Page 23

Lilith

I step through the portal and take a few steps into the library before turning back. It’s been just a little over a week, but everything feels different. I smile as the guys step through carrying our things. “We’re home,” I say, trying to smile, as my family also emerges. Volis and Striker take in the entire library at once. The portal is tucked away between two large bookcases. Beyond the shimmering pool, I can still see Aunt Sana, Grandma Arieana, and sweet little Sylvie. I wave to them before they turn away.

We gather around the table at the center, where there is a map of the country. “The guys know this property better than I do,” I say. I notice a change to the map as I trace the mass of land that has started to slowly shift towards Grimitara.

“I’ll shift and go up to look around. You should probably stay here or near the library just in case there is anyone here,” Daemon says.

“I’d rather step out so I can lead,” I say.

“Okay,” Daemon says as he opens the door. We all cautiously step out of the building. “If I see anything, I’ll tell you.” He takes a few steps and looks around before shifting and taking to the air. I smile when I see the green shimmer off his black scales. He is truly remarkable in this form. It certainly doesn’t hurt that getting dragon-fucked is amazing.

“Have you seen them shift before?” Dad asks me. Leli bursts out laughing, which makes me giggle. I know she heard the commotion and likely heard me mention it.

“You didn’t,” Dad gasps as he looks at Callum and Kael.

“Do you really want us to answer that, Mazvyn?” Kael asks with a smirk.

“She’s so little, though,” Dad frowns.

“Magic certainly helps,” Callum chuckles.

“It’s like a Mary Poppins pussy,” Leli giggles. “A cunt of holding.”

“Leli, really?” Dad frowns at her.

“What?” Leli asks. “It’s true. Just be thankful she didn’t get dragon-fucked while she was shifted into that tiny little Arctic fox.”

“There isn’t enough magic on the planet that could save me from that death,” I laugh.

“I’m pretty sure a dragon dick is as big as an Arctic fox,” Striker laughs.

“Not you too,” Dad groans.

“Not exactly, but same concept. I would cease to exist,” I say.

“ Property is clear. Bring them to the house,” Daemon tells Kael and me via mind link.

“We are good,” I say. “Let’s go to the house.”

We all start walking toward the house. Leli and Striker continue to make dragon dick jokes in an attempt to make Dad uncomfortable the entire way to the house. I can’t help but laugh at their incessant teasing. Kael and Callum laugh every time Dad makes a face or grunts his disapproval.

“You complain, but you raised them to be this way,” I laugh.

“I didn’t teach them this shit. This was all your Aunt Sana,” Dad laughs.

“He’s not wrong,” Striker laughs. “I’m going to return home to a foul-mouthed toddler.”

“I’m getting the feeling that it’s bound to happen regardless,” I say to him, making Dad laugh.

When we get to the house and walk inside, Daemon is dressed and in the living room. Leli and Striker immediately burst into a fit of laughter. Daemon narrows his eyes and tilts his head, slightly confused.

“They were just teasing Dad,” I say while grinning as I go up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. He wraps his arms around me in a hug.

“And this somehow involves me?” he questions.

“Because Leli has a loudmouth, so now she and Striker are making dragon dick jokes,” I laugh.

“Wait until he finds out there are two of them,” Kael stifles his laughter as he sits on the couch and pulls me into his lap. Daemon chuckles as he sits beside us.

“You’re home,” Freya, the housekeeper, says cheerfully as she comes into the room.

“Why are you here?” Daemon asks with a frown.

“Because, Mr. Asher, it is my job,” she laughs.

“Freya, we even paid you extra so you would take some time off and you know I hate when you call me that. Actually, it’s fine,” Daemon’s frown softens. “We need your help anyhow.”

“You just got here, and you’ve already made a mess?” she asks, amused.

“You’re hilarious,” Daemon deadpans. “Do you know how we can get in touch with the witches and have them come to us?”

“Is this about what they are saying about Lilith?” she asks.

“Uh… yeah,” Daemon says.

“I assume she is a fox shifter?” Dad asks.

“I am, and you are?” Freya asks, looking at my dad.

“Mazvyn Deverell, I am Lilith’s father.” He answers, offering his hand to her. Freya smiles as she takes his hand, giving him a hearty handshake.

“I am almost certain I have heard that name somewhere. Either way, it is nice to meet you,” she says as she releases his hand.

“She raised them,” I say.

“Yeah. We try to make her stop cleaning, but she just keeps coming back,” Kael frowns at Freya, making her laugh.

“Sweet boy, I promised your mothers that I would take care of you. This is my way of doing that,” she says.

“What happened to your mom?” Striker asks, making the guys look at each other.

“I’ll explain later,” I say. “First, Freya, this is my brother, Striker. You know Leli. She is my sister.”

“It’s so nice to meet you all,” she smiles. “Should I make up some rooms?”

“For the love of God, woman,” Daemon growls.

“You’d think you would know by now that I’m always going to be here,” Freya laughs. “Where are they from?”

“Voradia,” I say. She stares at me for a second before looking at Dad. “Have you been here before?” she asks him.

