Chapter 4

Moon

Traveling through the portals from Realm to Realm is better than Crow transporting us there. And even though there was a risk that the Queen might be alerted to our presence, Fen concealed himself, and Grams and I wore hoods. The rest of my men kept their heads down, and while I'm relieved, I'm a little surprised to say that no one was even remotely interested in our arrival.

Now we're not only in the Fae Realm but outside the castle, preparing to sneak in through what Fen says is the back entrance. This of course was followed by a joking Tristan saying he'd like to sneak into my back entrance.

"Is now really the time to talk about fucking Moon from behind?" Arlo scolds, but I can see the teasing look in his eyes.

"I think any time is the right time to talk about Moon's back entrance." Tristan winks, and I shake my head at my mates.

"I have to agree, I think we should always talk about fucking your ass–"

"Kili," I snap, pressing my finger to his lips. "We're about to go start a war. I don't think right now is the time to turn me on. Now be my good boy and hush".

"Perhaps refrain from such topics when Moon's grandmother is around as well, hmm?" Grams adds, making me blush with embarrassment. How mortifying.

"Can you all focus please!" Love growls, making everyone snap to attention. "Now is obviously not the fucking time for this. The longer we are out here talking about bullshit, the longer my–friend is in pain!"

"Sorry," I murmur, sufficiently chastised. "Let's do this." I nod, nibbling my lip as my nerves rush back in. We're going our separate ways from here, and I hate the idea of my men being out of my sight for longer than it takes me to pee. For obvious reasons, we have a Queen to dethrone.

"Come here," Fenrick says, pulling me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around him, looking up into his beautiful black eyes.

"Be safe in there. Keep her talking, but don't believe a word she says. Okay?" I ask, and when he nods, I lean up on my toes to press a kiss to his lips. "No matter how good her manipulations are, that's all they are. Lies that she'll use to try to turn you against yourself. Against me. Don't let her," I plead, and Fen smiles softly.

"Let the other's protect you. Please." The look in Fen's eyes lets me know just how worried about me he is, so I nod. "And don't worry, she won't be able to convince me that anything she says is true, ever again. I love you, Moonlight. You are my guiding star, and I won't stray from you." His vow makes me sniffle a little, and I press my cheek to him, soaking in his warmth.

"I love you too, Fenrick. When this is all over, everything will be okay. I'm always here for you," I tell him, before kissing him once more.

When Fen and I pull away, I turn right into the arms of Crow who scoops me right up.

"Get over here Pixie. Give me a kiss." Crow twirls me, making me giggle as I wrap my arms around his neck, hanging on tight to my Champion. "Behave yourself, or we'll have to give you that spanking Lust warned you about." Crow winks as he sets me back on my feet, and I frown.

"When did he…" I gasp, "Were you spying on us?" I accuse and he shrugs.

"Naughty Pixie. I can see the look in your eyes. Focus," he chuckles, and I flip my hair over my shoulder.

"No idea what you're talking about." I turn away from him and right into Warrior.

"I'm nervous to leave your side," Warrior admits, and I nod in understanding. Slipping into his arms, I breathe in deep and press my head to his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

"I know. Remember, we protect each other. You'll be safe with my guys. And I'll feel better knowing you're protecting them too. Especially Fen. His mother will probably try to say some shitty, cruel things to him. Don't let him believe her," I whisper, holding my mate closer.

"I will remind him that he is stronger than the words of such a terrible being," Warrior vows, and I smile.

"Be safe," I murmur, and Warrior presses a kiss to my head.

"You too."

"I'll keep them safe, Badger." Tristan's cocky voice whispers in my ear, and I step away from Warrior and leap into Tristan's arms. Without saying a word, I bite into his neck, taking a long drink of his blood. He groans, and his grip on my ass tightens as he holds me up in his arms.

"You better," I groan, pressing a kiss to the bloody bite mark I leave behind. "Or I'll have to punish you," I whisper in his ear, making him shiver.

"Getting me all worked up right before a big battle? Brilliant baby. I'll have to punish this ass for your bad behavior once this is all over," Tristan warns.

"I'm looking forward to it," I say, kissing his cheek. He doesn't even set me down, just passes me to Lust midair. "Keep my Grams close. Don't let anything happen to her," I say to Lust, as I look into his eyes. He nods once, before kissing me. It steals my breath, and I can't resist pushing my fingers into his hair. "I love you," I murmur against his lips, and he smiles.

"I love you too. And don't worry, the old lady is safe with me," he teases, and Grams punches his arm.

"Who you calling old, youngin?" Grams scoffs, and I chuckle at the old lady as Lust puts me back on my feet, and I turn to face her.

"Certainly not you," I say, smiling at her, as I lean in to give her a good hug. Grams gives the best hugs.

"She's not even the oldest person here," Kili adds, giving side-eye to Tristan and Arlo. Sometimes I forget how old those two truly are.

"True," I smirk, dodging a smack from Grams and rushing to Kili. He scoops me up bridal style and tips me back as he kisses me hard.

"Tonight we're celebrating," he says darkly, and I don't need to ask what he means.

"Deal," I whisper breathlessly.

A shiver travels down my spine, and I grin, turning to face my Light One.

"Hey Murder Noodle," I tease, and Silas just smiles.

"I'll be shifted, up a sleeve till I'm needed. She'll sense me. Hopefully, it sets her on edge," Silas smirks, and I grin brightly at him. I love his twisted nature. "Then tonight we can mate on her bloody corpse," he growls, but before I can respond, his eyes go wide, and he slaps a hand over his mouth. I stare at him, waiting…

"The fuck was that, babe?" I finally ask, and Silas clears his throat.

"Uh, my alternate form sometimes becomes particularly violent, and his thoughts sort of bleed into mine…I apologize for that gruesome suggestion." Silas avoids meeting my eyes, so I grip his cheeks and lean in.

"I accept you as you are. Every gruesome suggestion. Perhaps we can mate without the corpse?" I offer with a teasing smile, and Silas nods, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Perfect. Stay close to Warrior. Bite bitches and take names," I tease.

"Be safe."

I stay back, watching as the men head into the castle. Daire, Arlo, Cato, and Odas remain by my side. With one more deep breath, we head inside.