Peri spoke in the language of her people as she bound the three males, making it impossible for them to move. Then she unlocked the cell. Lucian pulled the door open so she could walk through. She stepped up to the center male, who she guessed to be the one calling the shots, and placed a hand on his temple. She closed her eyes and pushed into his mind. He let out a cry of pain as she broke through the pathetic walls he’d erected to block her. His memories rushed into her thoughts, and she saw the multiple corridors Alston had built into the mountain. The number of people working surprised Peri, considering how many Order members had been killed at their Arizona compound.

  Fae and elves crafted new weapons in order to replace all they’d lost in the destruction she’d caused. There was an area that the elves had turned into a forge for making new iron and steel weapons. All the weapons would likely be endowed with a spell that made them fly true to their mark. Once released, they would hit their target no matter how fast the person dodged. Peri would have to keep that from happening.

  She didn’t see any guards. No archers stood above the area, monitoring the entrance to the mountain. But that didn’t mean they weren’t there. Alston probably knew by now that some of his fae were missing, likely taken as prisoners. He would adjust his security accordingly.

  When she’d gleaned all the information she could, she did the same to the other two fae, just in case one of them had seen something the others hadn’t. But there was nothing new. She left the cell and turned back to look at the males. “Get comfortable. This will be your new home until the alpha decides when your sentence will be executed.”

  Peri had to give them props for not begging for their lives, though their fear was practically palpable in the air. Perspiration dripped down their faces, and their hands trembled, though each of them attempted in vain to hide it by clenching their fists.

  Lucian growled as the middle idiot walked to the bars and glared at her. “You are no better than us, Perizada.” His voice was full of hatred, and his eyes dark with the evil that lived inside of him. “You think we will be the only ones who face the judgement of the Great Luna, but you will stand before her, too, and you will have to answer for the hundreds you murdered.”

  Peri nodded. “You’re right. I will. But the difference between you and me”—she motioned between them—“is our motivation. And remorse.” Peri shook her head. “You take pleasure in the pain you’ve caused. I felt it in your mind. You stink of the wickedness that has blackened your soul. I would like to say that I hope our Creator shows you mercy, because that’s the way I should feel. But right now, more than anything, I want you to reap the punishment you deserve for the evil you have sown.”

  She turned without another word. Lucian took her hand and led her from the room. Peering inside the captors’ heads had permeated evil into the places that had yet to heal from her self-judgment. She let Lucian’s love flow into her and chase the evil away.

  “You are nothing like them, Peri,” he told her. “We have all done things we regret. But it is the state of our heart during and after our actions that determines the path we will take. I will not let you go down the wrong path. I will hold you to my side and guide you on the narrow road that requires us to be selfless when we want to be selfish and calls us to do the will of our Creator, instead of what our wicked hearts desire.”

  Peri held tight to his hand as they walked through the corridors, heading to meet with the group that would stand against Alston. She allowed his confidence to comfort her, although she still had doubts that their goddess could forgive her transgressions. It might be something she had to hand over daily to the Great Luna, because Peri had a feeling it was a guilt she would pick back up every morning. Peri, once upon a time, had been so sure of herself and of the side on which she stood. Now she felt as if she would forever wonder if there would come another time in her life that she would choose wrongly. And that her choice would cause even more pain.

  “Let it lie, mate.” The voice of both the human and the wolf filled his words. “Set it down, and later, we will face it together. Always together.”

  Chapter 9

  “There are moments like this that I wish you were here to hold my hand. To remind me that I am not in this alone. Each day I think it will get easier. That the pain will lessen. But I’m beginning to think that it will only grow stronger with time. That the hole left inside of me will never close.” ~Lilly

  “Tell me again why I can’t go completely stabby on that serpent-tongued, vile waste of space?” Myanin stomped back and forth in front of Lilly. Gerrick stood off to the side, leaning against a wall of the throne room in the warlock mountain. It was a space Lilly rarely used. The room filled her mind with memories of her dead mate.

