Date: 2019-04-24 07:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fantasy; Romance; Paranormal
Description: The death of one of their own will bring about a war unlike any other. Beaten down, broken, and battle-scarred, Anastasia isn’t sure she has what it takes to keep moving forward. Especially when her enemy has corrupted someone she can’t afford to lose. As hidden truths come to the surface, she sets her sights on the one thing that could bring her power unlike any she’s ever seen. The only problem is that power could also destroy her. New enemies and old friends clash to bring back the light back into one of their own. But death may be the only way to stop it.
Publisher: eBook (Kindle)

Unity

Prophecy Series Book 5

Jessica Wayne

Unity
by Jessica Wayne

Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, businesses and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places, or actual events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by Jessa Russo of Russo’s Editing Services

Proofread by Dominique Laura

Cover Design by Covers By Combs

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Epilogue

From The Author

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also By Jessica Wayne

1

Luxe

Dakota

Dakota watched Ana chasing a young girl around a tree. Their daughter. He still couldn’t believe it! Dark hair just like her mother’s fell down her back in a single braid, her bright blue eyes full of joy as she dodged Ana’s grasp once again.

“I’m going to get you!” Ana called after her.

“Daddy, save me!” Annabelle ran giggling back to him, falling into his arms in a fit of laughter.

“I’m sorry, my little love, I’m helpless against your mother.” He eyed Ana with all the love he felt in his heart, and she returned it with an unguarded smile.

“He always has been,” she confirmed.

“So true. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Ana sat beside him on the grass, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Life was so perfect in this moment, as he held his wife and daughter.

“Any plans for tonight?” Ana asked.

“You mean after we get this one to sleep?” Dakota tickled Annabelle, pulling more laughter from her.

“Daddy! Stop! I’m on your team, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right!” He tickled her one last time before sitting her back up and pressing a loud kiss to her head. “I love you both,” Dakota told them, looking from his wife to young daughter.

“We love you, too,” Ana replied, her smile bright.

“You know none of this is real,” a deep voice boomed, spoiling the moment.

Ana and Annabelle didn’t look up.

Dakota shut his eyes and tried to ignore the voice, tried to hold on to this illusion a while longer.

“Did you really think this would fool me for long?”

Opening his eyes, Dakota got to his feet. “A guy can hope.”

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Ana turned her worried eyes up to him.

He smiled. “Nothing, my love, just going to go for a quick walk. See you in a few?”

“Sounds good.”

“Love you, Daddy!” Annabelle jumped up and wrapped her arms around his leg. Kneeling, Dakota pulled her in for an embrace.

“I love you, too, Annabelle.”

When he was far enough away from them that he could speak easily, he turned to Thames, who’d taken form inside the stasis.

Wearing black pants, a belted white tunic, and large black boots, he looked every inch the intimidating monster Dakota knew him as.

“I’m trapped here,” Dakota said smugly. “No one but a Brute can pull me out.”

“I suppose it’s a good thing I have a Brute then, isn’t it?”

Dakota’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

Thames shrugged. “I have my ways.”

“You still won’t make it past Ana’s barrier.”

“I won’t?”

The sky darkened, and Dakota looked up. Gray—nearly black—clouds began rolling in.

“Will only be a moment now,” Thames said with a smug smile.

“What are you talking about?”

“Just a moment.”

“What is happening?” Dakota roared over a crash of thunder.

Thames grinned. “Wake up, Dakota.”

Dakota’s eyes opened, as he stood and stretched, but he wasn’t in control of his body.

“Thank you, Rayden,” he said, greeting the Brute healer who stood before him.

“You promised you wouldn’t harm my people.”

“And I will hold true to my word.”

The voice was Dakota’s, but the words were not. “Damn you, Rayden!” he screamed in his head. “Traitor!”

“Don’t blame the Brute, Dakota,” Thames said. “He had no choice.”

At his words, Rayden’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “I am sorry, Fighter. I had to protect my people.” Rayden lowered his head, then turned and left the room, Thames following in Dakota’s body.

“Where are you going?” Dakota asked worriedly as Thames made his way into town.

