"Was it just me or the world
was burning again. It was
all burning, yet no one
could see the smoke!"

~~Shikha Mehta

****************

~Robbie~

The moment I jumped into the SUV and slammed the door, August sped away from the curb. Torch cursed in the back of the vehicle as his head smacked into the glass after barely getting the hatch closed. He and my gran were cramped amongst our belongings after shoving things to the side to make a small space but neither would find sympathy from me. 

My gran had used me as a tool in Torch's plan, one that could have gotten us all killed if Michael hadn't been willing to risk his life. She knew I would have been worried after she disappeared and used it to her advantage, and that wasn't something I would forgive easily. I didn't appreciate being an unwilling pawn in a potentially deadly game.

Michael's legs were hanging awkwardly off the edge of the seat and his face looked at pale as death as it sat cradled in Nova's lap. If it weren't for the faint arhythmic sounds of his heart and shallow breaths, I would have believed the warlock to be dead. Blood trailed from his nose and down his neck, smeared across his lips and pallid skin, a clear display of what he had just done.

My eyes traveled from the unconscious man up to my love, who sat with his eyes closed and jaw clenched as if trying to keep himself in check. I knew he was angry about what happened and concerned for his friend, the last forty-eight hours taking its toll on him dramatically. It had been nothing but chaos, first the attack at the house and then the shit with his mom, and now this… I could only imagine what was going on inside his head.

I looked down at Michael's face again, moment envious of his ability to read minds. Initially, Michael was a thorn in my side, someone I loathed on principle more than anything and I wasn't particularly fond of him even now. But even though he was in love with my mate and a pain in my ass, I had to admit that he had earned my respect. It took guts to do what he had done, knowing the risks and willing to do it anyway, and even I had felt the high levels of power he had called to him.

Sighing, I picked up his feet and placed them on my lap to allow his body to lay in what had to have been a more comfortable position. Nova looked at me in surprise but smiled after a moment, silently mouthing the word 'thank you'.

"Want a donut?" Nevada asked suddenly, thrusting a pink box into the backseat towards us. "Or coffee? We've got coffee."

"You're too cheerful and it's creepy," Nova grumbled even as he took the box from her hand. 

"I'll take one of those," Torch said, starting to reach over the back of the seat towards the box.

I grabbed his wrist in a tight grip, preventing him from reaching the food. 

"Touch anything before he's done and I'll rip your face off," I growled, baring my teeth at the other man.

He regarded me for a moment through narrowed eyes and I tightened my fingers, feeling the bones in his wrists rub together. Torch clenched his jaw but backed down with a nod. Flinging his arm away, probably more roughly than necessary, I watched until I was sure that Nova was actually going to eat before taking the box. Just as I was about to take a donut for myself, Nova leaned towards me and the space between us before taking a bite of his. 

"What are you doing?" I asked, eyeing his strange position that definitely couldn't be comfortable. 

"I don't want to get crumbs or icing on his face," he answered as if it were obvious. 

"You look like you're going to fall over," I commented, trying to fight a grin.

"Shut up," Nova said with an eye roll but I saw his lips twitch as he fought a smile of his own.

Satisfied that I managed to lighten his mood just a little, I grudgingly tossed the remaining donuts into the back. I didn't bother to look at either of them, still too pissed off to acknowledge my gran. 

"Hey sis, do you have anything in your bag I could use to clean him up with?" Nova asked a few minutes later as he finished his food and straightened back in his seat. "The least I can do is get some of the blood off."

"Yeah, I think I may have some makeup up remover wipes in here somewhere," she answered as she rummaged through her bag. A moment later, she produced a small plastic package and handed it back. "These should work."

"Thanks," he said, taking them from her and pulling a wipe free. After only hesitating for a few seconds, I pulled one out and leaned over to help. Nova once again seemed surprised by my actions and even I was a bit shocked myself. "You don't have to…"

"I know," I answered quietly, unsure of why I was even doing it to begin with. After studying my profile for a moment longer, Nova went back to what he was doing and neither of us spoke about it again.

Maybe it was my connection with Nova, our bond somehow funneling his concern into me. Or maybe I was just grateful for what Michael was willing to do in order to help us that made me do it. But then, who knows, maybe I had gotten used to him without realizing it, because seeing him like this… I just didn't like it. 

What had he done anyway? I had killed people, innocent and deserving, along with a slough of other terrible things and not all of them I was ashamed of or regretted at all. And Michael? All he had done to make me hate him in the first place was… love someone that loved me instead.

Sighing, I tossed the soiled wipe into the trash bag on the floor of the SUV and looked out of my window. Whoever had been on their way to that house must not have seen us leave since no one seemed to be following us, which was a good thing. If we got caught up in any more bullshit before we got to the rendezvous point with my brother I would probably kill anyone that looked at me funny.

I hadn't fed in hours, or maybe it was more like days, I wasn't even sure anymore. The little bit of food we had eaten wasn't enough to curb the growing hunger that gnawed at my gut and made my fangs ache inside my gums. I needed blood but I couldn't exactly feed in anyone in the SUV, at least not at the moment. Nova would be willing, I had no doubt, but when I fed on him it usually led to other things and now wasn't exactly the best time or place for that.

