Page 92 of The Dark Rises
Lux claps his hands in glee. “That was a good one, Aamon. I’ll have to try that next time.” He scans the chamber as if he’s searching for his next victim. “Meri is our friend.”
His words silence the entire chamber. Nobody wants his interest falling on them.
I chuckle, and Lai looks at me in astonishment. “There are a lot more like them, and worse, in the Wilds. Trust me. Think about our words. Ask yourself if you’re prepared for this war. Avalon is your best offer. I’d take it if I were you.”
Handing the dagger to Meri, I watch her run a finger down its blade and whisper, “I’ve missed you.”
“Is that one of the Killian Blades?” I ask, my voice purposely loud.
Based on what Cormal told me, Camon had the blade in his hand when Madoc took his life that fateful day in the court. Brina must have picked it up.
“It is, and it’s also my friend, but I’m glad Lux stepped in and took care of Brina,” she says confidently, conjuring a sheath for her belt and sliding it inside. “Let’s go home.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
MADOC
My mind races as I listen to the recap of Rivan and Meri’s visit to the Federation to present the proposal. It’s a toss-up on whether they’ll take the deal, but I like the way the two of them presented it. Not as a plea to avoid war or to sell Avalon as the answer to all the Federation’s needs, but as the best offer they will get from us.
“Maybe we can play it up,” I start, slowly gathering my thoughts. “We know their spies are watching us. Let’s bring in some of the worst. Vampires, monsters, magic wielders, one of the Elven elite, and a demon or two. Get them practicing in the yard. Give them a taste of what they will face in this battle.”
Cormal’s smile is truly frightening. He’s completely enjoying the idea of putting on a show.
“You’re in charge,” I say, pointing to him. “I’ll concentrate on reorganizing our battlefield. Make sure our worst is front and center for the big day.”
Cormal rubs his hands together. “I’m going to start with the most terrifying of them all.” When I raise an eyebrow, he gives me a droll look. “Lucifer, of course. With a little help from Evren.”
I open my mouth to ask why but close it again. Don’t get me wrong. Lucifer is truly terrifying up close where you can feel the power he wields and the dynamic force of his fuck you attitude, but at a distance, his appearance resembles an angel. Whatever. This should be interesting.
“Oh, and, Cormal, tell Lux I said thank you. His response was the perfect ending to the proposal,” I tell him. “I’ve already spoken to Aamon.”
“I was incredibly impressed with his restraint. Maybe he’s finally growing out of his destructive phase,” Cormal says with an indulgent smile. “I’m off to find a disguise.”
Restraint is always a matter of perspective. I hope he remembers that when he finds a disguise for Lucifer.
“We could hold an aerial exercise with Valerian and myself,” Rivan offers. “Most Phoenix are aware of the lethality of a dragon’s fire, but they think they’ll be able to outfly the large beasts. I want to showcase their speed.”
“Perfect. Go for it,” I reply. “The Phoenix are one of our most dangerous adversaries in this battle.”
His broad grin tells me he’s enjoying this, too. Maybe we’re the monsters in this story. The three of us find way too much enjoyment in scaring the living hell out of our enemies.
With the two of them gone, I pull Meri closer, careful not to get near the blade at her waist. “Keep that with you at all times. They would have me on my knees if they took you. All of us, really.”
She presses her lips to mine. “What can I do to help?”
“How about you work with Arden to set up a show in the courtyard? Remind our foes that the magic witches wield hasfew boundaries,” I murmur against her lips. Pink and plump, they tempt me to abandon everything for a few hours.
“There’s never enough time for the fun stuff,” she pouts. “By the way, Bianca, one of Arden’s coven, is the best portal creator I’ve ever seen. You know. In case you want to really throw some theatrics into the battlefield and bring the creatures from the Wilds in right before it starts.” She pecks me on the lips. “I’m off.”
There was definitely a twinkle in her eye when she offered that tidbit. All four of us are pretty warped.
Peering down at the board, I swipe my forearm across it. Their idea to emphasize the differences between the last war and this one was brilliant. We need our force to reflect the worst of our allies. I want complete nightmares to be standing on the frontline, staring at our enemies.
Putting the dark Fae army in the center, I reduce the number of lines, but make them longer. Our entire force is still there, just hidden a bit.
Then I create a large space to the left of my army for Lucifer’s bloodthirsty group. Two lines for vampires. Led by Daire, of course, who’s well known for his battle prowess. With him front and center, along with some of his ugliest and scariest vampires, that should do the trick. Maybe we can showcase their speed too.
Vargas isn’t joining the battle, much to his dismay. Solandis is close to giving birth.
