“Agreed.”
The thundering roar became louder. “I give you permission.”
“Queen Maria, I hereby challenge you for leadership of the demon realm.”
“I accept your challenge.” She braced her feet and faced him.
Gabe glanced at the doorway, and Damon moved closer, using his body to shield his sister. Rikker slashed once with the dagger. Maria didn’t react, and let him knock the dagger out of her hand. It clattered to the floor. “Oops,” she said. “You win.” She gave him a long look. And then went down on one knee. “I pledge my fealty to the new king of the demon realm.”
Damon dropped to one knee. “Me, too, now get the hell out of here—”
At that moment, the rock wall exploded outward. Rikker spun toward the carnage. Gabe and Maria instantly launched themselves at Damon, throwing him back toward the opening Sophie was holding. Vlad flicked his hand to thrust them through, and then he, Sophie and Dante came after them.
Gabe looked back just as Lucien appeared in the doorway to the cavern, and then the wall reformed, and all vision was cut off.
The rest of the Order were all waiting in the bottom of the pool, weapons out, every single one of them aware that Rikker had the stone. If Lucien figured it out, or if Rikker hadn’t had time to redo the curse, at any second the bottom of the pool could collapse into the demon realm, the barrier severed forever.
They waited, using their preternatural powers to hold their breath for an extended time. The seconds ticked by ominously. Then the seconds became minutes. No sound came from the other side. No ripples broke the water. Just silence. Finally, Gabe looked over at Vlad. What do you think?
Vlad held out his hand toward the wall. I can feel living matter. They’re there, on the other side, but the barrier is solid at the moment. It feels exactly how it did the first time we went through.
Damon spoke. Lucien can’t challenge Rikker for a fortnight. That will give Rikker time to figure out how to manage the situation. If he hasn’t come across now, we’re safe for two weeks.
Gabe looked at Damon in surprise. You can hear us? I thought only Calydons were telepathic.
He shrugged. I can hear you. But then he turned to Vlad. Send me back over. I shouldn’t be here.
No! Maria grabbed his arm. Stay here—
No. Damon pulled his arm away. Demons can’t cross over. It’s never happened. You know what I am, Maria. I’m not a half-demon. I’m the full deal. I’m too dangerous—
Gabe swam over to him and put his hands on Damon’s shoulders. You’re loyal, honorable, and a hell of a warrior. You’re dangerous as hell, and we need that on our team. I brought you over on purpose, because we need you. Join the Order, Damon.
What the hell? Quinn swam over. He’s a full demon! Vlad, send him back!
Ryland and Kane were floating nearby. We’re both half-demon, Ryland said. And every Calydon has demon blood. Maybe it’s okay. We could use some help.
Damon looked over at Ryland and Kane, and emotion flashed across his face, so stark and vulnerable that Gabe’s throat tightened. You guys want me? In the Order?
Yeah. It’s about time someone was scarier than I am. Ryland grinned. But if you fuck up, I’ll kill you, and we’ll send you back to the demon realm.
Damon met his gaze. Promise?
Fuck yeah.
Damon drew his shoulders back. Then yeah, I’m in.
Gabe didn’t even look over at Quinn, their interim leader, for approval. He just pointed upward. Let’s surface.
Ryland looked at Vlad. Can I escort Dante?
Vlad nodded. He’s fully corporeal now. You don’t need me. He flicked his hand, sending Dante’s inert form through the water to Ryland. Shock flashed across Ryland’s face, and he wrapped his hand around Dante’s wrist. The rest of the Order immediately surrounded him, and as a unit, they began to swim to the surface, escorting their leader.
Damon waited beside Maria, looking toward the surface, such hope and awe on his face that Gabe felt himself smile. Go ahead, Damon. It’s your world now, too.
Damon flashed a grin at him that looked so much younger and boyish than he’d ever looked, then he kicked hard, shooting toward the surface, leaving only Vlad, Sophie, Gabe, and Maria behind.
Gabe looked over at Maria, who was also looking toward the surface. Her face was pale, and she caught Gabe’s arm, slowing him down so the others moved ahead. I’m not sure I belong up there, Gabe.
He took her hands in his and pressed a kiss to each one. You’re half human, sweetheart, and you’re all mine. That world up there needs you.
But I’m a demon—
You’re a healer. You’re a warrior. You’re a best friend. You’re a sister. All amazing things that we need in the earth realm. He slipped his hand behind her hair. And most of all, I need you. You’re my world. My life. My future. Hell, you’re even my moral conscience. I’ll be by your side at all times.
She searched his face, but before she could answer, Sophie swam over and threw her arms around Maria’s shoulders, hugging her tightly. Gabe could see the tension on Sophie’s face, and knew she was also nervous about returning to the world she had left behind.
Maria saw Sophie’s expression, and then smiled, sliding her hand into Sophie’s and nodding. Sophie grinned back, two sisters of solidarity. Gabe was damned glad they’d been able to bring them both over.
Gabe grinned at Vlad, who was behind Sophie. Vlad grinned back, and set his hand on Gabe’s shoulder. We got damned lucky that these women agreed to keep us around.
Gabe’s smile widened. That we did.
