“In a heartbeat,” I agreed and hoped that Harold wasn’t one of the main Mages involved in orchestrating this mess.
“You’d fight for us?” Harold asked, and I could see the camera man from one of the international news channels as he zoomed in on us.
“I came from the Guild, so with the exception of those who we suspect of being Mages or sympathetic to their cause, I would willingly help should you ask it of us. I will not be lied to, though, and I suggest you go through the history you have hidden in the catacombs here. I also suggest you take a good hard look at those who you trust. In response to what has been said, if you plan for an alliance, you need to give a statement and amend what you’ve told the Humans. They hang on everything you say, and choose to believe in this Guild. Fix it, please. If others descend on the race and choose to feed in the open, then you may pass judgment on them,” I said watching him closely. “However, you must show us proof of their crimes. We will do the same for you,” I said as I finished and stepped back.
“As will I,” Adam said from my right. “I was also raised in the Guild and I offer my hand in peace and support you if you ask.”
“As will I,” Liam said with a smirk. “I however was not raised at this Guild, but I will fight at my sister’s side anytime she needs it.”
“I will make you this promise as well,” Ryder said as we got ready to sift out. “If my people are unjustly accused, and murdered, I will bring a war to this world unlike any the Human race has waged before. Do not piss me off, and do not think these accusations have gone unnoticed by others who will try to gain support against us. I suggest you do not join them, for they won’t be alive much longer. I plan to eradicate them all. Your Gods can sort them out. I am the Horde King, but unlike my father before me, I choose to protect Humans as well as my people. You have Synthia to thank for that.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The lesser Fae had vacated the castle. The Tree had been saved, and with each passing day, it grew stronger. I was glad to know that I’d played a part in saving it, but when it boiled down to it, it had been the Elder Tree. His sacrifice had brought a semblance of balance to our world, and while we knew the Mages weren’t done, we would be a race to reckon with.
It would only be a matter time before they slinked out of their holes and came marching on this Kingdom. I, however, wanted to use the time of peace for something I could handle, and to start bonding with my children.
Faolán was still out there, and I worried for the lives of my children, but not as much. Now that they had a chance at survival, I knew they’d be okay and I would eventually kill Faolán. He’d taken it too far, and now he would become the prey while I became the hunter. I was done waiting for him to come to me. It was time to go get him and end the sickness that grew within him.
Some people cannot be reached, but I’d like to believe that people could be saved from the evil that festered in their souls. Even if Faolán sought forgiveness, I’d probably kill him. He’d almost stolen this from me, my children and the love of a beast that still made me weak in knees.
I smiled and thanked the powers that be that I was here to watch my gentle beast as he loved our children. If this was Destiny’s plan, I was willing to concede that she’d been correct in her designs. This was right where I wanted to be, with them. My family.
Ryder held Kahleena; she made little noises and he made them back to her. It was almost surreal, watching my beast as he cooed back to our precious daughter. “You know she’s going to give us hell, right?” I asked as I moved to our bed and lay next to the boys, who watched their father silently.