Chapter Twenty-Five

Tari

A urora couldn't teleport all of us, so we left the dragons, Arabella, and Bea behind, and within a blink, we were standing beneath the shade of a very large tree in the prettiest garden I'd ever seen, even lovelier than the one back at King Fachnan's castle, with flowers of every color and size and rows of neat bushes mixed with various statues.

After I slipped Tau stone necklaces made from the ripped hem of my skirt over the girls' heads, they squirmed out of Ash's arms and ran to a small, raised pond framed by stones with a fountain in the center. Giggling, they tossed rocks into the water. How resilient my children were. My heart warmed to hear their laughter.

"Don't go into the water," Shiri warned.

"Yes, Auntie," they said in unison while holding hands.

I mentally berated myself for not remembering to warn them about the water. Shiri seemed to know exactly what to say to them and when.

Twilight was almost upon us, the last rays of the setting sun shining through the tops of the tall pines that surrounded us. The trees here were even bigger than the ones back at our moldy cabin at the edge of the Periculian Forest, some as wide as Isa's wingspan, and I remembered my father telling me that everything was bigger on the eastern side of the mountains.

Several flashes of fire lit up the sky, and I jerked back in time to see about a dozen winged mages heading in our direction. Ash growled and Helian unsheathed his sword.

I grabbed their arms. Wait, I warned through thought.

"Hold your fire!" Drae hollered, snapping open his wings.

The mages landed in front of us, their flames extinguishing as they stared at us as if we were ghosts come to life. It was odd being around so many fire mages when all my life I was taught to fear all but my father. Yet, I didn't feel fear now, only relief that my children were safe and unharmed.

One of the fire mages stepped forward. He had fine lines around his eyes and forehead and pale hair and wings. I knew without a doubt, he had Sidhe Fae in his bloodline. "My Lord?"

"Yes, it is I, Romulus." Drae motioned toward us. "Along with my family. They are guests here and will be treated as such." He widened his stance while holding onto Shiri's hand. "Is the castle secure?"

Romulus bowed. "Yes, My Lord."

Helian sheathed his sword, and Ash stood down, though he remained in his shifter form. I realized the trousers the satyrs had given him were gone. He must've ripped them completely in the shift. Though he didn't show any signs of pain, patches of his fur were matted with blood. No wonder he remained in his wolf-monster form. I would heal him as soon as I gathered strength.

My sister pushed forward, forcing the firemages to stand still while she checked them for demons. Blaze and Drae stood by my sister while she used her siren to call demons forward. Luckily, none of the mages were demon possessed. How unnerving that demons could infect the castle guards, but I was grateful to know they wouldn't attack us when our backs were turned.

"Any news from Thebes?" Drae asked Romulus after Shiri released him from her spell.

"The last word we received was that a demon had taken possession of King Fachnan's corpse and that Malvolia was going to attack Peloponese." Romulus gave Shiri an appreciative look and then ruffled his feathers. "You were right about the demons, My Lord."

Drae stiffened. "Of course I was." He gave Romulus a stern look. "Maybe next time you won't doubt my judgment."

Romulus frowned. "I won't, My Lord, and I apologize for doubting you."

Drae gave him a curt nod. "Apology accepted." He arched a brow. "Any word on the outcome of Malvolia's attack?"

Romulus shook his head. "We should've heard more news, but our couriers haven't returned."

This wasn't good. I shared a worried look with my mates.

"When were you expecting them to return?" Drae asked.

Romulus dragged his hands through his hair. "Five days past."

I swallowed back my fear. What if we were too late and the demons had already taken over?

"Let me know the second you hear anything," Drae said.

Romulus bowed. "Yes, My Lord." He gave Drae a weary look. "There's one more thing."

"What?"

"You were also right about the mind spinner." Romulus visibly swallowed.

"Malvolia has reconciled with Flora, Derrick, and Marius. There is evidence our queen was tricked by Thorin."

Drae loosed a long breath. "I'm relieved to hear Malvolia has finally seen the light. Thank you."

I shared a look with my sister. That's good, right? I asked through thought, relieved the sorceress queen was no longer hunting our parents.

Shiri's features hardened. I have a difficult time believing our mother would forgive Malvolia so easily.

No, you're right. I chewed my lip. But perhaps our mother has agreed to set aside her grudge.

Shiri rolled her eyes. Not our mother.

