“I had to tolerate your mopey ass for two weeks, and now you want a hug too?”
“I wasn’t mopey,” Angel grumbles under his breath, earning a loud snort from Seiji.
Seiji starts in on just how miserable my mate was without me, but Angel quickly diverts the conversation, slipping us back into Horsemen mode as we head toward the weapon chambers.
“Are the civilians gone?”
“The last batch left for Hell ten minutes ago. Dad shut the portal behind them.” Seiji answers all of Angel’s questions crisply, every detail lined up.
Harvey, Grace, and Hazel are already stationed at the northern border, where most of our portals are located. The plan is to contain the damage there so rebuilding will be easier and faster afterward. And with a waterfall at the back of every castle, that’s one less side to defend.
“Heaven?”
“Didn’t show up.”
I’ve never seen a smirk so smug on Angel. He’s more than pleased Heaven didn’t take his warning lightly. It’s the first time the Horsemen have directly challenged Heaven since the whole fiasco of Papa stealing Divine, and I’m slowly realizing Anxo is a big part of why they stepped back.
I’ve only ever seen the side of my mate that’s compassionate and patient. He’s a kind leader, protective of his people, fiercely devoted to his family. But I’ve heard the rumors. Outside our realm, the world sees Angel as someone ruthless, merciless, and the kind of man who doesn’t hand out second chances.
I don’t think he hides that side from me. It’s more like a mask he doesn’t need to wear around me. Looking at him now, eyes so gentle they could melt the coldest hearts, I can’t believe he’s the same legend whispered beyond our walls.
As Seiji and Angel trade updates, Harvey links me, laying out the battle plan and where he wants each of us stationed. Grace suddenly nudges into the link with an ear-splitting squeal about how excited she is to see me.
I love my sister, but she has no idea how her high-pitched human voice affects our sensitive ears. Harvey shuts her up with a kiss before our ears start bleeding.
“Where is Horseman Nakaya?”
“Dad’s handling the south. War and Famine Warriorheads are guarding the western gates. Khatri volunteered to cover the east so we canfocus on the front and—”
Everything slows when a shadow slips past me, reaching for Seiji. Instinct takes over, and I grab the intruder, slamming him into the wall, my hand locked around his throat. He chokes against the grip.
A warlock in my home? He must have a death wish.
“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t snap your neck right this second.”
“Nevaeh.Don’t.” Seiji’s voice cuts through. In a blink, he pries me off and pushes the warlock behind him. The man is just as tall, if not an inch more than Seiji, so covering him was not practical, but it’s a statement nonetheless.
“Seiji,” I snap, “that is awarlock.”
“Heis Jackson.” Seiji’s eyes narrow when I scoff.
The Prince of Famine looks at me like I’m a lunatic while he’s the one standing between me and an enemy I’m itching to crush under my boot.
The warlock in question straightens and makes a move to step out from Seiji’s shadow and steps in my direction.
“Whoa, buddy. Stay right there before I roast your brown ass into a crispy black.” I push my Divine to the front, my essence circling Angel and me, ready to strike on command.
Seiji steps in front of the man, shielding him—again—and I force my glare to soften when I meet his cautious eyes. My jaw aches from grinding my teeth as I reluctantly back down.
I hate that he’s protecting this warlock, but I can’t risk hurting Seiji, even by accident.
Seeing that I’m not in attack mode now, Seiji seizes the opening. “Nevaeh, calm down and hear me out before you give in to your bloodlust.”
Angel rubs a steady hand down my back, pulling me into his chest. He’s being far too calm about an intruder waltzing into our kingdom, but fine. I roll my eyes and nod at Seiji to get on with it.
“Jackson risked his life to cross the portal yesterday so he could warn us about Visha gathering her soldiers and getting ready to attack. He’s also shared crucial information about thecoven’s battle strategy. He’s here to help, guys.”
Seiji is choosing his words very carefully, but something about this whole situation doesn’t add up.
