AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Had Colin figured out a way to escape death?
24
WEDNESDAY MORNING
The day had finally arrived. Today, we would bring Colin to his knees, and I would have the glorious experience of seeing the life snuff from his eyes. By my hand if everything went according to plan.
I didn’t care how immoral or evil that sounded—this man had destroyed my family, and plenty of others. His time in this world was up.
While Thane had chosen all black for his castle excursion, Lena and I had dressed in leather armor. We’d returned to the DEA’s armory and suited up with every weapon imaginable long before the sun rose. That might have been a record for me.
I even strapped on the sheath holding Lisa, my short sword named after the phoenix word for she-fox. She’d come a long way from her days dealing solely with demons.
Instead of cramming everyone willing to fight into the DEA’s lobby, we agreed that the hotel where the Mirognyan visitors stayed made far more sense. Not that anyone was there for a vacation, but it provided far more space to maneuver an army.
It was a good thing the humans running the hotel were familiar with the Community because otherwise, our gathering was sure to cause more than one heart attack. Their wide eyes threatened to pop right out of their human heads as we gathered.
Reapers, angels, dragons, phoenixes, werewolves, shifters, mages, and a handful of witches and warlocks milled about the convention center. We took up most of the hotel’s first floor, decked out in all kinds of armor and weapons, waiting.
Some of the more ferocious dragons and phoenixes couldn’t hide the excited gleam in their eyes. That was what happened when you spent your whole life training for war.
Hundreds, maybe even thousands, of magical fighters were ready to destroy one fae man who threatened our world, all because the dude couldn’t take no for an answer.
Apprehension and excitement swirled around me, almost electrifying the air. The hotel staff had removed the partitions between their three convention rooms, allowing our army enough space to move and stretch or lay down against a wall and rest as we waited for Adam to give the go-ahead.
Scanning the crowd, I sighed. If only all humans knew about our existence because this scene would make for an epic viral video. I could be such a sucker for social media praise, but my latte art skills would have to suffice.
The steady drum of beating wings drew all of our attention to Adam. His glittering white wings spanned ten feet or more and raised him high enough above our heads for everyone to see.
“Brothers and sisters of the Community,” he began, opening his arms, “the time has come to unite against a force of evil threatening our way of life. Perhaps our very existence.”
After the booming echoes of his words faded, a heavy silence settled over the crowd as we took in the full ramifications of his statement.
“Over the last thirty years, Colin Ó Broin has taken too much from our three realms. But his betrayal of our trust will end today,” he continued defiantly. “We must stand together and show him the might of the Community.”
Shouts of encouragement rang out, but Adam raised his hands to quiet the crowd. His bright blue gaze swept across the faces looking up at him. “I will not lie to you. He has power most have not faced before, harnessing his fae magic, as well as shadow and death.
“Whether or not we are victorious, some will not return home. No one will fault or judge your decision should you choose not to fight today.”
People adjusted their stances and looked around, but no one stepped away. Pride blossomed in my middle, warming me to my core.
This was why Miami would always be my home and this group my people.
This was my Community.
A familiar voice spoke up, “What a delightfully empowering speech.”
I closed my eyes and groaned.
Xavier slunk through the open doors and clapped softly, his smile mocking. He wore an expertly tailored black suit and tie like he was simply attending a formal event rather than war. At his side, Edric held his chin high with a haughty look that clearly said he expected everyone to bow.
Growls and snarls erupted around the massive room, and some shifters morphed into their beast forms. Okay, make that most shifters.
Shit was going to get real ugly, real fast.
“Silence!” Adam’s single word boomed across the room, laced with angelic power. It worked. “The vampire holds the key to our success and is under my protection. He is not to be touched.”
Despite his call for silence, the mob flew into another uproar.
