Page 56 of Mate Night Snack
"Well," he said mildly, "that's unfortunate."
"Unfortunate?" Emmett stared at him. "He just declared war on our entire community."
"Did he?" Varric stepped closer to the tree, studying the message with scientific interest. "Or did he just reveal how little he understands about what he's truly facing?"
"I'm not following."
"Ashwin operates on old assumptions. Old patterns. He expects to find the same fearful community that's been hiding from him for thirty years." Varric traced one of the burned letters with his finger. "But we're not the same community anymore, are we? We have new allies. New strengths. New ways of thinking about old problems."
"You mean Katniss."
"I mean all of us. But yes, her recognition tonight changes the equation considerably." Varric stepped back from the tree, brushing soot from his fingers. "She's not just under our protection now. She's part of our defense. And that's something Ashwin won't be prepared for."
More footsteps announced the arrival of other Council members. Miriam emerged from the darkness with the quiet grace of someone who'd spent decades walking night paths, while Callum materialized like a golden shadow, his lion's presence filling the space with predatory energy.
"Damn," Callum said, studying the message. "He's not subtle, is he?"
"Subtlety was never his strong suit," Emmett replied. "Brutality and psychological warfare, on the other hand..."
"Then we'll have to be smarter than he is." Varric turned to address the assembled group. "This message tells us several things. First, that he knows about tonight's ceremony. Second, that he feels confident enough to make open threats. Third, that he's close enough to act on those threats."
"So what's our response?" Miriam asked.
"We protect what matters most," Varric said simply. "And we prepare for a fight that's been thirty years in the making."
Emmett felt his wolf settle beneath his skin, no longer pacing with helpless fury but coiled with purpose. Ashwin wanted a war? Fine. But this time, the old monster was going to discover what happened when he targeted a community that had finally learned to fight back.
This time, he was going to lose.
"Emmett," Varric said quietly, "go home to your mate. Make sure she understands what's coming. The rest of us will handle the tactical preparations."
"I should be involved in planning"
"You should be where you're most needed," the elder corrected gently. "And right now, that's with her. Trust us to handle the details."
It went against every instinct he had, leaving the planning to others while he retreated to safety. But as he looked around atthe faces surrounding him, familiar and determined and united in purpose, he realized Maeve had been right.
He wasn't alone this time.
"All right," he said. "But if you need anything..."
"We'll call," Maeve promised. "Now go. Before she decides to come looking for you herself."
Emmett nodded and shifted back to wolf form, letting his other half carry him swiftly through the forest toward home. Toward the woman who was now officially part of this community's defense, whether Ashwin understood it or not.
Let the old monster think he was hunting prey.
He was about to discover he'd walked into a trap instead.
23
KATNISS
"Absolutely not."
Katniss crossed her arms and stared down the assembled Council members gathered in Miriam's. Morning light streamed through the lace curtains, painting everything in soft golds that should have felt peaceful but only emphasized how surreal this conversation was.
Varric leaned back in the floral armchair that looked far too delicate to support his imposing frame, his storm-cloud eyes studying her with what might have been admiration. "The sanctuary in northern California has excellent protections. Ancient redwood magic, very stable. You'd be safe there while we deal with Ashwin."
