Chapter 24

Bailey

It was the fifth and last round of the day. I stood at the front, along with Conrad fifty feet to my left and Rayna the same distance apart to my right. It would be a similar battle configuration as when the war started. The strongest took the lead, though it was slightly more complicated than that since we’d be stretched out more, and different elements took charge at various phases. The sorcerers—Morgan and Skylar—were about twenty paces behind us. They wouldn’t remain second in line for long, but they needed to be close initially for their range attacks.

Fifty human soldiers led by Justin and Miles stood behind the magic users. They would come forward after the sorcerers fell back to conserve power. At the far rear, near the dome wall, stood several lines of green and red dragons. Today, we had two hundred participants from all the various clans. They would take off in flight as soon as the enemy came close enough, surging in the air over us.

Ahead, about a half-mile away, lay our opposition forces. For them, they only had humans and dragons, but they would simulate what we anticipated the Kandoran might do in a real fight. Their harnesses didn’t emanate the evil vibe strongly from their current distance, but as they got closer, we would feel it. I could only pray we worked out the kinks this time and could work as a team. The first two rounds were awful, the third marginally better, and the fourth almost decent. We held discussions after each one to help us improve.

Falcon and Sabryn waited off to the side. Once all the leaders for each force gave them a ready signal, the male shifter blew a horn for us to begin. I started running forward. The opposition dragons took flight and reached our line in seconds. Morgan fired his energy balls, knocking several to the ground.

I went after those as shifters flew over my head and clashed with the enemy forces in the air. Since we couldn’t really kill anyone, I stopped my sword tip before it could dig more than an inch into the beast before me.

With a huff, it slumped and played dead.

Some fought it for a few moments, while others were more dramatic. I’d never realized green dragons could have such a colorful array of personalities. At least they finally trusted me and the other slayers to stop before a fatal blow. That had been one of the problems with the first couple of iterations and led to them continuing to fight when they should have been finished.

I moved on to the next opponent Morgan had knocked down with his magic. It had begun to rise and snapped its jaws at me. I dodged but not quite fast enough as its sharp teeth grazed my arm. Blood ran down my skin, but I ignored it.

“Try again, big guy,” I said to the green dragon. This one was huge and towered over me.

My opponent struck again, going for my shoulder. This time, I ducked and dove underneath it to plunge my blade into its chest. The tip went just past the scales and an inch between the ribs. I could have struck the heart with little trouble if I pushed harder.

“You’re dead.”

I rolled away and leaped to my feet, waiting for it to comply. The dragon let out an annoyed growl and lowered to the ground. In past rounds, there had been some sore losers. They would wait until a slayer’s back was turned and attack us. I’d had my leg torn up the first time, requiring a visit to my healer friend Danae at the perimeter, where she did her part for joint training. Now, I was much more cautious.

Dragons who broke the rules were punished by their leaders, but many pushed their luck at least once. Thankfully, this one behaved and chose to curl into itself, closing its eyes. Was it going to nap in the middle of the battle training field? Possibly, since it wouldn’t be the first to do that.

Maybe I should let myself get “killed” so I could take a break, too.

Of course, I couldn’t do that, so I kept fighting. Human enemies rushed all around me. I tapped the ones I could easily reach with my sword on their necks to take them down. They kindly fell in a heap and might have won an Academy Award for their acting skills as they lay there moaning and dying at a glacial pace. Sure, we should take training seriously, but a little humor never hurt anyone. Miles and Justin had assured me people in the military did similar stunts during joint exercises before dragons arrived.

I caught sight of Conrad in the grip of a dragon’s mouth. Its teeth barely cut into him as it spit him back onto the ground and stepped away. That counted as a killing blow since the beast could have torn his body in two. He lay in the dirt with a limp hand over his forehead.

“Oh, shit, I’m dyyyy-iiing!” he cried in a stricken voice. “The dragon…it got me, it got me. Woe is me.”

Then he dramatically dropped his arm and let out one last sigh. “Ahhhhh.”

“Seriously?” I said under my breath, though he handled it better than I would have if a dragon had gotten me in its jaws like that. Acting out a melodramatic death would not have been my first thought.

I took out a few more opponents before the horn blared, letting us know the final round had ended. Sweat covered my brow, and my puncture wounds ached, but at least the bleeding had stopped.

