"Victory is reserved for those
who are willing to pay
its price."

~~Sun Tzu

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

~Robbie~

There was a new speck of hope running throughout the camp after we all watched the display between Alana and her warriors. But I agreed with Elijah, we had bigger things to focus on now and could rejoice later… if we survived the night. 

"Did we have a count on the dicks flocking from the west?" Elijah asked as he led Nova, August, Nevada, and I to the building that held their makeshift armory. "Be nice to know a few details."

His sarcastic tone irked me but my snarled reply was interrupted by Dominic jogging up to us as we walked.

"Alana's dispatching any archers she has now," he informed us, slowing us pace to match ours.

"Good. Bat dog was just about to tell us more about the boogers he saw," Elijah quipped, irritation twisting his snarky reply. 

"It's Hatter," Nova corrected flatly just as I snarled, "Fucking bogies, dumbass!"

"Enough!" Nevada yelled, silencing the ridiculous argument that was on the verge of exploding. "Back on track because I'm really not in the mood nor do I have the time for immature bullshit."

"There was a convoy, unsure of exact count but I believe at least eight vehicles," I answered through clenched teeth. "But there could have been more on foot. Torch said, and we also know for a fact, that Balthier has multiple races on his side."

Elijah scoffed but didn't say anything, the expression on his face saying it all. We said no more as he led us into a large room, racks for swords, shields, and daggers of all kinds lining one wall. Crossbows, guns, and other bladeless weapons dotted shelves pushed against another wall. The weapons were mostly picked through leaving very little for those still in need, but it was the clothing that caught my attention.

"Is that dragonmail?" I found myself asking in disbelief, my fingers skimming lightly over the surface of an iridescent shirt formed of scale-like pieces. "I thought these didn't exist anymore?"

"They do but that's not dragonmail," Elijah answered in a bored tone. "These were made by elves. Everything on these hangers have also been enchanted to strengthen their attributes and add additional properties for protection. They're all lightweight and breathable so they won't hinder movements."

"Couldn't find a dragon shifter, brother?" Dominic asked, lightly teasing as we began sifting through the items.

"The fact you even asked that question proves you really are dense, brother." Elijah laughed but it quickly died as the door to the room opened. "What the hell are you doing here?"

I turned to look at the newcomer and frowned when I saw her face.

"Ooh, all my favorite boys in one tiny little room," she purred as she walked farther into the room. I watched as her silver eyes flicked around the room, taking us all in. "Mmmm, this is going to be fun."

"Now is not the time, Gretta," Elijah growled, his blue eyes bright with anger. "Get out and go do what you're supposed to be doing."

"I came for the warlock -," Gretta began, the corners of her pouty lips quirking up as Elijah interrupted.

"He's not here so fuck off."

"You're always so tense, Eli," she purred, her smile widening when they landed on Nova. I watched as her nostril flared as she breathed in his scent. "Well, well, well, this is interesting. I know that scent, I'm quite familiar with it actually."

"Is that so?" Nova asked coolly, looking at me with a raised brow, obviously catching her meaning very quickly.

I internally groaned, not wanting to have this conversation right then, or ever if possible.

"Oh yes, and you smell delicious, little fae. I can see the appeal." Gretta traced a finger over Nova's chest, smiling when I growled only to quickly switch her attention to August. I would have laughed if it wasn't all so fucked up. "And there's August Maines. Missed me lately?"

"Excuse me?" Nevada asked, crossing her arms. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "Is there something you needed or are you just bored?"

"What do you want, Gretta?" Elijah asked, gripping her arm and turning her roughly to face him. 

Gretta sighed in dramatic defeat. "The warlock needs new clothes and I promised to help him change after he puts the drunk witches underground."

Elijah dropped his hand and clenched it into a fist, blue orbs blazing furiously. He looked ready to explode but instead he rigidly stepped aside and allowed her access to the armor behind him. After grabbing a few things, Gretta strolled back to the door and paused with her hand on the knob.

"Hope to see you soon, boys," she purred with a seductive wink before disappearing from the room.

"Well, I don't think I like her," Nevada grumbled, taking some armor for herself. 

"You don't have to like her," Elijah snapped. "Regardless of her immaturity, she's got your back. That's all that matters. Now the four of you get changed and get out there. We've got a war to fight."

I watched as he left the room and then looked at Nova, debating on whether or not I should say something. 

