Chapter 43

Aidan

He hovered in the air, restless and nervous. They’d had a few small attacks—the last at midnight—but nothing since. Aidan hadn’t seen a single Kandoran in over three hours. After two nights of grueling battles, it was disconcerting. He wanted to be relieved, but if the enemy hadn’t sent their forces here, then their allies must be facing a massive wave.

Once again, his Uncle Kade’s predictions appeared to be proving true. Aidan only feared the enemy would take advantage if he sent his forces to assist the others. First, he had to wait until the shifters he sent out returned with updates. It wouldn’t be long now.

He sailed down to the ground, landing next to Bailey. She appeared restless as well.

“This is bad, isn’t it?” she asked, adjusting the bracers on her forearms. There were many toothmarks on them from battles over the last month, but they’d done their job. It was her only concession to armor because she preferred to remain flexible.

It doesn’t bode well.

She clenched her fists. “Any word from Ozara or Zoran yet?”

The entire Taugud frontline had seen few enemies tonight. When his brother came to check in with him a few hours ago to report the odd quiet from his position between the other shifter toriqan, Aidansent him to the north for an update from the Shadowan and Vataran. Zoran had been happy to do something usefulandwas strong enough to deal with any cranky leaders among the pure dragons. Ozara was abetter fit to check on their allies to the south, considering her ties with Lorcan.

No, but they should return anytime now.

She turned to her partner, Brody. “Would you be okay if I went to check on Danae?”

“Go ahead. Nothing is happening here, and it’s not like it would take long for you to run back if it did,” he said, gesturing toward the bunker two hundred meters away.

Aidan understood his mate’s need to visit her sorceress friend. Verena had done her best to take over as a healer, but it wasn’t her specialty. She couldn’t perform half as many healings, and those that she did manage weren’t at the same skill level. Ruari and Freya had to transport far more wounded to the fortress standing stones than usual over the last two nights. To make matters worse, many had died from not receiving treatment quickly enough since the previous evening was the most brutal yet.

They appreciated the break tonight, but it didn’t sit easy with them. The only positive element was Danae had chosen to come back after spending time with her daughter at home. Bad news from the war had spread there, too.

Several soldiers in Miles’ platoon had died from battle wounds because they couldn’t get the help they needed, and the sorceress felt she couldn’t abandon her post any longer, even after suffering such a terrible loss. Aidan’s respect for her grew because he didn’t know if he could have done the same in her position. Losing Bailey would rip him apart.

He nudged his mate with his nose. I’m glad you’re checking on her. Once I have an update from Ozara and Zoran, I’ll let you know.

“Sounds good.”

After she walked away, he took flight once more. He began heading south to inspect the line and ensure everyone remained alert. After half an hour, Aidan reached the point where the Craegud formed their defense along his border.

How has it been going?

Wren let out a snort of steam. Too easy compared to the last couple of days. My warriors are restless, so I’ve let them rotate to the ground for breaks while it is quiet.

Good. Aidan flapped his wings, holding a position next to the Craegud pendragon as they gazed into the eerie darkness of the west. According to my uncle, this is likely our only quiet before things worsen.

That does not surprise me, I’m afraid to say.

Milord, do you hear me? Ozara’s voice came into his mind faintly. She must have been some distance away, or else it would have been clearer.

He focused on the direction from where her telepathy came. Yes, barely. I’m with the Craegud pendragon right now.

Good. I have the Straegud pendragon, Galadon, and Rayna with me. We have much to discuss, she said, her voice coming a little louder since he strengthened the line of communication between them.

Aidan let Wren know what was happening. It took another twenty minutes before they could make out the incoming group through the darkness. Galadon and Syrus led the way, and Ozara carried Rayna behind them.

He might have worried about congregating so many key figures in one place, but only an hour remained before the Kandoran typically retreated before dawn. He couldn’t imagine they’d attack now.

Let’s take this conversation behind the shield, Aidan said after they came closer.

He didn’t want anyone on the front line worrying about their group together when the shifter leaders had avoided gathering for meetings since the war began. It was best to keep things quiet until he knew more and decided on a course of action. Also, Ozara had been carrying Rayna for some time and had to be tired from her exertion.

After they were on the ground, everyone shifted. The slayer stood closest to him, studiously avoiding looking at the lone shifter. Aidan inhaled and caught an interesting scent, faint but telling. The two of them had been intimate sometime recently. He couldn’t pinpoint precisely when since her camrium clothing was torn and stained from many nights of battle, and her skin had been washed clean to dilute the trace scent further.

Forcing aside his curiosity, he turned to matters of war.

“Tell me what you learned,” he ordered Ozara.

