“Where’s Caleb?”Xev asked his son, breathless from the strain of trying to get to his brother.
Jared frowned at him. “He left with his army.”
Xev winced. “Your mother’s with him?”
“Of course.”
Damn it. He was too late. “It’s a trap. They lured Caleb and your mother out of here.”
Jared paled. “What?”
“I just found out about their plan. The Mavromino lured them out on purpose. They’re coming. We have to secure the children and women. They’ll hit us where we’re weakest. You stay here in case they break through. I have to get to Lil and warn her. She’ll be their first target. If they reach her, they can neutralize Caleb’s forces and crash the gates.”
“Stay here? I can’t do that, uncle.”
Xev wanted to correct him on that fact. But this wasn’t the time or place. He had to get to Lil.
“Send a messenger to Caleb and Myone. Let them know. I’ll take some men and hold them off as best I can.”
Jared inclined his head. “Good luck.”
They’d need more than that. They were going to need a miracle.
* * *
“Malphas!”
Caleb paused in his attack as he heard his name called. He saw one of the Sephirii heading toward him. By the speed and expression on his face, Caleb could tell something was wrong.
It made his heart sink. “What’s wrong?”
But then he knew. There would only be one reason for someone to come after him while in battle. More than that, he could feel it with every fiber of his being.
Lil was in danger.
Ignoring the battle, he sped home as fast as he could.
The instant he arrived, he smelled the stench of burning flesh. Heard the screams of victims.
Saw the smoke and carnage.
No! His soul screamed out in denial. But there was no denial of this. Everywhere he looked, there was blood and mangled bodies.
“Lil!” he screamed, searching among the victims.
All he heard were whimpers and those begging for help. Tears filled his eyes. He had to find her. “Don’t be dead.” She couldn’t be.
As fast as he could, he made his way to their home.
Lil wasn’t there. Caleb staggered in relief. He would find her. She’d be fine.
She would.
“Lilliana! Where are you?”
Still, nothing.
His anger began to build. Why would she not answer him? Was she still angry that he’d flown to battle? If she was, this was no way to punish him.