“I have someone to visit.”

“You better leave Ana alone!”

Thames laughed. “Oh, brother mine. How are you so dense? You have no power here.”

“I swear I’ll find a way to kill you.”

“I would love to see you try,” Thames responded with a growl.

“Dakota?” Shane asked from behind them.

Thames turned Dakota’s body.

“Run!” Dakota screamed inside his head. “Please run, Shane! It’s not me!”

Thames waved and headed toward Shane.

“Leave him alone!”

“Not a chance,” Thames answered with nothing more than a thought. “Can’t have him running off and warning your Anastasia, can we?” Turning his attention back to Shane, Thames said, “Hey, man, what are you doing out?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Shane answered cautiously, his eyes narrowed.

“Please see it isn’t me and run,” Dakota pleaded even though he knew his friend couldn’t hear him.

“I woke up.” Thames shrugged. “Seemed strange to me, but I figured I would go surprise Anastasia.”

“You mean Ana. And how would it be a surprise? She would have let you out… didn’t she?”

Thames laughed. “I’m so out of touch, aren’t I? Yes, of course I mean Ana. She let me out after I woke up. I’ve been out to get some fresh air.”

Shane reached behind his back, and Dakota hoped like hell he had a weapon on him. “Kill me,” he pleaded. “Just do it!”

Thames reached back and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m guessing you aren’t buying this?”

“Let’s go see Anastasia,” Shane said, taking a step forward.

“Nah, I don’t think so.” Thames moved toward him, and Shane backed up.

“Run!”

“And why’s that?” Shane asked, narrowing his gaze.

“Because I have other plans.”

In the blink of an eye, Thames was inches from Shane, his hand gripping the back of the Fighter’s neck.

“Let him go!” Dakota yelled, fighting to gain control of his own body.

Shane twisted, escaping the grip and slamming his fist into Thames’ cheek. Even though Thames was at the wheel, Dakota felt the pain from the hit, and the sting as his lip split open.

“You know, being inside his head”—Thames tapped his fingertips to Dakota’s temple—“I am privy to all of his thoughts and memories. Seems you always had a hard on for the Sorceress, didn’t you? Even after you two became buddies, you still hoped she’d end up with you.”

“No! Leave him alone! You can keep me, just leave Shane alone!”

Shane’s eyes widened. “Not true. I moved on. Dakota knew that.”

“Did he? Because from where I’m standing, he never trusted you.”

“Liar! Shut your fucking mouth!”

“You’re a liar,” Shane said at the same time.

Thames shrugged, stalking toward Shane. “I guess we’ll never know. I bet your Sorceress will grieve your death, won’t she?”

“No!”

Thames crossed the distance between them and pressed his hand to Shane’s chest just above his heart.

Shane cried out as Thames pushed magic into him.

“Stop!” Dakota pleaded. “Please just fucking stop!”

“I know she is a healer, but tell me, Fighter, can she heal you if your heart is ripped from your chest?”

“Stop, Thames!” Dakota screamed one last time before the warm spray of blood hit his face.

Thames ripped Dakota’s hand back, and in the palm sat Shane’s bloody heart.

“No!” Dakota screamed, pushing against the barriers Thames had erected inside his mind.

Staring down at the heart, Dakota was unable to look away, forced to watch helplessly as his friend died by his own hand. Because whether or not Dakota had been the one to rip his heart out, he was responsible.

Thames laughed, a chilling sound that filled the night. “That was a lot easier than I expected.” Crushing the heart, Dakota had to watch as it turned to ash and disappeared on the breeze.

“Now, let’s go get my son, shall we?”

“You fucking psychopath,” Dakota said.

Thames ignored him, stepping quietly into Elizabeth and Tony’s cottage. “It would be so easy to slit her throat, Brother,” Thames thought so only Dakota could hear it.

“Don’t you fucking touch her.”

“Or what? I could kill them all and force you to watch.”

“You wake her up and she’ll kill you. You and I both know Ana is far more powerful than you are. Otherwise, she’d already be dead.”

Thames shrugged. “You may have a point, but she won’t be for long. Still, how easy would it be to slit her throat now while she slept?”

