Page 1 of The Last Strike

Asher

“We will attack the royal compound. Reed is in place,” Asher said, his voice shaking with rage. “It is time for Adani to fall.”

Fury lashed through Asher’s veins. He wouldn’t stand for this. The Adani King had known that attacking the Lithe Ruins would hit Asher hard, but he had underestimated just how hard. The Lithe Ruins were not only a holy site—they had also been Asher’s favorite place in the world. A place he went to seek solace, to soothe his soul.

King Khalil had made a huge mistake attacking Asher’s beloved ruins.

And now he would pay.

“I’ll issue the order,” Asher said.

“There is no turning back now,” King Luang, his new ally, said. He sighed. “I guess there was no turning back anyway, not after your press conference announcing war.”

“There is no turning back. If we give into them now, they will destroy the entire region. My kingdom, your kingdom, and every kingdom that stands in their way,” Asher said. He needed to move, to pace, but as he stood his legs felt that strange sense of heaviness yet weightlessness. He put a hand on the wall to steady himself.

“I know, Asher. That’s why I, and the other kingdoms, sat at the round table and agreed to fight with you. But war is ugly, and this will be a scathing mess. Prepare yourself for a long, hard journey. You’re going to need to support and uplift your people. If I can give you one piece of advice from someone who has ruled longer than you, and ruled during war, it is this: keep the morale of your people high. Stay connected to them and keep a visible presence, even when it’s hard. Your people will need to see you and know you remain strong and confident.”

King Luang reminded Asher of his late father. Asher’s heart ached for him, wishing he was here to guide him—to handle this for him. But he wasn’t, and Santina was now Asher’s responsibility.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Asher said.

King Luang gave a slight chuckle. “Please call me Luang—that’s what your father called me, because we were friends. Now we’re friends, Asher, and we’re going to need each other.”

“Thank you, Luang,” Asher said with a warm smile.

Asher wondered if it would be the last time he smiled for a while.

“Now, go issue the order. Let’s teach King Khalil a lesson in manners,” King Luang said with a hint of excitement. Asher knew he wasn’t excited for war, but the end of Adani would be a blessing to their region, even the world.

“Copy. I’ll keep you updated,” Asher said before ending the call.

He went to the bathroom, splashed some water on his face, and brushed his teeth. He pulled on a fresh white T-shirt and jeans. When he returned to the bedroom, Abi was awake—he’d no doubt woken her with his phone call.

“King Khalil attacked the Lithe Ruins. It’s started,” Asher said, the fury returning. During his conversation with King Luang, he’d momentarily felt calm, but now that was forgotten. Now he would use his anger to strengthen him.

Abi’s jaw fell open and she scrambled out of bed. “Wait for me. I’m coming with you,” she said as she reached for a sweater, pulling it over her head. He held out his hand for her and pulled her into his embrace.

“I love you,” Asher said, looking into her eyes. “Whatever happens from here on, know that I’ll protect you at all costs, Abi.”

“We’ll protect each other,” she said, looking up at him through her lashes.

He lost himself in her resolve for a moment. He nodded. “Always.”

Asher knocked on the bedroom door twice and security opened it. “To the command center, please,” Asher said.

As they walked through the hallways, accompanied by a full security team, it was not lost on Asher that he’d had to temporarily move into his future father-in-law’s house. He was the King of Santina, but he had no residence of his own after King Khalil’s men had destroyed his palace—and the second safest place in Santina was the Bennett’s family home. He almost laughed at the reality he’d found himself in, because if he didn’t, he might lose his mind.

Asher would rebuild. He and Abi would build a new palace, a new beginning for them and for Santina. But Asher couldn’t do that until he won the war he’d started. Once he took control of Adani, the oil funds would secure Santina’s future and fund building a new palace. Until then, he would need to stay on the good side of his future father-in-law.

As they turned the corner and entered the command center, Asher’s eyes landed on James Thomas, who was seated at a large dining table filled with monitors and various technical devices. Asher was not surprised to see William Bennett seated beside him.

“I’ve spoken with King Luang and we’re ready. Command Reed to proceed,” Asher said, standing beside James. He didn’t think he could sit for this; too much nervous energy was pumping through him.

“Reed?” James asked.

“Copy.”Reed’s voice came through the speaker system, echoing through the room.

“Proceed when you’re ready. Once you detonate, you’ll have two minutes to get inside. Make it count, but don’t rush. Watch your back,” James said, calm and encouraging.

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