Conrad rose to his feet. “I’m alive again. Woo Hoo!”

“You’re ridiculous,” I said, rolling my eyes at him.

Rayna joined us, snickering. “He gets my vote for best death this iteration.”

Conrad grinned. “You saw it?”

“Yeah. A dragon grabbed and flung me not far from you, so I caught it right as I stopped rolling across the ground.” She pulled a piece of grass out of her hair. “They can be rather vengeful since they can’t actually kill us.”

“No kidding,” I agreed.

Freya came to join us, directing her attention toward me. “Do you still want me to fly you to your friend’s neighborhood?”

I was overdue to visit Trish and the others. They’d expected me sooner, but the trip to Fort Sill delayed things, and then Aidan told me they had to move up the timeline for adding slayers to the training. I didn’t even get a full day off after battling the Kandoran and traveling back before I had to report to the dome.

“Yes,” I answered, then looked at the others. “Do you two want to come as well?”

Rayna shrugged. “Sure. The newest romance novel I found can wait a few more hours.”

“You know what she does at the house?” Conrad asked me, lifting his brows.

“I’m sure you’re gonna tell me.”

He ticked off his fingers. “Wash up, eat, read, and sleep. I gotta annoy her first if I want to get her to talk.”

Oh, the hardships he must suffer. A roommate who is quiet and keeps to herself.

“If I weren’t planning to leave after the war is over, I’d get my own place,” Rayna admitted, scrunching her nose. “This boy isn’t as funny as he thinks half the time. I only find their place tolerable because Rosalie is awesome, and they both know how to cook.”

The slayer had mentioned a few times that while she could prepare some basic stuff over a campfire or stove, she avoided it whenever possible. She only did what she needed to survive.

“Who you callin’ a boy?” Conrad asked, crossing his arms.

Freya smacked him on the back of the head. “You might be a slayer now, but you still act like a boy.”

“Ow!” He rubbed the injury. “Shifters be even meaner than slayers, or maybe it's just all females. Is it that time of the month or something for ya’ll?”

Rayna and I shoved him in the chest at the same time, knocking him to the ground. A few of the green dragons passing by had amusement glinting in their red eyes. We had made some headway today, showing we could work with them, so I figured that was a win. Knocking around one of our fellow slayers probably won us points as well.

“Are you coming with us or not?” I asked Conrad.

He got up, rubbing his butt. “Yeah. My girl’s in town right now, and we were gonna meet soon anyway.”

Their house was midway between the shifter fortress and Norman, close to Lake Thunderbird. It was a journey for them wherever they went, though at least Rosalie had her mule now. That made things easier for her, and it sometimes let Conrad ride it. Other times…well, he had to follow ten feet or so behind it on foot. Any closer, and he would get kicked. I really liked that mule.

“Alright, let me see if I can get a couple more shifters to give you all a lift,” I said, heading for Titan and Eliam. They stayed close to Rayna and me at the dome to watch our backs in case any dragons got murderous ideas.

***

Trish fed us shortly after we arrived and now, we sat on the porch watching the children play. Titan and Eliam returned to the fortress, but Aidan arrived with Orion while we ate. He’d somehow managed to escape his duties for a little while to spend time with us. I imagined he needed a break and couldn’t have been happier to see him outside the fortress.

He had his arms wrapped around me, and I loved the feeling of him close. More often than not, we couldn’t cuddle in public because dragons always watched us. The only other one around now was Freya. She’d stayed for the food and as security for Aidan since he couldn’t go beyond the fortress without a guard. He hated it, but he’d be a high-priority target for the Kandoran to assassinate since he’d put our alliance of species together. While most of the people around us now could fight, at least one had to be a shifter to appease the elders’ council.

Thankfully, Freya wouldn’t judge our affectionate embrace.

Orion kicked a soccer ball toward Trish’s son, Blake. He was about six months younger than my son but surprisingly good for his age. He stopped it with his foot and kicked it back.

Aidan nuzzled my neck. “Have I told you that you’re beautiful?”

It clearly didn’t matter that I still had remnants of blood and dirt on my clothes, though I’d washed as best I could when we arrived at Trish’s house. Of course, it never stopped me from ogling him when he was roughed up.

“Not today,” I replied, angling for a kiss on the lips.

