Page 64 of My Salvation

Aiden was smiling when he stood, though he was rubbing his jaw. “He’s taking it easy on me. Thank you for the demonstration.”

Gilheim opened his eyes. Being closer, Cas could see how beautiful they truly were. Double irises in different shades of green that were filled with kindness.

“I feel maybe the shifters could achieve this. I am unsure about the senses of the others,” Gilheim said.

Gage stood at the table and walked over. He pointed to Aiden. “He had us start training to fight blind when he first arrived. He concentrated on listening for movement, like the rustle of clothing and whatnot, but that’s not what you’re doing.”

Gilheim shook his head. “Goblins hunt in the Dark Forest. We have to use all our senses. I can try to show you what I do, as I said, the basics, but there as some things I do not have words for. Like how my sense of smell works with my hearing to create a picture,” he said, fumbling with the words.

Brie placed a hand on his arm. “No, you are explaining it well.” She sighed. “I’m only human with some mate-shifter perks. I don’t think I can learn this.”

“Gilheim, can you observe me?” Gage asked.

Gilheim nodded and stepped to one side.

Gage took his place and closed his eyes. “Ok, sir. Try to hit me, but maybe hold back a bit in case this doesn’t work? I promised the boys I’d help them with dinner tonight. I don’t need to be in traction.”

Aiden rolled his eyes, but when he took a fighting stance, his eyes were sharp and calculating. Again, trying to move as little as possible, Aiden darted forward. At the last minute, he feinted left, then swung.

Gage turned his head and brought his arm up and blocked the blow. His eyes popped open. “Fuck, I did it.”

Aiden playfully shook Gage’s shoulder back and forth. “Hell yeah, you did. What did you do differently?”

Gage pointed to Gilheim. “It was what he said about his sense of smell compensating for his hearing. Vampires have decent hearing, but I was concentrating on the wrong thing. Blood, Aiden! Blood! I ignored the sound of cloth moving and focused on where the sound of flowing blood was. I played to my strengths.”

Cas snapped her fingers. “That’s what I was going to tell you and forgot in all the revelations earlier.” She wagged a finger at Aiden. “Like the ferals, I think you’re underestimating the citizens of Éire Danu.”

Aiden looked offended. “I have not.”

Cas nodded. “You have, but in your defense, you’re not the only one,” she eyed the queen, who also looked surprised at the accusation. She continued. “How many fae craftsmen have you contacted to make gear to track the enemy? I have a gift for seeing auras, but I’m not the only one. Have you asked the people for help in monitoring the area?”

The queen sat back. “We have not.”

Cas stood straighter. “We are not a city of potential victims, Your Majesty. Put a little more faith in your children. It is our duty to protect you, not the other way around.”

The queen shook her head. “I cannot lose any more of my children.”

Gilheim went to the queen and placed his massive hand on her shoulder. “Then you dishonor them, and I believe you are better than that, Ms. Queen. Meryn told me how you love all your children, even those of us who live in the Dark Forest. But we knew that already. We have not forgotten how you created a place for us to live peacefully. It would hurt me deeply if you did not allow me to fight to defend my home.”

Cas took a step forward. “Your Majesty, it is exactly as he says. This is our home too. It is our right to fight and defend it.” She turned to Aiden. “What about House Aindan? They make fae weapons.”

Aiden sighed. “I have been foolish. You’re right, we haven’t reached out to the people at all.”

Ari walked over to Gilheim. “Can we assume the Dark Forest is secure?”

Gilheim smiled. “There are no foul ones within our wood. Remember, it isn’t just the goblins who call the forest their home. A number of dark fae have taken to playing with the foul ones before killing them. They haven’t had this much fun in a millennium.”

The queen took in everything Gilheim said. “You are right. I have been discourteous to my children.” She took a deep breath and looked to Meryn. “Thanks to your insight, I have started a project with Portia. Across from the bulletin board listing our missing and dead, I have asked the families of the slain to create murals of the accomplishments of the departed to celebrate them.” She looked at Cas. “They should not be remembered as victims. They are more than that. When the announcement goes out to our people explaining the project, I will have Portia ask for volunteers to step forward if they have a gift to share in the defense of our city.” Turning to Darian, she smiled. “I would like for you to organize those efforts.”

Darian stood and placed his fist over his heart before bowing. “It shall be as you command.”

Gilheim nodded. “I must get back to my village.” He clapped a sympathetic hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Do not worry, my friend. I will hunt for your mate.”

Once again, Aiden was shocked into silence.

Gilheim moved past him and lifted Meryn up for hugs before setting her back down. “When the foul ones are a thing of the past, I will show you the deepest part of the forest. I think you will find some of the dark denizens amusing.”

“Hell yeah!” Meryn threw her hand in the air.

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