"Whatever you're conflicted about just stop, okay?" Nova said, tugging a black vest, that reminded me of kevlar, over his black tee. "Whatever that was, whoever she was, it doesn't matter."

"Nova,-" I began, still feeling guilty for some reason.

"I said forget it, Robbie." Nova looked at me evenly, no anger or hurt hidden anywhere as his eyes roamed my face. "It really doesn't matter. I promise."

I nodded. "Fine, but I'll tell you all about it later anyway."

"Works for me," he replied, pressing a lingering kiss on my lips before smirking. "And don't keep any of those dirty details to yourself. I want to make sure I know everything so I know exactly how to make you forget."

My pants grew tighter at his suggestion, especially after we had been interrupted earlier. I would never get tired of this man, it was impossible. 

Dominic left the armory a few minutes later, silent the entire time as he made sure his kids were properly attired. The rest of us had just left the building when the unmistakable sounds of wolves howling once again filled the night air. These were more urgent, the alarm in the tember raising the hair on the back of my neck.

I watched as dozens of wolves, along with a few panthers and bears, shifted and took off into the woods. They were the first wave aside from those already in position farther out, and August and I were supposed to join them. I looked over and held my maker's eyes, a thousand words seeming to flow between us without a single sound being uttered. He turned away first, clutching Nevada as he kissed her like it was the last time.

"Stay with your brother, do you hear me?" he instructed, searching her eyes. "Stay with Nova no matter what happens. I'll find you when it's over, Princess."

"I promise," she whispered shakily.

Tearing my gaze from them, I pulled Nova to my chest and rested my forehead against his. "I'm sorry I have to go, babe. Don't be stupid because I'll kick your ass if you get dead."

Nova smiled and kissed me, his lips warm and the taste of oranges and spice dancing briefly over my tongue until he pulled away again.

"Don't worry, babe. I'm a gift from the gods, remember? Plus I still have too many ways I still want to fuck you." His fingers clutched the fabric of my shirt despite his teasing words from before. A moment later, his expression turned serious and I could feel his unspoken suffering. "I love you, Robbie. Watch your back out there."

"Always, baby." I promised.

Reluctantly, I walked away and dashed into the woods, following the sounds of chaos quickly unfolding at least a half a mile away. I could smell fear with each step I took, the stench growing stronger every second. I could hear the clang of swords and the sizzle of magick soaring through air moments before I burst through the trees into a large clearing.

At any other time, it probably would have been beautiful, especially during the day. But in that moment, it was already in shreds, the ground broken and churned like a herd of cattle had torn through it. A snarl came from beside me and I twisted in time to avoid a bite from a wolf I didn't recognize, its teeth bared and jaws snapping viciously as it leapt towards me.

I had to focus, had to force all thoughts of Nova and my concerns away. I couldn't think about my gran or my brother, whether they were okay or where they were. I couldn't worry about my maker or Nevada. Everything had to be pushed to the recesses of my mind as I let the monster lose. 

A sense of calm washed over me and everything seemed clear and precise, the smaller wolf sensing the sudden change in my demeanor. He hesitated for half of a second and that's all it took. With a roar, I snatched him up and snapped his neck, the sound of bones crunching beneath my hands like a long lost nursery rhyme that part of me had longed for. Before I knew what was happening, everything was a blur as I tore through the chaos with a smile on my face and laughter tumbling from my lips, I was drenched in blood and I had left countless bodies behind.

But they just kept coming, from where and how I didn't know, and I had no idea how long we had been fighting. I had to remind myself it didn't matter as I turned around but the idea was short lived as my gaze landed on Julius, the vampire that had come to August's. 

He was squaring off with Reyne who had shifted into his majestic white wolf. He was massive and his thick coat was streaked with dirt and mud while he snapped and snarled at the vampire. Julius taunted him with laughter, bouncing from side to side like a child at a candy store. 

Just when I was about to turn away from the confrontation, Reyne lunged towards Julius but the vampire was quick. He twisted at the very last second, avoiding the wrath of my brother's jaw but close enough to slam his elbow into the back of his neck. I watched in horror as Reyne slammed into a nearby boulder, the faint sounds of bone cracking meeting my ears. I didn't know if he was alive or dead, but all I could see was red!

A primal roar tore from my throat, deep and harsh as it echoed off the trees. Julius looked up and cackled with glee like a madman as he shot away from me and into the woods. Immediately I went after him, pushing power into my legs as my instincts took over. In the back of my mind, something nagged at me to turn back but my fury blocked out all reason. 

