Page 298 of Halfblood Deceived

He couldn’t risk leaving Luce without her father.

He couldn’t risk leaving Lex or Evan without the other.

He couldn’t imagine losing Mari either—

“I know what you’re thinking, Zeydan,” Mari said. “And you are fucking delusional if you think we’ll let you go alone.”

“We care about Aella, too, Zeydan,” Evan said. “You know she wouldn’t have hesitated to go after any of us. We won’t abandon her.”

“I’m coming,” Kamilla said in a tone that allowed no argument.

“So am I,” Aylana announced.

“There is no way in all the Hells I’m staying behind,” Diana said, eyes blazing red.

“Araiah and I could keep an eye on everything while you’re gone, Princess Kamilla,” Aroth offered.

Kamilla dipped her chin. “Thank you, Aroth.”

Aroth bowed his head. “You will always have my loyalty and help, my Princess.”

Zeydan felt Aroth’s sincerity even through the aching storm of desperation raging inside him. He wasn’t sure why Aroth was so loyal to Kamilla. But loyal, he was, and Zeydan was very grateful for that.

Aroth gave Kerian a knowing smile. “Go with your sister, Kerian. I promise to take care of Darkwood and Kali as if they were my own.”

Kerian nodded. “I know you will. Thank you.”

“We’re coming too,” Lex and Evan chorused.

Andreas half shrugged at Zeydan. “I’ll protect those you love until the day I die. You know that.”

Zeydan swallowed hard and blinked. “Thank you. All of you. But we can’t all take the risk. Lex, you’ll stay with Gabby this time. Evan, Mari, you’re not coming either.”

Evan stood so suddenly that he sent his chair rolling across the hardwood and smacking against the wall. “Of course I’m fucking coming! Aella is my friend!”

Zeydan shook his head. “I know that. But you know werewolves are at a disadvantage with gargoyles.”

Evan pointed at Aylana. “She is a werewolf too, and you’re not telling her to stay behind!”

“I have magic,” Aylana argued.

“You burned yourself out fighting that witch, Aylana,” Zeydan reminded her. “You should also stay—”

Aylana growled at him. She was still slightly pale, but her hazel eyes blazed with determination. “No, I fucking shouldn’t. And you are close to burning out, too.”

“You can’t tell me what to do, Zeydan,” Mari snapped, eyes turning bright with verdant magic. “Aella might need medical care. She might need me. She could die on the way back.”

Zeydan felt as if his insides were being tied into knots. “And you could die on the battlefield, Mari.”

“I. Am. Coming.” Mari growled. “Get that into your thick fucking skull. And stop wasting time arguing with us.”

Kerian squeezed Zeydan’s shoulder. “She’s right, cousin. I’ll go grab Dyson to get the jet ready.” With that and a lingering look at Aroth, he left at full speed.

Kamilla sighed. “I need to make a few calls, and collect something we’ll need, too.” She took Diana’s hand. “Come with me?”

Diana nodded, and together, they left the room.

“Aroth,” Aylana called. “Would you please bring Sebastian here? I need him to recover. And I am 100% sure he’ll be coming with us, too.”

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