by Quinn Loftis
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Cypher said with a smile that was all teeth, very wolf like.
Several minutes later, King Ainsel came in, all eighteen inches of him, flanked by a contingent of pixies.
“King Ainsel,” Vasile said as he bowed his head to the pixie king.
“Good to see you are well, Vasile,” Ainsel said and then greeted the others.
Vasile noticed the three sprite women they’d met a week prior were climbing up onto the platform, along with two others he had not met. He also saw the room was beginning to fill up with the fae warriors that had brought him and his pack, as well as the others.
Andora, the sprite queen, raised her hands and the room went silent. “We are waiting for Perizada and one more guest,” she said.
Less than a minute after she said that, Peri flashed into the room with a tall male standing next to her. Vasile immediately recognized him for what he was. “Djinn,” he said, and the male turned his head to look directly at him. The djinn gave Vasile a nod and then turned to face Andora.
“Peri,” Andora said, “would you please introduce your guest? Few here have probably ever met a djinn before.”
The room erupted into chatter as they stared at the man in awe. Peri turned and looked at the group. “I have recently been working with the current djinn historian. He is helping with a situation regarding a sadistic fae and five new healers. I reached out to him when I found out about the summit. He could not come himself, but he put me in touch with another male from his clan. This is Jareth. He’s a member of the djinn council and willing to go to battle with us. Djinn are very powerful,” she continued. “If Jareth were to let his power lose without attempting to control it, he could level a city, so that means he will have to be careful. Don’t think for a second that he can do this battle on his own, not unless we’re okay with killing thousands upon thousands of innocent humans.”
“Which we are not okay with,” Vasile said, raising his voice just a bit to make sure he was heard.
Andora met Vasile’s eyes. “Agreed,” she said. “Now, let us begin.”
Dillon raised his hand, and the sprite queen made a motion to him to come to the front of the room.
Dillon moved forward and stepped up onto the platform. He faced the room, looking at all the supernaturals present. “When I saw the news reports on the large amount of human deaths in Phoenix, Arizona, I decided to investigate and see what I could find out. Vasile and I both believed it to be the work of the Order of the Burning Claw.
“Peri was kind enough to have one of the fae warriors flash us to Phoenix. All of the victims scattered throughout the city actually lived at the same apartment complex, so we went there first. It was crawling with vampires.” He paused and pinched the bridge of his nose. Vasile noticed for the first time since Dillon had arrived the alpha look exhausted.
“From there,” he continued, “we simply tracked the vampires, and they led us to a compound. We watched the place, the comings and goings, for three days. During one of those days, some elves showed up,” Dillon said, turning his eyes to Thalion.
Thalion nodded. “My father, Ludcarab, and the elves that were loyal to him. Now I have confirmation that he is indeed in league with the Order.”
Dillon nodded. “They have significant numbers. We saw fae, pixies, wolves, even some warlocks. The only thing we didn’t see was a djinn. Based on what Jacque told me about her friend, I’m assuming they still don’t have a healer.”
Vasile shook his head. “As of right now, there are only seven in the world. Two are with my pack and five are with Peri.”
“Did you see a high fae?” Peri asked.
“How would he look any different from a non-high fae?” Dillon asked.
“He’s like a proud peacock and doesn’t suppress his power. You would have felt him.”
Suddenly a pulsing started in Vasile’s chest, almost like the feeling you get when listening to very loud music with a strong bass. He looked around and noticed that others were pressing their hands to their chest. Everyone, that is, but the fae.
“It would have felt similar to that,” Peri said, making it clear that her power was causing the vibration in their chests.
“No, we didn’t feel anything like that,” Dillon said.
Peri glanced over her shoulder to Vasile. “I have no idea what he could be planning,” she said. Then to the rest of the room she said, “Alston, a high fae, has joined the dark side and is working with the Order. He was behind the capture of the Romania pack healer. He’s powerful. He’s been lying low.”
Vasile stepped forward and turned his attention back to Dillon. “Do you have a location for us?”
Dillon nodded. “I think we should head straight to their compound. It might help lessen innocent casualties and possibly we could take out their top leaders.”
Andora addressed Dillon. “Thank you for risking you and your mate’s safety to get us that information.”
Dillon bowed his head and then stepped down off the platform.
Andora motioned for Vasile, then Peri, to come forward. They climbed up onto the platform and faced the large group.
“We need a battle strategy,” Andora said. “There are few, if any, who can match both of your knowledge in regard to war.”
“Each race has its own supernatural strengths,” Vasile said, glancing at Peri who gave him a nod of agreement. “I think the best thing we can do is play to those strengths. We wolves are strong, fast, stealthy hunters, and vicious in our attacks.”
Peri stepped forward, her form thin but in no way delicate. She held herself with regal power, and only a fool would think to underestimate her. “The fae have the ability to wield magic, the elements, and illusion. I think we might be best utilized to draw the enemy out.”
Taking their cues from Vasile and Peri, the other leaders began to speak one after another.
