The next morning, Kai was up early getting her exercises in, having missed them while she was unconscious. After a nice hot shower she madeher way down to the dining hall where Rina wasalready setting up breakfast.

  The scent of freshly baked bread, sizzling meat,and brewed tea filled the air, creating a warm,inviting atmosphere. Kai glanced around theroom as she poured herself a cup of tea. Shae and Marta were nowhere to be seen. She noted their absence aloud, raising an eyebrow.

  Rina, setting down a tray of fruit, snickered. “Let’s just say they had quite the workout last night, and I doubt they’ll be down before ten.” She smirked knowingly. Kai paused, mid-sip,before quirking an amused brow. “Oh?… Dotell.” Rina giggled mischievously. “I may or may not have heard something about inserting all the fingers… and that someone would be walking funny—if at all.” Kai choked on her tea so violently that she had to pound on her chest to stop herself from asphyxiating. Her mind had not been prepared for that particularmental image. She turned wide, incredulouseyes on Rina, who merely grinned, looking far too pleased with herself.

  “Rina!” Kai rasped, glaring at her through watery eyes. The Moon Fae cackled. “What? Youasked!” Kai groaned, rubbing her temples. “Ugh…the mental imagery!! …I walked right into that one, didn’t I?” “Like a lamb to the slaughter,” Rina teased, passing her a napkin.

  An hour or so later, the doors to the dining hall finally swung open, and in walked Shae and Marta. Or rather—Shae strutted in like a rooster, radiating smug satisfaction, whileMarta… well, Marta was moving with a noticeably ginger gait. Rina nearly dropped the platter she was carrying in her effort to smother her laughter. Kai, for her part, buriedher face in her teacup, shoulders shaking as she tried to suppress her own amusement. Marta, noticing their reactions,narrowed her eyes. “What?” Shae, catching the odd behavior, arched a brow. “What’s so funny?” Rina, barely holding it together, coughed delicately into her hand. “Nothing, nothing at all.” Kai, unable to resist, finallylooked up, eyes dancing with mirth as she deadpanned, “So… did you get all the fingers in?” Marta turned scarlet. Shae, on the otherhand, grinned like the cat that got the cream. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Kai and Rina lost it.

  After enduring a bit more teasing from Rina at breakfast—while Kai hid behind her tea and toast—everyone headed out to meet with Elarin at what was once the town hall but now looked more like a city hall. As they approached, Kai did a double take. “Does it look bigger to you, or is it just me?” she asked quietly. Rina nodded, eyes narrowing. “Definitely bigger,” shemuttered. Shae crossed her arms. “Looks like they did more than just expand the land.” Kai and Marta exchanged glances, both sensing something unspoken between the sisters.“What?” Marta asked, frowning. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, love,” Shae reassured her, but Rina muttered under her breath, “Yet…” At Kai’s questioning look, Rina shrugged. “It’s theElders. This is exactly the sort of thing they’d do. They love throwing their weight around, especially when they don’t actually live here. Elarin is the Mayor for a reason, but they only show up when the town gains recognition or something important happens. The rest of the time? They disappear.” Shae nodded. “And if they’re here now, it means someone powerful or influential has come to visit. Which also means Elarin is being sidelined.” She scowled. “It’s not right, but he doesn’t have a strong enough power base to push back.”

  Kai, already annoyed by the pretentious-looking building, was downright irritated now.As they climbed the steps and entered through the double doors, her gaze swept over the crowd of townsfolk. Many stood back, scowling, their expressions mirroring Kai’s growing irritation. At the center of the commotion, Elarin was being quite literally shunted to theside as the Elders fawned over some dignitary.

  Kai’s eyes darkened. Yeah, no. We’re not doing this. Without hesitation, she marched forward, Shae, Marta, and Rina trailing behind her. Shae and Marta felt a firm grip on their shoulders,stopping them. They turned to see Rina grinning maliciously.“You might want to stay back and watch,” she whispered with a snicker. “Oh, this is going to be good!” The townsfolk,sensing a spectacle, turned their attention to the quiet woman striding toward the group ofoverdressed Elders. Many of them smirked wickedly, eager to witness the brewing storm. Kai walked with confidence, completely unaware of the impact she was making. Today, she wore form-fitting black jeans tucked into dark gray military boots. A snug, long-sleevedgray shirt hugged her body, the fabric contouring to her well-defined abs and muscular arms. Her bomber jacket was absent, leaving her physique on full display.

