When you talk about something long enough, it just seems like something in the future. You understand it but become numb to it. Until that moment when you’re hit by the reality of it. Suddenly, time was up, and the reality of what had to happen hit everyone. They glanced around the room at their dear friends and family. Brody and Chasen came down as soon as they heard the news. Dex and Ciana also made their way inside, as well as their other close pack members. In a battle as intense and fierce as this would be, would they all make it out alive? Which one of them might not be here afterward?
Hunter pulled Freja deep into his chest and held her tightly as he lifted his gaze to Reiya. Everyone was quiet and deep in thought. Most of them stared at the ground, but not Reiya. She was looking at Hunter. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. The demon war was only the first part of their battle.
“We’re going to discipline some demons and then have a quadruple wedding afterward, right? This should give you all ample time to come up with some killer wedding gifts, so no excuses,” Brody finally said, drawing the attention to him and breaking the tension.
“We don’t know how this battle will change things for us in the future. We don’t know how many casualties we’ll have. This is your opportunity to decide to fight or not. We’re giving you the chance now, if you want to back out,” Reiya said as she looked around the room.
“Reiya and I would like to also give you all one more option to think about.” Hunter looked up at Reiya, who nodded her head for him to continue. “There is a way that we can guarantee no one is injured or killed on our side. Reiya and I can take out the demon horde ourselves. We can exchange our lives for everyone else’s.”
“Sit down, pup. Not an option,” Levi said in agitation as he pulled Reiya into his side.
“It’s actually quite selfish of you,” Freja said in irritation. “You know how much I like killing demons, and you want to hog it all for yourselves.”
“Talk about being gloryhogs.” Xander smirked as he looked at Reiya.
“I get what you’re saying, but it wouldn’t be worth it. I would rather die fighting than have you die while we’re all safe.” Chasen looked up and saw others nodding in agreement.
“I at least had to bring it up. I wanted you all to know there was another option,” Hunter said with a small smile.
“Except it isn’t one,” Sam said firmly. “You would be killing off the demons but also the Werewolf King and the future Queen of the Fairies. What future is there in that?”
“Yeah, plus I’d get left out. I have some pent-up frustration with those demons anyway for taking Sues.” Adam smiled and shrugged. “This is our chance for payback.”
“We’ll stop in Elysia and let mom and dad know.” Reiya wrapped her arm around Lee and leaned into him.
“I’ll go and let the vampires know—” Ciana started, but Dex grabbed her arm.
“WE will go and let the vampires know.” Dex smiled at her, and she nodded her head giving him a shy smile back. “Then you’ll come back to the North Dragon Kingdom with me.”
“But Jin?—”
“Ciana, I’m fine. I think you should probably spend as much time as you can with your mate. I’ll see you after the war.” Jin hated that she couldn’t be there. She would have to tell everyone goodbye and hope for the best.
“Chelsie will be joining you here, Jin. She’ll stay with you until after the war.” Brody put his hand on Chelsie’s shoulder. She could instantly travel through water, and he would feel better having her and Jin together. He knew it would be hard on both of them, though. “But no one better come around claiming my unborn child as their mate.” He chuckled, and everyone followed suit, breaking the tension slightly. Everyone's child was already getting promised away before they were even born. He hoped that trend didn’t continue.
“We’ll meet you at Elysia in a couple days,” Hunter said as the group made their way outside.
Reiya reached out and hugged her brother tightly. “It’s almost done, Hunter. Everything will be over soon.”
“Stay safe, Reiya. I’ll see you soon.” Hunter closed his eyes as he squeezed her tight. He then reached out to Brody while she went to Chasen.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe,” Brody said at the same time Chasen told Reiya he would keep Hunter safe.
“Keep yourself safe, too.” Reiya stepped back and walked up to Freja. She wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tight. She then noticed something interesting, something sleeping inside Freja. Her fairy gifts were waiting to be awakened. Reiya leaned in and kissed Freja’s forehead.
“Now you’re ready for the upcoming battle.” Reiya winked at her as she stepped back.
Freja felt something burst inside of her. “What did you do?” She looked at Reiya curiously as Hunter walked to her side.
Reiya giggled. “I woke up the fairy magic that Hunter gifted you. I don’t know what it does yet … it’ll be a surprise.” That was how fairy magic worked—it developed over time. But Reiya decided to help speed up the process for Freja.
“Reiya,” Freja said quietly. “I … I wanted to tell you that you’re one of the best people I’ve ever met. And … thank you for what you did for me.”
Reiya shook her head. “No, Freja. You’re the one who’s amazing. After everything you’ve been through, you’re still a great person. The werewolves are lucky they have you as their queen. And on another note … I think in addition to everything we’ve planned, we need a beach vacation for all of us. What do you think?”
Freja giggled and nodded her head. “That is something I’ve never done, and it sounds amazing. It’s a plan.”
“I could go for a beach vacation!” Hunter said.