My shoulders fell. She was right, and I suspected the reconciliation was one-sided, not that I could fault my mother after everything Malvolia had done.

Drae waved Romulus and his soldiers away. "Double the watch. We just had a confrontation with demons, and they may retaliate."

Romulus's mouth dropped open before he hastily shut it. "Yes, My Lord."

"And get a cage," he said. "We have a demon-possessed wyvern coming. He's injured, but we need something to restrain him." He grimaced, shooting the children a look. "We will also have a possessed Fae. Get some chains for her," he said in a hushed whisper.

Romulus paled. "Of course!" He spun around, barking orders.

"We have to retrieve the others," Blaze said while motioning toward Aurora.

I straightened at that. "I'm coming."

"No," Ash said in a deep rumble while frowning down at me. "You need rest. I'll go with her."

I swallowed back a lump of fear as I looked into his big, luminous eyes, the only thing recognizable among his wolfish features. "I don't want to part."

Helian grabbed my shoulder. "It's only for a moment, my love."

Emotion threatened to cut off my words at the thought of Aurora and Ash leaving me. Splitting up our family had already proven to be a bad idea. I didn't want to make the same mistake again, though he was right. My fatigue was starting to weigh down my arms. Even now, I had a difficult time keeping my eyes open as exhaustion threatened to pull me under its grasp. "Promise you'll return to me."

He grasped my chin with one clawed finger, flashing a fanged grin. "I swear I will walk through the flames of hell to find you." Ash picked up Aurora and removed her necklace. "Let's go."

She waved to me. "Bye, Mommy. We'll be right back."

Before I could tell her I loved her, they were gone, and my world threatened to implode. I held my breath until they reappeared with Arabella, Triss, Isa, and Bea. Then they disappeared again, momentarily returning with Radnor and Nox. Only when Aurora came racing back to me did I release the breath I'd been holding.

Bea flew off with an agonized squawk, and I knew she wouldn't fly far. I felt terrible for her, because she mourned the friends she'd lost. The fire mages immediately chained Arabella's bloated wrists and ankles, though she didn't put up a fight. At Drae's instructions, they left her beneath a shady tree and bound Nox with thick chains around his neck and legs and a muzzle on his maw. Then they loaded him onto a cart and took him away. Blaze had said there was a cell in the castle dungeon large enough to fit a giant. I felt terrible for Enso trapped inside that body with a demon and prayed he didn't feel any pain. As much as I wanted to heal him, I needed to heal Isa first. I was worried about my dragon, for she could barely lift her head. I clung to Helian for support while working on healing the tears in Isa's wings. I couldn't get to them all, though, as fatigued as I was.

The servants gave Ash a clean tunic and trousers, and he shifted back into his Fae form. They also brought food and drink out to the garden, and we dined beneath a canopy of stars while discussing our future options. The girls told us that Finn and Nikkos had seen them disappear, which meant they were probably frantically heading toward the human lands. We hadn't ironed out the details, but we decided that Blaze would fly out in the morning to intercept them. I had many more questions for my girls. I wanted to know everything they saw, but I would save those questions for after we rested and recovered.

The food gave me the strength I needed to finish healing Isa. I also healed the cuts and bruises on my children, Ash, and Shiri's mates, very aware of Arabella watching me while curled up beneath that tree, her ugly hands and feet bound in chains, her body covered in burns and welts. Healing her was last of my priorities, though I knew I'd need to try. I owed her for the lives of my children, a debt that I doubt I'd be able to repay. I wasn't sure my magic would help her, though, until I had that book of spells.

Radnor brought his mate and child two fresh stags, and Isa thanked him by nuzzling his neck. Shiri and I shared a smile. We were relieved and overjoyed to see the dragon mates had made up, though I felt badly for the stags when their spirits wandered through the garden. We gave the dragons privacy to eat while the girls led us toward the castle. They skipped across the stone path with such glee, it was hard to believe they'd been a demon's captives just an hour earlier.

I looked over my shoulder as a group of fire mages led Arabella away.

"Where are they taking her?" I whispered to my mates.

"Who cares?" Helian said aloud.

I cringed at that, hardly believing I was feeling bad for Arabella.

"She must go to the dungeon for our safety as well as hers," Blaze called over his shoulder as he flew in front of us.

The girls stopped and spun around, gaping at their uncle.