“The warlocks,” Cypher began, “can wield some magic, though not as powerful as the fae, but our real contribution will lie in our brute strength and stamina. We might best serve as the second line of defense when the first wave needs a break.”
“The elves are fast, light on our feet, excellent with bows, and nearly unbeatable with a sword or dagger. We can use our archers to help take down their numbers and join the wolves in attacking once the fae have drawn them out. Our weapons have been bewitched by Cyn, my mate, to be unerring in their trajectory. Where they’re aimed, they will hit true,” Thalion said.
“Each of my clans have different strengths,” Anora said when the elf prince was done. “Our elementals can command the weather. Our luminous hold power over light of any kind, able to manipulate it and strengthen it. Our healers can offer tending to the injured. Our mentalist sprites can read minds and control weaker minds up to a point, depending on the strength of will in the person they are attempting to control. It’s easier with humans and more difficult with supernaturals. Our seer sprites have visions though they cannot be drawn up at will. But we can keep in contact with them, and they can let us know if they have any information about the plans of the Order so that we might be one step ahead of them.”
The king of the pixies spoke next. “Like the sprites, we have many clans. However I gave my people the option to volunteer, and only two of my clans offered. I don’t hold it against them. The pixies rarely leave our realm and don’t care to meddle in the affairs that affect the humans. That said, the two clans willing to help both have the ability to trick the eyes of individual people, not mass groups, and we are small and stealthy. If we need to do some recon before battle, we can do that, and if we need to sniff out the leaders, because we all know they will not be in the midst of the battle, we can do that too. One of the clans coming also has the ability to travel in a similar way as the fae, a flashing of sorts. So, they can move swiftly without drawing attention to themselves.”
Lastly, the massive djinn turned to face the crowd. He stood almost seven feet tall, towering over everyone there. “I am,
obviously, the only one of my kind to join you. My brother, the current history keeper, is already in this realm, and we rarely have more than one djinn in the human realm—in any realm, actually—at any one time. I am very powerful, but my power is unrestrained and uncontrollable. Any djinn must be careful how he uses his power lest he destroy the entire human realm as we know it. It is best if I am used as an absolute last resort. I honestly don’t know how much devastation my power unleashed might cause.”
Andora glanced at Vasile and made a motion for him to continue. “I would recommend the fae flash us to a location a safe distance from the headquarters of the Order but close enough for the fae to draw them out,” he said.
Dillon nodded. “Yes. There is an airfield about two hundred yards from their compound. A stretch of trees separates the field from the compound. It could provide a barrier, so we wouldn’t be seen by any sentries from the building.”
“Looks like we have a plan,” Peri said to the leaders. “I assume the rest of your warriors are just outside.” They nodded in response.
“Excellent. My warriors will take them as quickly as possible. But before we all go, Dillon and I will go first to make sure we have the all clear.” She paused and looked around the room as if attempting to find someone. When her search seemed to fail, she glanced at Vasile. “I’m going to say this and then swear you to secrecy. I can honestly say I actually miss Jen at this moment. She has the ability to pump a crowd up before battle.”
Vasile couldn’t help but laugh. “I have to agree. She is a warrior and leader at heart and has a unique ability to give people energy just through her presence.”
“If you ever tell her I said that, I will deny it and—”
“Turn me into a turd,” Vasile finished for her dryly.
“Actually, I’ve overused the turd threat and have decided to change it to a dung beetle. So instead of being a turd, you actually eat turds.” She smiled wickedly at him.
Vasile shook his head. “You’ve reached a new level of diabolical threats, Perizada.”
“That’s me,” she said proudly. “Always striving to improve no matter how old I get.”
Vasile was about to instruct the group to begin heading outside and gathering into groups for the fae when a flash of light filled the room, and every being in attendance dropped to a knee and bowed their heads.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“There will always be evil in the world. In fact, every person has the capacity for evil inside of them. It is the daily, continual pursuit of goodness, justice, kindness, and selflessness by those unwilling to accept the possibility of evil’s rule in their lives that keeps it at bay.” ~The Great Luna
* * *
Peri felt the power of the Great Luna fill the great hall and couldn’t help but let the hope inside of her, which had heretofore been but a small flame, grow into a raging fire. They wouldn’t have to do this alone. They wouldn’t be facing their biggest battle yet without the help of the goddess who loves her creation with an unconditional love that was hard to comprehend. Not that they’d ever faced any battle alone, but none of those had felt as ominous as this threat. Not even the threat of Volcan against her healers felt this deadly.
“Turn your eyes to the sky and see where your help comes from.” The goddess’ voice, full of power, echoed throughout the room. “It matters not what battle you face. If you fight on the side of righteousness, then I am with you. You’ve only to ask and I will give you strength. I will grant you the ability to defeat your enemy. You need only the faith to follow through. No matter what obstacle you come against, do not doubt my ability to make you victorious.