  Elarin was the first to notice her approach, hiseyes widening slightly as he felt her presence. Then, the visiting Seelie dignitary turned,locking onto her with sharp recognition. The Elders, however, didn’t even sense her until she was already walking through them as if they weren’t even there. A collective gasp filled the hall as they jerked back, stunned by the her utter disregard. Kai didn’t even spare them a glance. She halted before Elarin, who was visibly fighting the urge to laugh at her sheer audacity. “Good morning, Mr. Mayor,” she greeted in her quiet but commanding voice. Though soft, her words carried through the hall like a ripple of energy. Elarin cleared his throat, barely suppressing a smirk. “Good morning, Kai.” Behind her, the Elders had collected themselves, though their expressions had twisted into varying shades of outrage. A Dark Elf Elder stepped forward, his voice laced with indignation. “You! Who are you?!”

  The Seelie delegate stood back, watching in amusement. He had met this strange woman before. Kai turned her head slowly, leveling an utterly unimpressed gaze at the Elder. The way she looked at him—as if he were barely worth her attention—made his stomach twist. “Were you speaking to me?” Her voice was calm, even, yet it carried the kind of weight that pressed against the chest. The dark elf swallowed thickly. “I… Yes.” The other Elders shifted uncomfortably as an odd, tingling sensation crawled up their spines. Kai’s head tilted, eyes glinting with something unreadable. “I am Kai.” Her words were deceptively simple—but carried power. “Who…..are you?” The Elder took multiple steps back. Before he could stammer a response, a rich, amused laugh rang through the hall. Kai turned her head toward the dignitary and paused. Recognition flickered in her eyes.

  “You left your canyon,” she remarked. The tall Seelie chuckled. “Yes, I did! And you? You seem different.” Kai shrugged. “Yes, well, it’s been a while.” The Seelie nodded, eyes glinting in interest. Meanwhile, the Elders—now utterly forgotten—stood there, slack-jawed as the powerful Seelie delegate spoke to this strange woman with respect and familiarity.

  Behind them, the townsfolk had officially lost their composure. Snickers and quiet chuckles rippled through the crowd. Shae had to physically clamp a hand over her sister’s mouth as Rina started cackling like a maniac. Marta, clutching her sides, tried not to burst out laughing. And Kai? Kai was, as usual, completely oblivious. “Allow me to introduce you to the Mayor of our now-little city.” The tall woman turned toward Elarin. “Mayor Elarin, this is—” Kai tilted her head and looked at the Seelie delegate. “Hmmm… We never exchanged names, did we?” She studied him expectantly. The taller Fae smirked, then with an elegant bow, introduced himself. “Apologies. I am Lord Briscelous, Dragonkin of the Navarra and Delegate of Her Majesty’s Seelie Court!” He straightened with fluid grace, his presenceradiating authority.

  Kai quirked an eyebrow. “Quite the mouthful….wouldn’t you say? Got anything shorter?

  At her quip, another Elder shoved himself intothe conversation, eyes bulging in outrage. “Forshame! Do you know of whom you speak so callously to?!” he bellowed. Kai turned to him and stared. Not in fear, not in respect—just stared. The kind of look one gives a particularlystupid animal trying to walk into a glass door. “Yes, I do,” she deadpanned. From the crowd, a loud braying could be herd. Shae had her face pressed into her hand as, the ass that was her sister, continued to laugh.

