AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fuck it,” I mutter.
Linking my fingers with Kai, I drag him with me as I march for the door. Passing through the people gives me the heebie-jeebies, but it doesn’t take long for us to be in the same space as our family and friends.
We get there just in time to watch Kirian’s mother stand beside the Pyros who’ve offered up their service.
As the former princess of the Day Realm—and Zarid’s sister—Zella came by her power honestly. Potent fire abilities run in her blood, and she’s probably one of the strongest people in this city. Maybe in the entire world.
“Zella, no.” Keryth grabs her hand and tries to tug her back to him, their arms extended between them. “I won’t allow it.”
“I’ll be fine,” she tells him with an amount of confidence she doesn’t seem to feel.
“Actually,” Oriantus pipes up, and the bad news just keeps coming from this guy, “anyone who decides to perform this task should consider it a suicide mission. With how fast the masses are traveling and how close the person will have to get to give it a full blast of fire, a collision is unavoidable. They’ll be killed by the impact, but their sacrifice will not be in vain if they succeed. It would be even better if we have a second line of defense closer to the ground to hit the smaller pieces again. The volunteers for that task would have a better chance at making it out alive, but it’s still very dangerous.”
Conflicted, pain and indecision swim in Zella’s eyes as she glances between Keryth and the volunteer group.
This is her home, and she wants to save it. She wants to pave the way for her children, her grandchildren, and all the generations to come, even if it means she won’t be here to see them.
I understand that, but she has Keryth to consider. If she dies, so does he.
I expect the nobles, four men and two women who originally came out, to back away. If any of them are bonded to a fated mate, they’ll need to rethink their decision, but no one even flinches. Clenching their jaws with steely resolve, they stay firmly planted where they are.
Keryth gently coaxes his wife back to him, circling her with his arms as if he can cage her in, but Zella’s got a stubborn glint in her lavender eyes. I have a feeling this argument isn’t over.
Still standing by the entrance with the other guards, Alosi squares his shoulders and bravely declares, “I’ll be in the front line.”
Kai’s hand tightens around mine, but it’s the only indication he gives that he’s emotionally affected by his friend’s sacrifice.
Kirian nods gratefully to Alosi before he faces the nobles. “Thank you. All who give their lives for the greater good will be honored. Monuments will be built to memorialize you forever.”
Alosi gives a slight bow to his king. “I’ll go to the barracks to recruit the other Pyros.” As he’s turning to the exit, he pauses. “It might not be my place to suggest this, but if you allow us to drink Glow…”
All three kings exchange quick glances and come to an unspoken agreement in an instant.
Zander responds, “Anyone willing to do this will have as much Glow as they need to get it done.”
“And I’ll provide the portals needed to evacuate,” Prince Cassidy offers, earning an approving look from his father.
Since Kirian is the leader of this realm, he’s the one to wrap up the meeting. “You’re all dismissed. Go to your homes and pack your belongings if you want to evacuate. Be quick. Only take what’s necessary. Spread the word to your neighbors about what’s happening. They’re probably frightened and confused by what they’re seeing in the sky, but try to ease any panic. Soon, there will be portals stationed throughout the city, leading to both the Day Realm and the human realm. For those who plan to join our battle, report back here once you’ve said goodbye to your loved ones. Our kingdom will get through this.”
As soon as he’s done talking, people scatter.
It’s a bit rough going as they leave the palace. Some release their wings before they’ve even gone through the exit, and they take flight when they’re out, even though flying this close to the palace is forbidden for regular citizens.
So much for not panicking.
I get it, though. Some of these people have young kids. Some are fated pairs. Their survival is imperative for the well-being of someone else. Or maybe they just really don’t want to die.
“Is this actually going to happen in the future?” I question with evident fear. “Is this real?”
“I don’t know,” Kai replies with a haunted look. “I don’t want to believe it, but…”
He doesn’t have to finish his sentence. Like he said when we first got here, there are too many credible details for this to be made up. Armand is talented, but he couldn’t have constructed an entire city he hasn’t seen in half a million years.
He couldn’t have recreated the people we love so accurately.
Zander is spot on—his appearance, his mannerisms, his kindness, his courage.
Then there’s Maverick. My grandson. I’ve never met him, but I have no doubt this is exactly what he looks like. Even if he weren’t standing by Zander, I’d know they’re related. He has the same dark hair and golden eyes. His skin is paler, closer to Maelyn’s complexion, but his facial features and even the way he carries himself… he’s so much like my son.
