“I’m fine.” Luk brushed him off, pulling his frame up higher, trying to prove he was strong and whole.
“How did you even know?” I blinked at him. The last time I checked on him, he was taking a nap.
“I told him.” Ash frowned, folding his arms. “But I didn’t mean it as an invitation.”
Luk shrugged. “I can’t lie around while everyone else is going on missions, has a purpose, has something. My teammates are dead, and if I’m alone any longer with my thoughts, I will go insane. I’m healed enough. Tonight ofallnights, I have to do something.”
From what I noticed within the base today from the fae and half-breeds, there was a noticeable edginess. No wall existed between our worlds now, but magic still hummed louder once the sun lowered. Energy ballooned thicker in the air, stirring the fae. Samhain was a living, breathing entity. Even humans could feel it rolling over their skin, pulsing through their bones.
And certainly, whatever the hell I was could.
Taking Luk in, I noticed the determination set in his eyes. If he were healed or not, I couldn’t take this away from him. Tonight was like every human holiday rolled into one for fae. Plus, he had to feel the pain of losing Ava and Tracker and being separated from his own faction because of me.
“You can come.” I nodded at Luk, his chest easing down.
“What?” Ash gaped at me. I shot him a look.
“He’s going, Ash.” Conversation over.
Warwick snickered, his head shaking as he tucked another blade into his boot, then tugging on his jacket. “Let’s go.”
Opie and Bitzy leaped into the small bag on my back carrying extra ammunition, rope, flashlight, and duct tape. Some would call it a thief kit, though Warwick suggested it could be used later when we got back.
The five of us strode down the hallway, the place swarming with movement and energy. You could taste it on your tongue—the adrenaline and magic. Everyone was dressed like us, preparing for tonight’s assignments.
Not much consideration was given to Istvan or HDF, though I felt a slight tug of guilt thinking about this group attacking Killian’s palace. Not that he couldn’t handle it. I knew Sarkis’s army was only sending a warning. My feelings for Killian wouldn’t allow me to put him in a box like my uncle or Warwick did. I spent time with him, saw the real man. He wasn’t bad or good... He was a leader with flaws, but also greatness.
“X!” Birdie’s voice called out, her white-blonde hair hidden by a black knit hat, her tiny figure almost outweighed by the massive blade attached to her back. Maddox, Wesley, Zuz, and Scorpion stood next to her.
“Too bad you aren’t going with us. I’ll pop in and say hi to your old comrades at HDF.” She grinned at me.
“Yeah, send my love,” I replied dryly.
“We are... it’s calleddistraction.” She winked at Warwick as the group headed for the exit.
Scorpion paused in front of me. “Be careful.”
“You too,” I replied.
“If you need me...” He tapered off, growing a smile on my face.
“I know where to find you.”
His head bobbed, his gaze going over my shoulder, down the hallway toward the temporary holding cells.
I knew what was down there.Whowas down there.
My thoughts went to Caden and Hanna. “Who’s watching them?”
“Some trainee who has no idea what he’s up against,” he scoffed.
“Surprised you’re letting someone else take watch.” I lifted my brows.
He scowled, appearing like he didn’t understand my meaning. “She’s just a fucking human.” Scorpion walked away without another word, jogging up the stairs and out of the base.
“Brexley.” Andris moved to me, his expression tense with worry. “Be careful tonight.”
“We will.” I swallowed, taking in my uncle’s face. He felt like home to me. So much more than my real uncle.