  The Elder’s face blazed red. “You do?!” he sputtered. Kai tilted her head again, this time gesturing toward Briscelous with an exaggerated wave of her hand. “Lord Briscelous. Dragonkin of the Navarra and Delegate of Her Majesty’s Seelie Court!” she repeated verbatim, mimicking the grand tone of the introduction. Then she deadpanned again. “Honestly, man, you should pay more attention. He literally just introduced himself.” The entire hall erupted into snickers,suppressed laughter, and the sounds of people struggling to breathe. Briscelous, amused beyond measure, chuckled at her antics. Hewas quite beginning to like this woman. “Don’t blame him, my dear. Age doesn’t agree with all Fae.” Kai smirked and turned to the Elder, suddenly wearing an insincerely contrite expression. “How unfortunate! Then I apologise for my assumptions sir!” she said, her voice dripping with exaggerated sympathy. The Elder went purple with barely restrained fury. By this point, Rina was on the floor, clutching her ribs,laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Marta choked on her own laughter, clutching onto Shae for support. Shae? She had given up. There was no saving face, no keeping order—she just threw her hands in the air and let the chaos unfold.

  The townsfolk? Completely enamored with Kai. She had just become a legend in her hilarious takedown of the Elders. And Elarin? Elarin was standing there, crowing in delight on the inside.

  The Elders soon departed, taking the entertainment with them, but the memory of that moment would linger in the minds of thetownsfolk for a long time. Laughter andwhispers of Kai’s effortless handling of thepompous Elders rippled through the gathered crowd, sealing her reputation even further in Tennga’s history.

  Lord Briscelous, meanwhile, was given a tour of the growing town by some of its inhabitants. Rina, smirking as she watched, noted that he seemed particularly interested in having Kai as his guide.

  Kai, who had been enjoying a rare moment of peace, felt an immediate chill crawl up her spine. She turned her scowl on Rina, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned, her voice low and threatening. Rina merely laughed, waving her off with a knowing look before linking arms with Marta and dragging her along to join Shae.

  With the Dragonkin occupied elsewhere, Kai, Marta, Rina, Shae, and Elarin, along with a few trusted townsfolk, gathered in one of the new conference rooms. The room was filled with maps, notes, and gathered intel from contacts spread across different Fae networks. It was agreed—Kai could no longer operate alone. For this part of the mission, a chosen team would travel through the rune pillars, arriving five miles from the coordinates. From there, they would split off in multiple directions, each carrying a decoy package to mislead any pursuers. Kai and her designated team would head directly for the Conclave, the true package secure with them. They reviewed every potential contingency, from known threats to unexpected variables, ensuring they were as prepared as possible. It wasn’t a perfect plan—no plan ever was—but it was their best chance at success. By the time they adjourned, the sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of amber and violet. Most of the group dispersed, heading off to prepare for what lay ahead. Rina, however, had other ideas. Kai barely had time to react before the elder Moon Sister grabbed her by the wrist and, with surprising strength, hauled her off toward the grove woods.

  Shae and Marta watched them go, amusement flickering in their gazes. “You know,” Marta mused, tilting her head as she leaned into Shae, “your sister may be older, but she sure doesn’t act like it.” Shae let out a long-suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I can’t take her anywhere,” she muttered. Marta snorted at her mate’s exasperation, but then a wicked glint lit up her golden eyes. A slow, sultry smile curved her lips as she turned toward Shae, her hips swaying in deliberate, teasing movements. Her arms lifted in a slow, sinuous motion, mimicking the languid grace of her serpents. Shae’s gaze sharpened, instantly captivated. Before she could react, Marta pressed herself flush against her, their bodies aligning in a way that sent heat curling through Shae’s spine. Marta, being the smaller of the two, effortlessly wedged her thigh between Shae’s legs, applying just enough pressure to make her mate’s breath hitch. “Well,” Marta purred, her voice husky with mischief, “you could always take me. Any. Way. You. Like.” Shae’s pupils dilated, her breath shuddering as desire coiled hot and tight in her core.

  In an instant, the door to the conference room was locked. Marta barely had time to gaspbefore she found herself bent over the table, Shae’s strong hands pressing firmly against her hips. A pleased shiver ran down her spine at the possessive grip, and her serpents curled around Shae’s arms, their movements languid, welcoming. Shae leaned in, her breath ghosting against the shell of Marta’s ear. “Mate,” she murmured, voice thick with promise, “you have a saucy mouth on you. I like that.” She trailed her lips down Marta’s neck, pressing a heated kiss against her mate’s sensitive mark. “But now,” she whispered, “let me hear something other than words.” And with that, she claimed her mate in the most thorough way possible.

