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Evan waved an arm in the direction of the vines. “A kind of explosion, but it happened so fast, I couldn’t even tell you what hit us. Energy exploded outward through this area where the vines are and that’s when I saw Axton where you said he was. But he took off before I could engage.”
“Is everyone okay?”
The four remaining Guardsmen nodded, and with that, Willow released a deep sigh. “Thank the Goddess, because I think it was my, or rather our joined power, that created the explosion.”
“How?” Evan asked.
The question was so simple, but posed with such incredulity, that Willow laughed. “I don’t think either of us knows how we did it. Although, the energy source seemed to come from the earth itself.”
“Well those wraiths must be special to have brought you two together with so much ability, however strange it is.”
Willow laughed again, then tears bit her eyes.” She turned to Malik, and he seemed to understand because he drew her against him, wrapping her up in his arms.
“It’s all over,” he said against her cheek, holding her close.
“I’m not used to this,” she whispered. “I’m not a warrior like you.”
“I know.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Axton will be back. You know he will.”
“I have no doubt of that.” He shifted slightly while still holding her so that Willow had a view of Evan. “I want a couple more squads out here just in case. I realize you couldn’t do anything this time, but we might need you when he attacks again.”
“Why the hell is Axton so intent on getting to these wraith families? He seems completely obsessed.”
Willow felt certain it would be a mistake to reveal the whole truth about the colony, at least for now. Malik, we can’t tell him. Going public needs to come from the colony Elders.
Malik nodded in agreement, then addressed Evan. “I think Axton has been on a mission from the time I took over as mastyr of this realm. He wants Ashleaf back and he wants to kill wraiths and half-breeds to get to that goal. I don’t know how he learned that Willow has been protecting wraiths, but I have no doubt that once inside, he’ll not only murder these families, he’ll use their existence as a vehicle to poison more of our citizens against my rule.”
Evan nodded. “You’re right. That’s exactly wh
at he would do. Bastard.”
“So, what’s the word on Willow’s home?”
“Ransacked. I’m sorry, Mistress. But by the time my squad got over there, the deed was done. I have several of my men standing guard.”
“Thank you.” She compressed her lips, biting back the tears. Her home had been her sanctuary during her long service as the Protector. And now someone had been inside doing a lot of damage.
“I’ll be staying with Willow through the rest of the night as well as the day. You can reach me through my cell or path me if you need to. But I have a feeling that whatever Axton plans next, Willow will know about it first. Also, I want the Troll Brigade to stand watch from dawn until full-dark.”
Evan got on his phone and made the calls. Within a few minutes, vampires began flying in.
Evan slid his phone back into the pocket of his leathers. “We’re all set.”
“Good. I’m going to take Willow home.” He glanced up. “We’ve got a couple hours before dawn. And, if Axton doesn’t make another play during that time, we should have some peace for the next twelve hours.”
With those words, Willow began to relax. She pathed with Illiandra giving her an update and letting her know that she and Malik would be returning to her treehouse. Illiandra wished her good health and fruitful dreams and with that, Willow drew her night to a close.
The shield held, stronger than ever, but she was done in.
~ ~ ~
With Willow in his arms, Malik flew her back to her treehouse complex. But even he was stunned by what he saw. Windows had been smashed and an axe taken to the beautiful front walkway railing as well as the front door. Inside the house, the furniture had been destroyed.
This was an act of hatred.
He’d seen it before and it had one purpose: to create fear and chaos. Axton’s hand was all over this.
