Chapter 59 Luka
LUKA
We’d all been on edge for the past few days since we’d sent our package to Adreona.
Since we sent Lorenzo’s severed head to Adreona.
Lennox’s plan was in fact insane, but it was the crazy we needed. Adreona deserved a taste of her own medicine.
I had no idea if she cared for Lorenzo, but I knew she cared about her title.
Her now nonexistent title.
There were many safeguards in place thanks to my grandfather in case of a situation like this. There was no way Adreona would get her hands on that crown now.
But we doubted that would stop her. She had a week until the new heir would arrive. We’d spent the last two days going over our new strategy. Our timeline had moved up significantly. Adreona wouldn’t wait for us to come to her any longer—not if the army might not be hers anymore.
According to our spies, their legion had left Cel Nox and started traveling west last night.
Luce, Caterina, the wolves, and the Star Court's army were still on their way; that plan hadn’t changed, but we wouldn’t wait for them.
Nico and the wolves would still meet them, but at a new meeting spot that would bring them to us faster.
During our last meeting, Luce had filled us in on how her spell was going.
It was risky, but it might be the extra boost we needed. Everything was falling into place.
But today we weren’t worrying about any of that.
Today, we were sneaking out to meet Declan’s contact from the Blood Court.
It might be a trap, but it was a risk we had to take.
We needed any insight into Adreona’s army we could get.
Lennox had transported us several miles from our designated meeting spot along the river that intersected between the Blood, Mystic, and Twilight Court. Adreona’s army would be staying there for a day before continuing, giving our confidant the opportunity to sneak off.
The sun was setting on the forest as we silently made our way through—Declan was meeting his friend on the bank of the river.
Lennox and I would remain hidden during the meeting but would watch closely in case Declan needed us.
“How much longer?” Lennox shifted in her squatting position in the bushes we were hiding in, pulling her cloak tighter around her. “I’m freezing, and I can’t feel my legs from sitting like this.”
Declan said nothing, only pinned Lennox with a death glare that said shut the fuck up.
Lennox rolled her eyes.
We continued to wait. So long I started to regret insisting we come along. Both Lennox and I agreed there was no way we were letting Declan come alone, and honestly, I’m not sure how she convinced the harpy to let us come with him.
I was starting to think he held a soft spot for Lennox.
Declan elbowed me, sending my body swaying, but I righted myself before I could fall. I glared at him, but he was looking elsewhere, pointing his finger toward the river. I peered through the hedge, my gaze snagging on the male dressed in black Blood Court leathers on the other side of the bank.
Declan dipped his chin before standing from his crouch, not making his figure seen until he was several paces away from the bush Lennox and I hid in as the male crossed the river using the small bridge made up of slats of wood.
“Captain Hale.”
“Reggie.” Declan dipped his chin toward the male. “Thank you for meeting me. I know the circumstances are not ideal…”
“Not ideal?” Reggie laughed. “We’re on opposing sides of a war, Captain.”
“I’m aware, which is why I asked you to meet me.” Reggie raised a brow. “And why I’ll cut to the chase. I know you, and many others, were not fans of Lorenzo.”
The male, Reggie, let out a rough laugh. “Now that’s an even bigger understatement. I was happy to hear the bastard got his head lobbed off.”
One side of Declan’s mouth lifted. “Me too. But with him dead, you all follow Adreona now?”
“It’s not like we have a choice.”
“She’s not the queen consort anymore without Lorenzo alive.”
“I know, but she threatened us all. She has this witch who works with her, she’s always at her side.”
“I’m familiar with Keziq.”
“Then you understand why we all followed her directions to leave the city with her.”
Declan was quiet for a minute before speaking again. “How many of you are only following her out of fear?”
“About three-fourths of our original squadron.”
“What if we were able to kill Keziq? What would you do?”
Reggie was silent. “I—I don’t know.’
“If we were able to kill Keziq, would you turn on Adreona?”
“You’re fucking crazy, Captain. First asking me to come here and meet you and then asking me to turn on my leader—” Fuck fuck fuck.
Reggie scrubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “Fuck it. I’m in.”
Declan’s shoulders straightened. “Really?”
He nodded. “If I’m going to die in this fucking war, I’d rather it be for someone I support. I’ve always liked Luka.”
“Do you think others will follow you?”
He shrugged. “It’s hard to tell, their fear might overrule their thoughts.”
“Do they know Adreona is trying to kill all vampires?”
“What?”
“The spell Adreona is trying to reverse? If she’s successful, all vampires will cease to exist.”
“You’re shitting me. And Adreona knows this?”
“Lennox told her herself, I was there. And the Goddess told us that’s the end result. You go and tell your people that—tell them Adreona doesn’t care if vampires die. Tell them if she wins this war, vampires will cease to exist, see if they’ll side with her then.”
He nodded curtly. “I think they’ll be convinced if they hear that. Anything else?” Reggie looked around.
“No. I appreciate you meeting me.”
“I should get going, before anyone realizes I’ve been gone for so long, I’ll be in touch, Captain.”
Lennox and I remained hidden until we could no longer see Reggie.
“Well, I’d say that was a success.” Lennox stood with her hands on her hips. “Now, let’s get the fuck out of here.” Lennox held out her hands, I took hers in one hand and Declan’s in another as she closed her eyes and readied herself for the spell.
She began murmuring the spell under her breath, her voice mumbling through the quiet forest.
“Who’s there?” a deep voice came from the woods behind us, in the opposite direction Reggie disappeared. I froze, my hand squeezing Lennox’s tighter.
Her eyes popped open, her pupils going wide at whoever was behind us.
“Keep doing the spell.” Declan’s voice was steady. Lennox closed her eyes and continued.
I could feel the air starting to thicken around us.
Lennox’s eyes flew open, her green eyes going wide. “LUKA WATCH OUT!”
I looked over my shoulder in time to duck out of the arch of a sword, my hand breaking from Lennox’s.
I swept out my leg, catching one of the males’ feet. He stumbled but caught himself. Giving me enough time to reach for my sword.
Blood sprayed as Lennox’s fist connected with his jaw. I stood, pushing my sword up through his chest as I rose, letting the male’s body fall to the ground.
“We’ve got company,” Declan murmured under his breath.
Lennox’s eyes narrowed, but she remained still. “Follow my lead,” she muttered so only the two of us could hear.
I dipped my chin, facing the horde of guards that approached us. There had to be close to twenty of them.
“Put your weapons down.” Declan’s wings twitched as he eyed Lennox hesitantly.
“Trust me,” she whispered.
We followed Lennox’s lead and placed our weapons on the ground as the guards came closer. “We mean no harm.” Lennox raised her hands, Declan and I followed suit.
“Restrain them,” the guard directed.