  Meanwhile, in the grove woods, Kai found herself surrounded by the playful antics of the water nymphs once again. Rina watched from a distance, a soft smile on her face as she saw her friend finally relaxing and enjoying herself. The nymphs splashed and played, their laughter filling the air, and for a moment, all the worries and plans faded away, leaving only the simple joy of the present.

  Rina sat at the water’s edge, a group of Undine delicately braiding water lilies into her long dark hair. She watched as Kai tossed a few nymphs, an Undine, and even a faun into the water. Though, the latter had to be swiftly pulled back out since swimming wasn’t exactly his forte.

  During the strategy meeting earlier, Rina had sensed Kai’s growing anxiety. So, without hesitation, she had dragged her friend back to the one place where she seemed to genuinely relax. Though, how anyone could possibly relax while being clambered on by dozens of naked, impossibly beautiful nymphs was beyond her! But Kai, as always, remained utterly unfazed, treating them with the same casual fondness one would a group of playful children. The irony wasn’t lost on Rina—Kai was likely the youngest one here, yet somehow, she carried herself with an ease that made her seem ancient. As the sun began to dip further just peaking above the trees, Kai sloshed through the water and collapsed onto the warm rock beside Rina with a satisfied sigh. She laid back, arms folded behind her head, her toned body gleaming from the last remnants of daylight. Rina’s gaze flickered over her form. Even at rest, Kai’s muscles remained taut and defined. Unlikebefore, she had opted to strip down to herblack sports bra and boy shorts, keeping her heavier clothes dry this time. Her abs glistened,the cut of her obliques sharp enough to make any warrior envious. Rina smirked. This woman was the full package.

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  The Undines giggled as a small ball of fluff—one of the tiny forest creatures Kai had taken to calling “Puffkins”—hopped onto her stomach and curled up to sunbathe. Kai cracked an eyeopen, glancing down at the creature with mildamusement before letting out a softchuckle. Rina smiled, shaking her head. Where Kai had gotten the name, she had no idea, but it was oddly fitting. “

  Feeling better?” Rina asked, her voice warmwith concern. Kai opened her eyes fully, turning her head to meet Rina’s gaze with a peaceful smile. “Hmmm…” She let out a quiet hum. “How do you always know how I’m feeling?” Rinarested her chin on her knees, angling her face toward Kai. “You have your tells,” she answered with a small shrug. Kai sat up slightly, leaning back on her elbows. “I wasn’t aware I had any,” she admitted. “You do.” Rina nodded.

  A comfortable silence settled between them before Rina continued. “You remind me of Shae, you know.” Kai tilted her head slightly, curious. “You’re both incredibly subtle with your expressions. Sometimes it’s hard even for me to read. Our parents struggled with it too—they used to rely on me to decipher Shae’s moods for them.” She let out a small laugh at the memory. “But I learned to see with more than just my eyes.” Kai listened intently. “It’s your silence,” Rina continued. “You withdraw when you need space but can’t bring yourself to verbalize it. The quieter you get, the more it shows.” Kai smiled a little at that, nudging Rina gently with her knee in silent gratitude. “Thank you,” she murmured sincerely. Rina nodded. “What had you so worked up earlier?” Kai sighed, sitting up fully. She scooted back slightly to keep the tiny Puffkin from rolling off her lap and into the water. Reaching down, she turned it over onto its back and rubbed its belly. The little creature let out a chirp of approval, wiggling happily.

  “I’ve been having… these moments of,” Kai admitted hesitantly. “Daydreams? Visions? I don’t really know what to call them.” Rina immediately straightened, her full attention locked on her friend. Kai’s brows furrowed as she searched for the right words. “I know I’m awake. I can see and hear everything around me, but at the same time, I’m dreaming. And it’s always the same…” She trailed off, lost in thought. Rina stayed silent, waiting.

