It took all the strength I could gather to get myself out of bed. Draven had a hard time, too. We showered quickly, the cool water grounding us back into reality.

I watched him carefully as we finished dressing. “I don’t notice anything yet that might suggest you’re becoming a sentry,” I commented.

“I doubt your nature will affect me that way, as I said… But if I do attain sentry abilities, it will only be a good thing, Serena,” he said reassuringly, before he took my hand and led me to the door.

We reached the grand hall, where all the allies had gathered one last time.

The Dearghs, the Imps, Grezzi’s incubi, the united rogue succubi tribes, the Tritones, the Bajangs, and the Lamias were all ready to depart to their assigned locations. Generals and lieutenants were appointed to lead the troops and surround Luceria. Their orders were to settle in key points around the castle and wait for Field to give them the signal over the next few days.

“I’ve designated one of my wards to prepare the Maras,” Jax said, eyeing both Draven and me. I had a feeling he could tell something had happened between us. It was the same look Hansa had on her face, smiling eyes and all. “They’re currently stationed on the southwest side and are waiting for updates from the alliance.”

Draven nodded promptly, and Thorn stepped forward, leaving his sister a couple of feet behind, next to Hansa and Anjani. The shifters waited patiently behind, watching all the creatures around them with curious violet eyes.

“I’m taking my warriors out to cover the east side of the castle,” he said. “Rebel wishes to keep the elders and cubs safe, along with her security detail.”

I looked over my shoulder and noticed Rebel’s security detail—an entire garrison of well-built, muscular Bajangs, their expressions harsh and cool.

“We’ll see you soon.” Draven looked at the alliance. “We’re connected now, so I’ll be able to keep track of each of you, and you will be able to do the same with me and Serena.”

We made our farewells again, and Hansa and Wren took the pregnant Green Tribe succubi out to the ship waiting in the harbor. Anjani stayed back with Jax, Jovi, Phoenix, Aida, and Field. They were to wait for our return from Marton, after which we’d set the wheels in motion and engage Azazel.

I hugged my brother tight, hoping I’d pass some of my energy on to him.

“Don’t forget to feed, Phoenix,” I said, holding his face. “The Daughter is gone for now, and you’re still a sentry. Keep your strength. You’ll need it, okay?”

“No worries, Sis.” He winked at me. “Got a solid batch of chicken wings here waiting for me to dig in.”

He nodded toward Field, who raised a sarcastic eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. Aida stifled a chuckle.

At least it seemed Phoenix was doing a little better than yesterday. He had no choice but to take it one day at a time, but at least he was surrounded by friends and family. I had faith he would pull through and hold out until we found a way to get the Daughter back.

“I’ll see you soon.” I hugged Aida and Field next.

“Don’t do anything too crazy.” Aida gave me a poke in the ribs.

“Define ‘crazy’, though.” I grinned, and waved goodbye to all of them.

Draven and I headed out through the cloaking spell, accompanied by Rebel. We reached the eastern terrace and went down the stairs. We carried our satchels on our backs, stuffed with food, some supplies, and several spell scrolls for the young Druids.

We figured that if we convinced them to join the alliance, we only had a few days to teach them some serious dark magic. Draven had been learning during our stay in Stonewall, but the young Druids had been isolated for decades and needed some training before going after Azazel.

We reached the harbor, where the ship waited, creaking as it swung slowly from left to right. It was a large vessel, with three masts and enough space in its stores to hold supplies for an entire winter. Several horses were guided across the main deck and into the hold below. There were twelve succubi with red dots on their shoulders—all expectant mothers—along with twelve other Green Tribe members armed to the teeth, assigned as protection.

Wren embraced each of them, wishing them luck and leaving them with the promise that they would see each other again soon, and a map of Marton from the archive hall. They needed to find a safe spot there, after all.

Hansa stood by as they made their farewells, then turned to face us. I suddenly felt my cheeks flush under her inquisitive glare. Funnily enough, I was getting the same feeling from Draven, and I suspected we both looked like kids caught doing something mischievous. She watched us for a while, squinting her eyes as if carefully analyzing us.

A good minute passed before she cocked her head at me.

“So! Did you have a good night?”

I blinked several times, unsure of what answer I could possibly give her. I hadn’t had a good night. I’d had the most amazing night of my life, with the man I loved. I’d experienced bliss, over and over again, as my soul merged with Draven’s.

“Slept like a baby,” Draven replied, stifling a smirk.

His humor was short-lived, as Hansa jabbed a finger right into his chest, her expression firm and her glare icy and cold.

“You break her heart and I will break you. Is that clear, Druid?” she hissed.

Woah. I found myself taken aback by the intensity of her expression, the way her back had suddenly become rod-stiff. My eyes went wide and my words stuck in my throat. Draven took my hand in his and kept his head high, holding her stare.

“Crystal clear,” he replied, his fingers intertwined with mine, as I unraveled on the inside.

“Good.” Her deadly mask broke into a grin, and she gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder. “Now get moving while the waters are kind.”

We both watched her walk back toward the castle and climb the narrow stone steps leading up to the eastern terrace.

“See you in a couple of days!” she shouted over her shoulder, and waved us goodbye.

A few seconds went by as we both stared after her.

“Well, that wasn’t scary at all,” I said.

“You’ve made good friends here,” he replied, smiling at me.

I’d made some great friends, that was true. But, most importantly, I’d captured his heart and tucked it away next to mine. And, judging by the look on his face, there was nowhere else he would’ve wanted it to be anyway.