We’ll work on it, he promised.
“What are you doing here, Zen?” Dakota asked, sounding wary.
“You know exactly why I’m here,” Shade’s grandmother replied, sounding regal and in charge. “This is not the way.” She turned to address the others with Dakota. “Retribution isn’t the only path. We can do this without spilling more Midnight Fae blood.”
“She’s right,” the silver-haired fae replied. “Reformation will allow us to lead without the unnecessary loss of lives.”
“Unnecessary,” Dakota repeated. “You know what was unnecessary? The Midnight Fae Elders killing my parents for helping Cassandra escape the kingdom. You know what else was unnecessary? The Midnight Fae Elders killing Tobias’s entire line because a grandparent was a Quandary Blood.”
“Violence cannot be countered by more violence,” Zen replied softly. “If you continue down this path, so many more innocents will be wrapped up in a war of blood and retribution. How is that a rightful solution?”
“They deserve to bleed for what they’ve done to our families,” one of the Midnight Fae hissed.
Another grunted in agreement. “The Nachts were never meant to rule. They’ve destroyed our source and polluted it with their false superiority.”
“Blood for blood,” a female said softly.
“Hear, hear!” the male beside her cheered.
Zen shook her head. “I understand you’re angry—we all are—but to kill the lineages entirely will dwarf Midnight Fae kind.”
“It’s what they did to us,” someone pointed out, his voice gruff and lost in the darkness. “It’s what they bloody deserve.”
“We’ve chosen our side, Zen,” Dakota murmured. “Perhaps it’s time you join us once more. I’m certain Zakkai would welcome you home.”
“It’s not the path I choose,” Zen replied sadly.
Aflora?Shade’s voice trickled through my thoughts.
I’m here.
Yes, I feel you,he replied.I’m about to penetrate the paradigm, and I need you to grab onto me as quickly as possible. There’s a fleet of Warrior Bloods waiting out here to attack.
What about your grandparents?I asked, suddenly worried for their safety. Odd, considering we hadn’t really met, but I felt a kinship to Zen, sort of like I’d met her in another life.
They’ll be fine, he whispered. She’s already seen what’s coming.
My lips parted in understanding.Because she’s a Fortune Fae.
Yes, he replied.Ready?
What about Emelyn?
Ajax will take care of her,he promised.
Ajax?I repeated.
He’s with me. And trust me, he’ll make sure she’s safe.
But he hates her.And while I didn’t have a lot of like for the woman, I didn’t wish her ill will. Especially after her show of solidarity here, even if it was for her own survival.
Ah, sweet little rose. Hate and love are so closely connected. Surely you understand that by now?
You mean?—
I’ll explain later,he inserted, an urgency entering his voice.I need to come in there now. Are you ready?
I glanced at a pale-faced Emelyn, then took in the growing tensions outside our shield. The Quandary Bloods had begun arguing, with Zen and Dakota on opposite sides squaring off, their postures a strange mixture of defensive and broken at the same time. There seemed to be pain, coupled with a sense of rightness.