Aurora jutted her hands on her hips, craning her neck to glare at Blaze. "That's not fair," she said with a pout.

He landed in front of her, ruffling her hair. "I promise we will do everything to keep her comfortable. She will have warm blankets and food."

It sounds as if he's talking about housing a mongrel, I said to my mates through thought.

He is, Helian answered with a snarl. A bitch.

I cut him a sharp look. A bitch who saved Ember and Aurora.

Ash crossed his arms, leering at me. A bitch who once tried to have us killed.

She probably only saved them, because she knew Aurora could teleport, Helian said with a sneer. Whatever you do, don't trust her.

I didn't know what to say, mostly because they were right. I still prayed she'd learned her lesson and that she had grown a heart.

The castle was magnificent, and I already understood why the children wanted to return here.

We met the kind satyr nursemaid, Mrs. Euphemia, who was overjoyed to see the girls. She and Shiri helped me bathe the children and dress them in fresh shifts. We then slipped Tau stone leather necklaces that the servants had woven over their heads, instructing them to never take them off without permission.

After we visited the nursery and picked out new dolls for Ember and Aurora, I took the children to our bedchamber and put them to bed with us. I could tell by the looks of longing in Helian's and Ash's eyes, they wanted intimacy with me, but I couldn't stand to part from my girls, not tonight anyway. I pressed kisses to their foreheads and held them in my arms. Then I stared up at the canopy above us, unable to close my eyes while too many worries whirled through my mind.

I had to remind myself over and over that they were safe.

Safe.

Safe.

But for how long?

Shiri

I RETURNED TO MY MATES with a heavy heart while struggling to process everything that had happened over the last few days. I had to keep reminding myself the children were safe, and though I ached to hold them, they were with their parents. All that mattered was they were alive and well, so why did I feel horrible? Could it have been that the darling girls I had raised over the past four years as if they were my own were no longer mine? In fact, they never were mine. The belief that they were had always been an illusion.

Still, Tari wasn't the only mother who'd sensed the moment the girls had been taken by the demons. I'd felt it, too, so keenly I thought I would die from the pain of losing them. And as much as I longed to hold them in my arms, watching them take their little breaths while snuggled against me, I had to surrender them to their parents. My mended heart was still cracked, a giant fissure going right down the middle.

After using the bathing room, I climbed into the big poster bed. Drae sat propped up against a pile of satin pillows, his wings fanned out behind him, a goblet of wine on the nightstand while he read a ledger by lamplight. A castle Lord's work was never done.

I looked around for Blaze before giving Drae a questioning look.

"He'll return soon. He's handling a few Lordship duties for me," Drae said as he set the ledger on the nightstand. He turned to me, waggling his brows. "Which means I finally get you to myself."

I bit my lip. As much as I wanted to cherish this alone time with Drae, and I desperately needed release, my heart was so heavy, I didn't know how I could give Drae the full attention he deserved. He'd been such a wonderful mate and protector, following me into danger without question.

I crawled beneath the blankets, burying my face against Drae's chest while he stroked my neck and back, sending shivers down my spine.

He pressed kisses to my temple. "How are the girls?"

"Fine," I said on a sigh. "They're sleeping with their parents."

He pulled back, staring into my eyes. "What's wrong?"

I sat up, hugging my knees to my chest. I thought I'd lost them, I projected through thought, too choked up to say the words aloud.

He pressed against my back and wrapped his wings around me. "But you didn't, and all is well."

I hung my head with a sigh. "For now."

He tickled my arms with the tips of his wings and brushed his lips across my shoulder. "I can't promise what the future will hold for us, darling, but what I can promise is I'll do everything in my power to ensure my family's safety. I know my brothers and the children's fathers will do the same. You and Tari aren't alone."

I turned in his embrace, staring into his eyes that shone with love and longing, and my heart and soul soared. I threw my arms around him, kissing his delicious, full lips.

Oh, Drae, I projected to him. I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you.

He deepened the kiss with a groan, his fingers coursing through my hair.

And together we fell to the bed in a tangle of limbs while his wicked wings closed around us, his feathers caressing my neck. His kisses electrified my skin, his warm hands kneading my breasts, turning my blood to molten lava. My legs fell open when he trailed hot kisses across my collarbone, then circled each peaked nipple with his tongue while his hand dove between my legs. Cupping my sex, he thrust a warm finger into me. I writhed beneath him as he pinned my hip to the bed, rendering me powerless to stop him, not that I wanted to. He suckled my breast harder, his teeth scraping my sensitive skin while he tugged on my nipple and continued to thrust a finger into me.

