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I caught sight of Keeva’s bloodied and limp body as the Shadows backed away. Rya remained, staring at Keeva before she raised her gaze to look at Kali. A quick shake of her head proved what I already knew—that Keeva was dead. Kali wrapped her arms around my neck, her small cry muffled in my shirt. Even after everything, she hadn’t wanted her twin dead. But as much as I didn’t want to see Kali in pain, there was no other way to end this.

“Everybody out,” Rya shouted. “Now.”

Another explosion rocked the building, and I began running for the door, only to skid to a halt when part of the ceiling gave out, and falling debris blocked our exit route.

“This way,” a Shadow yelled, pointing in the opposite direction. “Another way out.”

Another explosion wracked the building, and black smoke grew thick as fire engulfed the room. More of the ceiling gave out, forcing us to go a different way.

“I love you, Zan,” Kali whispered as she kissed my neck.

“I’m getting you out,” I growled. “No saying goodbyes.”

She squeezed her arms tighter around me. “In this life or the next, you’re mine.”

When another missile hit, it was close enough that I was nearly knocked off my feet. Rya was helping the Shadows who had fallen as we raced to find another way out. The heat was scorching, and it was slowly beginning to burn my skin. A loud crash was the only warning before I saw the rest of the ceiling crash down.

“I love you too. Always,” I murmured in her ear before everything went black.

Chapter 46

Pax

Six Months Later

“Ready?” Viggo asked, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “Hard to believe it’s already been a month since the last meeting.”

“Really?” I asked dryly. “It feels like we were just here. But I guess it’s different when you just get to sit back and watch.”

He chuckled. “Oh, come on. I’m doing as much work as you.”

We entered the building, and Viggo lit up his cigarette, nodding at a group of humans who were walking past. Most of them nodded in silent greeting before continuing on their way. I watched them go, shock flaring in my chest like it did every time we came here. Most knew my face because of these meetings. They were aware I was a Shadow, yet they didn’t show fear or hatred.

It was what Kali wanted—for all of us to live in peace.

The first couple of months after the night that changed everything had been a hellish mess. The Shadows who survived that night continued to work alongside the Clovers. Most of the vampires scattered, though a few chose to follow me and Viggo.We were still watching them closely, but so far, they hadn’t caused any trouble.

As of today, there were no more human project cities. While PARA had put up a fight, they couldn’t keep their control. It wasn’t even the Shadows who made them bow. It was the humans in those cities who fought alongside the Clovers until we stepped in to help finish it. Word had spread of cities being liberated, and that was all it took for everyone to begin resisting.

It helped that we had our father’s property. His entire armory had been equipped for a war. There were buildings scattered all over the place with endless weapons and ammo. It was impossible to be everywhere in this world, but once we were able to use the communication, that PARA had used to connect their cities, it was easier.

Was everything perfect? Not even close.

But the Shadows, humans, and even the vampires were living in a unique harmony. Coming here every month was how we kept order. How ironic that our meeting place was where Kali had started her journey. Project Hope.

Viggo pushed open the door, revealing the large room. Warner had told me that this place used to be a cafeteria. There were long tables with benches filling the room, and at least half of them were already full. In the back of the room was a raised stage. I recognized a few faces as Viggo and I strode past. We purposefully did this at night so that vampires could participate if they wanted.

“You’re late.”

I raised my eyes to see Gia giving me a warm smile. She was on the platform, sitting behind a table. Next to her was Asami. She looked completely at ease sitting between Gia and Collin. Ever since PARA fell, Collin became head of the Clovers. Warner trusted that he was one of the good ones, and so far he hadn’t disappointed us.

“We’re not late,” Viggo drawled, plopping down on the bench next to Warner and Rya. “You can’t start without Pax anyway.”

I hopped onto the platform, taking my spot next to Gia. My heart beat unevenly like it always did when I was here. My eyes cut down the table as my chest tightened.

I shouldn’t be sitting here. This was Kali’s rightful spot.

Gia. Asami. Collin. Me.