“The shield along the Faegud border has completely fallen except from Gainesville to the Red River, but the Kandoran were working their way there when I picked up Rayna and Galadon. Hildegard fell around midnight after being overwhelmed by the enemy targeting her,” she paused, taking a shaky breath. “Lorcan has taken control and is consolidating his forces so they can try to stop…or at least slow down the enemies’ advance. Honestly, though, I think it will be a matter of time before they reach us. A day or two at most.”

Aidan absorbed her report, chest tightening at the thought of losing Hildegard. The Faegud pendragon had been a formidable warrior and excellent leader who stood by him during his darkest times. Her death was a tragic loss for all of them.

“Do you know how many Kandoran are attacking down there?” he asked.

She shook her head. “The most I’ve ever seen so far. Our side is killing more of them than they are of us, but they may have sent up to eight thousand dragons down there. I couldn’t find an end to their forces in sight. Our allies are grossly outnumbered.”

Aidan took a deep breath, attempting to see the big picture. Most of Ozara’s report aligned with what Kade had told them would happen—albeit at a time when there was little they could do about it—but he’d still hoped for better news. Sometimes, they could prevent tragedies before they occurred, but tonight, they’d only been able to save one person with his prophecy.

He looked at Syrus. “How has it been for your section of the line tonight?”

The Straegud pendragon had the southernmost stretch of the Oklahoma line.

“Quiet, but we sense it won’t last much longer. One of my flight leaders reported hearing the sounds of battle across the Red River a few minutes after they came to me.” He gestured toward Ozara, Rayna, and Galadon. “I suspect they were barely ahead of it.”

The enemy was too close to Taugud territory.

“I doubt they’ll cross the border tonight,” Aidan said, mind racing. “Allow Lorcan’s forces to rest in the neutral zone up to the chasm. Make certain your people and his eat and rest well for the day. As soon as dusk nears this evening, join half your forces with the Faegud contingent. The rest will continue to hold the line in case the Kandoran attempt to flank us. If you lose territory, retreat until you have the shield to your west again.”

Basically, he’d have his shifters in an “L” formation until they lost all ground.

Syrus nodded. “I can do that.”

Aidan looked at Wren. “If the Faegud and Straegud forces reach your end of the line, follow the same pattern. Assist with evacuating any wounded to the healers and supplement their warriors, but keep some to defend the shield to the west.”

“We’ll do our best to slow them down.”

He gave him a grim smile. “I have no doubt about that.” Aidan glanced between the two shifter leaders, feeling humbled by their aid and sacrifices. “I don’t know how we could have fought this war without each of you joining us. It is a great honor.”

They each bowed.

“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Syrus said as he rose.

Wren quirked a lip. “It has been worth it if only to bring all of our kind together for the first time in many centuries.”

“Thank you,” he replied, meeting each of their gazes.

Galadon shifted on his feet. “Where do you want me?”

“At the fortress. Rayna will go there as well.”

The lone shifter worked his jaw. “Why there? I have fought little this night and could join the battle at sunset.”

“Every prediction my uncle has made has been annoyingly accurate.” Aidan squared his shoulders, refusing to submit to Galadon’s intimidating gaze. “No matter what we do, the Kandoran will reach the fortress in the next day or two. When that happens, I need a contingent of elite, rested fighters ready to face them, and you two are among our best.”

Rayna’s brows knitted. “Why are the Kandoran focusing on your fortress?”

“They’ve likely figured out that we have the means to defeat them there,” Aidan admitted.

He suspected the enemy hadn’t known the whereabouts of the orb until very recently. They’d shielded it as well as they could with magic, but the Kandoran sorcerers must have worked hard to penetrate the protective barriers to locate it. That was Kade’s best guess, anyway.

Everyone around him, except Ozara, stared at him in shock.

“Why can’t you use it now?” Syrus asked.

Aidan sighed, choosing his words carefully. “The artifact we’ve been hiding for years needs certain elements in place to be fully effective. Using it before that time will result in ourdefeat. That is why I need everyone to keep pulling back and consolidating forces so that we have as many fighters as possible to protect the fortress when they reach it. When the time comes, I promise you will understand the reason.”

He could mention the orb since it wasn’t a secret to the enemy anymore, but he had to keep the crucial details quiet. The Kandoran must not discover they wanted to draw the three sorcerers near them.

The other two pendragons asked several more questions before Zoran arrived. He landed and shifted quickly, moving to stand before Aidan with a respectful nod. The urgency on his face did not bode well.

“Tell me,” he said, bracing himself.

Zoran glanced at the others before speaking. “The Kandoran broke through the shield wall near the Oklahoma-Kansas border. It left a large opening of about twenty miles on either side when I left. I suspect they’ll continue to broaden it farther, but they’re already sending forces south toward us. The pure dragon losses on our side are considerable.”

A chill ran through Aidan, but he had to focus on the mission. “Thank you for getting word to me as fast as possible. I know you’re tired, but I need you to find the Shadowan pendragon. Volker should be leading the forces north of Oklahoma City.”

