<b>Chapter </b><b>96 </b>


    ric held her tightly. “Ye did what ye had to, mo ghràidh.”


    I stepped forward, gently cing a hand on her shoulder. “You protected your people. That’s what real leaders do.”


    She nodded, swallowing back grief. Then her eyes locked on mine. “And ye… ye showed us what darkness is creepin‘ at our door. We owe


    ye.<b>” </b>


    I gave her a soft smile, <b>even </b>as my soul ached. “No,” I whispered. “We owe each other. That’s what the prophecy means.”


    The chamber was heavy with the aftershocks of betrayal, but Isolde stood tall once again, every inch the Queen of her coven, magic humming through her bones like a storm just waiting to be unleashed. ric stood at her side, the raw power of their bond pulsing in the air like heat lightning.


    She faced me and my mates, her chin lifting.


    “We stand wi‘ ye, Elowen Thorne,” Isolde said, voice steady now, ringing withmand. “The MacCrae Coven pledges its full support tae yer cause. We’ll nae let the Aegis tear this world apart.”


    L’s breath caught beside me. ric stepped forward, adding, “We’ll send word tae every loyal coven we’ve got ties with. There’s still power in the old circles. They’lle. Especially when they hear what’s happenin‘.”


    “And tae keep dark magic from sneakin‘ into our midst again,” Isolde continued, “every witch and mage in this coven, aye, and those who join <b>us</b><b>, </b>will undergo a truth screen. Their intent will beid bare or they’ll be turned away. No exceptions.”


    <b>“</b>That’s fuckin‘ brilliant,” Ashrian murmured behind me, nodding in approval.


    ric rubbed a hand along his jaw, eyes sharp and calcting. “Conservatively speakin‘, we’ve six thousand able bodied witches and mages ready tae fight. More once the other covens answer our call. We’ll train hard. We’ll be ready tae portal when the timees.”


    I exhaled slowly, my heart pounding. “Thank you. For real. You’ve no idea how much this means.”


    Isolde gave a soft smile. “We ken it means the world,ss. And we’ll fight tae keep it from burnin‘.”


    Later in the guest quarters……


    The four of <b>us</b><b>, </b>me, L, Daxon, and Ashrian, filed into our guest chambers, still buzzing from the rush of momentum and magic. L wasted no time pulling out his phone and connecting to the secure line,


    The FaceCall flickered before stabilizing, revealing Alpha King Draven seated at the long war table, Luna Aelira beside him. Behind them<b>, </b>familiar figures moved in and out of frame, wolves organizing gear, mages lighting up enchantments, and one veryrge, grumpy beat shifter who grunted into the lens before disappearing with a snort.


    A


    “Elowen,” Draven said, inclining his head, “report.”


    “<b>Yes</b><b>, </b><b>sir</b><b>,</b>” I said, stepping forward. “<b>The </b>MacCrae Coven has pledged their full support. Isolde and ric are rallying other covens and n to screen every witch and mage for intent using truth magic. They estimate six thousand ready fighters now, with moreing.”


    Draven’s eyes lit up. “That’s a damn fine report.”


    9:25 Fri, Oct <b>3 </b>


    “Additionally,” L added, stepping beside me, “we discovered two traitors within the coven, Caera an Rourke. They were caught conspiring wi Aegis. We presented evidence and had them banished.”


    “They’ll run straight back to the Protocol, I added grimly. “We wanted them executed, but Isolde… she couldn’t. Caera once saved her


    life.”


    Aelira leaned into frame. “Do you have a description?”


    Ashrian spoke, his voice colder than ice. “Rourke, tall, thick shouldered, brown hair, scar over his left eyebrow, always wearing enchanted bracers. Caera’s got copper red hair, green eyes, heavy eyeliner, fangs for attitude. They both speak in heavy brogue and stink of shadow magic.” <fn04a6> The source of th?s content is find?novel</fn04a6>


    Draven’s face darkened. “We’ll alert the guards immediately. They’ll not step one foot near the keep without being torn apart.”


    “Oh, and by the way,” Luna Aelira added, a sly smile tugging her lips, “we’ve ten thousand Marinesing through the portal tomorrow. Courtesy of Taya and Rylen. All trained. All armed. All pissed off.”


    Ash let out a low whistle. “Holy shit. They don’t fuck around.”


    Draven chuckled. “Neither do you. We’ll be ready when you are.”


    I gave a nod. “We’ll remain in Scond until all covens have been contacted. Then we’ll return with the full force they can spare.”


    Draven’s voice went firm. “The moment you feelpromised, I want you out of there. We need you alive, Elowen. All of you.”


    L leaned down, his voice thick with ent and sincerity. “Aye, we’ll guard her wi‘ our lives. Ye’ve my


    Draven gave a nod and ended the call. The magic in the air was shifting again. The armies were forming.


    And finally, I didn’t feel like we were losing.