“Not here at the house, but I’ve been on the property,” Dad says.

“I thought so,” she says vaguely. “So why do you want to get in touch with the witches?”

“Well, we need to get the witches and the fox shifters here,” I say. “Where it will be the safest place for them.”

“You have a point. Ever since reports have been going out stating that you are a witch, there have been protests and mobs every day. Lately, they have been getting more violent. A couple of fox shifters were killed last night on their way home. They have been getting the shit beat out of them when caught in public by the wolves,” she says.

“I’m afraid it’s going to get a lot worse,” I say.

“Are you a witch?” she asks.

“Yeah. I am,” I confirm. She looks at me for a moment before turning to the guys. There is a hesitation on her face. She wants to say something, and the longer the pause she takes, the more it solidifies my assumption. “You’re a witch… aren’t you?”

“I am,” she says simply, breathing a sigh of relief.

“Freya,” Callum sighs. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because you were taught to fear them. If I changed your view of that, then you boys would have been hurt trying to defend me. It was easier to let you sit with your misinformation than to let you get yourselves killed,” she says softly.

“It cost lives, Freya,” Kael says.

“But it made sure that the High Witch was able to find her mates,” she says with a smile.

“Do you know who Brenna is?” I ask. I’m not sure how, but I sense she knows more than what she is saying. From the moment I met her, there was something about her that was familiar. I thought she was just being extra friendly, but now that I have read Mom’s letter, she reminds me of someone from the orphanage.”

“She’s my sister,” she says softly.

“That’s how I know you,” Dad smiles. “You helped Ashara before she died. I remember her mentioning someone named Freya being able to help her if she went into labor early.”

“Wait, you knew her mom?” Callum asks Freya.

“I did, yes. I helped her after she had given birth,” Freya says. “Before Morwen captured her. She was terrified someone was close, so she told me she left you with Brenna and closed the portal. I tried everything I could to get her to stay here, but she had already been discovered, and they were looking for her.”

“How did she get discovered?” Dad asks.

“She said she did a spell thinking no one was around, but there was a wolf shifter near her, and she was outed immediately. She was in labor with you and just needed time to have you before they found her,” Freya says.

“Why didn’t she just go through the portal?” I ask. “She left me with Brenna. She could have just gone back.”

“I think she preferred dying over feeling like she abandoned you here,” Freya says. “She knew you needed to be here, but when she messed up and was outed, it made it so she couldn’t stay with you. She didn’t want you to grow up and know that she just dropped you off and went home when things got dangerous for her.”

“That’s stupid,” I frown. “So, she was too stubborn to keep herself alive? You tried to get her to go back?”

“Yeah. I tried, but she wouldn’t have it. She refused to let me help her because it would have risked me getting discovered also,” Freya says.

“They knew she was pregnant, though. Did they question where I went?” I ask.

“They looked for you for weeks,” she says. “Eventually, they gave up and presumed you had died during birth. She turned herself in, hoping to lead them away from you. She also figured it’d be a quick death if she turned herself in rather than getting caught trying to hide.”

“It was not quick,” Dad says with a frown.

“No, Brion Morwen got to her,” she says. “He has an awful reputation with how he treats women in general, but he’s… fox shifters and witches are his favorite ones to hurt.”

“No kidding,” I say, and she frowns at me.

“What has he been up to? Has he surfaced?” I ask.

“Yeah. He and the councilman that was fired have been leading the protests, demanding that you be found and executed.”

“Yeah, they’ll be wanting way more than just an execution,” I say. “So, how am I supposed to accomplish anything if I’m at risk of getting killed the moment I go out in public?”

“You just make sure you are never alone,” Daemon says. “We will make the call to the shifters we think will join us. Just focus on getting the witches and foxes here. We can do a broadcast to reach them. Word of mouth will spread quickly.”

“All they have to do is get on the property,” Leli says. “If they can get here, the other witches coming in can help me put up a barrier so we can at least keep things protected here.”

“We can’t just stay here while they take over everything else,” I say. “We will have to go out and fight at some point.”

“And we will,” Dad says. “But we need to come together first so everyone can be on the same page.”

“Okay, so we need to get the witches from Voradia here first so we can get the barrier up. Is there a way to have it up but they still be able to come through?”

“I’ll talk with the others, and we can make sure they can get to us. Don’t worry about that,” Leli says reassuringly.

“Okay, so once this barrier is up, I’ll announce that all witches and fox shifters are welcome to seek refuge here while the guys reach out to the other shifters,” I say. “Then I guess I should talk to everyone.”

“That’s a good place to start,” Dad says.

“Will the shifters even listen to me?” I ask Kael.

“They will follow you. Doesn’t matter if you’re a witch. If they come here, they still see you as their queen,” Kael says. “I don’t think we will have an issue. Shifters tend to be loyal to their own, so once we make the call, I fully expect for them to all show up.”

“Okay. Well… Let’s start by making sure people have somewhere to set up camp. We also need to be concerned about feeding everyone.”

“I can handle that,” Dad says. “You greet the witches and do the broadcast. I’ll handle food and assist where I’m needed.”

