apparently they were planning to ‘do lunch.’ Mere had placed herself in danger by revealing her unique power, and while Vas had known it needed to be done, Samael had told me he was livid about it.
Now, I was watching as Nathaniel prepared to leave with his pack. They wanted to get home, back to their forest where they would bury their dead, mourn, and move on with their lives.
Nathaniel leaned close and murmured something to Evie, his wolves waiting close by. Whatever Nathaniel said got a reaction from my sister, and she made a sound I’d never heard her make—a growl more wolf than witch. It seemed to please Nathaniel, because his eyes glowed, satisfaction radiating from him.
Kyla was back in her wolf form. She waited with her packmates, her gaze distant. It had taken her hours to wake, and when she had, she’d seemed confused, still half-wild. Nathaniel had assured me that he’d keep her close and wouldn’t let her wolf take over.
I strolled toward them, dropping to my knees in front of her. Her pack tensed and I knew it was because they worried she’d lose control and tear out my throat.
I ignored them and looked into those icy eyes.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get you free.”
Kyla snapped at me, but it was… playful. For the first time… I felt true hope.
Nathaniel stepped closer, laying his hand on her head. I saw it in her eyes, the sudden urge to tear that hand from his body, but she managed to retain control. Then she lay down, placing her head on her paws with a long sigh.
My heart ached. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay here?”
“She needs to be surrounded by her pack. She’ll be okay,” Nathaniel assured me. “I’ll keep you updated.”
“Thank you. And thank you for everything else.”
He nodded. With a last glance at Evie, he turned to lead his pack home. Kyla chuffed at me, leaning close to my neck. I laughed as she licked my nose, and then she was gone.
Virtus stayed behind for a long moment, staring into my eyes. The griffin had enjoyed fighting the demons. And he loved being a part of a pack which didn’t think he was a liability. Although he still wanted to be able to take a snooze on my bed occasionally.