"Here," August said, breaking into my mental bitching and getting my attention.

Looking toward the front seat, I saw that he was holding out a familiar metal flask. Most of the time, the sire bond had a tendency to get under my skin but I was thankful for it now. He must have sensed my edginess and the craving that plagued me.

"Thanks," I mumbled, taking the flask and gulping down a mouthful of the crimson liquid. 

Sadly it wasn't more than room temperature but I wasn't picky at this point. I closed my eyes as I felt my body relax slightly, my nerves soothing fractionally as my cells soaked it in. Taking one more large drink, I handed it back and prayed to the gods it would be enough to keep me from murdering my grandmother if she tried to talk to me.

"We've got a few more hours ahead of us so we might as well get comfortable," August announced, taking an exit ramp onto an empty interstate. 

"Easy for you to say," Torch grumbled from the back seat. 

"Shut up!" Nova snapped, twisting as much as he could to look back at him. "This is your fault. We could have been there already and Michael would be conscious if it weren't for you and your fucking games; like father, like son. Deal with it."

Torch clenched his jaw but didn't argue, his eyes lingering on Michael's face briefly before turning away. This was going to be a very long ride.

●●●●

It was midafternoon when we pulled off the highway and onto a gravel road, August's description of a few hours being less than accurate.

"Are we finally there?" I asked, trying to peer through the thick trees that passed my window.

"Almost, at least according to the GPS that keeps losing signal," August admitted in irritation as he glared at the screen situated into the dash above the radio.

"Good, my back hates me right now," Nova said, craning his neck to look through the windshield.

Michael's heartbeat had returned to normal a couple of hours ago and his breathing was regular finally as well. He was still a bit pale but some of the color had returned which had made Nova feel better, thankfully, and he had resorted to mindlessly threatening his unconscious friend every so often. 

"Oh! I see… cabins?" Nevada said, pointing somewhere up ahead. "Reyne sent us to a group of cabins?"

"Seems that way," I answered, spotting the first few cabins as well. "He wasn't specific, just gave me the address."

Sure enough, we found ourselves in a clearing with a large gravel parking area and about a dozen log cabins clustered around. In the distance, I could see tents dotting the thinner areas of the forest and people milling around or talking in small groups. In the center of the collective cabins, there was a larger one that looked as if it had been a welcome center at some point, most likely housing offices or a gift shop. Other vehicles were in the lot, and one I recognized. 

"Is that your car, August?" Nova asked, squinting through the window as we rolled to a stop. "Holy shit, it is. Nev, they're here!"

Just as August switched off the engine, the double glass doors swung open and out stepped my brother. Michael was still out, so I carefully removed his legs from my lap and placed them in the seat before climbing from the backseat and heading towards Reyne with a smile.

"Hey, I see you made it," Reyne greeted.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, got a little held up."

Nova joined us a moment later, worry still etched on his face but he quickly replaced it with his mask. "Good to see you again, Reyne."

"Likewise," Reyne replied, tilting his head to the side, eyes the mark curving along the side of Nova's neck. "I'm guessing congratulations is in order?"

The tips of Nova's ears turned a light pink but he smiled, the first genuine smile I had seen in a while and my heart soared at the sight. Wrapping my arm around his waist and pulling him towards me, I kissed his temple and looked at my twin.

"Definitely."

"I'm happy for you brother, it's a rare thing you've been given," Reyne said seriously. He looked at Nova, "Be sure to give him hell for me, will you?"

"Every day," Nova agreed.

The door swung open again to reveal Dominic and Alana. A squeal erupted behind us and Nevada rushed passed and practically tackled her parents who happily returned her embrace.

"Oh my gods, I'm so glad that you're okay!" The blonde cried, tears glistening in her eyes as she smiled widely at the two. "I'm so happy to see you!"

"Same here!" Alana said, her smile matching her daughter's.

Nova tensed beside me, not moving to greet them but I could still see the relief in his eyes. Gravel crunching behind us drew my attention away from the greetings and I saw my gran and Torch slowly approaching. Seeing him in direct sunlight, I could tell that he was a bit more pale than normal and walking slowly as if his body hurt. However, I still felt no sympathy for the man and turned back to the rest of the group with August at my shoulder.

"Ah, so they finally learned to read a map," a voice I didn't recognize spoke.

Everyone turned to look at the side of the cabin as a man came around the corner. He had shaggy blonde hair with faded streaks of blue and purple throughout and tattoos decorating his arms and neck. They disappeared inside his shirt but I assumed they spanned farther beneath the fabric. His eyes were a vibrant blue but I sense a darkness hiding beneath the playful smile on his face. The man had a strong resemblance to Dominic but I got the impression they couldn't be more opposite. 

"Oh, this one looks like me," the man said, his eyes trailing over Nova curious. His blue eyes glittered mischievously as he looked at Dominic. "Maybe this one is mine instead."

"Shut it, Elijah," Dominic said and I was a bit surprised that he didn't seem perturbed by the comment. "This is Nova, my son, and this is Nevada, my youngest."