But hear this. There is no great victory that does not come without great sacrifice. The price of redemption is the shedding of blood. One day, very soon, I will shed my blood to redeem the faithful. Until then, I shed my tears for those who have continually fought the good fight, who have remained faithful even in the midst of trial and tragedy, who will fight one more battle and then come home to me. I shed my tears for the lives that will be lost by those who have no knowledge of the threat they are facing. I shed my tears for the wicked who refuse to turn from their ways, who are willing to take from others, who murder, rape, lie, corrupt the innocent, refuse justice, and live only for themselves. I shed my tears for you, who must remain behind in a broken world.
“Shine bright the light I have placed inside of you. Stand like a city on a hill for all to see and show the world there is something greater than themselves. Show them that, though my wolves are my chosen, I offer my light to any who would turn away from the darkness. I offer my tears to cleanse their land until the time comes for my blood to cover all their transgressions, all their guilt, all their selfishness, all their deceit, every single thing that keeps them in bondage.
“The battle belongs to me! And you are my arm, my sword that will carry out my justice!”
The room was suddenly plunged into silence, but the light that had filled the hall was still there, still illuminating them, reminding them they were not alone.
Peri stood and looked out at everyone, their eyes wide in wonder, tears on many of their faces, hers included. “Pretty sure she just outdid Jen,” she said to Vasile as she wiped the tears from her face.
The Alpha looked at her, tears in his own eyes, though he didn’t bother to wipe them away. “We’ve faced many battles, Perizada of the high Fae.”
She held out her hand and he clasped her forearm. “That we have, wolf. And just like all the others, when the smoke clears, we will be standing victorious.”
The room emptied, everyone marching outside to join the waiting warriors. A hush settled over the crowd. Then, Peri released her power. Her form was outlined in light as she projected her voice out for the entire army to hear. “FOR JUSTICE!”
“WE FIGHT,” they roared in one voice.
“FOR THE INNOCENT.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THE LOST.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR EACH OTHER.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THE GREAT LUNA.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“WE FIGHT. WE FIGHT. WE FIGHT!” She chanted with them. When it ended, she grabbed Dillon’s arm and flashed them to the field he pictured in his mind to guide her. It was dark and the place was deserted. No lights, no noise. Completely silent.
“Looks like the element of surprise will be on our side,” Dillon said.
Peri flashed them back. “Group up,” she yelled, and everyone began moving toward the fae warriors who had their arms outstretched.
“We flash as one,” Peri said. “On three. One, two, three.” One second, roughly one hundred and fifty supernatural warriors were in the sprite realm, and the next, they were standing in a field in Phoenix, Arizona.
At the front of the army stood Peri, Dillon, Vasile, Andora, Jareth, Cypher, Ainsel, Lilly, and Thalion.
Several muttered curses flew from different mouths as Peri’s lips tightened and her eyes narrowed.
“Looks like we lost the element of surprise,” she said as she stared across the field where the army of their enemy stood waiting on them.
Jen opened her eyes. Just like Jacque, who was sitting across from her at the table in what they called the War Room, she was crying. Fane, like Decebel, must have let Jacque see what was going on at the summit, and she’d experienced the Great Luna’s appearance as well.
“At least they’re going into this with their morale strong,” Jen said with a small smile.
Jacque nodded. “That’s true. Not going to lie, Jen. I’m scared out of my mind.”
“You’re not alone, Jacque. But they’ve got a plan and they’ve got help. It’s not just our men fighting.”
“We’re about to flash to the location of the Order,” Decebel’s voice filled Jen’s mind.
“Watch your back, B. I’m not there to save your beautiful b
ehind if you get in a tight spot,” Jen teased, trying to keep her fear from leaking over to him.
She heard him chuckle and felt his love, but it was abruptly cut off. For a split second, Jen saw through her mate’s eyes, just before he locked the bond down tight.
Jen jumped to her feet, and Jacque was up just as quickly.
“Did you see that?” Jacque asked.
Jen nodded. “The Order’s army,” she hissed out.
“It’s like they knew we were coming,” Jacque said.
Jen’s eyes snapped to her best friends. Her stomach lurched as she realized what that meant. “Vasile’s got a traitor in his army.”
Look for book 5 in the Gypsy Healer Series, Wolf Sight, coming spring 2019
About the Author
Quinn Loftis is a multi-award winning author of 20 novels, including the USA Today Bestseller, Fate and Fury. Once upon a time, she was a nurse, but God had other things in store for her. In 2011 Quinn published her first novel, Prince of Wolves, and the rest, as they say, is history. She gives all glory to God for her success because He is the one who made her. She is blessed to be married to her best friend for over 17 years and they have three boys, two dogs, and a cat that wants to take over the world.
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Quinn’s Bookshelf
More Titles by Quinn Loftis
www.quinnloftisbooks.com
The Grey Wolves Series:
Prince of Wolves
Blood Rites
Just One Drop
Out of the Dark
Beyond the Veil
Fate and Fury
Sacrifice of Love
Luna of Mine
Piercing Silence (Novella)
