Reborn (Shadow Beast Shifter, #3)(98)

Shadow took a second to look around again, like he’d not even given it a second thought until I asked. “I aimed for the largest that was away from Trinity,” he said, his brow wrinkled. “Samsan Grove, possibly.”

In the great scheme it really didn’t matter, as long as it wasn’t the mainland, where Dannie would focus her attack first. But it felt a little more respectful to at least acknowledge the name of the locals who were assisting us.

The ones who had given us a shot at taking down the most powerful goddess to walk the worlds.

Samsan Grove had shifted the odds in our favor, and now it was time for us to do them proud.





54





It took longer than expected to usher thousands of creatures and hundreds of locals through to the island. When they were finally done, Shadow and I couldn’t hang around, knowing Dannie might be breaking free at any moment.

He assured me that our mists would send out an alarm, but I was worried it’d be too late by the time that happened.

Before we left, though, I had one final task to complete. “The creatures are free now,” I said, in my booming wolf-phoenix voice. “Royals are not to bond or use their energy in any way, or the outlier locals have full right to stop you with every weapon at their disposal. And then when they’re done, I will come for you.”

I felt the royals’ momentary fear before all of them shouted their promises and swore to never hurt a creature again. Dannie had already somewhat sufficiently broken them in the time she’d had them locked away, so I felt confident that my orders would be obeyed.

“Is there any way we can leave the outlier locals a way to communicate with us?” I asked Shadow. “On the slim chance there is trouble?”

Shadow’s expression was grim. “I wouldn’t worry about it. The battle with Dannie will be over fast. If we lose, they all lose, and if we win… we will remove the royals from here and back to the mainland before there’s chance of an uprising.”

Right. That was true and depressing, but at least I didn’t have to stress about a hostile takeover while we were busy fighting the goddess hellbent on destroying it all.

“We must go now,” Shadow said, gently bumping me toward the portal.

I nodded, taking one last look at the island, which was now a few thousand inhabitants larger. It felt cozy, somehow, and I didn’t really want to leave, wishing I could stay and help the locals, who were already taking care of the mentally and physically fragile royals.

“Dannie has a lot to answer for,” I said shortly. “Do you think your royal compound was the only one she did that to?”

Shadow didn’t answer until we stepped through the portal, which vanished as soon as we were back inside the castle. “I think she probably has this entire world locked down in one way or another,” he said, creating some clothing so that we could change back and get dressed. “Until the next part of her plan comes to fruition.”

“Yeah, I agree,” I said, pulling on my pants and boots. “Knowing Dannie as I do. I mean, her next part was clearly to create a Nexus that she controlled, but what after that? What was she going to do with them all when she finally achieved her peak status as goddess supreme?”

Shadow let out a low breath. “Impossible to know, but one thing is clear: This realm would definitely not be as it was.”

We were dressed now, so he pulled me into his side, leading us back through the creepy, booby-trapped castle and into the main grounds. When our pack came into sight, the fact that they were all on their feet circling what was clearly Dannie’s prison had Shadow and me picking up speed.

She’s starting the process of breaking through, Midnight said in my head, since we were close enough to communicate now.

“The prison is cracking,” Shadow said at the same time, clearly having spoken to his mist as well. We started to sprint, knowing we had to be by their side when Dannie burst free.

Midnight met us halfway, scooping us up and all but catapulting us across the smooth grounds so we landed in the circle of warriors.

“Just in time,” Lucien said, flashing fang as he waited, unnaturally still. He was a predator, a master vampire, and I was curious to see him in action. All of them. The greatest and strongest of their worlds. And every one of them I was honored to stand with and call “friend.”

The gold cage started to vibrate, heat rising from it until we were all sweltering, stuck between the lava chasm and Dannie. None of us moved a muscle, except to internally prepare ourselves. I allowed my power to fill me, turning into a winged, flaming wolf-bird, once again destroying clothing. At this point, I should just remain naked between shifts.

“The moment she bursts free,” Len murmured, his silver cloak billowing out from his motionless form, “use your powers to lock her in place, and I will call the stone to me. It’s bonded to my family and has been for many more years than Dannie’s held it. I should still have the greater tie to it.”

I loved having a plan. It gave us a focus, and thanks to the many, many times Shadow had held me against the wall, locking down my arms and legs, I had a decent idea of what to do to hold Dannie in a similar manner.

It wouldn’t be as much fun for her, though.

She was about to understand that the biggest mistake she’d made in the last few months was not swallowing the stone. Or stealing our memories. Or betraying everyone who had ever loved her.