"Well, I noticed you didn't bother to point out that she's a girl so that's progress, big brother," Elijah taunted, rolling his eyes but grinning when Nevada and Alana giggled. "Good to see you again, August. Lucky an old man like yourself got a young little thing like that. Be good to my niece or I'll castrate you."

I swallowed a laugh as August just looked at him, completely unfazed by the threat. When Elijah's gaze traveled over my shoulder and stopped on my gran with Torch, he simply nodded but said nothing. Apparently they didn't need an introduction. 

"Are we missing someone?" Reyne asked, his eyes lingering on the SUV a long time before looking at me. 

"Michael is sleeping and I figured I would leave him be for now," Nova answered.

"Michael? That's the warlock isn't it?" Reyne asked, once again looking at the vehicle. 

"Yes…" I answered, drawing the word out as I tried to figure out what he was getting at.

"Huh," he hummed distractedly before shaking his head and gesturing towards the large cabin. "Okay, then let's get started. We can catch him up whenever he wakes."

Our group heads inside and Reyne leads us into a large room that reminds me of a conference room I had seen on tv before, with rolling desk chairs surrounding a long, oval table. We all took a seat and looked at each other expectantly. 

"Oh for the love of cheese," Alana muttered with a shake of her head. "Okay, so what's happened since we last spoke. I see Torch is with us and not dead, so does anyone care to explain that?"

I was reminded of how my gran had used me for his benefit and anger erupted all over again as I glared at the man in question. Thankfully August took the lead and explained to the group everything that had happened, from the night we left August's house until now. Dominic was the first to speak.

"So, let me get this straight," he began, narrowing his eyes on Torch. "You used Rosalyn to trick my kids into coming to your house just to use Michael as a tool or you would have tried to kill them all because of some bond with your father?"

"Essentially," Torch admitted, his face blank and dark orbs emotionless. 

"You said Michael performed some sort of ritual to break the bond?" Alana cut in before Dominic could say anything else. "Did it work?"

"Yes," Torch answered as he shifted in his seat with a wince. "The bond has been… removed and Balthier no longer has a hold on me nor can he sense where I am if he tried. The spell took its toll, but it worked."

"You're lucky it didn't kill him, you sociopath," Nova growled and I took his hand in mine beneath the table to keep him from leaping across it to strangle the other man.

"Interesting…" Elijah rubbed his chin in thought as he surveyed the table. "Well, at least we all know what we're up against. And the motivation behind it all."

The door to the conference room opened and in stepped an exhausted looking Michael. His hair was a bit wild and dark circles still hung beneath his eyes but he had changed into jeans and one of Nova's band tees instead of the robes that swallowed him whole. He still looked a bit worse for the wear but at least he didn't look like a dying man anymore. 

"Hey are you feeling better?" Nova asked, pulling out the empty chair beside him.

Michael nodded but his exhaustion was still prominent as he slowly made his way towards us. He paused halfway to his seat and his eyes widened as they darted across the room. Confused, I followed his direction of sight and found Reyne looking calmly back at him with a raised brow. Michael cleared his throat a moment later and shook his head, hastening his pace and practically flinging himself into the chair. He looked extremely uncomfortable and seemed completely fascinated by his fingernails all of a sudden. 

"Oh jeez," Alana muttered and rolled her eyes before getting the conversation back on track. "Okay, so first thing we need to do is get me back to the palace so I can get things straightened out and back on track. I have yet to make contact with anyone I know inside. But I can't just barge in."

"I could send the vamps to do recon tonight," Elijah suggested. "They could get in and out pretty quickly, at least my good ones can."

"Can they keep from feeding on the fae?" Dominic asked skeptically. 

"Hhmm… yeah, maybe not, but what loss would that be honestly?" Elijah shrugged.

"I could try to dream walk again?" Nevada offered but it came out as a question. "I mean, I've gone before…"

Elijah waved a disinterested hand. "Nah, dream walking is risking and unreliable even at the best of times for someone experienced. Who says you won't have a random thought right before falling asleep? You're ass could end up in Disney World or something."

His phone started ringing before Nevada or anyone else could argue, the lyrics to a Panic at the Disco song blasting through the room. He tapped the screen and pressed it to his ear.

"Drakos," he greeted the caller in a bored tone, slouched lazily in his chair.

We all watched as he listened for a moment, his demeanor quickly growing serious as he straightened in his seat with a frown.

"Say that again," he demanded slowly, his eyes flicking to Dominic. "Yeah, I got it. Thanks."

He hung up with a scowl, tossing his phone on the table in irritation. 

"What is it?" Dominic asked and I could hear the mild dread beneath his words.

"Folmoria has fallen," he said quietly, his easy going tone replaced with solemnity. "Bombed, blown to pieces. There's nothing left but rumble. No survivors."

********************

A/N: Woah! Another chapter done! That's 3 in 3 days! *Pat's self on the back* So close to the end already.

What do you think?

Theories?

Questions that you want answered by the end of Book 4?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO🖤❤🖤❤

~SM~