“Ana!” Dakota screamed, panic racing through him. Images of Shane falling to the ground filled his mind again. Battering against the mental blocks once again, he felt a small give. Pushing harder, another crack formed.

Sensing the near split, Thames headed for the room where Vincent’s son slept. Dakota kept pushing, fighting desperately for control.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Vincent appeared just inside the door.

“Getting my son,” Thames said aloud, stepping past him to the boy’s bedside. “I’d love to stay and chat, but this one is becoming a bit of a nuisance,” he added, gesturing to his head.

Reaching down, Thames touched the child before waving his hand and disappearing into a portal.

2

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia hovered somewhere between asleep and awake, her mind running wildly even though her body was heavy with exhaustion. After arguing with Tony to no avail, she’d eventually succumbed and returned to the home he shared with Elizabeth for the night.

“Get away from him!” Vincent yelled.

Anastasia shot up, blinking rapidly as she tried to focus in the dark and figure out if what she’d heard had been real or a product of her insomnia-addled imagination. Kaley crouched beside the couch, facing the hallway and the bedrooms beyond, growling low in her throat.

A young boy cried out, and Anastasia sucked in a breath. Vinny. She pushed off the couch and sprinted toward his room. She ripped the door open, and Vincent spun to face her, his eyes wild with panic.

“What happened?” She rushed to the toddler’s crib. It was empty; the blue blanket that was knitted for him by one of the women in the village was gone as well.

“He’s gone!” Vincent cried.

“Who took him?”

“Dakota!”

Her blood chilled. Dakota wouldn’t have taken the boy, which meant only one thing.

“What the hell is going on?” a half-asleep Tony asked from the doorway.

“Apparently Thames is back.” Not taking any additional time, Anastasia rushed outside into the darkness and headed straight for her cottage.

I knew I should have stayed there. Panic and anger fueled her steps as she raced back home.

Once inside, Anastasia headed straight for their room and found it completely empty. Her heart shattered. She’d finally gotten Dakota back and, what, now she was going to lose him all over again?

“Dammit!” The walls around her shook as magic poured from her body. Footsteps alerted her to someone approaching behind her, so she spun around.

Vincent stood in the doorway, scanning the empty room.

“When?” she asked.

“Right before you rushed in. I tried to intervene, but it was no good. He just took him and vanished.”

“What do you mean vanished? A portal? Disappeared into a fucking hat? I need to know, Vincent!”

Her uncle narrowed his blue eyes on her face. “A portal, obviously.”

“Obviously,” Anastasia retorted dryly, trying like hell to mask the panic and fear in her bones.

Tony bounded in seconds later, Elizabeth on his heels. “He’s gone?”

Anastasia nodded. “Fuck! We just got him back!” She slammed her fist into the nearest wall, magic powering the punch and splitting the wood.

“How did he get out?” Elizabeth asked. “I thought the stasis was holding strong?”

The front door opened again, and Argento stepped inside, flanked by two Fighters. “Phoenix, we have a problem.”

“Tell me about it. Dakota is gone.”

The Brute’s face contorted into a mixture of rage and grief. He shut his eyes tightly, before opening them again. “I fear it is much worse than that.”

Anastasia’s heart stumbled in her chest. What if Thames had only used Dakota long enough to get free? What if he was already powerful enough to survive in another world without a host? “What is it?”

“Come.” Argento turned and rushed from the cottage, and Anastasia followed, numb and fearful of what she might find once they reached their destination.

An animal’s cry split the air, and Anastasia willed her legs to move faster until Kaley came into view, standing above a body. Head turned toward the sky, the feline unleashed another mournful sound.

Dakota? Anastasia’s heart stalled. She pushed her legs harder, slowing down as realization threatened to drop her to her knees.

The man lying beneath Kaley was not Dakota, but the truth wasn’t any easier to swallow.

“Elizabeth!” Anastasia cried, sliding to her knees beside Shane. “No, no, no,” she murmured, pulling his head into her lap.

Eyes frozen open, his mouth and chin were covered in already dried blood. There was a gaping hole in his broad chest, clear down through his ribcage.

