Dante finally speaks up. “Maybe, but I think we will actually need to make that effort. Some things can’t be forced, and if small things are going to cause issues, then none of you are going to be able to handle what’s to come.”
His words send a wave of unease through the room.
“What do you mean?” Allie asks. He gives her a smile that he always reserves for her.
“Time will tell.”
“Well, let’s do this. Let’s plan some kind of trip then,” Aunty Delsanra says.
“Yes, and you make sure Raihana comes, and we will make sure Jayce comes, too,” Grandad Elijah says.
Grandpa Alejandro looks at Uncle Liam before speaking, “Just saying, both issues involve this fucker, maybe he’s the issue-”
“Al!” Aunty Kiara scolds, cutting him off, but it draws asmall, tired smile from Uncle Liam.
“Maybe, but so are you,” Uncle Liam says bluntly. “And I get you’re old, but try not letting that become your excuse for being a jerk.”
“Didn’t think Dad needs an excuse,” Dante jokes lightly.
I look around. “So, regarding this holiday, I have a few ideas of where we can go?” I say, bringing everyone’s attention to me. A place that idiot can’t escape me…
“We’d love to hear them,” Grandma Red says.
“I’ll print out a list,” I say before I stand up. “Oh, and this might not be the best of times to bring this up, but the final battle will happen here… on Blood Moon territory.”
The room falls silent, too silent, as colour fades from most faces, and a few gasps echo in the silence as everyone stares at me.
“How are you sure?” Aunty Delsanra asks softly.
“I just am. This land-”
“Don’t believe everything she says.” Carter’s voice comes from behind us, and I turn to see him standing there with the rest of his brothers. The only one who clearly didn’t want to be there is Theo. Jayce is emotionless, his eyes hard. Renji looks worried, and Ares looks bored.
“I believe her,” Uncle Liam says firmly. “And knowing that… well, that helps in preparing things… I guess.”
“I do apologise for adding more worry to your already full plate,” I say quietly, “Excuse me.”
Not waiting for a reply, I leave the room, wishing I hadn’t spoken, but keeping secrets or waiting for the right time is a double-edged sword.
I walk to the front door, needing some air, leaving the deafening silence behind me, refusing for my façade to drop until I’m alone. My heart is steady, my face is passive, and I am in control.
I brush past the quints; the sight of all five of them together can be rather daunting. The moment I pull open the front door, I exhale very slowly.
The final battle…
I remove my shoes, and I wriggle my toes. I don’t really like walking barefoot in dirt, but I want to feel the earth.Thisearth. Slowly, I step barefoot onto the ground and walk across the garden. So much power, so rich…
It’s calming, and soon I forget I’m even barefoot as I walk around the garden, finding it very therapeutic. I should tell Mama about it, too, because I don’t want her to be the last to find out. I take out my phone and, whispering a spell so no one can overhear me, I call her.
She picks up on the second ring. “Heaven, is everything alright?” she asks.
“Well, yes, but I do have some bad news,” I begin quietly. I sit down on one of the logs and cross my legs, smoothing my dress.
“What is it?” Mama asks.
“The final battle… It’s going to happen here, Mama, onBlood Moon territory.” I don’t sound as confident as I did inside. “Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it to everyone.”
“You’re at the Blood Moon Pack? Never mind.” Mama sighs before continuing. “You did the right thing by telling them. How are they?”