  “It starts with muffled voices,” Kai finally continued, her voice distant. “They’re saying something, but I can’t make it out. Hands grab my shoulders, guiding me somewhere. I can’t move, I can’t speak. Something’s covering my face—cloth, maybe a bag? But I can see a little. And then… I feel everything. Hunger. Thirst. Weakness.” Her expression darkened. “There’s something restraining me—no, not me. Them. I’m seeing through someone else’s eyes. It’s rigid, like a straitjacket, but worse. There’s so little hope left in them. But their will to live is strong.” Kai’s eyes refocused sharply, locking onto Rina’s. “They’ve been calling out for help. And… I think they sensed me.” A shiver crawled down Rina’s spine. Kai let out a slow, steady breath. “The first time it happened, I panicked. I… pushed back. And I think it hurt them. I felt their pain, Rina.” Guilt flashed across her features. “So the next time it happened, I didn’t fight. I… nudged. And they nudged back. I think they could tell I wasn’t a threat.” Rina exhaled slowly, trying to mask the way her heart had started hammering in her chest.

  “These moments started happening after I woke up from my injury,” Kai admitted. “When I was unconscious, I found myself in this strange place—colored lights, flowing energy. It felt like a river of… power. I could feel my injuries and that someone was trying to heal me, but it wasn’t working. Not until the energy around me started weaving itself into the healing. And then, suddenly, I Felt Everything’.”

  She shook her head, rubbing a hand down her face. “Ever since then, it’s like I can sense everything around me. The crowds at the fair. The meeting.” She paused, pressing her lips together. “But here, in the grove? It’s different. Softer. I can actually think without drowning in everyone else’s presence .”

  Silence hung between them. Rina, on the outside, remained composed. But inside? She was reeling.

  Oh. My. Giddy. Aunt.

  What Kai had just described shouldn’t have been possible. Those abilities—sensing emotions, linking consciousness, existing between the physical and ethereal—had long since died out. No one should be able to do what she just described. And yet…

  Kai had no way of knowing.

  This wasn’t just some forgotten Fae trick. The last time someone wielded all these abilities at once, they had been a being long since lost to time. A being spoken of only in whispers. This was no coincidence. For the first time in centuries, Rina truly had no idea what to do.

  Kai, oblivious to her internal turmoil, continued stroking the Puffkin absently. Rina forced her thoughts back into order and reached out, squeezing Kai’s shoulder. “Kai,” she said seriously, “I won’t lie to you. What you just described… it shouldn’t be possible. But I promise we will find out what’s happening to you.” Kai nodded, exhaling in relief. “As for this presence,” Rina pressed on, “have they shown any signs of aggression?” Kai shook her head. “No, just this overwhelming need to be free. And their loneliness—Rina, it’s suffocating. It reminds me of how I felt before I met you, Shae, Marta—everyone here.” Rina let out a breath. “Well, at least we know they aren’t a threat… yet. But don’t worry, Kai. We’ll get to the bottom of this. I have a feeling it’ll be sooner than we think.” Kai smiled, tension easing from her frame. Rina gave her one last squeeze before standing.

  “Now, let’s head back. Tomorrow’s going to be tough enough without us adding lack of sleep to the mix.” Kai grinned, grabbing her scattered clothes. The little Puffkin refused to let go of her hand, so she tucked it against her shoulder, where it happily curled into her neck. Rina just sighed and patted her fondly. By the time they returned to the B&B, dinner was well underway. Elarin joined them, regaling everyone with Lord Briscelous’ praise for the town’s expansion. For now, everything felt… right. Tomorrow, they would head to New York. And come what may, they were committed to seeing this mission through.

  The next morning, the mission team slept in. Hanna arrived early to open the B&B, allowing the Moon sisters to get some much-needed rest. The town was quiet, the air thick with the anticipation of the night ahead.

  Upstairs, in the warmth of their shared bed, Shae lay naked on her back and deeply asleep, her Mate’s soft body draped over her. Marta’s bare skin pressed against hers, their breasts flush together, her face buried in the crook of Shae’s neck. Her snakes, usually alert, lay sprawled in deep slumber, coiled across the pillow and over Shae’s shoulder, their tiny bodies rising and falling with each breath. The sheets barely covered the curve of Marta’s backside, a lingering remnant of their shared bliss. They had fallen asleep, exhausted and utterly sated.

