We all walked out of the mountain, warmth reaching our backs as theEternal Blazeeagerly consumed it.
My gaze went to the rocky terrain across from us to find armies beginning to gather in groups. Others congregated farther behind them, along the dunes scattered with bodies, ash, or pieces of crawlers, and even the dead ones turned human again by Gustav.
In the distance, others carried the fallen soldiers through Mathew’s large portal, the Fortress of the Dragon visible on the other side. Dariah’s husband held the power to travel through space, time, and even realms. He stood next to the portal, too far away from us to greet him now.
Natasha and André headed toward Vanessa, Alyce, my father, and the knights, while I searched for Dante. I watched my sister transform back from her Beast into the woman, and the pride and joy I felt for her at that moment couldn’t really be described.
She had always been strong, like Mom, but now she had finally found a reason to roar out of her comfort zone. Loving Vanessa helped her become an unstoppable woman, and flourish into who she was always meant to be.
The relationship between me and my beast was one of the deepest most fulfilling things, just like with my wolf, so I was excited to see her experience that too.
Countess Dariah headed straight toward the group where Gustav stood, both of them smiling as they hugged, finally reuniting after so many years. She’d actually been the one to help him figure out his power and learn how to use it to fight. Abeautiful friendship had developed from it, which, as fate would have it, brought me to my mate.
The girl with the lavender hair stood near them, chatting with several of the Vampire guards… I still wondered who she was.
There were so many of us now, filling the vast desert when it had seemed helpless during the battle. Coming together helped us win.
I noticed Isis walking toward me through the throng of people and stopped to wait for her before joining Natasha, André, and my family.
As soon as Isis reached me, I pulled her into my arms, hugging her fiercely. She was a part of my family too. “I’m so glad you are safe.”
“Same, handsome,” she replied, squeezing me and kissing me on the cheek before letting me go. “Have you seen Bjørn?”
I shook my head. “Last time I saw him, he was taking the Viscountess to my mom after Natasha, André, and I got her out.”
“My baby girl really saved her mother.” Tears shone in Isis’s eyes as she looked up at me.
“She vowed she would,” I reminded her. “And she didn’t let any of us stand in her way.”
“Natasha didn’t do it alone.” Cradling my cheek lovingly, she smiled even as a tear fell. “I’m legit so proud of all of you.”
Leaning into her touch, I smiled. “Thank you, Isis.”
“Love you,” she whispered in my ear when I hugged her again.
“Love you too.” Kissing her cheek, I pulled away. “Have you seen Dante?”
“He’s missing too?” she rolled her eyes. “Maybe he’s with Bjørn. When did you last see him?”
Her question made my heart lurch in my chest, remembering…
“Dante!”I shouted through our direct link, turning in a circle as my keen gaze scanned the battlefield. “Dante!”
“When did you last see him?” Isis asked again, immediately noticing my rising distress.
Cupping my head, I looked at her, not really seeing her while vicious dread chilled my bones. “He took over fighting theDark Oneso Bjørn could get Anastasia out of here.”
Isis’s hand flew to her mouth with a loud gasp. Eyes filling with dismay. “Let’s not panic. I’m sure he killed him and is somewhere around here.”
“Dante!” she called.
“Dante is missing!”I sent into the shadow link at the same time.
André and Natasha whirled to look at me from the other side where they stood with my dad.“What do you mean, he’s missing?”André asked.
“Dante!!” Isis yelled toward the battlefield even louder. “Help me find Dante,” she recruited someone, but my gaze was glued to my mates.
They flashed toward me. “He’s not missing. He’s Dante,” Natasha reasoned, but worry clouded her eyes. “He’s here somewhere… Dante!”
