Tempest and I sit down next to each other, and I squeeze her upper thigh.
“I will be the first to admit, I don’t know enough about Pack Escalus to feel comfortable making decisions that affect your lives,” Raph says, and I think we all appreciate this bout of honesty. “Considering our current political landscape, I would like to keep my level of involvement at a minimum, unless it’s clear you all need me. I will be here, but I will not throw the first punch, so to speak.”
So many leaders are willing to hurt their subjects rather than acknowledge that they aren’t experts in everything, and it’s refreshing to be led by someone who doesn’t put his ego first.
It’s the kind of leader I hope to be for my people as well.
“That’s okay. I think Draven and Yasmeena and I have got this,” Tempest says, and I swear my heart expands.
“Raph, once Pack Escalus is inside, can you form a shield around the carnival? I don’t want them escaping, or any unlucky civilians being dragged into this,” Draven says, and Raph nods.
“Of course.”
“We need to strategize where to station those of us who are staying, and those who are not,” Draven says, and we nod in agreement.
“We should do exactly what my father thinks I’m doing. Place Yasmeena and me on the main carnival grounds, and the rest of you stay at camp and join the fight later,” she says.
Draven shakes his head, running his hands through his hair. “No, we need an element of surprise. Some of us should be hiding in the rides.”
“It’ll have to be those of you with little to no magic, or thosewhose scents he won’t recognize.” Tempest suggests things I wouldn’t have considered, but she’s right. If Cain and the other lupion smell any of us, it’s game over on the surprise element.
“They’ve never met me,” Rowan points out. “I can hide in the funhouse.”
“I think Gemma should be out there too. Her scent is strange, it might throw them off,” Tempest says, and Draven glares at us. I don’t acknowledge him. I know she’s his wife, and he cares for her more than anything, but tonight is about more than just us.
“My scent is also strange,” Reina says, and Tempest seems to tense. “I’ll hide in the carousel.”
I understand that Reina killed Tyrus, but Tempest is not without flaws either. I hope when all of this is over, she and Reina can come to an understanding. They’re more alike than either of them want to realize.
“Taryn will be on standby, ready to contact Luc, if need be. I don’t want him involved, as that’ll only complicate the situation between the lupion and felion. We’ll exhaust all efforts first, but that’s our last line of defense,” Draven explains.
Taryn nods in understanding.
“All of this is great, but my father will know something is up the minute he realizes Yasmeena is alive. We need to shock him,” Tempest says.
“I think we need an additional element of surprise,” Aida chimes in, flicking her tail. She’s usually quiet and reserved, so when she speaks, she commands attention from everyone within earshot.
Draven cocks his head. “What are you suggesting?”
Aida gives a crooked smile. “I have been working on a potion. If Yasmeena drinks it, her body will go into a state of hibernation as if she is dead. Her heart will appear to have stopped, but it is an illusion of sorts. Give her water, and she’ll be back to normal in seconds.”
“Excellent.” Draven has always been a fan of complexities, soI’m not surprised he approves of this plan. If he’s scared of Pack Escalus, nothing about his posture or tone alludes to that fear.
“I think I should drink it,” Tempest suggests, surprising all of us. “If my father stumbles upon my corpse, I think the shock of the situation will affect him.”
“Because he loves you?” Raph asks.
Tempest shakes her head, a somber expression in her features, and my heart hurts for her. “Because he loves himself. He’ll be beside himself over the concept of his legacy, hislineagedying out. We can use that volatile state against him.”
“Then let’s get it done.” Draven smirks, before kissing Gemma on the cheek. “How many lupion should we expect tonight?”
“Eight, maybe ten at most,” Tempest says.
“Are there any you want left alive?” Draven asks, and Tempest’s eyes widen, the realization of what’s truly happening dawning on her.
“Stephano. His family created Pack Escalus, but one of my ancestors overthrew his and became Alpha. He’s older, but I think he’ll follow me,” she says, and I place her hand in mine, interlocking our fingers.
I’m a little scared of what’s coming for us tonight. Pack Escalus is strong and notorious for being vicious, but I also know the carnies aren’t weak. Raph is a demon, for fucks’ sake. But I think they know he’ll only join the fight if it becomes absolutely necessary.