Elizabeth fell to her knees beside Anastasia, tears falling down her cheeks as she quickly assessed the Fighter, then looked up into Anastasia’s eyes and gently shook her head.

“No!” Anastasia called to her magic, pouring it into Shane’s limp body. “Please don’t be gone,” she whimpered, holding him and willing her power to heal him. He couldn’t be gone; Shane was one of her best friends, a man who’d put aside his own feelings and cared only about her happiness.

“Anastasia,” Tony muttered, kneeling beside her.

A hand rested on her shoulder, but she brushed it off, still trying to heal her broken friend. There had to be a way! What good was all this magic if it couldn’t fucking help her when she needed it most?

“He’s gone.”

Turning toward Tony, Anastasia glared at him. “No! He’s not. He can’t be.”

“No one could survive that, honey,” Elizabeth whispered.

Anastasia shook her head, but Elizabeth’s words rang true. There was no way he could have survived his heart being ripped from his chest. Closing her eyes, she ignored the wave of dizziness that washed over her. She’d used too much power, but she didn’t care. None of that mattered if she couldn’t bring Shane back.

She might’ve already lost the man she loved; she couldn’t lose one of her best friends, too.

“Anastasia,” Vincent said, kneeling beside her, his semi-translucent form allowing moonlight to still shine through onto Shane’s pale face. “You have to stop, or you’ll kill yourself. He has no heart, Anastasia. You cannot heal what is not whole.”

“I can’t stop,” she cried.

“You have to. There will be time for revenge, but it’s not here. Not now.”

The hand on her shoulder squeezed lightly, and Anastasia opened her eyes. A dozen Fighters, half a dozen Brutes, Tony, Elizabeth, Selena, Argento, and Vincent surrounded her, all of them with mixed expressions of fear, anger, horror, and grief on their faces as they stared down at Shane’s mangled body.

Kaley lay down beside her, resting her large head on Shane’s abdomen.

Tears fell down Anastasia’s cheeks in streams she was helpless to stop. Chest heaving with sobs, Anastasia held Shane close to her and, turning her head up to the sky, she screamed.

She unleashed the grief and rage she’d been holding in since the night in Gwen’s house back in Seattle. All the helplessness for what followed came out in a powerful wave of magic that knocked those around her to the ground.

They stumbled back to their feet, and Anastasia gripped Shane more tightly, not wanting to let go of the man who’d become her closest friend. She’d lost so much already… it seemed everyone she got close to ended up six feet beneath the dry dirt.

“I’m so sorry, Shane,” she cried. “I’m so sorry this happened. You deserved better.”

“Yes, he did.” Tony knelt beside her. “But this isn’t your fault. Thames will pay for what he’s done, Anastasia. Focus on what’s in front of you now.”

Anastasia looked up, staring into the terrified eyes of those around her. They’d backed away, clearly not wanting to fall victim to her power again.

Nodding, Anastasia gently laid Shane back on the ground and allowed Tony to help her to her feet. A wave of nausea washed over her, and Anastasia stumbled, bending at the waist just as the entire contents of her stomach came up. As she heaved, Fighters carried Shane away to prepare him for burial.

Tony rubbed gentle circles on her back, and Elizabeth held her hair out of her face as she fought for control over her surging stomach, two things running through her mind:

Shane was dead.

Dakota was gone.

* * *

A light breeze carried through the air, lifting stray strands of Anastasia’s braided hair off her neck as she stared down at Shane’s covered body.

They’d had to wrap him twice in order to keep the blood from staining through the snow-white cloth.

No matter how hard she tried to forget, Anastasia couldn’t see anything but the gaping hole in his chest where his heart should have been.

Thames possessed Dakota and used him to rip the heart out of Shane’s chest, making it impossible for her to heal him.

Sniffling, she held in tears that wanted to fall. No more crying right now. I just need to get through this funeral, and then I can let myself fall apart.

“You ready?” Tony asked, stepping up beside her.

“No. But there’s no choice, is there?”

Turning away, Anastasia faced the villagers who had gathered, most of them red-eyed and tear-stained as well.