  “Because I have a different mission for you and Gerrick. That’s why. And as long as you live here, you are under my rule. Considering you’re mated to my general, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. So I suggest you get used to it.”

  Myanin paused and looked at Lilly. “Wow.” The djinn smiled. “You’re really owning this whole queen thing.”

  Lilly rolled her eyes. “Thank you for your vote of confidence.”

  Myanin’s brow rose. “I never said you had my vote. I’m simply pointing out you don’t act like the other cotton-candy-spined humans.” She huffed. “And I dislike the choice you are making at the moment.”

  Lilly looked over at Gerrick and folded her arms in front of her. “Is she going to be a problem?”

  “Um”—Myanin snapped her fingers at Lilly—“I am not an obediently trained dog.”

  The warlock queen ignored the djinn and kept her focus on Gerrick, who said, “I will ensure she sees reason and focuses on the task you have for us.”

  “Traitor,” Myanin muttered under her breath.

  “Would you like to hear your assignment before you throw a tantrum like a four-year-old?” Lilly tilted her head at Myanin and tapped her foot.

  The information Lilly had given Fane—that she had no recent premonitions—was no longer accurate. Upon her return to the mountain, Lilly had nearly fallen to the ground with the force that hit her mind. They were just images, but they were vivid enough to show that something very serious was happening—something that would change their world drastically if Fane didn’t act. Lilly had called the alpha immediately.

  Fane requested she send some of her people with Dillon to the location she’d seen in her mind. Because Gerrick and Myanin wouldn’t be joining the assault on Alston’s compound, and because Myanin clearly needed something to occupy her dangerous mind, Lilly decided that Gerrick and his mate would be perfect for the task.

  “Fine,” Myanin grumbled. Lilly had to stifle a laugh. The djinn sounded very much like Jacque had during her adolescent years, especially when she’d been given chores she didn’t want to do, which was pretty much all the time in those days. “What is this so-called very important task that most likely means I don’t get to kill anyone?”

  Gerrick chuckled but tried to disguise it as a cough when his female shot him a death glare.

  “I need you two to accompany members of the Colorado pack to Nevada,” Lilly explained. “I’ve had a vision I don’t really understand, but it feels urgent.” She dropped her hands and shook them out as if she could shake off the unease that accompanied the premonition.

  “What did you see?” Gerrick looked at her gravely.

  “I saw vampires—lots of vampires. And I also saw many humans laying on what looked like hospital beds lined up in rows.”

  Myanin pulled a sword from the sheath that hung on her back and spun it expertly in her hand. The smile that stretched across her face was bone-chilling even to Lilly, who had plenty of power to stand against the djinn, especially since Myanin had been stripped of her magic. “So, I do get to kill some evil rat bastards and bitches.”

  Lilly frowned. “I’m pretty sure that Tenia doesn’t speak like that, so where are you picking up your vocabulary?”

  The djinn shrugged. “I’ve been introduced to something called the American action movie. They are… What’s the word? Oh yeah, badass. Torion loves them, too. It’s been about as exciting as watching pixies gather flowers around here, so I’ve had to distract myself somehow.”

  Lilly sputtered. “You’ve been letting Torion watch movies with that kind of language?”

  “What?” Myanin frowned. “They contain some very important life lessons.”

  The queen’s eyebrows rose. “Such as?”

  “How not to be a coward.” Myanin lifted her hand and held up a finger. “How to be brave.” She held up another finger. “And how to taunt your enemy until they make stupid mistakes in a fight.” She smiled. “See? Life lessons for a warrior. And Torion is destined to be an amazing warrior.”

  Lilly pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a long sigh. “Did you ask Tenia’s permission before allowing him to watch these wisdom-filled films?”

  “I told her when the runt is in my care, then I am in charge of his training.”

  “Fantastic.” Lilly threw up her hands. “It’s not enough that we have Jen’s hellion spouting off hell-this and hell-that every other word, now we’ve got another brazen child in our midst?

