Jasper led the way as he followed his parents’ trail, hoping they would have a lead of some sort. Maybe they’d picked up the trail Myra found. They ran through the field to the far treeline and into the dark forest. They sprinted under the canopy of dense woods, getting further and further away from the kingdom and eventually crossing the vampire territory border. It was here where they ran into Jester.
“Dad? Where’s mom?” Jasper watched as his father raised his gaze, which meant his mother was scouting above the treeline.
“Lucie, you shouldn’t be here.” Jester scowled, giving Derrick a disapproving look.
“I should definitely be here. You act as if someone should have the authority to stop me.” Lucie arched her brow at Jester with a crooked grin, which he returned.
“I just mean … in your condition, you shouldn’t be fighting.” Jester could see from Derrick’s face that he wasn’t a fan of her being there either. She must have been prepared to put up a fight.
“This is really a family tradition. My mother was pregnant with me when she fought, and the same goes for my aunt and grandmother. I think it’s our good luck charm.” She tilted her head at Jester. “I’ll be fine. I can’t sit around, not after … Myra and Abe gave their lives. And I can’t even focus on that right now, because when I think about it, I feel like a hole is going to swallow me up. So I need to fight. I need to do something.”
“They got Abaas too?” Jester frowned and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I know you were close. But …” His eyes met with Derrick. “Something doesn’t feel right about this. The trail is weird, and?—”
Irene landed gracefully on the ground in front of them. She looked at Jester and nodded her head. “He’s joined up with them. The trail goes that way.”
“Joined up with who?” Derrick took a protective step closer to Lucie. He was beginning to regret not making her stay behind. She gave him a reproachful look, which he could only slightly shrug to. It was how he felt and he couldn’t stop himself from feeling protective.
“Count Basil’s trail meets up with dark elves and ghouls. They’re close to the Sulfur Pack territory. A little too close. The pack must be aware of their presence by now. Maybe even enough for them to send a distress signal to your parents.” Irene looked at their small group of six, weighing their odds.
“We must intercept them,” Lucie said firmly. She pursed her lips together. This was what Lucie had wondered earlier, whether there was a chance that whoever was responsible for all of this was working with the witch. Derrick was also thinking the same thing now. Yet it was Jasper who said it.
“Count Basil has joined with the witch.”
“We believe so too.” Jester looked at his son. “There are only six of us. We should call for reinforcements.”
“There isn’t time for that.” Lucie quickly shot the idea down. She couldn’t let anything happen to one of their packs, especially if the plan was to lure her parents out. When it came to the packs, they would protect them. She couldn’t risk anything happening to her parents. “The six of us are strong. Plus the Sulfur Pack is there for backup.”
“Not to brag, but definitely to brag, you also have a kick-ass guardian on your side. I don’t like the idea of Lucie fighting either, but I’ve sparred with her my whole life. She’s been well trained by her mother. You wouldn’t tell Freja as the huntress not to fight, would you?” Justice winked at Lucie and looked at Jester.
“It’s Freja I’m worried about when she finds out I let her pregnant baby girl fight.” Jester chuckled and sighed. “If we do this, no holding back on your skills. Unleash your strength, Jasper. This isn’t a game.”
“I understand.” Jasper nodded.
Lucie looked over at Jasper, her brow furrowed. “Do you not like to use your skills?”
“Not if I can help it, Lucie. It’s a bit cruel.” Jasper listened to the protests from his parents and shook his head. “I know you don’t like me thinking that way, but it is what it is. When my skill hits, it works by shooting energy into their skin and devouring them from the inside out.” He turned to Lucie. “It’s gruesome, but it can hit masses at once, taking them down fast.”
“Jasper, it isn’t more gruesome than a wolf ripping out their opponent’s jugular. Be proud of your power.” Lucie could see Jasper’s eyes light up in relief. She could also feel Derrick’s pride in her. This must have been something that bothered Jasper, but he looked more at ease about it now.
“I don’t know where the Count is. He may not be with the group, but we need to be prepared. He will be alerted to our presence. We can’t let him use this opportunity to get away.” Irene knew Count Basil would use the opening to escape while they were all distracted.
“I’ll continue on the trail for Count Basil. I’ll make sure he isn’t able to run away while everyone is fighting.” Derrick was an excellent tracker and a formidable opponent. He would be needed to fight against the Count.
“I’ll go with you. Justice, you assist in taking out the army near the Sulfur Pack.” Lucie looked at him and gave him a reassuring smile. “I know this goes against what you want to do, but they will need your strength.”
“Uncle Grayson wouldn’t have left Grandma.” Justice scowled.
“Even Chasen and Brody weren’t able to fight by Aunt Reiya and my dad’s side during the demon war. We have to use our strengths to our advantage and … stop, Derrick.” Lucie turned and shot him an annoyed look. “I’m coming with you and that is final!” She was tired of hearing his mental pleas for her to stay with Justice. “I’ll be fighting no matter what. I need to be by your side during this.”
“Lucie.” Derrick wrapped his arms around her and leaned his forehead against hers. “I know. I can’t help worrying, but I wasn’t going to ask you to stay. I’m just panicking.” He chuckled and exhaled loudly. “But I do want you to stay back. Count Basil has nasty tricks and skills up his sleeves.”
“We will go in first and create a diversion so that you two can slip through without having to fight,” Jester said, and Justice chuckled.
“They won’t have to worry about anyone bothering them. I’ll be sure to clear a bright path for them.” Justice reached his hand out, and a glowing orange sword materialized in his hand. “I’vebeen waiting to put these new skills to use. Guess I’m finally getting my chance.”
“Wow, that sword is amazing. You can feel the power coming from it.” Derrick stared at it in awe. It was the first time he’d actually seen it.
“Yes, it’s grown stronger and more powerful. It has a will of its own sometimes, but we’re getting along better now.” Justice moved the sword to his side with a faint smile.