“I’ve known Shane for the last seven years,” she started, letting her gaze travel over the faces of her people. Zarina sat in front, the braids of her hair pulled back from a devastated face. “He was a spectacular Fighter, and an even more amazing friend.” Her voice caught, and she shut her eyes tightly as a single tear slipped through her barrier. Opening her eyes, she continued, “He was one of my closest friends, and I’m not entirely sure how I’m supposed to move on without him.” She looked back at his body lying beside a hole in the ground. “How I’m supposed to continue this fight without him.”

She turned back to the crowd. “Shane was so much more than I can even put into words, and I swear to each and every one of you”—she swallowed the thickness in her throat—“I will get revenge for his death. Thames will pay for what he’s done to us all.” Her last words came out on a snarl, and she stepped to the side to allow Selena to move forward.

“Today, we bury a friend and Fighter. Let us remember Shane for the light in his smile, not the darkness of his death,” she said, her voice steady. “He is survived by so many who loved him; his life will not be forgotten. As we move forward, let us focus on what must be done to ensure horror like this does not happen again.” Selena turned toward Shane. “Goodbye, Fighter. May you move forward into the peacefulness of what waits for us after death.”

Turning back to Shane, it took everything in Anastasia not to crumble as Tony, Andrew, Gage, and Argento gently lifted his body, then lowered him down inside the grave.

He would be buried beside Violetta, together in death as they were in life.

Instruments began playing, slow and steady, a song of life and hope. Both of which were polar opposites of how Anastasia felt inside. She was hollow and broken, only half-alive in her grief.

Tony stepped beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Leaning into him, she wrapped an arm around his back as two Fighters filled the hole that would encompass Shane for all of eternity, each shovel full of dirt a reminder of the obstacles they’d faced together over the years, and the hole she’d never patch in her heart.

Vincent appeared beside her, and Anastasia swallowed hard. “It will be okay,” he said softly. “Everything is going to be fine.”

His words brought fresh tears to her eyes, and she furiously wiped them away.

When the last of the dirt covered the hole, the Fighters circled it, bowing their heads and sending their comrade off with a silent prayer.

“Goodbye, Shane,” she whispered, before turning and walking away.

3

Luxe

Dakota

Dakota opened his eyes and rolled over, the contents of his stomach coming up immediately as images from the night before assaulted him.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he dry-heaved, his body not realizing there was nothing left to throw up. “No!” he screamed. He leaned back against the wall, covering his eyes with hands still covered in Shane’s dried blood. Pulling them away from his face, he looked down at the specs of dark red in horror, tears forming in his eyes.

He could remember the way Shane’s heart felt as it beat on his palm, could all but taste the copper-tinged air once Thames plunged his fist into Shane’s chest.

There was no force in any world that could erase the memories from Dakota’s mind.

Thames killed him. Shane is really gone. By now, surely Ana found the body. What was she going to think? How was she going to handle losing such a close friend?

The last image of her in his head was her curled on his mother’s couch last night.

She’d gone from sleeping soundly to grieving in a matter of hours, and he was nowhere around to help her get through such trauma.

Then again, if it hadn’t been for him, Thames wouldn’t have been able to kill Shane. You fucking idiot. What did you think was going to happen when you absorbed the Luxe power? Dakota straightened as an idea came to him. What if that was the answer? Thames had no power without him…

Which meant…

Could Dakota use his power to destroy Thames?

There hadn’t been a chance to before, but now he was here, with the power at his disposal and a clear head.

Pushing to his feet, Dakota took a deep breath and clenched blood-crusted fists. He was going to rip the fucker’s heart out. Let him watch it beat in Dakota’s palm before he crushed it to ash just like Thames had done to Shane. If he even has a heart. If not, Dakota would improvise. Removing his head would be a nice replacement.

Keeping his footsteps as silent as the marble floor would allow, Dakota crept down the hall toward the grouping of rooms he’d seen the day he’d accepted the power.

Dakota ignored the portraits with scratched-off faces he passed along the way, focusing on ending the miserable bastard once and for all. Then he could go home.

