“Until the stars turn to dust, Lennox Adair.”
“People of Lethenia,” Lennox’s voice rang out over the field, their gaze fixed solely on Lennox, on their High Queen.
Her army looked up to her.
Even if I was her mate, her High King, her equal, this army was hers. Lethenia belonged to her. It was hers and I was happy to get the opportunity to stand alongside her.
To support her in this battle. In life.
“Today, we march into battle. Into the unknown. I know, just as you do, no amount of training and preparation can truly prepare us for the fight ahead of us. I lead you into battle as your leader, as your High Queen. Alongside my High King, my mate.” She reached out her hand; I intertwined her fingers with mine and squeezed.
“We are forever grateful to your commitment to our cause—to ensure the future of Lethenia—to safeguard our people—no matter who they are.” I let my voice carry out into the crowd.
Murmurs rang out in the crowd before Lennox continued. “We will take down the Vanir, the Panateia, and Adreona! We will ensure the safety of vampires—securing afuture for Lethenia where all people live in safety and peace. Today, we fight for Lethenia!”
My sword whined as I withdrew it, holding it high as the sounds of the crowd turned into a roaring thrum.
There was no turning back now.
65
LENNOX
The sea of black crawled closer and closer to where we sat perched on the hill.
Just a little bit closer,Declan had insisted.
I listened to him even though my blood thrummed in my veins, my stomach twisting as I flexed my hand over the pommel of my sword.
“Archers ready?” There was a slight lilt to Declan’s tone, but his voice was steady. He raised a black-gloved hand in the air. “Ready, aim, FIRE!” His voice echoed through the air.
The first arrow arched through the sky, only a single arrow—it’s arch perfect as it headed toward the sea of Adreona’s soldiers.
A single scream pierced the air, but another arrow didn’t fly, only the steady beat of flapping wings echoed in the wind. Winged shadows appeared, moving swiftly toward Adreona’s army.
Rocks fell from the sky, dropping from the claws of our shifting fae. They abandoned their stones and quickly fled, heading back to grab more rocks from the stockpile we had acquired.
“Now!” Declanboomed. A swarm of flaming arrows pierced the air, pelting Adreona’s army like a rainstorm. The arrows flew toward the army, and we ducked behind the rocks, avoiding the spray of arrows from the enemy in return.
Cries of battle echoed in the valley.
Only once the last of our arrows were spent—the rest saved for later—did Declan bark his next command.
“Now!”
Roars burst from our army, the sound of pounding feet like a stampede as they charged down the hill.
I clamped my hand over the pommel of my sword—my blood thrummed, my magic pressing against my skin, begging to be released. My soul begged for a fight.
But Declan had been clear in his directions, especially so with me. I couldn’t go with the first wave. It would be too dangerous. He wouldn’t keep me from a fight, but he would protect me as much as he could. It was his job after all.
I watched from behind my rock, Luka and Declan at my side as the first soldiers met.
The clash of steel rang through the valley.
Soldiers went down on both sides, but our line pushed through.
“Now’s your chance,” Declan breathed.
