“I’ve got this,” I repeated, under my breath.
Daxton bent to whisper, “You never cease to amaze me.”
The door swung open to our first war council meeting, and I bravely stepped inside.
The chamber thrummed with a tense energy, a living heartbeat beneath the vaulted ceiling. Ten leaders sat around the table, each representing a different skill set needed in the war to come. High Fae and shifter, warrior and spy, strategist and scout, all gathered.
Daxton and I moved along the edge of the room, every set of eyes following us as we approached our seats. To my right sat the five shifters I had chosen to represent us: Shaw, Magnus, Rhea, Talon, and Neera.
I needed their counsel and support now more than ever.
To Daxton’s left sat his chosen High Fae: Castor, Adohan, Gunnar, Zola, and—most surprising of all—Rhett.
Rhett now sat as the ruler of Aelius, though it was a seat he did not wish to hold. Daxton and Castor wanted to save their friend and ally, but Seamus had said,Do what you must. It was a selfless admission. One that revealed his true nature, finally unmasked by Minaeve’s magic and torment.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming here today,” Daxton said as we took our seats.
Inhaling a deep breath, I said, “We’re gathered to discuss our next steps in this war.”
Castor cleared his throat, already bristling. “Let’s start with this so-called summons from Princess Réalta on behalf of King Taran. They claim peace and that Minaeve has been dismissed from court, but I call bullshit.”
“Peace has never been Taran’s goal,” Magnus added, his eyes narrowing. “For twenty-two years, he’s hunted our people like animals—slaughtered them at our borders.”
“Not to mention thelovelyhunters and mages that drove us out,” Rhea said, her tone biting. “If you’re looking for a clear sign of intent, there it is.”
“They’ve hunted us,” I said quietly.
I glanced toward Shaw, someone who truly understood the scale of devastation left behind by the hunters.
“The humans brought this war,” Shaw said, his jaw tight, his muscles coiled with the tension he rarely let show.
“And we’ll finish it,” Zola cut in, her voice smooth and chilling. She twirled a dagger between her fingers, the promise of unforgiving retribution glinting in her eyes.
A twinge of unease twisted in my stomach. My aunt’s words to me at the crossing echoed in my mind.Not all humans are evil.
My mother was one of them.
I was half-human.
“Training will need to begin right away,” Gunnar said. “If the shifters and High Fae warriors pair together, learning to fight as one in their animal forms, I believe we’ll be an unstoppable force.”
Daxton nodded in agreement.
I leaned forward, meeting the general’s hard stare. “What do you need, Gunnar?”
“A point person from the shifters would be great. Someone who’s experienced and can relay your strengths and weaknesses.”
“Magnus will work with you,” I said, turning to my uncle, knowing we needed to prepare for the worst if diplomatic solutions were not in our favor. “Perhaps a round or two in the Ice Gauntlet will be beneficial for training.”
A spark lit Gunnar’s eyes at the mention of the gauntlet, and I found myself wondering which of my pack could beat my time. Twenty-four minutes was no small feat—especially for a shifter with a dormant animal.
Magnus nodded before crossing his arms, leaning back in his seat. “We should convene after this meeting to begin preparations and training schedules.”
“Excellent,” Gunnar said.
“Skylar and I will assist when we’re able,” Daxton added. “Adohan, are you still able to help with training here in the Inner Kingdom, and Skylar’s fire magic?”
“Absolutely,” Adohan answered. “I’d love to see how hot the flames of a phoenix can burn.”
