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I know you think that,Daemon answered sadly. Or you’ve convinced yourself of it in any case.

It is the truth!

Maybe when you started all of this, but not now. Now, you are simply seeking to keep the sand underneath your kingdom from being washed away,Daemon told him.

Kaly did not respond to this.

The others are going to return. Many already have,Daemon told Kaly. Our existence is going to be revealed to the world. I cannot have you or those poisoned children terrorizing everyone.

What will you do to me? Keep me in a soul gem, too?Kaly asked. Or make us all mortals again? Or--

No, as I said, I need your assistance,Daemon answered and he released the hold that Eyros had over the form Artemis.

“Hey! Daemon, what are you doing?” It was Balthazar crying out as he jogged towards Daemon from the trees. His mind told Daemon that he was not going to let the Vampire King face Kaly alone.

Daemon smiled. Balthazar’s bravery--as well as his desire for revenge--was greater than his sense at this point. But it did not matter. He had not ordered them to remain behind. The others came after Balthazar. Fiona’s forehead furrowed. Christian was frowning. Caemorn was preparing for battle. Artemis stretched and cracked his neck from side to side. He was not attempting to flee. Not yet. Of course, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave.

“What’s the plan?” Balthazar asked. There was an eager light to trap Kaly in the place inbetween to torture him as he had tortured Balthazar.

Daemon reached over and cupped Balthazar’s cheek. “I am sorry I was not here to stop that.”

Balthazar’s eyes grew dark, but then he shook himself. “No, I’m glad you weren’t. I needed to know my own power and to realize… Did you know? About Roan?”

Daemon slowly nodded. “It was the only explanation for why Christian was a Speaker to the Dead. I think you might find that you have more gifts from--”

“I don’t want them!” Balthazar flared, then looked down guiltily. “I’m happy with my own gifts.”

“Yes, of course,” Daemon said.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have shouted at you,” Balthazar said, looking apologetic. “It’s just…”

Daemon patted his cheek. “I understand. No apology needed.”

Christian had been watching this interaction. His frown had deepened. He was worried about Balthazar’s state of mind and he did not quite understand what Roan and Kaly had in common. Not quite yet.

Caemorn’s gaze was fixed on Kaly. But Daemon knew that he had heard their words and was already working towards the inevitable conclusion: that both he and Balthazar were Blood Brothers, but from different forms, if not the same Immortal.

“Why have you released me?” Artemis asked. “To have some big showdown? At least give me Moira and make the odds a little more even.”

“You said the Well of All Souls was your place,” Caemorn stated. “Do you need additional help?”

Artemis’ eyes narrowed then he laughed, “By the Gods, Caemorn, look at you! A proud dog at his new Master’s heels!”

“Better than a beaten dog,” Caemorn remarked simply.

Caemorn’s lack of hurt from his words had Artemis stymied for a moment, but he shook himself and gave an evil smile.

“You killed Julian’s parents. You can never undo that,” Artemis said. “You can never truly join Daemon’s family.”

Caemorn’s eyes slide to Daemon. There was that promise again. If he had the soul gems he could bring them back. Daemon knew he meant it.

Whatever the cost...

“Where are you keeping the soul gems containing the Harrows?” Fiona asked.

“As if I would tell you!” Artemis scoffed and tossed back his angelic blond head.

“You should use it as a bargaining chip,” Fiona answered just as coolly, her arms crossing over her body. “You’re not getting out of here.”