With a moan, I melted into the feather bed, feeling like I was sinking beneath quicksand while the flames consumed me and magic swelled my veins.

Do you like this, Goddess? His deep purr reverberated in my mind.

I sucked in a gasp when his mouth traveled lower. You know I do.

Good, he answered, because tonight I'm going to drive away all your demons and fill your mind with only thoughts of me.

He was certainly doing a good job of it, because I couldn't think past my aching desire to have him deep inside me. I shuddered and then quivered when he planted the first kiss on my sex, his kisses as soft and ticklish as his feathers. And then they became much more intimate, his tongue delving inside me and swirling up my slit like a slithering snake. I'd never felt anything like it.

The breath expelled from my lungs when he fucked me with his tongue, deeper and deeper while he suckled on my swollen pearl. I swelled with each thrust, bucking against his mouth as jolts of pleasure shot through me.

He stretched his arms up the length of my body, anchoring himself to my breasts, kneading my sensitive skin with warm, glowing fingers while devouring me. The pleasure ratcheted up my spin with each thrust, bringing me closer to the precipice of heaven.

Drae, I'm going to come if you don't stop, I warned through thought while tossing my head from side to side.

His answer was a low, deep chuckle that skidded across my bones and sent me spiraling over the edge of madness. The orgasm gripped me in its iron fist, holding me prisoner while I arched beneath him, flooding his mouth.

Grasping my hips, he suckled me through the very last throes of euphoria, until I was as limp as porridge beneath him. He peered up from between my legs, a devilish gleam in his eyes as he proudly ruffled his feathers. Then he wiped his wet mouth and climbed up my body, sliding his large cock into me with one fluid thrust.

I cried out as he filled me completely. But I was quickly silenced by his kiss. He tasted of my juices and sweet wine, and we easily found our rhythm, grinding into each other as if it was second nature, as if our souls had always been entwined. I ran my fingers through his long, tousled hair, down that ridge between his wings, across the tips of his feathery membranes, while he rocked into me. I loved my Fae Lord so.

He took his time loving me, bringing us both to heaven again and again.

We laid together for a long time, just getting lost in each other's gazes while his wingtips tickled my back. Words couldn't express my gratitude to my mate, who had chased away all my demons, all my nightmares and sorrow, infusing me with love and strength while replenishing my magic.

And just when I thought I was thoroughly sated, Blaze flew into the room and crawled onto the bed. After sweeping me into his arms, he flew me to his bedchamber. He was not gentle, and I didn't want him to be. We made love in a frenzy in the bed, beside the hearth, against the wall, his wings pumping until we reached the ceiling. I clawed at his back, my legs draped around his hips as he pounded me with reckless abandon. After we were sated and spent, we collapsed on a soft rug by the hearth in a tangle of sweat and limbs. The fire's dying embers occasionally crackling while we tried to regain our breath.

I rested my head against him, listening to the rapid beating of his heart while toying with the hair on his chest.

That was intense, I said to him through thought.

He pressed his lips to my temple while tickling my shoulder with his wingtips. I figured you needed it.

I did. I snuggled deeper against him. Thank you. I hope you enjoyed it.

He released a satisfied sigh. So very much.

I pondered the intensity of his lovemaking, fearing I knew what had driven him to such madness. Tomorrow, he was set to leave us while he went after Nikkos and Finn. Though I missed Nikkos, I would also be worried for both my mates until they returned safely to me.

I finally sat up, my dark hair draped across his bare chest while I frowned down at him. I don't want you to leave us. My heart suddenly felt too heavy, and all my sorrows and fears that had melted away came rushing back again.

He twirled a lock of my hair around his finger . I don't want to leave you, but I'll hurry. Promise.

I willed back tears. Just be careful. That's all I ask.

He sat up, kissing my palm, the intensity in his eyes taking my breath away. I will do everything in my power to return to you, my love. Of that, you have my word.

And then he kissed me while pulling me back on top of him. We made love much more tenderly, caressing and worshipping each other's bodies until we finally gave into our exhaustion. Drae joined us in bed, and I fell asleep between them, their wings gently draped across me, warming my heart and soul.

