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Seven.

One.

Three.

Ringing, a vibration in my pocket.

“The phone,” Medusa declared, fishing it out of my pocket. “Vaughn? I… What?” I heard her gasp, my eyes sliding to find the shock on her face. “This can’t be happening. Send it.” She tapped on the phone screen. “I’ve got it. Speak to you after.”

Thirteen deaths.

My friend crouched beside me, anguish emanating from her. “It’s Vice President Cross.”

I wanted to ask if he was dead too, but two more deaths kept my mouth on pause.

She held the phone up so we could both see the screen, then pressed play on a video Vaughn must have just sent her.

Vice President Cross appeared on the screen. A red-headed man with fair rosy skin, prominent freckles on his cheeks, famous for his teal suits and loyalty to his president. He was popular with the public, and formidable in his dedication to peace.

He stood at a lectern against a background of green and gold.

“Five minutes ago, I was sworn in as President of the Human Domain.” A small pause. “And it is with a heavy heart I announce the end of our peace.” Another pause. “I have officially declared war against King Silvanus, his vampires, and any who aid them. The king’s murder of President Walker and officials from the Global Order has broken the peace accords. You saw our blessed Aidan for yourselves, how he needs us to rise up. We are doing just that. Our armies now march across Quintrealm, and we are putting out a call for any executioner in hiding to take up arms again to aid us in this fight.” His gray eyes seemed to pierce the camera. “Mortal citizens will receive information on how to keep safe during this conflict.” One more brief pause. “I bid you farewell for now. And may Aidan guide us.”

The video ended with an image of Paris, Declan, and Medusa, followed by my face. Text rolled across the screen, declaring us all the most wanted fugitives in the world.

Medusa swiped the video away.

He’d done it. Aidan had successfully secured the faith of his devoted followers without the need for a magical infection. We were now the enemy, more vampires dying every moment as I lay there, considering my next move.

The global spell was now the only hope.

Paris is the hope…

“Aidan’s loose again,” Medusa said. “Vaughn said he teleported away just after we left.”

Meaning, he would be on the hunt for Paris again.

My friend released a shuddery breath. “The Heart of All is so bright. What’s happening?” She touched my arm. I barely felt her. “These veins… Are vampires dying right now?”

I blinked at her and that was all it took for her to know the answer.

Her eyes lost some of their color, filling with terror. “We have to stop this.”

The phone pinged again. “It’s another message from Vaughn. He says Layla’s house was burned down by order of the new president. All vampiric assets are to be destroyed.” Her shoulders slumped. “Vaughn’s waiting for your orders and is sheltering in place with Declan at the country house until he hears from you.”

Nowhere left to run.

Nowhere left to hide.

No, there was the Carving Glade. With Paris back, Caer would take us in at least until the spell was cast.

I can’t hide.

I must fight.

I wouldn’t hide there while my vampires were slaughtered.

“Well, look what we have here,” Aidan said from my left.