Page 46 of A Fate of Blood and Magic (Fated #2)

“At the first raid in the human realm, I refused one of the lirio aid.” I held Ilgirth’s gaze for a few beats before I turned to peer at the hushed crowd.

“He was gravely injured. We weren’t sure if he’d survive, yet I hesitated about taking him back to our realm to see one of our healers.

If I’m being honest, I’m not certain I would’ve agreed at all.

” I dragged a hand over my face, stopping to pinch the bridge of my nose before I continued.

“Alastor and the other lirio were able to get him back in time to their village to see a healer, and I’m glad he survived, but that doesn’t erase my sins against him.

” I paused, taking in the wolves and foxes who sat at the back of the crowd with several shifters in fae form beside them.

“Countless lirio and nyxx died that day, and although I’d used them as our first line of defense, I didn’t deem it worthy to bring one lirio back to see our healer.

I held my people and their well-being above those who’d willingly helped us. ”

Despite the way my chest ached, I kept my hands fisted at my side.

“Outside the doors of the second compound, I knew we were ill-prepared. We didn’t have enough warriors to fight alongside us.

Despite my transgressions, two lirio joined us, but we still weren’t enough for the number of soldiers and weapons this compound possessed.

On top of that, Brenton’s magic was wavering.

” I nodded toward my friend. “And when I got word that my home had been attacked with my mate inside along with a young male she’d been taking care of, I left.

I could’ve brought the warriors back with me and allowed us to regroup to ensure we had everything we needed for a well-executed raid.

“But again, I was selfish, and that selfishness cost seven fae lives and gravely injured several others, including the brave male standing before you.” I gestured toward Hayden, who shuffled his feet.

“I tortured the only male who survived the attack on my home. If I’m being honest, I enjoyed every beat of his torture and only wish I hadn’t had to cut it short.

” Around me, others grunted. Whether it was in support or disgust, I wasn’t sure.

“But the dungeon was filling with human prisoners, humans who’d brought weapons into our home or harbored those planning to harm us. ”

I searched for Donnie in the sea of faces.

“I wish I could tell you I regret killing them. I don’t.

But a wise male I respect told me I was making enemies of those living in my kingdom.

” I tore my gaze from Donnie’s to stare at my snow-covered boots.

“I regret that. I do not wish to bring my people—fae or human—any more danger.” I drew in a shaky breath.

“If you’ll permit me to speak a little longer, I have something else I wish to tell you.

It’s a confession of sorts, one I haven’t told my people yet, but seeing as the mages and shifters were friends, I feel it appropriate to approach it now. ”

Surrounded by other dragons, Nalari stood to make her way toward me.

Her long, powerful steps crunched against the snow, making the ground beneath my feet tremble.

She didn’t bother pausing to see if those in front of her path moved and barely glanced their way when she reached them.

When she stood behind me, her large head inches above mine, a sense of peace washed over me.

“Thank you,” I told her, grateful to have her at my side.

Teddy came to me too, taking my offered hand while Brenton, Everly, and George trailed her.

With those I trusted most at my side, I told the fae, humans, lirio, and mage the truth hidden behind the lies the Elders had led us to believe.

I told them of my family’s deceptions, about Leanora’s hold on the nyxx and lirio, and how fate had led us to the human realm where a terrible wrong had been righted.

I hadn’t understood it then, but with Alastor, Teddy, and the shifter fae with mage blood, it finally made sense.

Giving Alastor a chance at a real life had only been part of fate’s plan. Teddy finding her way in mage magic was yet another small piece.

“I understand there are shifters among you who also carry mage blood,” I said.

“My mate and her cousin, Alastor, wish to heal the mage land my family destroyed. Alastor believes the best way to achieve this is through mage magic. Those of you who would like to aid in these efforts are welcome to stay for as long as needed or desired. ”

Among the shifters, several males and females murmured to each other. My heart stilled when several moved toward Alastor to stand behind him and his lirio. Alastor watched them in that quiet way of his, but I saw the way his jaw ticked and the way his eyes seemed to glisten.

This had to be it. The final way to right the injustice my family had caused. Resurrecting the mage land and giving those with mage blood a chance to continue their familial line in peace were the missing pieces I hadn’t considered until now.

“Mages should be led by mages,” I said. “While the mage land had once been under my parents’ crown, neither the land nor the people living in it are mine to command.

I assure you, though, as I’m sure any lirio or nyxx you speak to would as well, Alastor is a fine and just leader.

If you wish to live there or beyond Niev’s borders, you should speak to Alastor.

” With his hand on his stomach, Alastor bowed his head.

“While Niev is a separate kingdom, I hope we can come to an agreement where we not only live in peace but also walk among each other’s lands in comfort.

I have willingly kept the truth of the mages and dragons from my people, but it is wrong, and I will correct it immediately.

Any fae present here today may speak of what I’ve said openly to other citizens of Niev, but I will also address my kingdom as soon as possible.

” I turned to where Kieren’s father stood beside the shifter fae.

Silas nodded, and both he and Evander, the leader of the shifters, stepped forward.

“You have given us much to consider.” Evander’s bushy brows drew together while he clasped his dark hands in front of him.

“I will say that being a leader is difficult. It is not a position I would’ve chosen for myself, and I have often considered not bearing children so I do not pass this burden onto them.

” Around him, the shifters laughed good-naturedly.

“Adira will be pleased to hear you won’t be hounding her as often,” one of the other shifters replied.

Laughing, Silas clapped Evander’s back.