Tari

AFTER SENDING THE GIRLS downstairs with my sister and Blaze, my mates and I took advantage of our brief time alone and were late to the breakfast table. I supposed this was what lovemaking was to be like from now on, stolen moments when the children were away. Not that I minded our brief lovemaking. My lovers were so intense and thorough during such a short time, refilling my magical well and leaving me relaxed and sated as we broke our fast in the dining hall downstairs.

There was so much silverware, I had no idea where to start until Helian showed me. To think, I was a princess who had no idea how to act like royalty. The girls insisted we try every flavor of tart, from savory to sweet. They truly were the most delicious things I'd ever eaten. They had flaky, buttery crusts that melted on my tongue, but the savory tarts were my favorite with a delicious blend of cheeses and spices.

I reluctantly drank the Retinea tea, though Shiri refused, and no amount of cajoling from her mates would convince her to take it. I thought about trying to persuade her, especially considering Megaera could have killed Thorin by now, which meant she would have his powers. But I didn't know what was worse: having my mind altered or not accessing my powers in time. Perhaps it was best if only one of us drank the tea. I remembered escaping those spiders, terrified that Helian and our dragons would get eaten while shaking my hands and trying to get my magic to work.

The morning sun shone in my eyes, and a cool breeze blew my hair back from my face when Shiri's mates took us to a lovely garden beside the castle keep. The air was cooler here and so intoxicatingly fresh, not musty and moldy like our little cabin in the woods. I was able to appreciate the magnificent trees surrounding the walled estate of Abyssus in full daylight. Everything was bigger here, and not just the trees, but the sky and even each deep breath. No wonder my children loved it here.

The dragons were waiting for us. Bea sprawled out on the grass beside the dragons, and I could feel her depression in the marrow of my bones. My fingers itched to heal her broken heart, but I wasn't sure I could. Besides, I had to heal Nox before he perished.

The barbecued demon wyvern Nox was sprawled out by the stables, still bound by chains and a thick muzzle on his snout while Radnor hovered over him, dripping saliva onto the wyvern's wings with rabid snarls. I didn't see Arabella anywhere. Was she still imprisoned? There had been no discussion at the breakfast table about me healing her. I wondered if everyone had forgotten about her, or if leaving her out had been deliberate.

I cast a glance at Helian. Judging by the hard set of his features, I had a feeling he had been part of the plan to leave her in her cell and that he still bore resentment toward her after all she'd done. Not that I blamed him, but she saved my girls, and I owed her a debt no matter how wicked she'd been in the past.

The girls ran to Triss, climbing all over her back as Isa supervised, a fanged grin etched into her features. I could feel her joy radiating off her like springtime pollen dust floating through the air. I was so happy for my dragon, and clearly she was happy, too, for she and her mate had finally made up. It only took Radnor shielding her from millions of demonic spiders.

Do not heal him completely, Radnor said to me.

I shot him a dark look. "Enso is inside this body, too. I will not let him suffer . "

Radnor let out a huff of steam while sitting back with a grumble.

Ash stood beside me, a hand on my shoulder. Be careful, he warned as I reached for the wyvern's wing.

I will, I answered, wincing when the wing crunched beneath my touch. Radnor had definitely torched him. I was surprised he was still alive, though his breathing was so shallow, I knew he wasn't long for this world if I didn't heal him soon.

Closing my eyes, I let my magic flow through me and into the wyvern. It was then I sensed Enso's spirit still lurking beneath the wyvern's leathery skin. He thanked me with a gentle brush of his soul across mine, and I felt ten shades of guilt for waiting so long to heal him. I made him a promise then that I would do whatever it took to get that demon out of his body. He deserved that much for his sacrifice.

After I finished healing Nox, I leaned back on my heels, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow as a foreboding feeling came over me. I closed my eyes and thought I heard my father Derrick moan in my mind as I saw a brief vision of him sleeping in a bed while my mother sat by his side. I thought I heard crashing waves nearby. They were near the Tribus Point. But which city? I looked beyond my mother's shoulder and saw pointy turrets in the distance. Were they in Thebes? Was he unwell? And was this a vision of the past, future, or present? My eyes shot open, and I gaped at my sister.

What? she mouthed, but I didn't know what to tell her, for I wasn't sure what I had seen.

"Now that we've finished here," Drae said as he crossed his arms and tucked his wings behind him. "We have lots of questions for the girls. I want to know everything about their captivity."