The women began to swim toward the surface, still holding hands. Vlad and Gabe caught up to them, each of them taking the free hand of their woman. Gabe looked over at Vlad. Hey.
Vlad glanced his way. What?
You looking for a job?
What do you need?
Want to join the Order?
Vlad’s eyebrows shot up. It’s just for Calydons and, apparently, demons.
You have my blood now. That’s close enough. Gabe hesitated. You taught me a lot about how to be a warrior, Vlad. I was so obsessed with mindlessly following my oath that I never thought about what being a hero or a protector really meant. I get it now. The Order needs your insight. We need you. His gaze moved to Maria. And you.
Her eyes widened. Has there ever been a female Order of the Blade member?
Nope.
She laughed then, a laugh that filled his heart with joy. I can’t think of anything more fantastic than having a demon queen become an Order of the Blade member. The irony is a beautiful thing. I’m in.
Gabe grinned as they neared the surface. He didn’t know what the future would hold for them on the surface, but he had a feeling that the rest of his team was going to give him a fair amount of shit about bringing a demon, a demon queen, and a non-Calydon into the Order…but he was ready.
He knew what his team needed, and he was going to make sure they understood.
The Order had changed now, and it had changed for the better.
Chapter 43
The warmth of the sun on her face was amazing. Sophie closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky, holding her palms upward. She breathed deeply, inhaling air so fresh and so clean that she felt as if her entire body was being cleansed simply by the act of breathing. The grass was fresh and soft against her bare feet. She buried her toes in the dirt, awed by how it crumbled beneath her toes.
She was home.
Well, not back in her kingdom, but after a lifetime in the demon realm, anywhere on earth was home…especially if Vlad was there.
“Hey, babe.”
She smiled as she felt him nuzzle the side of her neck, his arms sliding around her waist as he crouched behind her. She leaned back against him, resting against his chest. “Any sign of Dante’s soul yet?”
“No, but they’re taking turns guarding his body. They all believe he’ll return to claim it. The body is in perfect condition, as if he
’s been asleep this whole time.” Vlad rested his chin on her shoulder. “You sure you don’t want to join us? Gabe said you were invited to join the Order.”
“No. I want my freedom. The last thing I want is to sign my soul away to anyone’s cause. I want to find my own path now.” Sophie looked across the grassy clearing to where the Order members were preparing the induction ceremony for Maria, Vlad, and Damon. A few of the shevas were there, and a few of them were being inducted as well. Once the decision had been made to allow Maria to join the Order, apparently, some of the shevas had demanded their right to join.
Women joining the Order. It was amazing and right. Sophie loved it, and she was so proud of Maria for being the one to break through. She couldn’t imagine any Calydon being any more capable than Maria.
Damon was standing with Ryland, and the warriors were in deep discussion. From what she understood of Ryland, he would be the perfect mentor for a demon. “I can’t believe they agreed for all of you to join the Order.”
“How could they not? We’re amazing.” Vlad lightly bit her shoulder, not bothering to acknowledge the long night of debate that had ensued before Gabe had triumphed. Thano, Ryland, and Ian had agreed with him from the start, which had helped wear down the others. “So, I have a question for you.”
“What is it?”
He released her and walked around her until he was facing her. He went down on one knee and took her hand. “When we were married so long ago, we were both teenagers. I had no understanding of what it meant to be a husband. I had no understanding of how amazing you were, and what a great future you had ahead of you. I didn’t know what teamwork meant, or equality, or partnership. I understand that now, and you’re the one who taught it to me.” He rubbed his thumb over the ring that was shining gold on her finger. “Sophie,” he said, looking right at her.
Her heart started to pound, and her fingers tightened around his. “Yes?”
“I want another chance to do it right. To be the husband and partner that you deserve.” He opened her fingers and pressed something cold into her palm, covering it with his hand. “Will you give me another chance, Sophie? Will you marry me again? Renew our vows? Commit to a new future together? I understand if you don’t want to. I understand if you want your space, but—”
“Yes.” She answered before he could continue, pulling his hand to her heart. “I never stopped loving you, Vlad. We both had to grow to become the people we were meant to be, but we grew together. You make me better, you make me happy, and you enrich my life. I would love nothing more than to marry you again, and be your wife, and your partner, and your best friend.” As she said the words, her heart seemed to swell with warmth, pouring emotions into her that she had shut down for so long. She knew this was where she was meant to be, with the man who had been her best friend for so very long. “I love you, Vladimir, and I will always love you.”
He grinned, a huge, happy smile that reached his eyes, chasing away the shadows that had been there for so long. Silently, he moved his hand away from hers, and she looked down to see that he had placed in her hand the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. It was gold, like her other one, but this one had the most extraordinary blue stone shimmering in the setting. The stone hummed with energy, and she instantly recognized that it was from the demon realm, the place that had been her home for so long. “You stole this?”
