“We’re okay!” I called down to him.
Dante immediately started to climb down, but I took a moment to place my hand on the tree branch that was cupping my lower back, keeping me firmly in place.
Thank you, friend.
I was surprised when a more feminine-sounding voice answered.You are most welcome.
Then I yelped a little as the branches began to move and configure themselves into a seat, cupping my butt, bending and lowering me to theground. As I stepped off, I looked up to see all of my friends staring at me.
I smiled, shrugging. “Guess I have a tree affinity or something.”
Dante looked the most astonished, which was a bit comical considering he spoke to and commanded animals.
After another moment of gawking, Kade gave me that slow smile I was so in love with, and I felt his warmth brush across our bond.Glad you’re okay, my little tree hugger.
I laughed. Out loud. As usual confusing everyone who couldn’t hear our inner conversation.We need more trees in our garden.
You got it, love.
He focused then, turning toward the woods. “You think that dark fae was sent by someone to target us specifically? Or were we just in a ‘wrong place, wrong time’ situation?”
Dante answered, “We’re about thirty yards from the winter realm portal. His kind are a standard security measure since the war.”
That made sense, and I liked that theory a lot more than the one where the winter queen knew we were here. We gathered up our packs again, walking in the direction Dante instructed. Only a few paces in, a quiet little bird’s chirp sounded behind us.
Dante pursed his lips and let the air out through his teeth, creating a similar sound.
His birds had returned. A dozen finches flew down from the trees and landed on Dante’s outstretched hands, all chirping and talking at the same time as Dante’s face creased in concern. He sat there patiently and heard from every bird as we watched, waiting for him to translate. When they ceased their chatter, he pulled some seed from his pocket and they all had a feed.
“The winter queen and Dark Fae Lord are together. Which will help in taking both of them out at the same time,” Dante said, very quietly.
Okay. That was good news. The less time we spent on this mission, the better. I had a world to rebuild back in New York.
“The bad news…?” said Kade, picking up on what Dante wasn’t saying. His hand was resting on the dark staff as he stared with a hard expression at the fae.
Dante shifted his weight slightly, the only thing to betray any unease within him. “They are in the Dark Fae Lord’s realm, surrounded by the vilest creatures in existence.”
I didn’t even have a flicker of surprise within me. I’d expected nothing less. Ever since King Samson mentioned erchos, killians, and whatever else he’d said, I’d been waiting to meetthose creatures. No way did the fae lord have such things in his army and not use them.
“Can you get us there?” I asked him, trying not to think of the oil-black ercho that had attacked me in central park.
Dante nodded. “I can.”
Kade stepped forward, his hand almost crushing the handle of the case he held. “How many creatures? What types?”
The birds flew off then, in unison, and Dante stood. “I have no idea how many, but I would guess a lot. Winged beasts, water beasts, and ones that were described that I cannot even put into words.”
We can do this. Kade sounded confident. I wasn’t so sure, but we had come too far to back out now.
“Kade and I are still going, but I understand if any of you want to turn back,” I offered. “We just need you to show us the way, Dante.”
He slammed a closed fist onto his chest. “It would complete my life’s work to aid in the death of the winter queen. I am all in.”
Shelley stepped forward. “You can use my gift to confuse any guards on the perimeter to keep the fight small.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Thank you.”
Kian placed a hand on Shelley’s shoulder. “You have my sword also. Anything that will keep thiswar from spilling out onto the Earth and coming for our children.”
