When her serum hit his bloodstream, I’d watched with glee as his entire body tensed, like he’d grabbed a live wire. His stern expression could not hide the rush of pleasure from her bite, and his lack of clothing was further testament to what he thought of the experience. Marie had pulled back with a blood-soaked smile, her eyes twinkling. The whole experience had probably been one of the worst of his life. He’d done it for the team, though. I’d given him a cookie right afterward. He’d needed one.
The plan had been to stop about here and get one last rest in before we shoved ourselves between the two brawling worlds and played the good guy, whatever that meant. It wasn’t to be, though.
I leaned over Archion’s side so I could look down at Roger in his wolf form. He was looking up. When we connected gazes, he looked straight ahead. Romulus, still beside him, nodded, and pointed toward the battle. Overkill, but whatever.
Prepare for battle, I thought, a sheen of sweat breaking over me. It’s time we decide the fate of the worlds.
Seventeen
I turned to Cahal first, wondering if he’d see the directive. He was looking back at me. He nodded once.
With a deep breath, I turned to Penny next. I hadn’t gotten her into this mess—not really. Emery was the one who’d showed up on her porch and dragged her into trouble. I really shouldn’t be blamed for everything that had unfurled since. I hoped she saw it my way.
Her gaze was straight ahead, and I was surprised not to see any fear or trepidation. I saw only determination.
Pride and aggression swirled within me. Penny Bristol was finally, solidly ready for battle. That, I did take credit for.
Emery caught me looking and nudged her before pointing. Her gaze swung my way, her eyebrows lifting.
I gave her a thumbs-up, followed by a fist. Then, because I didn’t know if she’d know what any of that meant, yelled, “We’re going to battle now!”
“Strength and honor!” she yelled, and it was clear she’d been watching Gladiator to boost her courage.
When I glanced down again, our vampires had stalled and were now undressing. I felt a surge of love through the bond, Darius wishing me well.
“We’ll have our future,” I murmured, hardening myself. “We will have our future if I have to pull a miracle out of my ass.”
Here we go, I thought, and leaned forward.
Archion put on a burst of speed. The dragons would get there first, but I knew Lucifer wouldn’t order our deaths.
There is one question I still don’t really understand the answer to, Archion thought as we hastened toward the scene.
Lucifer’s forces ran at the elves in a messy mass. Roars and shouts of blood lust rang up as we neared the melee. The dragons and the flying demons kept pace above us, Lucifer clearly having some sort of plan and choosing this mess as his strategy.
What is that? I asked Archion as I stitched magic into the sky. I’d been working on this and only this for the last two days. I would not wait until the sky was ripped away to construct another. Instead, I’d stitch my magic into the foundation of this place to hold the existing sky in place. I’d root my illusion to the ground in a weave of fire and ice that, in our practice, even Penny had been hard-pressed to tear apart. I was a hybrid—godly lineage merged with the Underworld—and it gave me uniqueness that I would use to our advantage. The elves and Lucifer might try to break through it, but without plenty of time and focus, they wouldn’t get far.
That was the plan, anyway.
My heart throbbed. My pulse pounded in my ears, a steady, fast throb. Adrenaline fueled me, followed by excitement.
I loved running into battle. That was my jam. I didn’t slink closer and strategize; I burst into the scene and kicked in teeth. The situation might’ve changed, but I hadn’t.
We’re going to get in their way so that they don’t fight, but if they ignore us—which they will—we’re supposed to apply force? he thought.
Yup.
So we are basically the smaller force fighting against two larger forces on either side of us?
Yup.
How is that a good idea?
I honestly have no idea.
Dragons didn’t talk, but his low growl was close enough. This was, quite possibly, a suicide mission, but fuck it. If we didn’t take a stand for what we believed in, who were we?
We reached the edge of the battle, and the elves’ heads turned as they took notice of us for the first time. The fliers in the sky, on both sides, fluttered a little in the air, surprised. My father turned his head slowly, a grin sliding up his face. He nodded.
I couldn’t resist giving him an answering smile. We might not be on the same side, but damn it, this felt good. Stretching the legs of our violent rage.