I took Ash's hand, thanking him as he helped me stand. "So do I, but can we wait? I-I just had a premonition that our father Derrick needs me."

Shiri clutched her throat. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head. "I don't know. The vision was brief. I think he's unwell."

"Did you see where he is?" my sister asked, her voice strained.

I worried my lip, wondering where he could be. When we last saw our parents, they were on their way to Thebes to rescue Marius. "I didn't recognize where they were, but I heard crashing waves and saw pointy turrets."

"Thebes!" Shiri squealed before giving Drae a pleading look. "We have to go."

"Very well." Drae squeezed her hand. "Can you question Nox first?"

I gave Shiri a look.

I'll be quick , she answered me through thought.

I nodded my approval.

Shiri released Drae's hand and puffed up her chest, her siren voice ringing through the air like a bell. "Tell us now, Admonoxus. How did you turn against us when you agreed to the blood bond?"

The wyvern shrieked and writhed on the ground at the mention of his name.

Helian swore. "The bond is dissolved when a demon switches bodies."

"Are we still bound?" Shiri asked.

Helian shook his head.

Radnor reared back, a ball of fire racing up his throat. Then I will kill him now.

"No!" Shiri held out her hands, her siren voice compelling me to do whatever she asked. "Don't kill Enso!"

Radnor shrank back, his flame extinguishing as he snarled at my sister. Enso has already agreed to die.

"There has to be another way," I said. "Enso is still inside his body. I sensed him when I was healing him."

Helian cleared his throat. "Nox says you won't find the book of spells if you kill him."

"The book of spells is in Kyan's Temple by Thebes," Ember called to us as she hung off Triss's neck like a squirrel climbing a tree.

Nox let out a howl.

"Silence, demon!" Shiri commanded.

Nox hung his head, though he made not another sound.

I jutted a foot toward Ember. "Did your friends tell you this?"

Ember nodded.

I clasped my hands together, my heart swelling with pride at my precocious child. "What wonderful friends you have, darling. Please thank them for me."

Ember looked above her and then laughed. "They heard you."

Helian nodded toward the stone hanging around her neck. "How do you see them when you're wearing the stone?"

She shrugged. "They still show themselves to me."

I shared a concerned look with Shiri and my mates.

"Perhaps the spirits choosing to show themselves to her has more to do with their magic than hers," Shiri said.

I mulled over that. "Perhaps." It made sense. Aurora had already said she couldn't teleport with the stone around her neck. That's what was most important.

Nox continued to writhe on the ground, struggling against Shiri's spell.

"Put more bindings on the wyvern," Drae said to a group of winged soldiers who hovered nearby.

Isa arched a scaled brow. When we get the book, we will find a spell to get Admonoxus out of Enso. It will be good practice for when we take down Megaera.

Shiri chewed her bottom lip, her nervous gaze darting between Isa and me. "Tari, there's just one problem."

My heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"Kyan's Temple is a pile of rubble." She frowned as her mates confirmed her words with grim nods. "Malvolia made me destroy it."

"Of course she did." I blew out a frustrated breath. "We will find a way to extract the book."

"In the meantime," Drae said with a grimace, "we need to figure out what to do about Finn and Nikkos."

Helian rubbed his chin. "They must be headed toward the human lands."

Blaze widened his stance while ruffling his wings. "I can intercept them if Aurora takes me to Caldaria."

"She can only go to places she's been," I said, my gaze darting to my child, who was laughing while pretending to be soaring on Triss's back.

"What about your parents' cabin?" Blaze asked.

Aurora's features fell. "I don't want to go there."

Drae lifted the girls off Triss's back, holding them against his chest as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "We know you don't," he said to Aurora while his wingtip tickled her nose. "You'll have to be brave for Uncle Nikkos and Dada Finn."

My breath caught when Shiri took Aurora from him. Blaze joined them, and I saw a glimpse into what life had been like for them before my mates and I had torn apart their little family.

"What if Uncle Drae and I go with you?" Shiri asked while rocking Aurora in her arms.

I don't like this, Ash's grumble projected into my mind.

What choice do we have? Helian answered back through thought. Do we want Nikkos and Finn flying into demon territory?

"Let my sister take her," I said aloud, my vision fogging while I stared at Shiri and my children. "I trust them in her hands. She would give her life for them."

Shiri gasped. "Thank you, sister."