  Down the hall, in the last room, another pair lay in peaceful quiet—though under different circumstances. Rina had snuck into Kai’s bed in the middle of the night.

  Kai stood by the window now, watching the first light of dawn spill over the treetops of the grove woods.

  She had woken up twice. The first time was when Rina, in need of comfort, had slipped beneath the covers and curled into Kai’s warmth. Without a word, Kai had wrapped her arms around her friend, pulling her close. Rina had sighed in relief, her breath evening out almost instantly as sleep reclaimed her. Kai hadn’t questioned it. She simply held her, anchoring her in the quiet of the night.

  The second time had been different. It was around 5 a.m. when Kai jolted awake, her pulse hammering. The presence—She—had reached for her again. But this time, the emotions that bled through their connection were raw and unfiltered. Fear. Desperation. Trapped. Kai’s breath hitched. She closed her eyes and reached back, and just like before, she was there.

  The vision rushed over her, disorienting and yet terrifyingly clear. She wasn’t just seeing through the female’s eyes—she was her. Gone was the obstruction that had once covered her face. Now, she could see the room in its entirety—a lavishly draped canopy bed, heavy silk curtains, candlelight flickering in sconces along stone walls. But the beauty of the surroundings did nothing to lessen the horror of the scene.

  A hulking figure loomed above her. Blond hair. Red eyes. A vampire. Kai felt the female’s pulse spike, her breath stuttering behind the muzzle still strapped to her face. She was restrained, bound in a way that not only kept her still but also—Kai realised with a jolt—suppressed her powers. She was completely helpless. A voice to the side barked out, sharp with authority.

  “Hey! Cut that out! No touching! We’re to deliver and that’s it!” But the vampire ignored the warning. He sneered down at her, his crimson eyes dark with hunger. And then he was on her. Rough, invasive hands grabbed at her body, pinching and groping her his weight pressing her down. Terror flooded through her host—sharp, suffocating.

  Kai saw red.

  Oh, HELL NO!

  Fury roared through her like wildfire, and without hesitation, Kai pushed her consciousness forward. The barrier between them shattered, and suddenly—she wasn’t just a passenger anymore. She was there. Fully and Physically immersed. Something inside her snapped. With a feral growl, Kai shoved with her mind, with every ounce of raw power thrumming through her being.

  The vampire flew.

  He was ripped off the female and flung across the room like a rag-doll, crashing through the stone wall with a sickening crack and crumbling cement and wood.

  The female gasped, her relief palpable. Footsteps thundered in from outside. More vampires stormed into the room. “What the fuck—” The one in charge strode forward, expression dark. He barely spared the dazed vampire on the floor a glance before barking out a furious order. “I said no touching!” Two others grabbed the stunned attacker and dragged him away. Kai’s attention snapped back to the leader, her presence still lingering, though she could feel herself slipping back into the role of observer. The vampire inclined his head slightly. “Apologies, my lady,” he said smoothly. “He will be punished.” Kai—through the female—glared at him. The vampires withdrew, leaving only two guards stationed at the door.

  A beat of silence passed. Then, a soft voice, hesitant but filled with wonder and gratitude, spoke “Thank you.”

  Kai blinked. It was the first time she had heard her host speak. Still reeling, she responded instinctively. “You’re welcome.” Ugh The female hesitated, then asked, “Who are you?” Kai considered that for a moment, then answered with quiet question of her own. “You’re the prisoner to be exchanged, are you not?” A sharp intake of breath. Surprise. Kai exhaled slowly, her voice steady. “Hang tight, my lady.” A promise. “Tonight—one way or another—you will be free.”

  The connection snapped. Kai gasped as she was pulled back to reality, heart hammering. She was back in bed, sitting upright, breath coming in quick, shallow gulps. Beside her, Rina stirred, blinking groggily at her. “Kai?” Her voice was thick with sleep. “What’s wrong?” Kai swallowed, pressing a hand to her chest, willing her heartbeat to slow. “Nothing,” she murmured. Then, after a pause— “Everything.”

