A Shield of Glass (A Shade of Vampire #49)(49)

“But that means you won’t be able to fight, right?” I asked, pained by the drastic proposal.

“We will, but we will have a limited amount of energy to work with,” Zur replied. “The fire burning through us now will be enough to lay waste to a considerable number of Destroyers, but we will not be able to replenish our strength afterward. It will put us in a state of hibernation, and we will no longer be able to move, but Azazel will be weak enough for you to finish the job.”

“Without the Daughter and our volcanoes, Azazel will only be left with Asherak’s soul,” Inon added. “It should be enough for you, your group, and the Marton Druids to take the pendant away from him and kill him. This is a sacrifice we are willing to make in order to ensure that Azazel is vanquished once and for all.”

I felt tears creeping up to my eyes as I watched Zur place a heavy and consoling hand on Inon’s shoulder. Their selflessness was truly extraordinary and downright touching, but my pain also stemmed from the notion of “taking the pendant away” from Azazel, since I knew that involved putting Draven at risk of getting consumed by Asherak’s darkness. Despite what I’d said to him earlier, I wasn’t yet sure how I was going to save him if he took Asherak’s curse into himself. I just rejected the notion of killing him afterward.

I swallowed my tears and took a deep breath, looking at Draven. He threw me a sideways glance filled with sadness and regret before he focused on the others around the table.

“Someone will have to send a signal out to the allied armies, then,” he said. “Once the volcanoes are down and the young Daughter is out, the siege on Luceria can begin.”

“I’ll do it.” Field raised his hand, prompting Aida to open her mouth and object, but he wouldn’t budge. “I’ll take two of the shifters with me, to take on my appearance and distract the hostile ground forces. We’ll fly out and give the signal to all warrior groups so they can begin the siege.”

The allies nodded their agreement, then glanced at the map.

“Many of the incubi who have sworn allegiance to Azazel will die in the process,” Grezzi said. “Let’s hope that just as many will be smart enough to turn their weapons on Luceria once they see how many of the free nations have risen against Azazel.”

“Grezzi has a point,” Hansa added. “The majority do not wish to fight their own people but need incentive. They need hope. So, when we charge, we do it in full force and show that we cannot be taken down so easily.”

“And as the assault takes place, Serena and I will go straight for Azazel,” Draven continued.

“What, just the two of you?” Phoenix asked incredulously.

“It’s for the best,” I said. “Draven and I talked about it the other day. There’s no point in putting you all at risk when we can take him on, along with the young Druids. We won’t be on our own.”

“Yeah… No,” Aida interjected bluntly, her lips pursed. “It’s bad enough I have to see my brother infiltrate a castle full of Destroyers, and Field fly out, dodging poisoned spears. I’m not letting my best friend go to hell alone. We are coming, Serena. We can fight with you.”

“Aida, I—”

“Nope,” she stopped me. “Nope. There is no way I’m letting you go after Azazel without me.”

“Or me, for that matter.” Phoenix lifted an eyebrow. “Or Vita! What, you think she’ll just stand by and chill once Bijarki brings her back? You must be joking! That girl can’t wait to set the bastard’s hair on fire! No, we’re all in this together. And the more of us, the better. Azazel cannot have a single second of respite.”

“We must strike from all angles, Serena,” Aida persisted.

I didn’t know what to say. Neither did Draven, though at least he gave them a slight nod in response.

“They’re right,” Jax said. “The more of us, the better. You have my sword, as well.”

“Mine too,” Hansa chimed in with a confident smirk.

“And let’s not forget me.” Anjani winked and patted the sword hanging from her belt.

“No, you’re staying out of this.” Hansa twisted to face her sister, who refused to yield.

“Nope.” Anjani held her ground.

A minute-long glaring competition followed before Hansa clicked her teeth and shrugged.

“Fine, just don’t expect me to save your hide if you fall on your back,” she muttered.

“Same goes for you,” Anjani teased.

“There you have it!” Jax ended the verbal play-fighting, looking at us from beneath long, black eyebrows. His jade eyes glimmered with strength and eagerness to bring down our deadliest foe. “You’re not doing this by yourselves, Druid. We can’t put the fate of our world in the hands of six Druids who probably know ten spells between them, and a sentry. No offense.”

“Oh, wow, none taken!” I replied sarcastically.

“Hey, just looking out for the greater good here, along with your inexperienced asses,” Hansa shot back.

Draven pinched the bridge of his nose, and, for a moment, I thought he was trying to keep himself from bursting out with rage. Until I saw the corners of his mouth pull into a smirk, and I realized he was trying not to laugh. It was a beautiful sight to behold, making my heart swell.