“I understand, love. I would feel the same way.”
“So it worked?”
“It sure did,” Raine called from across the tent. “Those daemon assholes were not prepared at all. Oh!” He waved a hand. “And you should have seen Imsel. They are one scary fucker in battle.”
Ava glanced at the stoic captain. “I guess the quiet ones are the ones to watch out for, huh?” she said. Imsel gave her an appreciative nod. “Now what?”
“We will reconvene as soon as all of you are assessed while we wait on updated information from the animals,” Thorne answered, stepping back outside. “I’ll see you all soon.”
The leaders gatheredaround the table set upon several rugs in the command tent. All the royalty and generals were present, discussing their next move.
“What do we know?” asked Thalia, dressed not in her usual royal garb but the black tunics and pants of her army, a golden sword at her side.
“They’re furious,” Desmond reported. He gestured to the cerulean blue snake around his shoulders. “Arda learned that many of their leaders were brutally punished. Tied between two posts and tortured as an example.”
Ava shivered at the visual.
“Plans to retaliate?” Casimir asked.
“Not yet,” he continued. “Andras is taking charge at last. And he has ordered the daemons not to attack.”
Ava squeezed the pommel of her sword at her hip. “He’s planning something…”
“More than likely,” Desmond answered. “But what…we do not know yet.”
“What about the ice fae bastards?” Aelerion boomed.
“They’re camped right beside the daemons. They do not interact much, but Valeria has been in Andras’ tent with him.”
“Technically, they are—were—married,” Roan blurted. “Not surprising.”
“Might there be a way to drive a wedge between the ice fae and the daemons?” Thorne asked.
“Don’t count on it,” Astrid interjected. “They’re loyal to their queen. They’ve been fed lies for nearly a century that this was the only way to keep their people safe. Even if we could turn them, it would take much too long. And it’s too risky to try.”
“I agree,” Maeryn said. “What is the update of their numbers? Did our attack help?”
Desmond’s face was grave. “Not enough. We made a dent…but they still outnumber us by almost one thousand. Though taking out that large weapons supply will work in our favor.”
“They still have that many even after our victory at Igneothenia?” Ava asked, panicked.
“Even then.”
“And that’s not counting the monsters…” Thalia shook her head.
“We must move in on them immediately,” Aelerion said. “Take advantage of the current chaos. Before Andras is able to finalize whatever he’s planning.”
Ava’s heart picked up its pace, thrumming so loudly the discussion around her faded away. Casimir squeezed her hand, but it barely registered. How would they win against this? She stared blankly at the table before her, absorbing nothing.
“Ava?” Thorne’s voice pulled her back.
She looked up. Everyone was watching her with concern.
“Are you alright?” Thalia asked gently.
“I—” she stuttered. “It’s difficult to process this. This is all still so new to me…”
“Would you like to step out for some fresh air?” her brother asked. “We’ll inform you of the rest of our plan when we’re finished.”