  Kai stood at the window, half-dressed, her shirt clenched in tight fists. Her mind was a million miles away. She’d been awake since around five, unable to fall back to sleep no matter how hard she tried. The images from her connection to Her were burned into her mind. The fear, the helplessness, the raw desperation—she could still feel them like an echo beneath her own skin. That person needed help. And based on the hell Kai had gone through just to get the Blood Cure potion, Kai had little faith that the Conclave’s so-called “exchange” would go smoothly. If anything, Kai was fairly certain That Person wouldn’t even make it to the Conclave alive. Which meant there was only one option. It seemed ADL would have to step in pro bono. She thought humourlessly.

  Three questions needed answering: Where? When? And how?Where were they keeping her? When would they try to move her? And how were Kai and her merry band of misfits going to snatch her out from under their noses?If they left Tennga earlier than planned, they’d gain more time to find her before the exchange. But the moment they gated into New York, Kai was sure their pursuers would be alerted to their arrival. They needed her location before they even left Tennga.

  Behind her, Rina stirred.She stretched like a cat, the sheets slipping off her as she blinked sleepily at the empty space beside her. Her gaze drifted across the room and landed on Kai’s form, silhouetted by the morning light.

  Dressed in black combat pants tucked into worn black boots, Kai’s upper body was bare except for a grey sports bra. Her shirt was clenched in her hands, her muscles tense, her shoulders tight as she stood absolutely still—staring out into the distance, as if willing the answers to appear in the horizon.Rina’s brows drew together in concern.

  Sliding out of bed, she padded barefoot across the room. She didn’t speak immediately, just slipped her arms around Kai’s waist from behind and rested her head between her shoulder blades, letting her warmth seep into her friend. “Kai?” she murmured, careful not to startle her. The tension in Kai’s body didn’t fade immediately, but after a moment, she exhaled, allowing herself to lean into the quiet comfort of Rina’s embrace. Sensing her return to the present, Rina reached up and gently pried the balled-up shirt from Kai’s hands, smoothing out the crumpled fabric before tugging it over her head. Kai slipped her arms through the sleeves without protest. “Talk to me, hun,” Rina urged as she turned Kai around and guided her to sit on the edge of the bed.

  Kai rubbed her face tiredly, as if trying to scrub away the weight of what she’d seen. Then, slowly, she told Rina everything—about last night, about what she had witnessed through her eyes, about the overwhelming certainty that if they didn’t act now, that woman would not survive to see tomorrow. Rina listened, her expression shifting from concern to determination. “Oh, Kai… why didn’t you wake me?” Kai winced, looking almost guilty. “You were tired,” she admitted. “And you looked soo peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you.” Rina huffed, shaking her head.

  Hopeless.

  But then Kai’s expression turned serious. “Rina,” she said, voice firm. Resolute. “We have to get to her.”Rina met her gaze. “I have this feeling—this certainty—that if we don’t, she won’t make it to the Conclave. She won’t make it period.” Kai’s hands curled into fists on her thighs. “She’s trapped, Rina. And they’re going to kill her if we don’t do something.”

  Rina was silent for a beat. Then, with absolute conviction, she nodded. “Then we get her, Kai.” Kai blinked. “I trust your instincts,” Rina continued, her violet eyes alight with something fierce. “Something bigger than just the Conclave is happening here. And she’s a part of it—just like you are. Just like I suspect the rest of us are. Hell, even Tennga plays a role in this somehow . I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I know in my bones that this is the right path. We have to follow it.”

  Kai swallowed hard, her throat tight. Rina placed her hands firmly on Kai’s shoulders. “I’m with you, and so are the others. Trust yourself, Kai. Believe in yourself.” She smiled. “Because we already do.”

  Kai released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Then, without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Rina, holding her tightly in silent gratitude. Rina squeezed back before pulling away with a grin. “Alright, enough brooding. I’m going to get dressed and wake the others. We need to move up our departure and rally the troops.” Kai smirked, standing as well. “Better you than me.” “Damn right,” Rina quipped, tossing her a wink before slipping out the door to gather their allies.

  Kai exhaled, running a hand through her loose curls before strapping on her weapons. Tonight, everything would change. And she was ready.