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Chapter Twenty-Three
Wilder
After our discussion in the library, the four of us walked out, splitting up to gather the remaining Divines. We would need as much help as we could get and I only hoped that they were all willing to fight for their survival. They had all been through too much already, but I hoped this would be the last fight. That after this battle, we could go on to live in harmony like we had been promised.
Flashing through the shelters, I gathered as many Divines as I could, instructing them to meet outside the castle doors. I didn’t tell them much, but after the incident earlier, they were all willing to listen. We hadn’t led them astray so far, the four of us building a community within the walls of the shield. All we needed was for their trust in us to continue for one more day.
Flashing back to the steps of the castle, I was met with the other three, all of them breathing heavily after sprinting around.
“Did we get everyone?” I asked, looking out towards the crowds of Divines making their way to us.
“As many as we could.” Knox responded, his response short, and I knew he was lost in his own mind, trying toseehow this would end.
“I’m not giving a speech.” Madden mumbled, quietly stepping behind us.
I wasn’t surprised by his words. I hadn’t expected Madden to be our spokesperson. I didn’t intend to do the speaking either. I was making progress in my conversational skills, but that didn’t mean I was the right person to persuade a bunch of people to fight to the death. Looking back at Knox, I expected him to take the reins, but as I saw his glazed eyes, I knew the visions were overpowering him.
“All up to you, princess.” I told Halley, watching as she took a deep breath to ready herself. I could see the doubt swirling in her eyes and so I pulled her close, whispering in her ear. “Just remember, you convinced an asshole to change his ways for just one woman. You can convince them all to fight.”
My words seemed to light a fire in her eyes and I watched with pride as her shoulders pushed back, confidence in her stance. The crowd loomed before us now, all patiently waiting to hear what the Heirs had called them here for. And now they would all listen to the woman who would save them all.
“Thank you all for coming. I know you’re all probably scared after what happened today.” Halley began and the crowd murmured their agreement.
“We knew when we opened the portal to Agrum Di Vinum, that the Darkness would be waiting. What we didn’t anticipate was the army waiting within its shadows. There are thousands of Divines being controlled by the Darkness. They are waiting in the shadows, waiting to overpower us all.” Gasps of shock and fear echoed throughout the crowd, but Halley waited for them to quiet before continuing.
“I wish I were here to tell you that we had found a solution. That after tonight, you would all be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Our only way at peace, is to fight. The only way to create a life of prosperity, is to put ours on the line.”
Taking a deep breath, Halley found the words she needed. “In this moment, I ask all of you to find the courage. To find the will to live. For your children, for your future grandchildren, for the future of the Divines. I beg you to stand beside me as we fight the Darkness and reclaim our rightful home.”
As she finished, I watched the crowd, waiting for someone to speak up, to stand up and promise to fight beside her. When we were met with nothing but silence, I knew I needed to say something.
“I have promised to stand by her side. My father was killed protecting his people on the human realm. And I’ll follow in his footsteps, willing to be killed for my people on this realm.”
My oath seemed to spur people on, causing the realization that this was truly happening. I watched as Gunther stepped forward through the crowd, standing before me with pride in his eyes.
“I promise to fight. For my students that deserve to experience the magic of their powers.”
An elderly woman stepped forward next, releasing the hands of two children. “I will fight, to protect my grandchildren.”
One by one, I watched as hundreds of Divines stepped forward, promising to fight, each for their own reason. In awe, I realized this is what Dad had stood for. This was the reason that love would always be stronger than hate. Because in the darkest times, we would all do anything for people we loved.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Halley
My hands were shaking from my speech and yet, joy filled my chest. Because standing before us were hundreds of Divines willing to fight alongside us. I had worried that no one would want to risk their lives again. But I underestimated their strength and their love for their families. I should have known they would be willing; I knew firsthand the sacrifice someone was willing to make for the most important people in their life.
Currently, the volunteers were lined up before us, getting the information they needed for the battle tomorrow. We were also taking down a list of Divines who would be fighting, writing down their ability and name. I didn’t know how many lives would be lost tomorrow, but I wanted to be able to inform the families of anyone who died in battle. They deserved the closure.
“Drax can go meet up with Sasha. She’ll give you the rundown of your role tomorrow.” Wilder spoke to the woman before us, Marcella I thought, as I wrote her name down.
Two boys strode up to us next and I knew this wouldn’t go over well. They both wore matching grins, but they quickly frowned when Madden spoke up.
“Fuck no. Turn your asses back around and go find Ma.”
Hayes was the first one to speak up. “We have powers now, Madden. And we volunteer to fight.”
Cruz nodded in agreement, but Madden refused to listen. “You’re still kids. No kids are allowed to volunteer.”