Julius zipped through the trees, his taunts falling on deaf ears as the chase led farther and farther away from the camp and the fight that was raging behind us. The vampire suddenly swerved to the left, vanishing in a thick knot of trees and I stopped in my tracks. I could smell him nearby, close as if somewhere within reach and I could feel eyes boring into me but the bastard was like a wraith.

"Come on out, coward!" I bellowed, fangs scraping across my bottom lip as I bared my teeth. "I just want to rip your arms off and shove them down your throat."

"Such a rabid little dog," Julius taunted in return, his voice bouncing from all directions and I felt like I was in some kind of circus fun house, unable to pinpoint the source. "Rabid… and stupid… oh so very stupid."

I didn't get a chance to react as a sudden weight landed on my shoulders and I fell to my knees. Before I could twist away and latch onto my attacker, a sharp pain pierced my neck and acid was instantly swimming in my veins. The fury and adrenaline weren't enough to hold my strength as it quickly drained away, the edges of my vision blurring as I struggled to remain conscious. 

The weight left my body and I fell forward with a groan, smashing face first onto the brush covered ground. Grunting with the effort to turn onto my back, my movements slowed as the taste of my own blood filled my mouth. The acid rushing through me continued to burn, strengthening with each sluggish beat of my heart as I squinted at the figure towering over me.

"What… what did you… do?" I rasped out, feeling like my limbs were made of lead and an elephant was sitting on my chest.

Julius laughed again but it was more of a bitter sound, loud in the quiet around us. My vision blurred even more and began to fade as my head swam, feeling like it was stuffed with cotton.

"Liquid silver," he answered. "When you've got a rabid dog, you have to put him down."

My tongue felt thick and words left me as I drifted into darkness, my last thought being of the Prince I left behind.

●●●●

~Nova~

I hated watching Robbie walk away from me, the earlier feeling of dread returning with a vengeance as he disappeared into the woods. All around us, people were shifting; wolves, panthers, bears, and I even saw a few others I hadn't realized were even here. One by one or in groups, the fighters raced into the woods in search of a battle that I never wanted to be a part of.

I was though, my sister and I even more than the rest. Our country, our homes, was on the brink of destruction and we were all that stood in the way. I never wanted this, never wanted the world literally resting on my shoulders, but that choice was taken from both of us before we were even born.

Looking over at Nevada, I forced away the fear and anger that plagued my mind, and smiled. 

"Are you ready, baby sister?" I asked, steadily building power beneath my skin.

Emerald eyes burned bright in the darkness as she looked back at me, her energy prickling over my skin as it joined with mine.

"More than ready," she replied, her voice sounding strong and sure despite the uncertainty we faced. "I miss being able to read a book without someone trying to fucking kill me."

My grin widened at her words. "Then let's end this shit."

Our steps took us into the woods, darkness surrounding us as we threaded our way through the trees with wolves flanking us on either side. I could hear the battle up ahead, adrenaline swirling with the magick coursing through my blood as arrows hissed through the air and swords clashed together.

My eyes spotted a glade lit by moonlight and fire about a dozen yards away but before we could clear the treeline, a volley of orbs burst against the brush surrounding us. Nevada and I ducked behind neighboring trees as wolves snarled, the snap of their jaws adding to the array of sounds. Pressing my body against the trunk, bark digging into my skin through the fabric of my shirt, I peered out into the darkness.

"Dumbasses are behind some bushes," I hissed to Nevada as I ducked away from another rain of magick. "Time to light 'em up!"

She nodded in agreement as the two of us moved in sync, twisting to the side with flames crackling in each of our hands. Without thinking or even a hint of hesitation, I let loose, exhilaration causing my heart to hammer in my chest as power flowed out from my hands. The fae shouted in surprise and barely managed to deflect the attack, quickly returning fire of their own. 

Just as I ducked back behind the tree, I felt hands close around my neck as silver eyes gleamed with delight inches from my face. Nevada let out a surprised scream and my eyes slid sideways in time to see her attempting to wrestle off a wolf. But I couldn't focus on that as the vampire's fingers tightened around my neck, cutting off my airway.

"Got you now, little fae," the vampire laughed coldly. "Time to go night-night!"

My fingers closed around a dagger strapped to my thigh while my other hand gripped the man's wrists. Even though I couldn't breath, I found myself smiling at the man and the shadows lurking inside me slithered to life. His face faltered, the grip on my throat loosening enough to allow me a gasp of air. My smile held no warmth or humor as it widened, the dagger sliding free of its sheath.

