“Tony and Ander are here. They have joined their packs with the others and are talking with Drew and Ace right now.” Hunter pointed in the distance to Freja, who nodded her head with a smile.
“It looks like my old friend Reed is here as well.” Lita nodded toward the isolated group of witches.
“Yes, they agreed to assist us by fighting against the witch doctors in the war, to at least try to even out the playing field the best they can.” Freja looked over toward the vampires. They had briefly spoken with Jester and Irene earlier but then had to leave. They wanted to greet the arriving dragons and most importantly Reiya and Brody.
“This is quite the army we’ve assembled here,” Grayson said breathlessly, looking over everyone.
“This is the best we can do. Let’s hope it’s enough,” Asher said quietly.
The wind began to blow, and with it, the soft sound of tapping arose. They could hear the sound of drums. A promise of the army that was soon to come. Everyone in the grassy knoll fell silent as they listened to the sound. It was still far away, but it was proof that by tomorrow, the demons would be upon them. This is the moment that everyone, every species, recognizes their creation. Their lives. It’s this moment that they’re called to awaken inside and understand what they’re fighting for.
This was the reality they were all facing. This wasn’t just something they were talking about anymore. This was the time to embrace what was coming. They needed to wake up every being and dormant power within them in order to save themselves. In order to save the future.
Hunter pulled his arms tighter around Freja, who leaned back into his chest. This would soon be a battlefield. A strategic chess board had been placed right here, in this field, and all the players were finally arriving. Every pawn had been assembled in order to secure the desired future. Each side was certain of their victory. Each side was certain they were the ones who were right.
Freja was different from most of the ones here, though. She understood both sides the best. She herself had fallen into darkness and knew how they felt. Most of them were being manipulated, and they justified their actions by following the higher-ranking demons, since surely this would secure them a place in the future. But she was someone who had also felt the bitter sting of the dark side. She didn’t let herself become poisoned by it. Instead, she stayed true to herself and unknowingly continued to search for the light. She had found it. Her light was Hunter and the Black Ice Pack. And Reiya and the Chain family. They were her light. And this was her destiny. Her years of experience fighting against demons had prepared her for this moment, so that she could protect her light and finally snuff out the dark.
She smiled as she looked over everyone. They were all worth fighting for. And this wasn’t a battle worth dying for … no. It was a battle worth living for. Inside of her, she carried the future. And she couldn’t wait to let Hunter in on the good news. She knew better than telling him now, though. If Hunter knew, he wouldn’t allow her to fight, and she couldn’t risk that. They would need her strength. Like Reiya said, they were two strengths needed in the war.
“Reiya.” Xander walked up to her and Lee. “I think you and I need to fight a bit farther back. Now, let me finish.” He smiled, seeing her getting ready to object. “The two of us together can put up a protective barrier around everyone, but we can’t concentrate on keeping that up if we’re fighting constantly. We don’t know what powers we’re going to be up against. Even having the witches, it may not be enough to hold off the demons’ magic. I’ll be in my dragon form and have you ride on my back. Then you can still use your elemental skills and I can use my skills.”
“But Lumi is a powerful fighter, and I’m not sure we should take her off the front lines.” Reiya felt a bit hesitant, though she knew her Gemini power could benefit everyone.
“Let’s see how it goes first. See how much magic arsenal there is. If the witches can handle it, then go and rip out some throats. But as a whole, if the magic is strong, we can protect more people this way.” Xander could see her coming to terms with the idea.
“Reiya. I think he’s right.” Lee held her close, lifting his finger to point in the distance. “Look out there. Look at everyone. If they have a lot of witch doctors or other magical demons, that will cause major problems for the fighters. None of the werewolves can protect against magic. A single witch doctor could subdue a whole pack.”
Reiya looked over all the warriors who were making camp. “Okay, but if there isn’t a lot of magic on their end, I’ll be joiningin. You’re right. And this way, I can keep an eye on all of you while fighting.” Reiya smiled. In her premonition, the dragons weren’t there and Chelsie was, but she was standing in the back, away from the fighting. She wondered if this was a sign of what she should be doing. If she and Xander could shield them, that would be more valuable than her being up close and fighting.
“So who’s cooking? I’m starving?” Brody grinned as he and Chasen walked back toward their family.
“When aren’t you hungry?” Reiya giggled.
“The fairies will be bringing out food for everyone. It’s the least we can do. There are so many in Elysia who either can’t or won’t fight. So this is their way of helping.” Lita looked at her children. “Can we all stay together tonight?”
“Sure can, but you two better go and see Caden, Caspian, and Garrett before they freak out.” Hunter chuckled and motioned toward the Black Ice Pack.
“Well, why on earth are they staying down there? I thought those old men stayed behind.” Asher chuckled. “Come on, Leet. Let's go get the rest of our family.”
“Hey Dad, tell Sam, Adam, and Winston to join us, too. The pack will be fine. We’re still close to them.” Asher nodded, and he and Lita walked down toward the pack. Tomorrow would be intense for them all. They should spend this time with all their loved ones, just in case … they would leave nothing unsaid. They would keep their friends and family close. And just in case … tell them all farewell.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
Darkness fell around them as orange glows lit up across the area. A group of close friends and family sat around a large fire, laughing and talking happily with one another as if the low drumming sound in the distance wasn’t approaching.
“After this is all over, Irene and I would like to visit the Black Ice Pack, if that’s okay. We would like to get better acquainted with the ways of werewolves,” Jester said, looking over at Hunter.
“I think that would be nice. It’ll be a good way to start gradually building up relations.” Hunter nodded. It would be good to start acclimating the pack to vampires, especially if his daughter would be mated to one.
“We’re going to have like a demon war after party, and you guys are more than welcome to attend.” Reiya grinned from her place in Lee’s arms at Jester and Irene.
“An after party? Well, I don’t think that’s something for all the vampires, but maybe Irene and I will join in on the fun. What do you think?” Jester looked over at Irene, who shyly nodded her head.
Loud laughter came from where Lita and Asher were sitting.
“You should have seen his face, though!” Caden slapped his knee, tears streaming from his eyes as he laughed. “When Caspian explained that Grayson was Lita’s guardian and we needed his help to get her back …’” Caden began laughing out of control. “I think that was one of the funniest moments of my life.”
“He never wanted to kill someone as much as he wanted to kill Grayson at that moment. He didn’t understand how the guardian bond worked and was extremely jealous. Plus, he was confused as heck because he thought he belonged to the Cedar Pack.” Caspian grinned up at Asher, who had a cheesy smile on his face.
