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“Mhmm,” he smiles. “I told them that their queen required assistance for an impending battle. I was transparent about how we are trying to restore the balance, and the battles will likely be against the lions and wolves since Zypher and Morwen are leading the chaos right now.”

“What did they say?” I ask.

“Well, I had a call with six of the leaders, and they all said that I can tell the queen that you have their full support,” he says with a smile.

“Bears and panthers said the same,” Kael says as he and Callum walk over to us.

“When will they be here?” I ask.

“Within the hour,” Kael says.

“Dragons will be here soon,” Daemon says.

“Fuck. Okay, so now I need to make the broadcast?” I ask.

“Yeah,” Callum says. “We will be with you.”

“Dad,” I call out to him.

“What’s up?” he asks when he comes over.

“I should probably not mention that I’m a succubus, right?” I ask.

“I’d keep that detail to yourself,” he says. “Do tell them you’re the High Witch, though. The wolves and lions will target you more directly knowing that you are leading, but it’s bound to come out anyway.”

“Okay,” I sigh.

“Freya and I have everything set up for the broadcast. All you have to do is talk, and it will go to every TV and radio in the country,” Dad says.

“Alright, here goes nothing,” I say. I follow him back to the house. Everything is set up in the living room as ¹1Freya stands up and tells us where she wants us.

“I’ll give you a thumbs up when we are live,” Dad says.

“What are you thinking?” Kael asks.

“That I’m about to give Zypher and Morwen even more of a reason to rape and kill me,” I say bluntly.

I’m starting to realize that I don’t have to survive for us to win the war. I know I’m inevitably going to be taken, and I know now that it will be Zypher that hurts me. If he’s there, then Morwen will be close. I will answer for all their anger. I will be the one they seek retribution from. Killing them means the war is won if the source of the chaos is taken out. Without a leader, they can be taken out or forced to surrender easily. What if I am meant to take us all out when they inevitably capture me? What if the point of that dream was to tell me that I’m supposed to tap into that magia to destroy all, once they have me isolated? Whatever the process, I have to let it happen naturally. I won’t seek out being captured, but if it has to happen, then I will accept it so that I can kill them myself.

Dad gives me a thumbs-up and I take a deep breath. “Citizens of Grimitara… I know a lot has happened in the past two weeks. Many innocent civilians have been killed simply for being a fox shifter or a witch. It is my job as the High Witch to protect the innocent and lead us to peace, however necessary. Rinas Manor and its surrounding property are now a place of refuge for all fox shifters and witches. We have the support of the Dragons, Bears, and Panthers, so we are accepting them as well,” I begin. This is my one chance to address everyone and make our mission known.

“I have every intention of restoring the balance to this country. Anyone who gets in my way of doing that will face consequences. Hatred and violence against the innocent will not be tolerated,” my voice sounds steady even with my heart racing.

“I do not want to segregate or destroy any species, including the wolves and lions. I wish there was a way to come to a resolution without violence, but there are too many people out there right now hurting others for no reason. They decided on violence a long time ago, and now it is my job to rectify the situation… in whatever way I need to. Our property is open to those of you who wish to seek refuge and fight against those who threaten your life and your freedom. Together we will fight for peace!” By the end of my speech, I feel alive. Emotions are high in the room as I finish my rallying cry.

“You did amazing,” Dad says as he comes around the camera to hug me. I let out a breath and relax my nerves as he holds me for a moment. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. It just makes me anxious to confirm that I’m a witch on TV. I have spent twenty-three years hiding it, so it’s strange being able to be so open with it,” I say when I pull away.

“I am so proud of you,” he says happily.

“I still have time to fuck up, Dad. Don’t be too proud just yet,” I say.

“No… I’ll always be proud of you for standing up for what’s right,” he says.

“There is a horde of naked shifters in the courtyard,” Leli says as she walks into the house. “From the look of things, I’m assuming they’re dragon shifters.”

“Okay,” I laugh.