“It isn’t an option,” said Senna firmly, agreeing. “She would be putting more than herself at risk if she were to run empty during a battle.”
Carwyn nodded her head, clearly taking it all in.
“But we could send more healers as we begin to transition the naval units closer to the border,” Keir jumped in. “It would be wise to have more, perhaps some that take to wielding a sword quickly. Even learning a few defensive stances would give them the upper hand.”
Senna hummed his agreement.
The door burst open, followed by a loud smack as it flung into the wall. Brielle ran in, breathless. Heads swiveled in her direction.
“Commander.” Brielle’s deep voice sliced through the war room.
The feeling tugging at Daimon intensified. Judging by the look on her face, it wasn’t good. It felt as if all of the air had been sucked out of the room at her words. No one dared speak, didn’t dare to breathe as they waited.
Then her eyes locked with Daimon’s, and he knew. He knew deep down that he needed to prepare himself for whatever she was about to say next.
“Baile was just hit.” Her voice shook. Keir, Daimon, and Senna instantly started for the door, but Brielle’s hands trembled as she quickly added, “It’s over now.”
“Anotherattack?” Keir demanded. He looked at Daimon, eyes wide. “Were any Riders patrolling there today?”
“Two were stationed near Baile this evening,” answered Daimon shortly. “Willow and a beta Rider.” His eyes flicked quickly back up to Brielle, barely grinding out, “Tell me what the fuck is going on.”
Brielle’s mouth opened and then closed.
Keir’s nostrils flared with impatience. “Spit it out, Brielle.”
Brielle wasn’t a delicate fae—she was a warrior. One of the strongest Daimon had ever seen. She never turned away from a battle, never faltered to throw herself into danger. And yet here she was, barely able to hold herself together.
“They’re all dead,” she whispered.
Thirty-Seven
Evelina
At least you’lldie brave.
Time slowed to a stop as Evelina’s scream rang in her ears. She’d heard soldiers talking about what it felt like to almost die. They told stories of seeing their favorite memories flashing across their minds, while some thought about a regret they wished they could change.
Evelina saw Carwyn telling her she would be better suited as a healer. She saw the two Nox from the attack on the grove whom she had been too late to save. She saw her mother dying before her with no solution to prevent it.
At least you’ll die brave.
The words clanged through her mind. Evelina wasn’t just brave.
At least you’ll die brave.
She was strong.
At least you’ll die brave.
She didn’t want to die.
And as the cry of terror left her throat, a burst of light exploded from her body. A deep, thrumming power came to life, and she grasped onto it desperately. She wouldn’t let them hurt those children—her people.
Evelina didn’t know what it was, this primal magic inside of her. But she latched onto it, pulled it from the depths of her soul where it was buried. Perhaps it was a gift given to her by Eurydice herself.
Evelina didn’t question it. She used it. And threw every ounce of her fury at the dark creature that stood before her.
She felt her body being hurled backward with the force of the power leaving her body. She slammed into the ground and her vision faded into darkness.