“Where do you want me?” Striker asks.

“As people come in, we need to make sure they’re organized. If something happens, we need to be able to get everyone gathered quickly. I don’t want any of this bullshit where the foxes or witches are shoved to the side either,” I say.

“I can handle that,” Striker says.

“Okay. Let’s go outside so they know I am here,” I say as I stand up.

…

I am walking through the courtyard looking at the setup that Striker has started. He is meticulously organized, so I think this is a good thing for him to do. He has set up stations to make sure we are organized and can keep the peace. There is also a central hub where I can ensure that things are on track. I can’t afford to get lost in the details.

“They’ve agreed to come,” Daemon says when he stops beside me.

“How many?” I ask.

“All of them,” he says.

“All?” I ask with a bewildered look on my face.

“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.

“How… Never mind. Don’t answer that,” Dad says, shaking his head.

“Let’s go greet them,” Daemon laughs.

“I can get the witches to help enchant the fabric so we can keep people clothed. Although I don’t mind, something tells me not everyone in this house will want a bunch of naked men running around.”

“Yeah. Let’s not do that,” Kael frowns.

“Nervous?” I ask.

“About a bunch of men being naked around you, my mate? The half-succubus that draws men in without even trying? Yeah. Let’s not do that,” he says. “The last thing we need is the evidence of their natural attraction to you sticking out everywhere.” I laugh heartily at his possessiveness.

“Also, there is a chance that you will have to shift too,” Dad says to me.

“Yeah. Start enchanting clothing,” Daemon says to Leli.

“You don’t want everyone to see Lilith naked?” Leli asks innocently. Callum, Kael, and Daemon growl at her as more of their possessiveness over me slips out. “I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Jeez. Like a bunch of feral animals, I swear.”

“Come on,” I laugh.

We all go outside to meet with the still-naked dragon shifters. They all bow to us when we come out.

“Where is Vash?” Daemon asks a man.

“He should be landing in a second, sir,” he says. Just then, a black and red dragon, similar in size to Daemon’s form, lands nearby. When he shifts back into his regular body, he greets a few people before walking over. He is stark naked and carries himself as though he is fully clothed. I would be mortified if I had to walk around naked like that.

“Vash,” Daemon says with a smile as he shakes his hand. “Thank you for joining us.”

“I’ve been looking for an excuse to kill Morwen anyhow,” Vash says with a grin. “Your Highness.” Vash bows slightly to me.

“It’s just Lilith,” I say with a kind smile.

“Well, Lilith, you are very brave for taking this on,” he says.

“I don’t really have much of a choice, but I have the advantage of you all helping, so maybe I won’t die too horribly,” I laugh.

“That’s not funny,” Daemon says to me with a frown.

“Anyway, this is Mazvyn, my father,” I say.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Vash says to Dad.

“You too,” Dad says, smiling.

“This is my sister, Leli,” I say. Leli peeks up from her tablet and freezes as she looks at him. Vash has a similar look on his face. They are staring at each other as if nothing else exists. Leli’s eyes begin to glow a bright green just as Vash steps toward her.

“What’s going on? What’s this?” I ask, confused.

“She found her mate,” Daemon leans down and whispers.

“Your eyes did the same thing,” Kael says, grinning.

“Are you two going to speak or just stare at each other?” I ask Leli and Vash.

“Sorry,” Leli says, shaking herself out of her daze.

“Don’t apologize,” I say. “Just be lucky you weren’t pinned against a wall like I was.”

“Okay. That’s not fair,” Kael says in protest. Daemon laughs, and I narrow my eyes at him.

“Let’s not forget Callum was the only one who didn’t want to murder me at first,” I say to Daemon.

“See? I’m the nice one,” Callum says with a cocky grin.

“And yet I’m still the one who mated with her first,” Kael says with a smirk.

“I did not need to know that,” Dad says.

“It’s because I saw Mom and ran away from them,” I laugh.

“So running from a shifter gets you laid?” Leli asks with a grin.

“Please don’t fuck in the courtyard,” I say. “There are bedrooms for that.”

“Leli,” I say when she still hasn’t stopped looking at Vash.

“Hmm?” she says. She pulls her eyes off of his and looks at me.

“Clothes,” I say with a smirk. “There are many naked people in this courtyard right now. Unless your new mate is okay with you being around a bunch of naked men.”

“No,” Vash growls.

“Didn’t think so,” I laugh. “Make her go have the witches start enchanting clothing because we can’t have you all running around naked all day.”

“Come on,” Vash says firmly to Leli. They reach out to one another, joining hands before walking away.

“That was… interesting,” I say. “You okay, Dad?”

“Mhmm. Just trying to come to terms with the situation,” he says, and I laugh.

“Alright. I’ll check on Leli to make sure she’s working on the clothes and not fucking in the woods. We should be expecting an influx of witches and shifters in general. I’m not joking when I say I won’t tolerate anyone being shitty to the foxes or witches,” I say.

“Just make your expectations clear when you talk,” Daemon says.

“Be blunt with them and explain what you mean. If you’re vague, they will push it as far as they can,” Kael says.