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“We’ll go with your sister,” Ignatius said. “Darius and I have the greatest knowledge of the Ward. I recommend Eldwin and Hro go in our place. They are the strongest fighting pair and if you’re going in lean, they’re best suited for the assignment.”

I glanced at my uncle and he smiled. “Darius has never admitted Hro and I are better warriors. How can I refuse after that concession?”

Avie sorted everyone into their teams, and the rest of the briefing focused on logistics. Goodbyes lingered a bit longer than normal. No one said it out loud, but some of us probably wouldn’t survive. Cinaed and I were at the top of that list.

Throughout it all, Cinaed stuck beside me. His presence was a reminder of everything at stake. As others broke away to find their flights, Cinaed and I found a quiet corner of the hangar, and I pulled him into an embrace.

“Finally,” I whispered against his hair. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.” His arms tightened around me. “Our connection has gotten stronger even without completing our bond.”

Concentrating on our link, I pushed my emotions to him. “No matter what happens, I will always love you. Being with you has been the greatest joy of my life. Ailpein’s spell couldn’t take that from us.”

Although I believed we’d make it, we didn’t ignore the possibility we wouldn’t, so we held on as long as possible. Bart finally approached, his expression apologetic.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, sounding sincere. “But our flight is leaving in ten minutes. We’ll discuss the rescue plans on the plane.”

Reality reasserted itself, and we stepped apart. “We’re coming.”

T he rescue plan was less plan and more make it up as we go. We lacked the details needed to thoroughly plot each step. Eldwin and Hro expressed confidence we could reach Ailpein, it was the freeing him that would be hard.

Bart had been working on ways to isolate Ailpein from all outside magic. Once he severed Blackstone’s connection to Ailpein, it would be up to Malachy and Cinaed to free him.

“Based on the information Bart and Cinaed sent me, I think we understand how Blackstone is holding the king,” Prince Malachy said. “It’s not corrupted earth magic, it’s demonic energy.”

“How’s that possible?” Hro asked. “The only demons who made it to Earth died before leaving their containment circles.”

“I know,” Bart said with a smirk. “I was there for both. The death of two powerful demons released a lot of dark energy. Most was contained by the glyphs and the Earth would’ve quickly neutralized most of it.”

Most of it wasn’t all. Blackstone was mercurial and likely had contingencies for his contingencies. “He could’ve siphoned off energy before it all dissipated.”

“None of us were paying attention immediately after the fight, but we assume he did,” Cael said. “We also made plans in case we’re wrong.”

Blackstone wasn’t the only one who made contingency plans. “If it’s demonic energy, how do we free him?”

“With clean earth magic,” Malachy said. “All the beings except Cinaed will funnel earth magic through Cael, and Bart will shape it with his spell.”

“Why not me?” Cinaed asked.

“Because, love,” I said, rubbing his hand. “You’ll need your strength. Once they free your grandfather, we need to act immediately.”

Mom and Dad walked down the aisle to join us. They sat across from me, but didn’t speak. The edges of Mom’s eyes glistened and Dad swallowed hard. He grabbed Mom’s hand and exhaled loudly.

“It goes without saying your mother and I expect to see both of you when this is over.” He struggled to hold back his tears. “There are always other paths. Be sure you weigh all options before you act.”

“I echo Wilhelm’s words,” Malachy said. “It will be a hollow victory if we lose you boys.”

“We know,” Cinaed said, squeezing my hand tighter. Determination and understanding flowed through our link. “Rod and I have everything to live for, but the world must survive first.”

They tried hard to put on brave faces for us, but it wasn’t necessary. They’d taught us sometimes sacrifices were needed for the greater good. Cinaed and I planned to spend a lifetime living under the new Great Ward’s protection, but there needed to be a new one first.

“Thank you.” I stood and hugged my parents. “Your love has sustained us all these years. We don’t want to die, but if that’s the only way to save the world, we’ll do what’s necessary.”

Mom sniffed, so I held on. “We love you beyond words, Roderick. Find. A way. There is so much joy you and Cinaed have to share with each other and the world.”

When I stepped back, the rest of our families had joined us. Cinaed and I had survived for all these years with their support. This was a reminder they weren’t ready to let us go.

Elspeth wrapped her brother tightly in her arms. Her father joined them and Cinaed’s emotions surged. They shared the same bond as the Hollens.

When Cinaed and his family separated, Elspeth surprised me with a hug as strong as steel coils. “Bring him home,” she whispered. “Whatever it takes.”