Page 72 of Blood and Hexes

Helsing

They all wore white at the pyre, even the huntsmen. The bodies on top of the heap of wood were wrapped in cloth and covered in sage, eyes closed with a gold coin for the boatman, as had always been the way in Oldcrest.

Greer held the torch high in the air, before lowering it in front of Ruby’s pyre. “We honor you.”

They echoed her farewell, and she passed the torch to Levi, who lowered it to set Luke’s alight. His voice caught, but he got the words out. “We honor you.”

Mikar squeezed Diana’s hand, echoing it again.

Levi handed the torch to Jack.

Huntsmen had different customs, but he’d chosen to join them. Probably because Ward had died defending Oldcrest and should be honored by all of them.

They watched the flames reach high in silence. Then Diana started to sing her wordless siren song, saying goodbye in her own way.

That probably didn’t help; everyone burst into tears. Yet by the end of the song, Mikar’s soul felt a little lighter, his grief acknowledged and sated.

They’d lost too much, but they were still here, whole.

They’d live for Luke’s and Ruby’s sakes, as well as their own.

The Helsings, Stormhales, and most of their witch friends headed back to the hill together, silently following Chloe and Levi.

Skyhall was comfortably housing those who’d lost their houses in the fire for now, and Bill, who needed some time to recover.

In a drawing room, they poured wine, whiskey, and brandy, and toasted to the lives they still had, without exchanging words for a time.

Chloe was the first to speak. “We should open the borders to those who want to come here.”

“What?” Levi’s fangs came out.

“We can’t rely on the shields and stay hidden here. It’s not living. And it’s half the reason why Aveka has so many followers. So, let them come. Not all at once, of course. They can clear it ahead of time.”

Mikar nodded. “Every time. Every time, we think we’re safe at the borders, and something threatens that. We’ve grown complacent.”

Levi’s jaw remained tight.

Before he could voice his protest, Chloe lifted a hand, silencing him. “Let me finish. We should let people come visit if they want to, because the bulk of the vampire community isn’t our enemy until we make them that way. I’m an easy villain to paint, and Aveka’s offering a seductive vision. But that’s not all.” She leaned forward. “I want to hunt her down. On her turf. I want to find a way onto her island and destroy it.”

He eyes were sky blue, bright with bloodlust.

“She killed me once last night. I would have died a second time if it wasn’t for Diana and Belial. I’m done. She wants a fight, let’s fight.”

“What does Eirikr think about it?” Cat asked.

The ancient was back on Cosnoc, in his cave, now Greer had come to.

“I haven’t said anything yet, but let’s face it, he’s going to cheer.” Chloe knew her ancestor more than anyone here, but after last night, Mikar was fairly certain she was right. The man was all for attacking first, mercilessly.

Levi closed his eyes. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t move to the offensive. But we’re talking about hunting down a powerful ancient immortal witch with a huge following.” He paused. “We’ll have to take precautions, and plan accordingly.”

That didn’t sound like a refusal at all. Mikar shrugged. “Hell, yeah. Let’s burn her place next time.”

Diana nodded. “I’m in.”

They were all in.

“While I’m at it, there’s something else I should tell all of you. We’re all in this together. We’re family.” Chloe’s eyes caught Diana’s. Mikar had no clue what she was about to say, but it was clear Diana did. “I’m pregnant.”

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