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Kade
The last thing they need is a witch with dubious intent on their side. There’s a darkness to Dinah that means Kade’s not surprised she’s an evil witch’s daughter.
Yet a steady, unflinching resolve that he relates to.
She’s a woman who will do what needs to be done. What she believes is right.
Just like he has.
So he makes a conscious effort to release Elara, although he remains close to her side. “So, what are the next steps?”
The irony that he’s doing this to free Laith isn’t lost on him. The one guy who will take Elara away from him.
The one thing that will break him after he’s been strong for so long.
"It’ll need to cast a spell to make the replica," Dinah explains, her gaze steady on Kade. “To do that, I'll need to channel someone who’s actually touched Excalibur.”
He inclines his head, meeting her resolute stare and raising it. "I have."
Elara grabs his arm and pulls him back. "Are you sure about this?" she whispers. "We don't exactly know what channeling is going to do to you."
The concerns tightening her face sends warmth wrapping around his heart. "There's no choice. I'm the only one who can do this." He doesn’t tell her he’ll be fine, because he has no way of guaranteeing that. He also doesn’t verbalize that if anything that does happen to him, he'll deserve it.
Elara doesn’t move, clearly not liking this.
Yet also aware they don’t have a choice.
Dinah sighs, reaches over and tugs Kade to her. His feet have just landed on the forest litter beside her when a ring of fire flares around them. Elara and Denzel jump back, frowning. A runic circle had already been created. Dinah has been ready for this.
"For now, just stay at the center of this circle, okay?” Dinah steps out, all business as the flames lower enough for her to exit. “You may feel a bit tired or lightheaded. Let me know if you feel anything other than that."
Kade nods, knowing it's too late to back out now. It's the best plan they have. His eyes find Elara’s, and he can tell she’s afraid. "Why don't the three of you get a hold of the rest of Shadowgrace along with anyone else who might be able to help?” He tries to keep his voice neutral. “I want backup in case the shifters start something."
This spell is going to be the trigger. The forging of their only weapon.
Their weapon they’ll use to walk into battle.
Denzel leaves as if he’s more than happy to. Elara’s movements are reluctant, but she puts her arm around Jordyn and leads her away until Kade can no longer see her. He returns his focus to Dinah, ready to end this at the first sign of betrayal.
Her eyes are closed, her lips moving soundlessly, casting a spell he can’t decipher. Fatigue hits him like a ton of bricks, and he locks his knees, determined to be strong enough to handle this.
To fight it if he has to.
"Don't worry, I have this under control," Dinah says without opening her eyes. She can no doubt sense his unease and distrust.
Just like she can feel him weakening.
As he allows the magic to wash over him, Kade makes sure Dinah understands one more thing. Ultimately, he doesn't care what happens to him.
But if anyone becomes a threat to Elara…
"Okay, it's done. You're free to go,” Dinah announces.
Kade sways on his feet as he tries to get his bearings. He’s not sure if minutes have passed or hours. He’s not sure what exactly was just taken from him.
But Dinah’s looking at him as if he’s now an uninvited guest. Slowly, testing his muscles, he walks straight at the line of fire. The flames die down the instant his foot lifts, and in the same breath, his strength returns.
“I’ll finish up here,” Dinah says, sinking into a cross legged position as she dismisses him. The night that’s settled in tucks its layers around her, making it look like she just sat beneath a deep shadow.
