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“Well, shit!” Ash exclaimed.
“Unfortunately, there’s more,” Zia continued. “He can shift into a vicious black and red dragon, and the spines on his back and tail are projectiles. He can wield Nadya’s shadow magic, too. This isn’t going to be an easy fight. He’s bloodthirsty, and he ate some of his own people.”
Ash sighed. “Walking in unprepared is just asking to fail. I don’t see any choice but to wait until we are ready. I won’t risk all your lives on a fight we aren’t certain to win.”
Viktorija scoffed and stepped forward to confront Ash. “Do you truly think so little of us that one bloodsucking dragon could stand against thirty with the support of fifty vampires and twenty Therians of various species? How many vampires did your people spot at the compound, Zia?”
“Hundreds. A lot are on missions or were recently lost to battles. Most are lesser vampires, many newly changed by force with no wish to fight. They are hiding in the three bunkers on the property with those who can’t withstand the sun. The zealots who crave death and vengeance are sticking close to the main house. There are four master vampires called the Horsemen. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
Viktorija insisted, “This is what we set out to do, Ash. Every one of us signed up to go into battle for this worthy cause, and we are prepared now that we have the scouts’ report. This is what it means to lead, little sister. Your orders might send some of us to our deaths, but we will prevail.”
“We don’t know what kind of draconic power he can wield with Nadya’s fucked up genetics. Fire, lightning, acid. Hell, he could shoot thunderbolts out his asshole,” Ash protested.
Viktorija snorted. “We don’t know what kind of power you can wield, either.”
Ash’s shoulders slumped. She would have to order them into a battle with the unknown. Damn it. It was much easier to be confident and badass when she wasn’t sending people she cared about and had vowed to protect into a fight they might not survive.
She was surprised by the compassion and insight Viktorija had offered, and it pleased her. Luca’s sister had grown during their short acquaintance, and Ash now admired the other woman. “I don’t like the idea, but you’re not wrong. We can’t just leave Maksim to his own devices. The sooner we confront him with the truth, the sooner we can move past this drama to whatever future lies ahead for vampires.”
“So, are we going in stealthy or making a racket?” Niletean asked.
“Both, I think,” Ash replied. “I will send a team in to quietly extract the vampires holed up in the bunkers. Those who wish to join us should have the opportunity, but you’ll have to kill anyone who refuses so they don’t sound the alarm. They only get one chance today. I will go in through the front and call Maksim out for a chat, which should be an effective distraction.”
Viktorija nodded. “That is an effective plan. I recommend you send Zia to recruit. They will not trust a Therian.”
“I agree. Fifteen of our people can peel off for that team. Zia, you have your pick of the vampires, but I need all the dragons.”
“I’m on it, boss.”
They planned to approach around sunset in case they brought some of the night-bound over to Ash’s side. Plans made, her people ensured that everyone knew where to be and what to do. Ash just stood back, watched, and smiled. Her team worked like a well-oiled machine. She was anxious about facing Maksim when they knew so little about him, but she believed in the people by her side and at her back. Whatever happened, they would handle it.
When it was time to attack, the dragons shifted and accepted their passengers. She waited until they were all in the air before she climbed Niletean’s back and found a secure spot. Twenty miles wasn’t much for a dragon, so the flight took only minutes. The silhouette of thirty enormous dragons stood out starkly against the sky as they approached the vampire compound.
At the head of the formation, Ash reached out to Maksim. We need to talk.
The response was instant and angry. You dare intrude on her home? You, who ripped the heart from her chest?
Why don’t you come out? There’s a great deal you don’t know about Nadya.
The mental roar she received in response made her wince. I don’t want to hear your filthy lies! I want you to bleed!
I’m right here, Maksim. If you want my blood, come and get it!
Vampires poured out of the mansion, but most halted at the sight of so many dragons ready for battle. If the dragons breathed fire, the vampires and the mansion would burn, and their best tools for bringing a dragon down couldn’t take on this many at once.
A tall, dark-haired man strode out the front door, and the others watched him with deference. This must be Maksim. She could feel the darkness inside him clawing to get free. Ash watched him walk across the snowy yard and stop before he entered attack range. His expectant crimson gaze focused on her.
I admire your bravery for facing me, Ashlynn, but it says nothing about your intelligence, Maksim snarled.
Ash stifled a laugh. If you only knew how completely Nadya used you, Maksim. She was not who she pretended to be.
You keep her name off your tongue! Maksim snarled. You are not fit to speak it.
She was a vicious, murdering monster. Ash was not bothered by his outburst. He thought he was defending the honor of the woman he loved. Don’t let her deception destroy our race.
Maksim was in no state to listen. He saw just red as the bitch besmirched his beloved. I’ve had enough of your lies! He ran forward and leaped into the air, shifting between one blink and the next. His shredded clothes fluttered to the ground.
The red and black dragon glared malevolently at the hovering invaders and exhaled a stream of obsidian flames at them.