  “Sounds like they’re going to be a perfect match,” Gerrick offered.

  Lilly pointed at him. “You’re not helping.”

  “Have you heard him talk? It’s hilarious.” The general laughed. “And like Myanin said, it has been a bit too quiet around here. Torion’s less-than-savory language offers us an entertaining distraction from the monotony.”

  “Good grief.” Lilly shook her head. “Whatever. I’ll deal with it later. I called Dillon, and he’s waiting for you to arrive. And Peri’s supposed to be sending—” Before the queen could finish her sentence, a male fae appeared in the throne room out of nowhere.

  “Hello, Queen Lilly.” She recognized Dain, a high fae. He bowed to her formally. “Peri asked if I could be of assistance.”

  Lilly nodded. “Yes, thank you for being willing to help.”

  “I’m happy to. Our kind should have been helping long before now.”

  “No need to dwell on the past. Myanin and Gerrick”—Lilly motioned to the pair—“need to be taken to the Colorado pack mansion. Do you know where that is?”

  Dain nodded. “Peri gave me the location.”

  Myanin slipped her sword back into its sheath and walked over to the fae. “Let’s get this show on the road. My blades are thirsty for vamp blood.”

  Dain’s brow rose. “I like the enthusiasm. I get the feeling we’re lucky to have you on our side.”

  Myanin smirked. “You’re damn right. It’s because I’m not quite right in the head. Or at least that’s what my BFF tells me.”

  “She’s not wrong,” Lilly muttered.

  Myanin looked at her. “Try not to die during the attack on Alston’s stronghold. I’m pretty sure there are too many people who wouldn’t handle it well. Not to mention”—she pursed her lips and said dryly—“I kind of like you.”

  Lilly chuckled. “It really bothers you to admit that, doesn’t it?”

  Myanin flicked her hand at Lilly. “Whatever. I don’t do sentimental mush. Just keep your royal ass alive.”

  “I ask the same of you,” Lilly said. “If you die, Tenia will most likely attempt to resurrect you simply to beat the crap out of you.”

  Myanin grinned. “I almost want to die just to see if she could do it.”

  Gerrick growled. “Not funny, mate.” He walked over to join her next to Dain.

  “It kind of is.” Myanin nudged him with her shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her waist. He placed his hand next to hers on Dain’s arm.

  “We’ll be in touch,” Gerrick said to Lilly.

  She held his gaze until Dain flashed. Lilly had to swallow down bile that rose in her throat. Something was very wrong in Nevada. She just hoped they weren’t too late to deal with it. She feared whatever was taking root there might have already grown into a terrible problem—a problem beyond their ability to face. And Lilly couldn’t deny that’s exactly what her gut was telling her had already happened. “Great Luna, help us,” she said under her breath. Lilly pulled out her phone and sent a text to Peri requesting transport back to the sprite realm.

  The fae appeared a moment later and held out her arm. “You ready for this?”

  “About as ready as I was when Jacque started driving.”

  Peri frowned. “Does that mean you’re not ready? I’m confused. I was under the impression that obtaining the ability to operate a motor vehicle was a big deal in the lives of human adolescents. A rite of passage, if you will. Weren’t you proud and excited to watch your offspring move on to another phase of life?”

  Lilly rolled her eyes. “I was, of course, but I was also terrified because it meant I had to give up some control of her life. I had to give her the freedom to handle a gigantic machine that could kill her or someone else if she didn’t do it properly.”

  Peri’s mouth opened into an O. “I see how that would be a tad anxiety-inducing.” Then she shivered.

  “What?”

  “You’ve just made me realize that one day Jen’s hellion will also learn to drive. I don’t think giving that crazy girl control of something as powerful as a motor vehicle would be a wise decision. And I can’t imagine the baby she is about to have will be any better.”

  Lilly gave a hard nod. “Agreed. Maybe she’ll fail her driving test—wait … what?” Lilly froze, and her eyes widened. “What did you just say?”

