The next few days were busy. They created a new strategy and decided they would head to Catata after the naga arrived. From there, they would continue to push into vampire territory, going in aggressive and hard. They intended tounch a full assault with the sorcerers and fairies, thene in with the muscles. They had created new enchantments for the soldiers and protection spells against the demons, pulling up the old archives of what they used before and adding to them. The element of surprise was now gone, and they were better prepared. Hopefully, this meant no more heavy losses for our alliance.
My nights with Darren had been pure fire. His lips touched every inch of my body. He whispered how much he loved me over my skin, as if he were trying to engrave the words on my body. Our lovemaking had always been passionate, but these past nights... there was an urgency, a desperation that left me breathless.
"Thinking of me?" Darren whispered as his arms pulled me to his chest.
"I was simply... reviewing battle ns. Making sure you don''t make any mistakes."
Darren chuckled as he looked down at me. "Is that what we''re calling it? I think we have a few more minutes, if you''d like me to go over more strategic maneuvers with you."
I melted into his embrace, tilting my head back to meet his hungry gaze. "Tempting," I murmured. We were both trying to act normal. As if these weren''t ourst few moments together before we would be separated.
As our lips met in a searing kiss, I poured all my love, my fears, my determination into it. Gods, I couldn''t believe I was going to have to leave him. "I hate this. Promise me you''ll be careful. Don''t be an unnecessary hero. I need you toe back to me."
He kissed my forehead, and I could see the emotions swimming in his eyes. “I''ming back to you."
Behind him, soldiers were hurrying back and forth as they packed up supplies. "Your Majesty!" a voice called out. "The first battalion is ready to move out!" Darren''s jaw clenched, his eyes never leaving mine. "Give us a moment," he growled, not bothering to look at the messenger. "I''ll catch up."
"If you feel that you can''t control your temper-"
"I know. We talked about this a million times."
"Humor me." I growled. He squeezed me to his chest, holding me as if his life depended on it.
"I promise if it gets too bad I wille to you to get recharged." He paused and I felt his arms around me tremble slightly.
"Promise me you''ll take care of yourself and our little one." His voice was hoarse with emotion.
I heard the sound of wings pping and turned my head to see Dayanara, Ivan, and Finn.
"When you''re ready. No rush." Dayanara gave me a smile that I could barely return. Darren agreed that flying would be the safest and fastest way for me to travel. He wanted to escort me himself, but they were marching straight to war. They would set up camp after they win at Cla.
"You better get her
...
safely." Ivan growled. "And you take care of yourself. Don''t overdo it." His voice softened as he looked
over at me.
"I''ll be expecting a full course meal, made by you, for my triumphant return. One fit for the king." Finn winked at me.
"You all bettere back in one piece, or I''ll never let your souls rest in the afterlife." My voice was unsteady as I watched them start on their way. This was it. The army was leaving and I suddenly felt like I couldn''t breathe.
mind
My eyes welled up, the emotions I''d been holding back finally spilling over. I buried my head in Darren''s chest, my frantically searching for another solution.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice rough as his hands slid up to tilt my face up to him. He wiped the tears from my eyes and I could see his own were watery. "I hate leaving you, but I have to go." His voice cracked as my tears flowed freely.
"I love you, my king."
His lips crashed into mine, urgent and demanding. His hand tangled in my hair, holding me close as if he could fuse us together. I tasted salt and realized we were both crying.
"I''ll visit you as soon as I can." For safety reasons, they had cut off allmunication, and he wouldn''t be able tomunicate with me. The only way a message goes out will be by a
messenger soldier. No phones no nothing. In case there was a mole, they wouldn''t be able tomunicate with the demons.
"Come back to me." My voice was breaking, just like my heart. He kissed my lips softly, then stepped away from me. I watched him go, each step making me want to run after him. He nced over his shoulder to look back at me before forcing a smile, one that I returned to him. I wanted him to remember me with a smile, even if tears were streaming down my face.
I watched him until his tiny dot disappeared from my sight. Slowly, I stepped back and walked toward the griffin. Dayanara reached out, grabbed my arm, and hoisted me up. Its powerful wings pped and we took flight. It was quiet for a few minutes. Dayanara was giving me a moment to myself.
"I know that was hard, but it was the right thing. Especially with a baby like yours. I wouldn''t be surprised if you feel drained next week."
"Drained?"
Dayanaraughed. "The fairies told you what to expect, but it will happen soon. Your body will go into conservation mode, giving everything you have to develop your child. It will be an effort to just get out of bed."
"Is that the joys of pregnancy?" I snorted.
“And that isn''t counting when that baby starts kicking. It will be like a titan fighting in your stomach."
"Great."
She twisted to give me a wink. "Well, there''s the insatiable cravings. Don''t be shocked if you suddenly develop a taste for raw meat or, I don''t know, pinecones."
I snorted. "Pinecones? Now you''re just messing with me."
"Maybe," she said with a grin. "But trust me, pregnancy cravings are no joke. I once knew a siren who craved sand during her entire third trimester."
"What if he needs me?" I pursed my lips as she turned to look at
1. me.
"You''re supporting him in the best way possible. Running a kingdom isn''t easy, especially in times of war. Darren needs to know his home is secure, that his people are taken care of."
"What if something happens to him? What if—"
"Hey,” Dayanara cut me off, her green eyes fierce. "None of that.
6/7 I''ll be watching over your broody king personally. If he so much as stubs his
toe... well, I''ll let him stub his toe." Sheughed. "I''ll watch over him."
I couldn''t help butugh, picturing Darren''s scowl if he knew he was being babysat. "Thank you, Dayanara. Truly."
She winked at me. "What are friends for? Now, chin up. You''re almost home."
The familiar silhouette of the Lycan Kingdom castle appeared on the horizon. It felt bittersweet. I wasing home, but without my heart. It would be strange to be here without him.
The griffin''s talons scraped against stone as wended, and suddenly the air was filled with a deafening cacophony. rms red, their shrill cries piercing the skies. "Intruder alert!"
"Well, this is where I leave you. I''ll see you again soon. We''re friends now, right? I want to see that little pup of yours after it''s born, too."
"Absolutely. Thank you, and be safe out there." I waved as they took off, her fiery red hair whipping in the wind.
"Don''t worry. I''ll be just fine, and I''ll protect the men!" she yelled with augh before she flew away. She was on her way to the battle now, and she would catch them before they arrived at that speed.
A familiar figure burst from the castle doors. Lyle. His blue eyes were wide with a mixture of relief and... something else.
Something that made my stomach clench.
"Allissa!" he shouted, closing the distance between us in long, powerful strides.
Before I could respond, I found myself enveloped in a crushing hug.
"Can''t... breathe..." I gasped, only half-joking.
717
He loosened his grip, but didn''t let go entirely. "You''ve gotten bigger."
"Hey, it hasn''t been that long," I snorted, looking up at him. I was going to tease
him about looking bigger, too, but the words died on my lips when I saw the raw concern etched across his features.
"Lyle, what is it?!"