He didn’t disappoint me. The ever-growing power he couldn’t quite contain surrounded me like a warm, comforting blanket. I didn’t feel the slightest urge to attack him like I did other dragons. He was my mate, and somehow, that was cooling my instincts against him. Ever since I returned to Oklahoma, I’d noticed the change. Did producing a child with him make a difference, or was it the strengthening of our bond? There wasn’t a way to know for sure, and no book in the castle library had information on the subject. Kade did plan to write one about our relationship so it would be on record for the future, but I was dubious about the idea.

After a moment, Aidan pulled his mouth away. “We don’t get enough of these moments.”

I rested my head against his shoulder. “No, we don’t.”

Neither of us wanted to bring up the impending war. That was nearly all anyone talked about these days, so by silent agreement, we weren’t discussing it. Thankfully, the others seemed to be of the same mind. We’d put in the hard work for the day and now we deserved to relax.

Justin stepped outside, handing Trish a glass of water. “Here you go, baby.”

“Thanks.” She smiled at him.

Since returning to Oklahoma, I’d noticed he was much more relaxed around his wife than years ago. I couldn’t say if it was age or the responsibility of being a parent to three kids, but he’d learned to let the small stuff go. Except during training, when he went into full soldier mode. That was perfectly fine, though. He and Miles had created an impressive fighting force that surprised me today with their discipline and skills. Their tactics weren’t traditional by modern standards but perfect for facing an onslaught of evil Kandoran.

Earl leaned against a porch post, chewing on a toothpick. He’d finished the tobacco I brought him from North Carolina and taken to other habits. “It’s nice to see them kids havin’ a good time. It’s hard to believe they don’t know any world ‘cept this one.”

I agreed. “Yeah.”

“Oh, the cookies!” Trish said, hopping up. “They should be cooled off by now.”

I’d forgotten she’d baked them before we came outside, and her husband had pulled them to cool a while ago.

“They’re ready,” Justin said, a sheepish smile crossing his face. “I might have checked while I was in there.”

She slapped him in the chest. “You better not have eaten more than two.”

“Of course.” He put his hands up in surrender. “I value my life.”

She shook her head and hurried inside.

Rayna sat at the end of the porch, having acquired a romance novel Trish gave her. The slayer looked up, and her nose twitched. “Did someone say cookies?”

“She’s bringing them in a minute,” Justin said, rubbing a hand through his short brown hair. It was still cut to military standards.

The slayer grinned. “Good. I’ve had a serious sugar craving since training earlier.”

I totally understood that since battles made me hungry for sweets, too—though I’d take any food to quell the hunger. Cookies were just better.

Conrad snickered from where he sat on the porch steps. “The girl barely talks unless you give her food or books.”

Freya lifted her brows. “She talks just fine when Galadon is around.”

“Only because he’s in desperate need of harassment,” Rayna mumbled, briefly lifting her gaze from the book. “Among other things.”

The female shifter shook her head. “I keep wondering if he’s going to give in to your taunts or kill you for them.”

“Maybe both,” Conrad said with a wry smile. “My bet is two silver coins that they’ll do the tango within the next month.”

“Ha! I’m not taking that bet,” Freya said, laughing.

Rayna rolled her eyes. “You guys are nuts if you think that dragon will give in to his urges. Hell would freeze over first.”

“Do you want him to?” I asked, curious.

She shrugged, not meeting my gaze. “It could be fun.”

There was more to it than that, but something told me she wouldn’t elaborate further.

“Who wants cookies?” Trish said, carrying a tray through the door. The weather was mild enough that she didn’t need to run the air conditioner and could open up the house instead.

I leaped out of Aidan’s arms and pushed through the crowd that formed. First, I grabbed two for Orion, handing them over through a sea of bodies before grabbing four more. I handed my mate his fair share. Despite supplies being more accessible than a few years ago, we rarely got baked desserts.

Taking a bite, I found my cookie was still warm and a little mushy—perfect. “Thanks, Trish.”

She took the last three and set the tray on a small porch table. Of course, she got one extra since she had baked. Justin did, too, because he’d helped. We could hardly complain.

The children finished their treat in record time and began chasing each other around the yard. The sugar high was in full force. I had just settled into Aidan’s arms again when a shot of pain went through my head. My mate stiffened and grumbled about hurting as well.

“Fuck! What was that?” Conrad asked.

