Page 132 of Lethal Souls
“What the bloody fuck is going on?” he barks, staring at all of us as he slashes it in the air.
“Lower the dagger, Devlin,” I order. “It’s only us.”
His eyes are wide, but the panic lessens and the swinging dagger slows when he realizes who we are.
“Caz Harlow?” He looks me up and down. “What the fuck happened to you? You’re twice your height. And your hair! Don’t tell me you chose that color. It doesn’t suit you worth a fuck.”
Rowan cracks a laugh, and Killian grunts.
I grab Devlin by the shoulders, reeling him forward and pointing at the sky. “Do you see that?”
He lifts his head, and his face blanches when he notices the hovering rock. “What is that?”
“That’s war,” I answer. “We have no time for your asinine jokes right now.”
He drops his eyes to mine again. “That evil bitch is up there,” he snarls. “She killed my people. She killed my girlfriend. I was going to make her my wife!”
“You’re angry, and that’s exactly how you should feel.” I give his shoulders a squeeze. “Carry that anger with you as you suit up.”
“Oh, with fucking pleasure. Point me where I need to go.”
“Come with me.” Killian takes the lead, and Devlin and Bolv follow him.
I turn my attention to Hale who says, “We Whisper Grovians may not be big fighters, but many of us refused to sit idly by while this war happened. And because of what our leader did, well—” he scratches his head— “it’s only right that we assist you at this time.”
More people step out of the forest, coming in droves and dressed in leather and armor.
“I appreciate this Hale, but Conan’s betrayal isn’t your fault. You still have the chance to return to Whisper Grove and protect your people.”
“I know. But we aren’t leaving.” He stands taller. “We’re here to stay.”
“As are we.”
I turn my head, spotting Alora walking ahead of a sea of soldiers dressed in gold armor. I’m certain there’s a blend of Gilded amongst them reserving their energy for the battle. She’s dressed in armor herself, her hair braided into one thick braid that falls down her back.
“Alora.” I meet up to her, and she gazes up at me in awe.
“By The Regals, believe me when I say that I am still so cross with you,” she breathes. “But I’d be a fool to not congratulate you. Wow. You look just like The Regal I knew you would be.”
I smile. “I’m sorry for thinking you were against me. When we’re done with this war, I’ll make things right again. I’ll restore the trust. I swear it.”
She jabs the tip of a dagger at my chest. “You’ll have no choice, Monarch Harlow. Being allies with you is quite exhausting.” She pauses, a smile gracing her lips. “And I accept your apology.”
A man to her left shifts on his feet, and his familiar eyes lock on me.
“Valden,” I say, eyeing him back.
“Monarch Harlow,” he returns, smirking.
“I owe an apology to you as well. Forgive me for hurting you.”
“All is forgiven,” he says, slightly bowing his head.
“If you make it out alive, perhaps I’ll learn to like you.”
He lets out a haughty laugh. “Can’t say I’ll return the gesture, Monarch Harlow.” He scans me, nodding. “Being a Regal becomes you though.”
Purple and blue light appears in the corner of my eye, and I spot Hassha and Korah walking out of the manor. They take note the soldiers in Alora’s army as well as the Whisper Grovians.