At least it wouldn’t be as long a flight as Zoran had already undertaken.

“Compared to the battles I’ve seen warriors face this night, flying to pass messages is nothing,” he replied, determination in his gaze. “What do you want me to tell the pendragon?”

“Tell him to cede the territory to the north for now and consolidate his forces at the city's northern edge. He must protect that end since most of the humans and dragons in his territory reside there. The most vulnerable do not have gas masks, so if the Kandoran send their fog, they could turn tens of thousands or more to their side.”

“Zorya help us,” Wren muttered.

Zoran drew in a deep breath. “After I pass the message, what then?”

“Fight with them, but if it looks as though the Kandoran are about to penetrate the city, fly back and alert me immediately,” Aidan instructed. He put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It will be dawn by the time you reach the pendragon. It is up to you if you wish to stay there to rest or come back to our land for the day, but be sure to return to them near dusk.”

If anyone could handle a day in pure dragon territory, it would be Zoran, but it wouldn’t be fair to force it upon him when he wouldn’t be more than a forty-five-minute flight to their border’s edge.

Zoran nodded. “I would prefer to sleep among our kind, but I’ll be certain to return before the battle resumes.”

“I could go with him,” Galadon said, stepping forward.

“You need to be rested for the final battle,” Aidan replied.

The lone shifter worked his jaw. “I do not tire easily and can always come to the fortress when needed.”

“How much does fighting affect your magic capabilities?” Aidan asked since he knew it drained the slayer.

“My powers weaken as my strength does, but I have more than most,” he said reluctantly.

So, the pair were the same in that regard.

Aidan lifted his brows. “I assume that means if you’ve been fighting for hours, you’ll have difficulty bringing storm clouds over our enemies.”

“Yes.”

He glanced between Galadon and Rayna. “My mate told me how you two worked together to bring down Kandoran while on your mission at Ft. Sill. She said it was quite effective.”

“That’s true,” Rayna said, glancing nervously at the lone shifter.

Galadon didn’t acknowledge her and instead glowered at Aidan. “I do not like staying out of the fight, especially when our allies are outnumbered. They need me up there.”

Was he questioning him? No, he would not tolerate this behavior when lives were on the line, and every decision might affect their chances of survival.

Aidan snarled at the lone shifter, tired of his attitude, and pushed his considerable power at the male until he cast his gaze downward. It wasn’t easy, but for the duration of the war, at least, he was strong enough to overcome him.

He took a furious step toward Galadon. “This is war, and our people are dying. DO NOT assume you know the best way to fight it when you don’t have all the information. When the time comes, I expect you and Rayna to be fresh and able to work seamlessly together to annihilate our enemies. Do you understand me?”

The lone shifter’s body shook as he fought to regain control.

“Hey, calm down.” The slayer moved to put a hand on his arm. “Let’s trust that he knows best, okay?”

“Don’t,” he said.

She dropped her hand. “I’m not…I’m only trying to help. Truce, remember?”

A minute of tense silence passed as he worked through whatever bothered him. Everyone watched with fascination since the others had most likely caught the same tell-tale scents as Aidan. The lone shifter’s body language said he didn’t want Rayna to be too close to him, but hers revealed the opposite. He was the one resisting whatever was between them.

Galadon lifted his head, his gaze briefly pausing on the slayer’s face with frustrationbefore turning to Aidan. “As you wish, milord.”

“Good.” Aidan pulled back his power and released his breath. “I’ll arrange for you to have a guest room in the fortress so that you will be fully rested when the time comes.”

“And me?” Rayna asked.

“Bailey’s brother in the outer fortress village has a spare room in his house.” He gave her a grateful look for her intervention. “Tell him that I asked that you stay there for now.”

“Thank you,” she said, giving him an excessive bow. “I’m sure I’ll be comfortable there.”

In other words, not too close to shifters who disliked her. The village only had humans.

“In the meantime.” Aidan ran his gaze across the assembled group. “I’m going to order the sirens be sounded in the city and every town where they’ve been repaired. People need to know danger is coming very soon.”

It was one of the many projects humans had handled during the last couple of months. The sirens could still be used in the future to alert people to tornadoes, but everyone understood that during the war, it meant incoming danger. They needed to prepare to go underground, especially since they’d discovered the fog didn’t dip downward but only rolled forward. That would prevent many humans from getting infected if the Kandoran sent a wave over the city.

“Excellent plan.” Ozara cocked her head. “You should also alert Hank so he can get the word out on the radio. People will be tuning in there for the latest news, and it will reach those who can’t hear the sirens.”

“Of course,” Aidan agreed.

He waited a moment to see if anyone had anything else to add, but they all just looked at him expectantly.

“You’re dismissed.”

All the shifters changed to their dragon forms, and Ozara picked up Rayna again. As much as he feared the battles ahead, Aidan was glad they were in the war's final days. It already felt like years had passed rather than a month.