Page 87 of Their World

We had to take two SUVs, but once we arrived at the park, I made sure to take my time hugging each of my fathers and my brother.

“Keep yourselves safe,” I ordered them.

“Ditto,” Bran Bran said to me and gave me another, tight squeeze.

Piper stretched her arms and legs and bounced on her toes to warm up.

Mason gave me a soul searing kiss before shifting into his raven form and landing on my shoulder.

The three portals before us were huge, which made me concerned that there would be more of the large werewolf demons or other large demons we hadn’t encountered yet.

I waved to my family stationed around the portals, and turned when I felt Great Grandpa Dan approaching.

He pulled me into a tight hug, forcing Mason to fly around us for a bit. “Don’t do anything rash, you hear me? You’re my only great granddaughter and I don’t want to face any more days without you. Let the older generations take the risks.”

I pushed back and scowled at him. “You think I’m going to let you do something crazy just because you’re old? Great Grandpa, I don’t think so.”

“How about everyone acts calmly and rationally and nobody tries to sacrifice themselves?” Grandpa Deryn said as he came over to hug me and patted his father on the back. “You ready, pup?”

I nodded. “I’m ready for my parents to come home.”

He squeezed my shoulder and said, “We’ve got your back. Just call out anything you see or feel. We trust you.”

“Don’t forget to tell them not to hurt my hellhound, Dhun, and don’t attack the demons first.”

They both nodded and hugged me again before moving back to their places.

Mason landed on my shoulder and cawed, “Worried.”

“Yes, they’re worried about me,” I agreed.

He rubbed his head against my cheek, keeping his beak away. “Love.”

I stroked a hand down his feathered back and said, “I love you, too.”

Facing the portals, I took a deep breath, and headed towards the center of the three, standing about one hundred feet in front of the first group of fighters. More and more arrived, taking their places and preparing for our defense.

“Center, bottom!” Nana Jolie shouted.

All eyes turned towards the center portal.

The Grand Advisor, wearing armor on his upper chest and legs, stepped out of the portal. He smiled happily when he saw me standing on the grass before him. No doubt, he saw me as vulnerable without any armor on my body and no weapon in my hand or visible at my side. I hoped he would continue to view me as vulnerable and weak as we approached the first steps of our defense plan. If he continued to underestimate me, I could use that to my benefit and hopefully, decapitate him.

Jol in full armor including helmet came out next, his spiked mace in hand. My parents bound in the chains that prevent you from moving were carried out by two bull-headed demons who quickly set them on their knees on either side of Jol, right behind the Grand Advisor.

Great Aunt Leona blew out a breath, sending calmness to us all.

Taking another deep breath, I centered myself, drew on the calmness of Trey and Great Aunt Leona, and did my best to keep my emotions off of my face.

It was time.

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