Tiarnán nodded. “That’s a strong possibility.”
“Yeah, well, you lot aren’t the only ones who believe that. It hasn’t hit the news yet, but the government is sending in the National Guard after everything that happened with Setsuna and the mess in Salem yesterday.”
Tiarnán shared a look with Deirdre. “That is unexpected.”
“In a bad way?”
“The demonic incursion in Cairo that jump-started the Thirty-Day War already had demons and soultakers in the street before soldiers showed up. Other than a few attacks centered around your pack, there’s been no other signs here of a demonic incursion.”
“The government knows Ethan’s side has the Morrígan’s staff and several million zombies at their disposal. I think they’re just being prudent,” Sage said.
“They also murdered a government official. I mean, people are pissed about that,” Wade pointed out.
Jono was glad Patrick wasn’t present. Setsuna’s death was still a gaping wound for him, despite how he kept working through the grief. It manifested itself in nightmares and the occasional tears in the shower where it was impossible to distinguish them from water, but Jono always recognized the scent of salt beneath soap.
“The deployment is apparently being announced later today. They’ll arrive within a day or so, according to Patrick,” Jono said.
Tiarnán looked out the windows lining the length of the conference room, the outside world distorted from all the rain. “Are you sure they’ll make it in time?”
Jono froze at that statement. “What do you mean?”
Deirdre tapped a perfectly manicured fingernail against the table, staring at them with unblinking eyes. “If the veil tears open similar to how it did in Cairo, New York City is going to be caught between this world and the ones beyond. It won’t be easy to send in reinforcements. It’s why we’ve gathered our side and have been bringing them through the hawthorn path in advance to get them situated how we agreed on. Block by block.”
“Though in a city of iron, our power won’t be as it is past the veil,” Tiarnán warned.
“You can still fight,” Jono said before taking a sip of his coffee. If the fae tried to find some way to wriggle out of the alliance, he’d let Fenrir tear into them.
“That was never in doubt, but do you have more of a battle plan than the one we’re working with?”
Jono shrugged. “My country’s military tried to recruit me, and I gave the bloke knocking on doors in the block a two-fingered salute. Your best bet is to talk with Patrick on something like that. We have packs from here and out of state ready to fight, as well as Night Courts moving into Manhattan proper. We’re organized to a point, but nothing on par with the military.”
“What about covens?” Deirdre asked. “Do they remain committed?”
Jono had had enough of covens in recent days, but he knew they couldn’t afford to be picky, especially after last night. “Casale and Angelina stopped by last night. The covens are gathered, though they’re sending some of their adherents outside the city in anticipation of what’s to come.”
“They aren’t the only ones fleeing,” Tiarnán said.
“I don’t want anyone here who isn’t willing to fight. That’s a weakness we can’t afford.”
“Then what about every citizen who isn’t aware of what waits beyond the veil, who your government has not adequately warned?”
“We fight for them and try to keep them safe.”
“It’s why we’ll move block by block and leave allies in strategic areas. The covens may not have the sort of fighting experience those in the military have, but they’re still an asset. We’ll work with them, and they with us, despite any reservations either side might have,” Sage said.
Tiarnán hummed thoughtfully. “You mortals do all right when it comes to war.”
“Yeah, but you guys have actual gods of war,” Wade said.
Tiarnán gave him a droll look. “You are a dragon.”
Wade flapped his hand in Tiarnán’s direction. “I’m not agod.”
“Small blessings,” Sage muttered under her breath.
“Hey!” Wade exclaimed. “I’d make a great god!”
“Oh? And what would you be a god of?”
