Page 24 of Celestial Shadows
The fate of the realms rests on my shoulders. Instead of pondering what this world has done to me, I should focus on what I can do for this world. And, like everything else in life, it allstarts with a first step. I stand up from my chair and exit the war room. Most of my companions are present within the courtyard.
“Kolvar! Aima!” I wait beside the fountain that Noni and the little fae have built. Kolvar and Aima appear before me almost instantly. “Go to the Delendren Glade and make sure the refugees there are well protected and then meet us at the border of the fae realm in a week’s time.”
They nod without question and hurry out of sight. Then I go off in search of Baron. When I find him, I approach Baron quietly. He glances up at me with a smirk. “What is it now?”
“I need you to take the army to this location,” I say as I send him coordinates through the communication rings.
“What is this location?”
“The place where we will establish our camp.”
“And prepare for war?”
I nod. “And prepare for war.”
His smirk twists into a full smile. “I’m proud of you.”
I feel my face heating up, growing flustered beneath his praise. Baron leans over and hovers just inches from my lips. “What are you doing?” I ask quietly.
“Kiss me, Angel.” His hand moves to rest on my hip as I slide my lips against his. I expect him to deepen the kiss, to draw it out until I’m weak in the knees, but he pulls away. “Thank you. I’ll do as you ask.”
He swaggers off in the opposite direction. I realize I’m not the only female who has taken an interest in the dominating presence of Baron. Several heads turn to watch him walk away I’m puzzled by the jealousy that suddenly consumes me. It’s then that I realize my lovers bear no mark of my claim, nothing to show they’re mine alone. And I have nothing to show that I belong to them. That has to change. Before I go to find Theren, I put in an order with the blacksmith. He eyes me warily, but agrees to forge the items I need.
Theren and Cambion are standing near one of the trucks when I find them. Cambion smiles when he catches sight of me. Theren casts a heated glance in my direction as I slowly approach. “I know you’re busy with the refugees, but I need you to do something for me when you’re done,” I start.
“Anything,” Cambion answers.
“If we want to beat Abedon, we need more soldiers. One of the scouts reported that what’s left of the Seelie army is no longer in Earlann. I need you to join Dragan and Variant when they bring the soldiers to the camp.”
“What camp?”
I smile as I realize I’ve neglected to tell him the first part of my plan. “I’ll send you the coordinates. Silvanus and Pyre will be helping me clear any demons or other threats out of the area,” I explain. “We’re moving the fight away from the keep. Our main priority is protecting those we offer refuge.”
“Wise words from a compassionate leader.” Theren finally meets my gaze. “Be careful, Eilish.”
“You too.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CAMBION
Vindication Camp
Dragan props Variant against a tree just as we see smoke from the camp. As soon as they saw Variant, the Seelie attacked on sight, wounding the once False King until I made my presence known. I explained to them the events that had led to Variant’s rule as well as his fall. After time to deliberate, they agreed to fight beside us if Eilish proved to be as strong a leader as the rumors made her seem.
Now, we peer over the lush forests along the outskirts of the fae realm, looking at the spattering of smokestacks that pepper the landscape.
Baron’s voice sounds through the communication rings, informing us the refugees are safe and that he, too, is on his way to the camp. We begin the long trek through the forest and walk for miles towards a large field littered with vibrant tents. The flags of the Vindication flap in the wind. Golems, skinshifters, elves, dwarves, and other creatures of the realms fasten themselves into armor as we pass.
I turn to Dragan. “Get Variant to the mages for healing and then make your way to Eilish’s tent.” The gargoyle shuffles off with a nod as I face the Seelie soldiers. “Find a house brownie named Noni. She will take you to get food and water. There will be tents and cots set up for you within the hour.”
The soldiers wear a look of relief on their faces as Theren leads them to Noni’s little tent. I make my way through the camp and find Eilish’s encampment. The bold white covering stands out in a sea of sapphire, scarlet, emerald, and black. The closer I get, the stronger I can scent her hunger. She needs me. And I’m drawn to her in ways beyond my control. My heart yearns to be near her.
I open the tent and step inside. A spell silences the sounds of the camp. Eilish sits at a small desk, writing in her journal. She scrawls a few more words onto the page before setting down her pen. Blue eyes shine in the lantern light as a coy smile plays on her lips. “You’re back. I’ve missed you.” She stands up from her chair and leans against the desk, causing her thin robe to cling to her supple curves.
My eyes roam over her figure. “I missed you, as well,” I reply. “When did the others arrive at camp?” I can’t stay away. My feet carry me across the intimate space, trapping Eilish against the desk. She hums and traces her finger along the arch of my brows.
“Myerdoth led the gargoyles and a few others into the camp yesterday.”
