Page 42 of Queens Will Play

She nodded, looking thoughtful. “I know you’re right. And don’t think I didn’t realize that you and Hanna went through a similar situation. You’re right. When it’s the choice between my children or someone trying to kill them, I’ll always choose my children.”

“There you go,” Menolly said. “And that’s as it should be.” She glanced at her phone. “We’d better go if we’re going to take on the shandigoes tonight.”

“Wilbur will meet us there,” I said.

“I still can’t believe you actually went to him,” Menolly said, laughing.

“He still calls you the Dead Girl, you know?” I said, grinning.

We split up, with Shade, Delilah, Vanzir, and Menolly going in Delilah’s Jeep, and my husbands and I going in our SUV. Nerissa would ride home with Roman.

As we sped through the city night, music blaring, I stared out at the city lights flying past in a blur. Seattle was a city of contrasts: Of street lights and ocean, of trees and concrete, of nerds and football fans, of rich techies to the homeless living beneath the overpasses.

Built over a number of active fault lines, including one that was poised to rip apart the west coast with the next big 9.0 quake that was already overdue on the geological timetable, the city was still growing. It was also a sanctuary city for the oppressed—from the LGBQT+ community to the vampires seeking the right to exist without prejudice, Seattle had always offered shelter to the underdogs.

But when Desanguas arrived, everyone would be in danger. Since he could build his army by turning people into demons, he wouldn’t screw around. He’d get right to work.

“What are you thinking about?” Trillian asked, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. He was driving, with Smoky rode shotgun. Morio and I sat in the back.

“The city and all of its disparities,” I said. “And that, regardless of all the good in this city, it might not last. Once he shows up, Desanguas won’t hesitate to put his plan into action. We have to prepare. I don’t know what that means yet, but we can’t shove this off to the side.”

“I agree. I wonder…do you think approaching the OIA might help? They might be able to assign some of their agents to help?” His words hesitant, Trillian gave me a long look.

I snorted. “Seriously?” Running back to the Otherworld Intelligence Agency was one of the last things I wanted to do.

“It can’t hurt to talk to Tanaquar,” he said. “And you should tell Sharah, as well. The elves have a lot of people over here, and Sharah’s daughter is under Delilah’s care. We owe it to them to let them know, even if they haven’t treated us well in the past.”

He was right, but the thought of returning home to Otherworld, to approaching Tanaquar for help, was daunting. We’d been shipped over Earthside because the powers that be were unhappy with us. And even though we’d proven our worth, Delilah, Menolly, and I would never be fully accepted over there.

Tanaquar was, at least, better than her sister. Ever since Tanaquar had taken the throne away from Lethesanar, at least we knew the government in Y’Elestrial wasn’t steeped in debauchery. But that didn’t mean they would welcome interference from us.

“I don’t know about that,” I said. “They don’t listen to Windwalkers much. And to most of the people back there in Y’Elestrial, my sisters and I are still just that—Windwalkers.”

“They’ll listen to you,” Smoky said. “You’re the Queen of Shadow and Dusk. Delilah’s the consort of the Autumn Lord. And Menolly’s married to the heir of the Crimson Veil.” Trillian straightened. “On top of that, I’m a prince in the Dragon Reaches. You have more clout than you think you do.”

Maybe they were right. Maybe it was time to try to unite all the various factions. But over here, Earthside, that wouldn’t be easy—if doable at all. Humans had so many splintered off groups based on country and ethnicity. Then there were the Supes, who were often at odds with one another. The entire concept of democracy made it almost impossible to enforce a consensus. While it had its benefits, in a crisis a democracy wasn’t as efficient as a competent leader who could lead a large war. But competent was the operative word.

“I think this is a war that’s going to be fought underground,” I said. “This won’t be a battle that’s out in the open. At least not at first. Eventually, if Desanguas is strong enough, people will know what’s happening and by then it may be too late. But I’ll talk to Tanaquar. Maybe she can assign a few operatives to our case.”

The clouds had parted and the faintest sliver of moonlight peeked through the clouds. The Moon Mother was riding low, hidden behind her dark face that watched over the shadowed places of the world. Tomorrow night, she would be silent and faceless, invisible behind her cloak as she gestated her cycle of growth.

I pressed against the window, feeling her call. Unlike a number of Moon Witches, my magic was strongest during the dark times of the moon when she hid her face behind the veil. The new moon embodied the magic of all things hidden, of shadow and death, of fire and ice, and the deep secrets of the world. It was the time to uncover truths, to prime for new beginnings, to work with the power of death and transformation.

Hand on the window, I felt her essence stream through me. “Moon Mother,” I whispered. “Strengthen me. Help us walk into the darkness and clear the path for Marion.”

“You’re feeling your power,” Morio said, scooting over next to me.

“I am,” I whispered. “She’s right there, right at the edge of my fingertips. Tomorrow night we need to work magic.”

“In the grove?” Morio asked, sliding his arm around my waist. His energy was trembling—together we’d become a powerful duo. Our magic was intricately entwined with our passion, and there were times when it felt like together we could blast a hole in the world.

“Not the grove,” I said, pressing against him. “It’s not ready yet, and I don’t want to bring any unwanted attention to it yet.”

As High Priestess of the Moon Mother Earthside, I was creating a grove for new priestesses. Derisa, the High Priestess from Otherworld, was helping me create it.

While I couldn’t attach it to the Barrow, I’d found a patch of woodland for sale on the outer border of Talamh Lonrach Oll. With Smoky’s help, I had purchased it, and we were creating plans for a temple to house the Earthside Coterie of the Moon Mother. Technically, I’d be the High Priestess, but I needed to find someone to run the day-to-day activities. I hadn’t found the right candidate yet, but the right woman would come forward, and I would know her when she did.

“We’ll meet in my private garden,” I said, leaning my head to rest on his shoulder. “I’m not sure what we need to do. Not yet. But I will figure it out.”