When Evander’s smile grew to show his teeth, I saw he also bore the same sharp canines my species of fae also had.

“We are young leaders,” Evander continued, his light eyes on me. “From my understanding, you were as ready to step into leadership as I was. I hope your people will show you the same forgiveness mine have shown me.” He directed those final words to Hayden.

A tall female moved to stand beside Evander. She made a show of rolling her green eyes at her leader.

“You men truly do love to hear yourselves speak,” she said.

Teddy shook with the laughter she tried to contain.

“Trouble,” I teased her through our mental connection.

“I mean, is she wrong?” Teddy asked with a single brow arched.

“My mate seems to agree with you,” I told the female.

“She’s a smart woman, then.” The female turned her smile to Teddy, the coiled curls of her hair bouncing with the motion.

“This strange woman is my sister,” Evander said, making his shifters laugh again. “While her name is Cierra, you are welcome to call her Demon.”

Teddy nudged my side. “Why don’t you give me sweet pet names like that?”

Brenton snorted.

“Our hope in meeting with you today was to discuss open trade between your kingdom and the human realm,” Cierra said, pulling her shoulders back.

“The shifters that remained back home have taken over the compound you raided several nights ago,” Evander said.

“As we did at the first compound, we offered the civilians there a chance of survival. Once all your fae are returned to you and the compounds are under our control, we would like to establish regions as you did and give both my people as well as humans the opportunity to live without the confines of the compounds.”

“Why would you help us-humans?” Donnie asked, his tone skeptical. “What do you get in return?”

“The very thing King Elias is after,” Cierra said, tucking a strand of her black hair behind her ear. “Peace.”

Donnie scoffed, and she lifted her dark brows in question.

“Shifters have lived in the human realm for thousands of years, hidden from the world,” Evander said.

“Cohabitating with humans allows us to live out loud. Our ancestors left this realm because they were against violence. They didn’t want to join a fight that would kill innocent lives.

While we’ve lived hidden from humans, we’ve watched them and, on a few occasions, have spoken to them.

They are not collectively bad any more than fae or mages are bad.

There are of course exceptions, but our decision to help humans isn’t based on the exceptions.

Just as our ancestors wouldn’t partake in killing the mages, we cannot sit idly by and watch humans die when our magic can help them. ”

“What would humans be expected to do for you in return?” Donnie asked.

I ground my jaw to keep myself from turning the conversation toward what I’d originally planned. This was important to him, just as I was certain it was important to Teddy.

Cierra huffed out a laugh and raised a toned shoulder. “Not try to kill us?”

“What if they do try?” Donnie stalked forward, his shoulders pulled back and chin up.

When he stood in front of her, only a few inches taller than her, her eyes scanned him from the tips of his toes to the top of his head. Donnie rubbed his clean-shaven chin.

“Are you inviting me to dance with you?” One side of her mouth ticked up.

Surprised, Donnie drew his brows together before he laughed. “I don’t think I could keep up with you.”

That earned him a toothy smile. “Smart man.”

“I’ll tell my grandma she did a good job raising me.” He ran his hand across the back of his neck.

“Is he flirting?” Teddy asked in my mind. “I think he’s flirting.”

“He’s your longtime friend,” I answered.

“He’s definitely flirting.” There was a touch of humor in her voice. “Look at how red his neck is getting. This is too cute.”

I huffed out a laugh, which drew Cierra and Donnie’s attention to me. I waved a hand in front of me. “Please ignore me. What would you do if one of the humans tried to kill you?”

The shifters kept their gaze on Cierra rather than their leader, who seemed content to let her take the lead.

“What would you have us do?” she asked, tipping her chin up.

“Normally, we get a trial,” Donnie said. “The accused should be allowed to prove if he is innocent.”

“And if he isn’t?” Cierra asked .

“We have jails,” Donnie said.

“Jails?” she questioned.

“If the consequence of killing is more killing, how are you any better than those who attacked?” he asked.

“I believe the answer is clear if the reply to my offered aid is an attempt on my life.”

Donnie stammered. “Given the right rehabilitative resources, a person can change. Killing them cuts that chance away.”

“Killing them also prevents them from harming others.”

Frustrated, Donnie tore away to pace.

“What kind of rehabilitative resources?” I asked.

Donnie stared at me for long beats. “Therapy has been proven to help inmates in the past,” he answered slowly. “I’ve also witnessed improvement in goal setting—helping a person set a goal and giving them the tools to accomplish that goal.”

I coughed to clear the roughness settling in my throat and hoped I wouldn’t regret my decision.

“If you want to try that here, George can help you set it up,” I said. “If you accept, future prisoners will be your charge. You may choose two from your human patrol to work alongside you, and George will pick three from our fae guard.”

“If you are willing to adopt these rules, we would be willing to try them as well,” Evander said.

“Compassionate and good-looking. Why me?” Cierra scoffed, murmuring so low I doubted any human ears heard her.

When I snickered, Teddy poked my side.

“What did she say?” she asked in my mind.

“I think the female shifter has a crush on your friend.”

Teddy didn’t just smile but wound her arms around my waist and, through her mind-speak magic, sent me an exuberant laugh. How I loved my mate’s joy.

I couldn’t wait to marry her. We had waited far too long, but in a few days, we would finally be husband and wife, as well as soul-bound mates.

This fracture in Teddy and Donnie’s relationship still worried me, though, especially since he was supposed to walk her down the aisle along with Brenton.

Donnie, if you truly love your friend, please turn up.