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Raenisa pursed her lips in thought. “Good call. Any volunteers?”
Roza lifted her chin. “I’ll go. I can protect Kael when she’s using her magic.” She glared at the rest of us as if challenging someone to mention when Kael was attacked. She was determined to redeem herself.
“That doesn’t help with the entrances,” Haemir pointed out.
“I’ll go with them,” Zerek said, his eyes darting to Roza and back. “I know which ones to take down.”
Herrath glanced at Xadrian. “I’ll take Xadrian. We’ll move fast on our own.”
Raenisa nodded. “That leaves Theron, Haemir and I to lead the flanks.” Caelia cleared her throat. “And Cae,” Raenisa amended with a smile.
Haemir watched Kael and Gavril, scratching one of his horns with his golden hand as he thought. “We should use my forces to attack the side entrances. We won’t be as effective in your formations.”
“What do you suggest?” I asked, my tone respectful.
“Once Kael and Xadrian start to collapse the tunnels, they’ll try to exit out others and come after them. We’ll have people waiting to ambush them.”
Caelia whistled low under her breath, impressed. “That’s a solid plan. And if we’re luring them with an assault on the main gates, they’re more likely to get flustered.”
I didn’t let myself hope that my mother would make a mistake. She had too many plans within plans for that. “Good idea. Ask for some Elven volunteers to help identify entrances.”
Xadrian crossed his arms, his brows drawn down. “That won’t work. They won’t be able to get through the walls and towers.”
“Some aren’t in the walls—“ Herrath began before Kael cut him off.
“I can tear the walls down.” Her voice was confident as the group quieted, staring at her. “But I can’t guarantee that they won’t tumble down the mountain and hit our forces at the bottom.”
“Atar’s hammer, this is a mess,” Raenisa groaned. “What are we going to do, Theron?”
The others all looked to me and it was like a portent of the future, my kingdom relying on me. I would not fail them.
“We’ll split the difference. Kael’s team will go first, focusing on tearing down the walls and defenses, but leaving the entrances untouched. Haemir’s teams will enter, positioning themselves to be ready when Kael and Xadrian begin collapsing tunnels.” I took a breath, ignoring the dread filling me at the thought of separating from her. “Raenisa will lead the vanguard and assault the front gates, and Caelia will take the side gates. I’ll hold the reserve with Tykas and ready them to fill any gaps we need. Once one of you punches through, then we push the reserve to you.”
Caelia nodded in approval. “It’s a good plan.”
The others voiced their agreement, and a swell of pride filled me. “Thank you all for joining us. It’s an honor to fight by your side.” I paused, watching the Remnants stand a little taller. “Be safe, protect each other. And I’ll see you after the battle.”
The group exchanged embraces and words of encouragement as we prepped for the task ahead. We had come up with a plan, and now it was time to put it into action. It felt like the fate of all of Maeoris rested on our shoulders.
I wasn’t wrong. If I didn’t stop my mother now, nothing would. She was a cancer; all-consuming, all-corrupting.
Kael and I lingered behind as the others started to leave, holding onto this moment, knowing that it could be our last. I stared into her eyes and said nothing. There were no words that could do justice to what I felt for her. She was the comforting darkness; the stars shining with hope; the moon lighting my path home. She was my everything and the idea of losing her was so painful, I couldn’t voice it or I wouldn’t be able to go on.
It must have echoed down the bond, though. Her eyes softened, and she reached up, cupping my cheek. “Nothing can keep me from you,” she promised me, her eyes searching mine. “Nothing.”
I swallowed, my throat bobbing as I stared down into her lovely face. She was my heart beating outside my chest. But she was also my strength. I had to trust her. She was strong, a survivor. And if she promised to come back, then she would. “I’ll drag you back from Ydonja’s arms myself if I have to.” Tucking her lithe body against mine, I pulled her close. “I love you, Kael. I’ve loved you since the first time you glared at me.” She laughed, her eyes sparkling with tears as I continued. “I’m thankful everyday that you are my mate—that you chose me. I’m so proud of all that you have accomplished and all that you will do. You are fierce and brave; an unwavering force to be reckoned with who sees no obstacle she can’t conquer. And in a world full of terror and darkness, your light always brings me home.”
“Theron,” she whispered, drawing my mouth down to hers. I leaned in for a kiss that felt like both goodbye and hello at the same time. “You’re everything I didn’t dare hope for.”
“Theron. Kael.” Caelia’s voice came from behind me and I turned to find her with Endbringer in her hands. My heart leaped, and I stepped towards her, ready to protect my mate.
Caelia stared back at me, her eyes full of regret and sorrow. “I apologize,” she whispered, holding out the sword to me. “To both of you. I was wrong about you, Theron. I should have seen it sooner, that you were meant to be our leader.” She dropped to one knee and bowed her head as she offered me Endbringer.
“Eiran Daelor would have been proud to see you carry his blade.”
I took the blade from her trembling hands and studied it, marveling at its intricate inscriptions and the way it shimmered in the light. I could feel the magic coursing through it, pulsing with power. It was a weapon that demanded respect.
“Thank you, Caelia. I know what this means to you.”