My vision swam, and then I saw a familiar figure on the sidewalk leading to Trish’s house. It was a young woman with long red hair, a petite body, and pale skin. The last time I saw Allison, she’d been wearing a park service uniform, but this time, she had jeans, a white T-shirt, and some worn sneakers.

I squinted at her. “Are you real?”

Orion and all three of Trish’s kids raced right through her, hardly disturbing her image.

Allison gave me an amused look. “Yes and no. This is my spirit form.”

“Of course, that explains everything,” I said drolly.

“Who are you talking to?” Justin asked, frowning at me.

“The ghost of Christmas past,” I said, holding up a hand. “Give us a minute.”

He rolled his eyes at me.

“I take it you’re here to discuss the orb?” Aidan asked from behind me. His body was stiff where it touched my back.

“Yes,” Allison confirmed. “The time to use it draws closer, but I must warn you that it can only be activated once, and you must choose your moment carefully.”

I frowned. “What do you mean? What does it do?”

She clasped her hands in front of her. “The orb can draw out the dark magic of anyone within a ten-mile radius of it, so you must wait until enough of the Kandoran are near to cure them, but it is also the only weapon that will defeat the three sorcerers. All will be lost if you use it before it's within their line of sight.”

Something told me they wouldn’t show themselves too early in the war. They’d want to weaken us significantly first. Who knew how many thousands of Kandoran we’d have to fight before that time and how long it would take?

Conrad crossed his arms. “So, what do we do with the orb until then?”

Since he was its official guardian, I was glad he thought to ask the question.

“Keep it safe where it is with security to protect it. Do not remove the orb from that place until the three sorcerers draw near, but after that, you must act quickly,” she urged.

“Act how?” I asked. It wasn’t like the thing came with directions.

“Kade will have the instructions in his tome. Follow them precisely, and when necessary, the rest will be revealed.”

Aidan untangled from me and stood. “Assuming we defeat the sorcerers, what happens with any Kandoran who are not cured?”

He was right. With an army that large, we wouldn’t get them all within a ten-mile radius.

Allison gestured toward Rayna. “Ones with strength and powers like her will have to hunt them down and either kill or cure them.”

Everyone who could see the spirit turned toward the slayer, who frowned at our sudden attention to her. A moment later, her eyes rounded. “Who is that?”

Huh, could she see her now?

Allison gave her a little wave and a smile. She had been the friendliest and most normal of all our cave guides since she was the only one from modern times. The poor woman had been conscripted for the duty around the time the dragons arrived. I had no idea if she was still alive somewhere or only existed in spirit form these days.

“I’m Allison,” she said to Rayna. “I was just telling your friends that if they succeed in this war, there will likely be some Kandoran who evade being killed or cleansed of the dark taint. It will be up to individuals like you with dual powers to hunt them down.”

The slayer let out a sigh. “Oh, good. I was afraid it would get boring after the war.”

“It wasn’t a coincidence you were born of two significant bloodlines.” Allison gave her a commiserating look. “You know the saying that when one has great power, then they also have great responsibility.”

“Tell that to Galadon,” she muttered.

The guide shuddered. “I considered it, but he’s too frightening. At least he won’t harm you, so you’re free to pass along the news.”

Rayna crossed her arms, still careful to hold her book. “Oh, sure. Leave it to me, like that’s going to be fun.”

Conrad snorted. “See? That’s what I’ve been sayin’. Old Gally can scare the piss out of anyone except Rayna and Bailey. Even spirits don’t wanna go near him.”

“Did you just call Galadon…Old Gally?” I asked.

“Oh, uh, I said that out loud?” He cleared his throat. “Usually, that’s the name I say inside my head where it’s safe.”

“There’s nothing safe about your mind,” Aidan grumbled.

I furrowed my brows. “How do you even come up with these things?”

“Please don’t tell him,” Conrad said with his hands clasped together like he was praying. “You need me for this war, girl. You know you do.”

“I won’t, but only because I don’t want to clean up all your body parts afterward.”

Freya pretended to shiver. “Me, either.”

Allison drew a deep breath, which I didn’t think she needed to do. “Anyway, you strange people, the only thing I need to add is that you can expect the Kandoran to strike in exactly one week at this same time. Be ready.”

I noted the sun dipping below the horizon as darkness crept across the sky. Before I could reply, she was gone.