I swallowed back my emotion, knowing what I was about to say needed to be said, though it was so hard to admit. "You don't owe me any gratitude. It's I who owe you. I know how hard this has been for you. You've been more than an aunt to them. You've been their mother for four years. You will always be a mother to them." My throat constricted, threatening to cut off my words. "I hope you know that."

A tear slipped over her eyelid as she clung to Aurora. "Your words mean more than you know."

"Radnor and I must go, too," Helian said.

"What?" I grasped his arm and desperately searched his eyes. "Why?"

His features solidified, a gleam as hard as iron in his eyes. "The demons are coming. Someone must lead the dragon army."

Then Triss and I must go, Isa said as she blew out a plume of smoke. We go where Radnor goes. I will not part from my mate and child again.

"We should all go together," Shiri said while shifting Aurora to her other hip. "Then after, we fly to Peloponese and take the city back from the demons."

I thought of that premonition I'd had about Derrick, and something told me I needed to go to Thebes, even though I didn't want to part from Helian and my sister.

A young winged mage with slicked-back, dark hair flew toward us, his brows drawn as he landed hard, spraying dirt and grass when his heels dug into the ground. "My Lords." He bowed low. "Your Graces."

"What news?" Drae asked, his tone softening while Ember clung to his neck.

"We've finally received word from Thebes." He pulled an envelope from his vest pocket. "The courier from Thebes apologizes, but he was badly wounded and flew here with one working wing."

"I should heal him," I said as magic tingled my fingers.

The mage shook his head. "He's being treated by our nurses and will recover with rest." He gave me an expectant look while holding out the envelope. "He has brought an urgent message for Princess Tarianya Avias."

My knees weakened as I feared that premonition of mine had come true. "For me?"

Ash snatched the envelope from the mage and handed it to me.

I ripped open the letter, my eyes scanning the words as I struggled to make sense of what I was reading. ‘Attacked by a zombie king and a demon in Beau's resurrected body. Chased by demonic spiders that devastated Ventus. Derrick holding onto life by a thread.'

Shiri went to me, grasping my arm while Aurora clung to her neck. "What is it, sister?"

I gaped at her then at my mates as panic clenched my heart in a clawed grip. "A letter from our mother. A call for us to return to Malvolia's court. The Tribus Point was attacked by demons." I swiped tears from my eyes. This letter was written days ago. What if we were too late? "Our father Derrick was gravely wounded and is barely clinging to life."

Shiri cried out. Our mates swore. The girls cried for their pappo.

"What if it's a trap set by the demons?" Blaze asked.

"What if it's not?" The color drained from Helian's face as he shared a look with Ash. "Our mother's temple is in the heart of the Tribus Point."

It was the first time I'd seen Helian show any concern for his mother, though I feared his concern was too late. I decided not to tell my mates about the demonic spiders devastating Ventus. Their mother's temple was in that city, though it was only a matter of time before they found out her fate. Elements, I prayed she was safe.

"It's a risk we must take," Shiri said as she wiped a tear from Aurora's eye. "We can't let our father die."

Too choked up to answer, I nodded my agreement.

"We should all go to Thebes together," Shiri said while straightening her shoulders. "After we assess the situation, Aurora will take Helian, the dragons, my mates, and me to our parents' cabin." I thought I heard a touch of siren in her voice as she gave us all a hard stare.

"Blaze flies fast," Drae said, a look of pride in his eyes. "He'll still reach Finn and Nikkos in time."

Blaze stiffened then nodded his agreement.

"Alright." Shiri brushed a strand of hair out of Aurora's eyes. "Darling," she whispered to my child, "are you ready to take us to Aunt Malvolia's castle?"

Aurora flinched as if she'd been struck. "I don't want to go back there."

Ember lifted her head from Drae's chest. "Me, neither," she said. "So many people have died there. They're all sad."

"Fuck," Helian breathed.

Ash dragged a hand down his face with a curse.

I shuddered at Ember's words. After the Dark and Crimson Tides, I could only imagine the horrors she had seen in that castle.

I took her from Drae's arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know, darlings," I said to my children while stroking Aurora's back, "but we must be brave if we are to defeat the bad demons, okay?"

I sighed in relief when my children nodded their agreement, and I knew this next chapter in our lives would be the most arduous yet.

Ash expelled a breath, his eyes grim as he took my free hand. "Let's go save your father."

The End