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“Well, they seemed pretty relieved to realize the witch you killed was a traitor.” She smiled. “Though, it seemed once everyone started talking to each other again, they were all starting to realize what the Aurora witches were saying differed every time.” Celeste paused, licking her lips nervously. “What…what are we going to do with Naomi? The one in Keziah’s safe room?”
I sighed. On the one hand, my first instinct was to make an example out of the witch who’d thought she could infiltrate my camp and sow dissent on the Solar Sovereign’s behalf. On the other hand, I suspected that many individuals who’d “sided” with the Solar Sovereign were under duress. I had no way of knowing if Naomi had willingly pledged herself to the Solar Sovereign. After all, the Solar Sovereign had even managed to twist Celeste’s own agency. If she could do that…
I shook my head, not wanting to dwell on that topic, lest I get too angry to think straight. “For now, we let her live,” I said. “We’ll take her to the temple. If she becomes our ally, good. If she tries to stand against us, I’ll kill her. If she decides to leave and take neither side, then I will simply let her leave.”
“Oh,” Celeste said. When she said nothing else, I frowned. I’d have thought her relieved we weren’t going to outright execute the Aurora witch, but she simply looked as concerned as ever.
I suppose Lyka is right—no one really looks forward to war. I cannot imagine Celeste is.
I leaned down to give her another kiss. “Whatever happens, we will face it together,” I said.
Celeste wrapped her arms around me in a hug.
As night fell, I found Keziah in a gathering, speaking with several other alphas. She’d even allowed other packs on her land during this time, and that was to say nothing of the other species of shifters, the witches and warlocks, skinwalkers, faefolk…the list went on. I was starting to think I owed the woman much more than a “thank you” when this was all said and done, though I’d have to percolate on that. Celeste would have a good idea on how we could recognize Keziah Palm for her efforts.
Now, the alphas were discussing travel plans. I motioned for Keziah to join me with one hand. As she excused herself from the others, she dipped her head, the crow’s feet by her eyes crinkling as she smiled.
“How’s the mood?” I asked, tipping my head in the other alphas’ direction. They could all hear us with their enhanced senses, but at least everyone had the good manners to pretend to talk amongst themselves.
“A bit tense,” Keziah said. “Folks are worried for themselves and their loved ones, of course. But I think they feel resolved—and hopeful, too. They know this will be hard, but it isn’t impossible. I think that’s a good way to approach this.”
I nodded and exhaled. I wouldn’t want anyone rushing in, thinking this was a cake walk—that was a quick way to get themselves killed. To believe the Solar Sovereign had spent anything less than a century planning this attack would be foolish, and we’d only become certain that it was her moving in the shadows weeks ago. “Well, good. Let’s make sure it stays that way,” I said.
“I’ll do my best,” Keziah said. “Are the other groups ready to go?”
“Mhm. The covens are prepared, and they are aiding any of the fae who can’t readily transport themselves.” I paused to give her a hard look. “And you will continue to coordinate with any of the folk who can take animal forms. I don’t want any humans suddenly wondering why they see bears, horses, and coyotes all running together.” As far as I was concerned, a kelpie didn’t look anything like a horse, but I didn’t trust a human to know the difference.
Keziah shot an equally hard stare in my direction. “You think I’d let that happen, Fenris?” She folded her arms over her chest. “Everyone will get where they need to be, and we won’t be causing any news reports of ‘strange animal behavior,’ either. You make sure everyone else is all set.”
I nearly smiled. “Understood. Safe travels, Keziah.”
She dipped her head. “Safe travels, Fenris.”
As she returned to the group of alphas, I decided to check in with Piers and Gilbert next. Gilbert had done much of the coordinating, though I supposed I shouldn’t write off his twin entirely. After all, Piers was the one who’d been suspicious of the covens.
Gilbert looked up as I arrived, then dipped his head in my direction. “Fenris,” he said, straightening up.
“Is everyone ready?” I asked, glancing around at the small group of tents.
“Indeed we are,” Piers said as he swanned over from who knew where.
“Good. Time for you to escort the rest of the vampires to the temple in Peru,” I said.
To my surprise, the younger of the twins seemed to brighten, even smiling at me. “Brilliant,” Piers said, dusting himself off. “I was starting to get antsy. A change of scenery will do me some good.” He waved a hand at the surrounding camp. “I suspectsome of these folks are restless as well. It will be good to give them a task.”
Gilbert nodded. “And it’ll be better to have feedings spread out over an area instead of draining too many animals in this one region.”
I nodded. “Good. Get everyone ready and head out at once.”
Gilbert seemed to visibly deflate, and I paused. I knew the vampire wasn’t one to shirk orders. Usually, that was Piers, who was already flitting away to start spreading the word. Still, if I had to go ahead of Celeste, I knew I’d feel distracted by concern for my mate.
I cleared my throat, but feigned casual disinterest. “You may bring Abigail with you as well if she’s able to keep up. I’d rather not have to deal with her pining if she’s left behind.”
Gilbert’s eyes flashed, and he cleared his throat, giving a small nod. “I would not want that, either,” he said, looking off toward the camp. “I am sure she will be able to keep up with everyone.”
I clapped a hand over his shoulder. “See to it,” I said. “I’m going to check on the others.”
As I finished making my rounds, I returned to the cabin, pleased that Celeste was already inside. She smiled, sitting up on the couch as she leaned over the back of it, watching me. “I saw Liana sneaking out of Esme’s tent after I saw you head to the vampires’ encampment,” she said, chuckling and shaking her head. “I’m glad she’s taking this whole fated mate thing so well and not fighting it tooth and nail.”
