A Clash of Storms (A Shade of Vampire #50)(81)

“We have excellent fighters and researchers. We can assist on many administrative and enforcement levels,” Xavier added. “We can help the Eritopian societies grow and progress.”

“You’ve already underestimated our capabilities.” Derek finally hit the nail on the head, reminding me that GASP had grown strong, powerful, and capable of changing entire worlds if challenged. It prompted Draven to frown. “Had you notified us earlier, had you reached out instead of abducting our children and hiding them beneath this memory-wiping shroud, we would’ve raised hell against Azazel.”

I glanced at the Daughters, whose lips had become thin, flat lines, while Draven slowly lowered his head. Deep down I knew that Grandpa Derek had a point, but, at the same time, even the Daughters had been unable to destroy Azazel once he’d merged his soul with Asherak. The destruction required to kill Azazel would have probably obliterated the entire planet.

“We have a network of allies, and warfare knowledge spanning millennia,” Derek continued. “We could have helped.”

“Forgive us.” Viola stepped forward on behalf of the Daughters. “My sisters were confident that this problem could be resolved without dragging in anyone else. And so did Draven, mostly because Azazel had fused his soul with Asherak and had generated horrific amounts of dark power. Had we not approached him the way we did, many more innocent creatures would have died, including your GASP members. There was so much evil, such poisonous energy inside Azazel, it could have done a lot more damage if it had been unleashed and taken head on.”

“I like her.” Mom nudged Phoenix with a grin. “She’s quite the… demi-goddess…”

“Yeah, tell me about it.” He longingly gazed at Viola, most likely looking forward to spending some time alone with her, after everything they’d been through and especially after their separation.

“Despite our shortcomings on the matter,” Rubia said, taking a step forward. “We are able to recognize that our world would be an even better and safer place with GASP in it. While we commit to taking better care of Eritopia, we all agree that opening a GASP base on each of our planets would help.”

Murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd, prompting Hansa to move to the front, one hand resting on her broadsword’s handle.

“It would also give our best fighters the opportunity to do more with their lives and skills, I presume,” she said. “I’m guessing you’d be open to exploratory missions throughout the In-Between, too? I’ve heard great things about GASP from Serena.”

“Indeed.” Derek nodded with a polite smile. “We would be open to expanding diplomatic ties and alliances across the In-Between.”

“Count me in, then,” Hansa replied, then glanced at Anjani, who seemed confused. “It’s time for you to take the lead, little sister. Jovi has already said he’d be more than happy to help you, and I plan to take him at his word.”

Both Anjani and Jovi looked stunned—Hansa had previously been opposed to a long-term relationship between them, as she’d feared it would interfere with her Red Tribe duties as a future chief. Seeing her come around like this was a relief and definitely a reason to celebrate. It also made me wonder what had made Hansa decide to leave her position as a tribe chief. It was a conversation best saved for later.

“Excellent, then.” Derek clapped his hands once, then turned to address the Shadians and Eritopians in the throne room. “We will return to The Shade shortly, to begin the GASP opening procedures in Eritopia. We will set up a main base here, on Calliope, and small subsidiaries in the other nineteen kingdoms. We’ll deploy members from our existing Shade base to begin with, to assist with building and setting everything up, as well as training and assisting the Eritopians who will wish to join GASP.”

“We’re pleased to welcome new allies into the fold,” Grandma Sofia added, offering the Daughters and Draven a curt nod. “We can now focus on strengthening this world and repairing the damage left behind by Asherak and Azazel’s dark magic.”

“And we can also make sure that such evil never surfaces again,” Derek continued. “You have my solemn promise that the Eritopian GASP base will be assigned to strong and experienced agents.”

Jovi then came forward, swiftly joined by Field, Aida, Vita, and Phoenix.

“What about us?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Derek crossed his arms over his chest, cocking his head to one side with a pensive expression, while Sofia let out a long sigh. She could see it in our eyes. It was all over our faces. Even our parents knew where we stood, despite the sadness that came with this realization.

“What are you trying to say, Jovi?” Derek asked.

“For a vampire as ancient as you, Derek, I thought you wouldn’t even have to ask.” Lucas spoke up, rolling his eyes. “They’re not coming back to The Shade, Brother, unless it’s for the occasional family gathering or Shadian celebration. Am I right?” He glanced at us, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“They’re already home, Derek,” Sofia added in a soft tone.

It took Grandpa Derek a couple of seconds to notice it. He nodded slowly, then ran his fingers through his dark hair, as if processing the whole situation. He sucked in a lungful of air, then exhaled and planted his hands on his hips, while we all watched and waited for his reaction.