Page 123 of Within the Veil

"Everyone within this camp has been spelled to never speak of Li'Ella's existence. Even with the traitors who were within our midst, they wouldn't have been able to divulge that information," Oberon's voice holds no emotion, yet with every word, the room grows colder.

"The soldier mentioned a mind probe, but it was unclear as to how or who they were able to access," Talvyn adds.

Before Oberon can respond, I hold up my hand, a thought tugging at my mind, "I want a quiet investigation to see if anyone within the camp has been acting strangely," I look at Jensi and Luca. When they nod, I turn back to Oberon, "When we were sparring, I picked up on something odd from someone in the camp. It wasn't a declaration of guilt, by any means, but more of a discomfort. I didn't think much of it. Considering our links have been wide open, none of you did either."

I sigh, "The truth is, whoever they got to, it doesn't matter now. This is more than just Seelie and Unseelie. It has been for a long time. When you consider the outside forces at play, whether the Gods or the Fates, we are merely road-test dummies on a collision course with fuckery. At least, Siomha's warning makes perfect sense. How quickly can we move?"

"There is something else to note," Talvyn adds. Because, of course, there is something else to add.

"They have found the sect of Arallu's and have waged an attack. From their talk, it seems they are counting on their victory to weaken Hunter in some regard."

I freeze, not wanting to look back. Instead, I ask, "Can you show us everything?"

When Talvyn nods, Oberon closes his eyes, and his magic fills the room for a few moments, while, I assume, he lifts whatever spell he has over Talvyn's mind. After a few moments, everything in Talvyn's recent memory plays like a movie.

Fuck.

I look toward Zane they all exchange looks.

I tune out their mental planning for some planning of my own. Or rather, information hunting that I couldn't quite catch from Talvyn's report.

"Talvyn, what would you say about Nici's current mental state? Does she seem off to you?" I ask. It's been something that's been bugging me since reading up on her history. There is absolutely no way her mind didn't take a significant hit when she decided to play with the leylines.

He pauses to think, and his face goes blank as he, presumably, delves into the recesses of his mind where his dark, depraved, murderous memories dwell.

"She tends to mutter to herself, there are also days where other Whisperers report her seeming completely in a mindless rage, and others where she is completely calm. But one could argue that that is average behavior for a psychopathic usurper," he answers.

"Good point," I pause for a moment and then look towards Oberon, interrupting their mental conversations. "Sugar-puff-murder-pie, who do you have placed directly with Niciven? I know you have to have someone smuggled in there that is close enough to get more in-depth information."

He scowls briefly, "These names get more and more ridiculous. But yes, I do. One man who is tasked to stay by Niciven's side. However, pulling him out would mean having to pull out the rest of my men."

"Wait, why?" I ask.

"How many?" Zane says at the same time.

"He has a very particular skill set. Distraction and manipulation are key in ensuring my men's safety. While I am more than confident in their abilities to destroy everything in their path, I will always be their first line of defense. And to answer your question, Zane, I have exactly 2452 Whisperers within the Stolen Kingdom."

"Perhaps it would be prudent to pull them out now, Oberon," Talvyn says pensively.

"I agree. You were able to pierce the shield, and we are fortunate to at least have an idea of her plan, but at this point, we have to act as if we know for certain that they are aware of our every asset," Grayson points out, his eyes flicking towards Hunter who is noticeably silent.

I feel his anger simmering beneath his skin, and I don't think it is because his people were found, exactly. More so that they were found before he could get to them. Since he was still struggling to remember a lot of his past memories.

Hey, handsome Demon Genie, we will get to them. No matter what Nici has done, she needs them alive. If she is so certain that she has taken you out of the equation, whatever ace she has up her sleeve relies on your reaction. She is counting on the Arallu, not the man.

He nods, his eyes focused on my belly. I smile softly as my belly starts to glow softly. Exactly. That bitch and Uranus have no idea that Daddy Hunter is more terrifying than Arallu Hunter. Your heart is what makes you formidable, babe. Not the claws, fangs, or horns. Although, they are sexy. I wink at him and then turn to face the entire room.

"Right. It's too late to go anywhere tonight. Oberon, call back your men--pulling out sucks, but I think they will be grateful for it this time; no one wants an itchy spear. The sun is setting on the shadowy place, folks; tomorrow, we begin our ascension to Pride Rock. We ride at dawn!"

Chapter22

Hudson

Hudson

There is nothing better than dream sex, real sex, and a plan to take over the world. Okay. Fine, not the last, but to be fair, as I step out of the shower and look at my glorious mini-house reflection, I damn sure look like I'm going to take over the world.

My belly starts to glow, and there is something special, and oddly disturbing, seeing a bright light shine from inside of you. I'm essentially a care bear; with wings. I smile as my belly shifts from left to right, and reach for the baby oil and and just pour it all over me. I damn sure am not going to rub it all in. Cinderella had a legion of forest animals to help her clean and make dresses, why don't I have a legion of cute furry animals to help me put on baby oil? The unfairness of it all astounds me.

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