"You fucked up," I informed him, my voice strained from the pressure on my throat.

I didn't give him a chance to respond before I swept the blade across his windpipe. Blood spurted from the wound, cool and lifeless as it sprayed across my face. The vampire gagged and staggered backwards, freeing me from his hold. Without preamble, I pulled the katana from my back and swung, hitting my target and clenching my jaw as I pushed through the impact of the blade hitting bone. The unknown vampire's head dropped the ground with a thump, his body soon following as it began to decay and disintegrate into nothing. 

Tearing my gaze away from the man I had just killed, I twisted around and drove the blade through the wolf that had my sister pinned. The creature yelped as it pierced through it's ribs, attempting to retreat but Nevada cut off any hope it may have had as she plunged her own small blade into its eye. I pulled her to her feet, neither of us bothering to speak as we stormed from the tree line.

Everywhere we looked, people were fighting or dying, many already dead. The scent of burnt hair and flesh mixed with the ozone smell of magick was almost nauseating. Torch and a golden haired wolf fought side by side, never straying too far from the other as they annihilated their attackers one by one.

Nevada and I joined the fray, our magick mingling together as we threw up shields and retaliated each attempt on our lives. Long minutes passed and I stopped counting how many lives I had taken, ignoring the blood soaking my clothes and painting my skin. I couldn't dwell on the darkness that drove me through the madness before me, how much I enjoyed the rush it felt every time I watched someone's eyes dull to nothing. But I couldn't ignore the sinking feeling that continued to grow in my gut, telling me something wasn't right.

"Has anyone spotted Balthier?" I called into the walkie as I wiped blood and sweat from my forehead, my eyes darting from face to face.

"Negative," came Torch's hasty reply.

My blood ran cold just as I spotted Michael seconds before an unearthly roar ripped through the air. He was across the clearing, standing frozen as he stared at a large white wolf, its form unmoving. It was Reyne.

"Nevada!" I shouted as I watched Robbie race into the woods on the opposite side.

I didn't look to see if she followed as I pushed and fought my way across the meadow, my boots slipping in blood that turned the earth to mud. My heart raced, pounding so loud that the roar in my ears was all I could here. Fear and panic and rage sliced through me with every passing second and I no longer had any idea if it was mine or his.

I felt a hand grab hold of my vest and without thought, I tore the garment from my body and kept going. I had to get to Robbie, had to find him before the icy dread split me in half! Several figures appeared in front of me, their faces not registering in my mind as I slowed my pace, but determined to get past them all the same.

But there were other plans in that moment that I knew nothing about, ones I never saw coming. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as I heard my sister yell my name as Michael raced towards me. Suddenly, I wasn't a part of myself anymore as I watched the seconds go by from a distance, everything moving in slow motion. Regret, anger and burning pain engulfed my body as I watched the scene unfold before me. 

Frozen, I was unable to look away as the blade sliced through a body I knew well, familiar eyes widening in shock as an ear splitting scream cut through the air. 

"Nooo!!!!" Nevada screamed, the world returning to its normal speed as my body crumpled to the ground, Michael catching my weight at the last moment.

I wasn't watching anymore, but back inside my skin as blood filled my mouth, choking me as blinding agony washed over me. It was mine yet it also wasn't and my heart shattered as I realized my love was suffering and there was nothing I could do.

"No, no, no!" my sister sobbed, cradling my head in her lap as I felt Michael press against the wound. "Nova, no! Stay with me! Please, don't leave me!"

My body felt cold and clammy as I coughed, struggling for oxygen but only getting blood in its place. I looked up into her eyes, emerald pools full of grief as tears streamed down her blood streaked face.

"Give them hell, baby sister," I wheezed as blood trickled from my mouth. "Burn the world and make them pay…"

As my vision faded and I felt myself begin to drift, her words followed me down into the darkness.

"I promise, I promise… but this isn't over…"

^^I heard this song as the
chapter ended^^

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

A/N: oh my, I swear I nearly cried when I finished this!

I really hope no one forms a lynch mob to come after me! This ending broke my heart to write.

BUT before I get lynched please know that book 4 will clear some things up. I'll have the cover/title reveal up as soon as I can.

Please let me know what you think? Your feedback and support has really meant a lot to me.

I love you all! Please be patient as you await book 4!

XOXO🖤❤🖤❤

~SM~