Page 99 of Pirate Witch

So there will be no witches fighting in Cawshome.

Not directly, at least.

Fitz, Val, and the other captains originally thought they’d return to Cirio and the main fleet with a small force of Lunars to help bolster the front lines. Maybe even a handful of Solars who could shield them. Instead, they’ll be carrying healing charms from the Solars and nothing more.

Danikahaspromised to conduct another ritual, this time with the intention of supporting us in the battle. That’s something, at least.

The one and only good thing that came out of that long and disappointing meeting was the announcement that Elsie and Reva have been confirmed as High Priestesses. Even though Elodie argued that they were too young, she was outvoted by Danika, Sophie, Rachel, and Agatha.

There’s also the issue that neither of them have a coven. There are plenty of cities where they could rule, but most of the remaining witches belong to the covens of Meliad, Ilyani, and Coveton. There are only a few survivors from Sanctum.

When I left their gathering, they were talking about how to increase witch populations in different cities—including Cawshome—as if our victory is a done deal.

I suppose, for witches to survive, it has to be.

There are only a few hundred of us left.

Klaus sent word to his mother—because apparently if you’re a siren, sending a message from one side of the ocean to the other is as simple as finding a whale who will deliver it—and I believe the Empress’s honour will hold her to her promise. And, yes, the pirates are good fighters. But even if I believe the most optimistic estimate, that will still leave us outnumbered four to one. Realistically, it’s more likely to be five to one, or worse when pirates start jumping ship—and theywillwhen they think they’re on the losing side.

Is there any way we come out of this victorious?

That question taunts me because, deep down, I already know the answer. We can’t. Theonlyway we have a chance is if I can kill the Eagle and the Alchemist. Without a leader, the army will surrender, and Amelia will take the throne.

But so many Shadows have tried and failed to kill the Eagle and Lily. I have less training, and if I’m honest, less of a chance. I still have no idea how they managed to shield the room from the spirit plane. If I encounter another barrier like that, and I’m forced to rely solely on my Lunar powers and swordsmanship to go up against a human with extra abilities and a powerful witch, I’m screwed.

As much as I hate to admit it, Alletta’s offer… might be the only chance we have.

I turn onto my side, and come face to face with Nos’s white eyes. Histear-filledwhite eyes.

He’s crying.

My whole body stiffens, but before I can move or do anything to comfort him, he reaches out and stops me.

“Kier will follow you,” he whispers. “And the others… they’ll hurt and rage at us both for a while, but they’ll accept it, eventually.”

Is he saying…?

“It’s the only way, then?” I ask.

“The only one I’ve seen,” he responds cryptically.

“And the madness?”

He shakes his head silently, shutting his eyes completely. “I don’t know.”

“But it will work?”

Nos doesn’t answer for the longest time. “There are so many other factors… So many other futures that might play out… But this isyourbest chance of survival.”

That’s the only reason he’s telling me all of this, I realise. He wants me to live.

He doesn’t consider the fact that madness might be worse than dying.

My seer’s eyes don’t open again, and soon enough, his breathing evens back out. I want to toss and turn, but I don’t want to risk waking him or the rest of my men. Cas is on my other side, and the heat the two shifters are throwing off is becoming unbearable. I won’t get to sleep any time soon, so I slide my way under the covers until I’m standing at the foot of the bed, watching them.

How can they sleep so peacefully? Aren’t they also worried about what will happen now that we’re so badly outnumbered?

I’ve started pacing the rug at the end of the room without realising. Only Opal curling up directly in my path forces me to stop.