A tired army was a useless army he told us.
We all wanted this war over. But until we found Adreona and Keziq again—there was no end in sight.
“We need a new plan.” Ceto’s face was covered in blood and dirt, Alon stood by his side, his trident strapped to his back.
“I agree.” Stellan stepped forward. “The wolves are losing steam. Morale is at an all-time low.”
“Everyone’s morale is low.” Declan’s voice rang across the tent. “It’s war.”
“But we’ve been fighting nonstop for a week now withno end in sight. We can’t keep pushing forward and hoping Keziq and Adreona make an appearance.” Alon made his opinion heard.
“They will hide until the last possible moment now that Keziq is vulnerable,” Zienna added.
Luce rapped her nails on the table. “And we have no idea what they’re up to behind closed doors.”
“We need to set a trap,” Stellan said. “We need to lure them out.”
“What kind of trap could possibly lure them out?—”
“Me.” Everyone’s heads whipped in Lennox’s direction. “Adreona and Keziq always pop up where I am, set me as a lure—they’ll come.”
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Declan pushed.
“It’s not going to be any safer than me being on the battlefield. Besides, we’ll be prepared. We’ll have the upper hand.”
“What do you have in mind?” I took a step forward, so I was at Lennox’s side. “We need to make whatever it is convincing, she’ll see through it otherwise.”
She tapped her fingers on the table as everyone stared at her.
“We need to use her soldiers who have turned against her to our advantage. We send a couple back into their ranks to spread a message, that I’m out fighting with only a few others with me. Painting the picture I’m vulnerable.”
“But you won’t be,” I said.
She shook her head. “I’ll take a small legion with me, they can be hiding—waiting to be called on. I might not need them, but I know Declan won’t let me do this without them there for backup.”
“You’ve started to pick up on strategy, it’s about time.”
“Odds are she won’t come alone. The legion can ward off whatever guards she brings while Luka and I go for Adreona and Keziq.”
“What about the rest of us? We want to be there,” Nico argued. “This is our fight too.”
We swung our gazes to Declan. “I’ll allow it.” He tipped his gaze to Lennox. “I’ll be there too.”
“Okay.” Lennox nodded. “We’re going to do this, tomorrow we’re going to end this war.”
80
LENNOX
If all went according to plan this war would be over today.
Adreona and Keziq would be dead. The future of vampires and the good of Lethenia secured.
It felt like deja vu. Like I was living the day on repeat, thinking this would be the day this war ended.
How many days would feel like this? Would today truly be the last?
I said my last goodbyes once again, just in case.