“I brought it over for you,” he clarified. “I would never steal. I’m not that kind of guy.” At her deadpan expression, they both suddenly burst into laughter. “Yeah, well,” he admitted, “I might have pilfered it from that home you had underground where you and Maria ditched me and Gabe. I knew you would want something from there, and a stone was the only thing that seemed right.” He picked it up and angled it toward the sun. “It looks like fire, the same one that kept the light going in the demon realm. You can feel the energy of the demon realm in it.” He slid it on her finger. “Home on your hand, just like before.” He pressed a kiss to her wedding ring, and the ring he’d just given her. “You will always be part of both worlds, Sophie.”
Tears filled her eyes at the thoughtfulness of his gesture, and her heart felt like it was going to explode with love. She clasped her hands behind his neck and smiled at him, smiling with all of her heart, all of her soul, and all the happiness she hadn’t felt in so long. “I love you, Vlad. Always and forever. I promise not to forget you ever again.”
He grinned and pressed a kiss to the underside of her wrist. “And I promise that if you ever fall into a crevasse that leads to the demon realm again, I will hunt for you from that instant until I find you again, and then I will stand by your side while you kick ass.”
“A perfect team.”
He nodded. “A perfect team.” He grinned and leaned over to kiss her, but just as his lips touched hers, Gabe shouted his name.
Vlad pulled back, his eyes bright with anticipation. “It’s time to become an Order member.”
She smiled, so proud that her throat was tight. “They’re lucky to have you. As am I.”
“Back at ya, babe.” He kissed her once, hard, and then stood up, turning to face the world that had become his.
Gabe stood beside Thano and Apollo, watching as the Order made their final preparations for the induction ceremony. Maria was standing beside Quinn, wearing black jeans, a leather jacket, and hiking boots. Her tee shirt was white, and her hair was in a ponytail. He grinned, thinking about how excited she’d been that morning, when they’d slipped away from the rest of the Order and set a small bonfire in the woods. Once it had been burning brightly, she had tossed her red bodice, her leather pants, her stiletto boots, and her red lace bra into the flames. The moment her old clothes had disintegrated into ash, his brave, tough warrior had collapsed to her knees and cried.
He would never forget that moment when she’d let go of the past, of the woman she’d had to be for so long. Her new acceptance of her demon heritage had made her stronger, but the part of her that was a lust demon would always be a part of who she was. Now that she had Gabe, however, he was able to satisfy her, and there was no longer any need for her to incite lust wherever she went. She had finally been able to give that up, and be the woman she wanted to be, a woman who focused on justice, healing, and making the world a better place.
She glanced up at him and caught him watching her. A huge smile broke over her face and she lifted her arm just enough so that he could see the dagger she had tucked under her arm. He’d counted this morning when she got dressed. She had seventeen weapons on her body, and she’d loved strapping on every single one of them. His warrior, his woman, his world, his sheva.
“You love her, don’t you?” Thano asked quietly.
“Yeah. I do. She’s my world.”
Thano cocked his head at him. “I have to admit, you are the one guy who I thought would never go down that road. I’m kind of impressed that you have the flexibility to admit you were wrong, and to go in some new directions.”
Gabe looked over at the younger Calydon. “Are you talking about Maria, or are you referring to the Order?”
“Both.” Thano was quiet for a moment, watching the Order members milling around and preparing for the ceremony. Rohan was standing at the edge, his arms folded over his chest. His hood was up, shrouding his face, and he was keeping his distance from the rest of the team, just enough to give the message that he was not a part of the group. “I miss you guys,” he said quietly.
Gabe looked up at Thano. “After this, are you leaving with Rohan again?”
Thano nodded. “The Order of the Blade has a mission, and its new direction is exactly what needs to happen. You’ve done good, Gabe, and the team was right to make you the new interim leader until Dante returns.”
Gabe stood taller at the reminder of what had happened earlier in the day, when the Order had gotten together and asked the weapons who the new leader should be. Every weapon placed at Gabe’s feet stayed visible, and the ones placed at the feet of t
he other members faded almost instantly. The weapons had chosen Gabe as the new leader, even after he’d brought a demon across the barrier. “Maria is the one who made me see the right path. It’s all her.”
“Then keep her.” Apollo stomped his front foot restlessly, and Thano stroked his sleek neck. “You guys are in good shape. You’ve got a demon on board to train, and some new team members. You don’t need me, but Rohan does.”
Gabe looked over at him. “Why? What’s going on with you guys?”
Thano was quiet for a long moment before he finally spoke. “We’re no longer Order of the Blade.”
Gabe raised his brows, aware that Rohan was one of the very first Order of the Blade members, before he’d broken off with Dante many centuries ago. He’d reappeared only a few months ago, when the Order had run into him and his hooded team. He’d still technically been Order of the Blade at that time, though what he’d been doing all that time, no one knew. “He’s not Order? And you? What are you guys?”
Thano looked over at him. “We’re still Order. But it’s no longer about rogue Calydons.” He gestured to his horse’s neck, to the inky blackness. As if on command, Apollo tucked one front leg back and bowed low, his muzzle almost touching the earth. At the same time, Thano bowed low, sweeping his arm out wide. “Welcome, my friend, to the Order of the Night.”
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Keep reading for an exclusive first look at the new Order of the Blade cover, and the new Order of the Night cover, along with sneak peeks of other Stephanie Rowe novels!
Hunt the Darkness (Order of the Blade Book 11) Page 38
