Page 44 of The War is Coming

“You should join our meetings. It’s usually the two generals, Shiloh and me.”

“I can do that. I’ll give you my contact details later.”

Frederick nodded and opened the door to the hospital, letting Maletayah walk in first. Frederick led the way to the dragon ward, where they found the dragons still sleeping, and those with mate sitting next to them. General Delinga’s son was sitting with him.

Ajax and Gary were currently checking Peyton and Greyson.

Blake was standing by Puff’s side, a hand on his leg.

“What can I do, Alpha?” Frederick asked gently.

Blake sighed. “Can you make sure the pack is alright? I know Baylan and I should check on them...”

Frederick cut him off. “They understand, but yes, I’ll check on them. Do you want me to talk to Hades and Zeus about the spear and The Rising?”

Maletayah gave Frederick a quick look but said nothing.

“Please. I’m sure they’ll understand why I’m not at dinner.”

“We do,” Hades said suddenly, Han and Zeus with him, all three looking concerned.

Frederick smiled and pulled Hades close.

“This is very disturbing,” Zeus said.

“It is. I don’t know how to fight dark magic,” Blake admitted.

“You have people in this pack that can help you. Oz, his father, Maletayah and his warriors, including Wynter,” Zeus told him.

“I wonder if this dark magic user is the same one who bound Bob,” Ash said. He was sitting next to Paris, holding his hand.

“No, Jack Phase isn’t that strong,” Hades said.

Blake looked at Hades in astonishment. “You know who bound Bob?”

Hades nodded. “His name is Jack Phase. Ian McDuncan contacted him to bind Bob until Puff was eighteen.”

“Why not bind him forever?” Baylan asked.

“Weston, my chief of police, asked him that. He apparently told Ian he could bind the dragon king forever, but Ian would need to sacrifice one of his children. Jack Phase might be many things, but he’s not a killer, and surprisingly Ian didn’t want to sacrifice anyone.”

“Another thing we should think about,” Ash said. “Who asked Tatum to release Barnabus?”

“I never thought to even ask that,” Blake admitted.

“None of us did,” Baylan said, slipping his arm around Blake.

“Lord Hades, sir,” Forrest said from the doorway, panting a little as if he’d run there.

Hades turned and sent him a gentle smile. “Just Hades will do. You are family after all.”

Forrest smiled at him. “Thanks, but can I ask a favour?” he asked, the smile falling off his face.

Hades nodded. “Always.”

“Can Maggon suffer eternal torment for what he did today, to my brother and the others?”

“Oh, he will, young Forrest, never fear.”