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While Adam continued to comfort Maisie, the other mages and fae joined us. Everyone fell into a loose circle, and many of the faces looked to me as if for guidance. If they’d been expecting a speech, they were disappointed. I had no energy or desire to wax poetic about great victory over our foes. Instead, I sighed deeply. “Zen, I think it’s best if you and PW come with us to the fae court. The heat’s going to be on once the mortal authorities discover what happened here.”
As if conjured, the sound of sirens carried to my ears. We had to get out of there.
Zen looked around at the ruined building, the evidence of battle. Finally, she said, “That’s probably best. As long as we can return eventually if we choose.”
I looked around, performing a quick head count. “Where are Mac and Georgia? Erron, Ziggy?”
Giguhl spoke up. “They all left once the fighting was done.”
I mentally added not being able to say good-bye to them to my long list of regrets. Mac and I had our conflicts, sure, but she’d come through in the end. As had Erron. Maybe one day I’d be able to thank all of them in person.
But for now I had to get everyone to else to safety and then deal with the questions waiting for me back at faery central. No doubt the three leaders of the dark races were eagerly awaiting news of Lavinia’s death so they could claim victory and move on with their plans.
One of the faeries stepped forward, a tall, muscular male with the bearing of one used to leading. Ilan, I presumed. “The Queen instructed us to cover up any signs of battle. It’s too risky to leave evidence behind.”
The sirens grew closer.
Giguhl squinted at him. “How exactly are you going to cover this up?” He gestured around. “Look at this place.”
Red flashing lights reflecting off the walls of the building and screeching tires signaled the arrival of the cops. A Pythian Guard, a black-haired mage I’d met in New York named Wallace, looked at Adam for a decision.
“Too late,” Adam said. “Everyone circle up.”
“But the Queen—” Ilan protested.
“Would be even more pissed if she had to bail the captain of her guard out of jail,” Adam barked. “Circle. Up.”
Everyone jumped into action, grabbing the hands of those closest. No time to stop and look around. No time to reflect on what happened here. No time to worry about what tomorrow would bring.
Adam grabbed my right hand and Giguhl my left. Static crawled across my skin. I looked from my best friend to my lover to the dark, haunted eyes of my twin.
Rising power made my chest tighten. And then, as I looked up at the sky to thank the goddesses for sparing everyone I cared about in the world, a voice called out, “Stop and put your hands up!”
The air popped and we were gone.