  “That’s right.” Peri took a deep breath. “Jennifer is with child … again.”

  “That’s…” Lilly gasped and felt her vision grow hazy. The unpredictable power within the queen took over her mind. But before the vision could manifest itself, she heard the Great Luna’s voice in her mind.

  “There are some things I have allowed you to know, Lilly Pierce. That is so you and others could prepare yourselves. But a trial is coming that must be faced without preparation. Regardless of its outcome, the trial will cause a ripple effect, touching more people than you could ever comprehend. Trust me to know what is best for my children. Even in the darkest of times, everything I do or allow is for the good of those I love. Trust me.”

  Her stomach twisted in knots, and Lilly fought to keep from vomiting. “I’m trying,” she whispered. “But I am so freaking scared.”

  “Lilly.” Peri’s voice was like a slap across the face. “What did you see?”

  Lilly trembled and shook her head. “Nothing. I saw nothing. And that’s the problem. The Great Luna told me she blocked the vision from coming to fruition.”

  Peri’s face softened as understanding filled her eyes. “Sometimes we forget we aren’t in control, and that is a good thing.”

  “I hear you.” Lilly held her hands out, palms up. “But at this moment, I really want to be in control. I don’t know what’s coming, Perizada. But it’s—”

  “No matter what it is, we will face it together. And if we stumble, if any one of us hits our knees, or shatters, the rest will be there to pick them up. We will hold each other together. Do you hear me?”

  Lilly’s breaths came in sharp gasps for several seconds before she pulled herself to her full height and lifted her chin. She gathered the power inside of her, not only from her sprite blood but also from that which Cypher had given her. “I hear you.”

  “Good. Now let’s go kill this son of a monkey’s ass. My patience for Alston’s continued existence on this earth has been exhausted.”

  Lilly pushed aside her worry, shoving it tightly into a box in her mind and locking it closed. Then she cocked her head to the side as she looked at the high fae. “Really? Because the atomic bomb you let lose in Arizona didn’t give me that impression at all.”

  “Shut it, queeny. I’m not opposed to having another zapping battle with you.” Peri growled and then flashed them from the throne room.

  “Come on, asswipe,” Torion yelled at his sparring partner, a warlock male named Stedan. “You’re not even trying.”

  Tenia’s head whipped around, and she glared at her son. She stopped sparring with Skender and threw out her hand. A bolt of power shot out and hit Torion on the forehead, knocking him on his butt. “What did you just say?” She stomped over to him, her jaw clenching as she narrowed her eyes on him.

  Torion shook his head as if he needed to clear his vision. Tenia had made sure the magic wouldn’t hurt him, but hopefully it had knocked some sense into him.

  The boy pushed up to his feet and frowned at his mother. “What?” The confused look on his face and in his voice appeared genuine. “Myanin said I need to be confident when I speak to my opponents so I can intimidate them. She said most battles are won or lost before the first blow is ever struck.”

  Tenia’s eyes went wide.

  “She’s not wrong,” Skender muttered under his breath.

  “And that’s how she’s teaching you to be confident? By using that kind of language?” Tenia was ready to throttle her friend.

  “The people on the TV shows we watch say that kind of stuff all the time.” Torion shrugged his shoulders. “What’s the big deal?”

  Skender stepped up beside Tenia. “The big deal is that using vulgar language in order to intimidate your opponent is unnecessary. Your skill will be enough to do that. As soon as they realize that no matter how hard they try, they will not best you, your opponent will back down. Or, if they’re foolish, they will continue to fight until you defeat them.”

  “What’s vulgar mean?” Torion asked.

  “It means not okay.” Tenia sighed, trying to make the explanation as simple as possible. “Vulgar means words that are not okay for a child to say.”

  “But a grown up can say them?” Torion tapped his chin with a small finger. “How come? If they are not nice, then why should you be able to say them, but I can’t?”