To Ana, to their child, and to a future he was willing to die to protect.

The sound of laughter rang through the hall, and Dakota crept toward it, turning a corner and peeking into the room where he’d accepted his fucked-up heritage.

Thames stood, wearing a clean, white tunic and black leather pants, watching as young Vinny looked at a tiny soldier carved from wood. The child was so small compared to Thames, and Dakota winced. Killing someone in front of an innocent boy was not something he ever wanted to do, but this opportunity wouldn’t stick around for long.

“You like that, boy?” Thames asked, kneeling beside Vinny.

The child nodded, looking up at Thames with wonder in his ice blue eyes. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. There will be more where that came from, my prince. Just you wait and see.” Thames stood, and Dakota stepped inside, hands balled into fists.

Thames’ eyes narrowed on him, and he smirked. “I wondered how long you’d sleep.”

“I find I’m pretty exhausted these days,” Dakota responded dryly, taking a step toward him. Get between Thames and Vinny. That way the child won’t get caught in the crosshairs.

“How unfortunate for you. You should probably shower, you look disgusting.”

Dakota looked down at his blood-splattered shirt. “Oh, you mean with all of my friend’s blood on me?”

“Still bitter about that? I told you, there was no other option.”

Dakota let out a laugh, but there was no humor in it. “No other option than ripping out the heart of one of my closest friends.”

“It was either him or your Sorceress.”

Dakota ground his teeth together. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Had he gone and alerted her, I would have been forced to kill her.”

“Because you aren’t going to kill her anyway.” Dakota took the last step needed to be able to protect Vinny if things went south. He could grab him and run, hopefully find a way out of this fucking place.

“Not yet. Maybe not ever,” Thames shrugged casually. “Just depends on whether she gets in my way or not.”

“I’m going to fucking kill you,” Dakota growled.

“Language, Dakota. Do you not see a child is present?” He gestured to Vinny, but Dakota didn’t look away.

“One day he’ll understand what he saw. And why I had to do it.” Holding up a palm, Dakota conjured an ice blue flame. It was strange how the magic was already second instinct to him. He supposed he had Thames to thank for that. His puppeteer had given him plenty examples to follow.

Thames raised an eyebrow, but his body stayed still.

“You will die for what you’ve done.” Thrusting the flame at Thames, Dakota watched with fascination that quickly turned to horror when the fire was simply absorbed into Thames’ chest, causing no damage.

Thames laughed. “Did you really think it would be that easy?” Tugging his white tunic down, he showed off a glowing emerald. “This is the life essence of everyone I’ve come up against. You have no power over me, brother. Their lives make me invincible.”

Dakota clenched his fists. “I may not be able to use magic, but I can still kill you with my bare hands.”

Thames was larger than Dakota, significantly so, but he didn’t care. The bastard had slaughtered his friend, threatened his wife, and violated his mind. He will pay.

Dakota charged, and Thames slammed him to the ground with a large fist. Kicking, Dakota landed a foot in Thames’ gut, pulling a grunt from him.

Before Dakota could get to his feet, Thames recovered, wrapping a large fist around Dakota’s arm and ripping it from the socket.

Dakota howled as sharp pain shot through his body, his left arm hanging limply to his side.

“You idiot! Do you see what you’ve made me do?”

Dakota smiled despite the agony. “Made it easier for Ana to kick your sorry ass straight to hell, where you belong.” After all, if he were broken, Thames couldn’t put up as much of a fight against her.

Thames shook his head in disgust. “All you’ve done is caused yourself more pain than was necessary.” Leaning down, he lifted Dakota from the ground by his neck and carried him out into the hall.

Slamming Dakota into the wall, Thames leaned in closer. “I own you, Brother. Your life, your power, your future, it’s all mine. The sooner you realize you have no choice, the easier things will be for you.”

He dragged Dakota across the room toward the cage. The iron door creaked open, and Thames tossed Dakota inside just before slamming the gate and locking him in.

Thames studied him, upper lip curled up in disgust. “You’re pathetic.”

“At least I’m not a psychopath.”

Thames raised an eyebrow. “You’re not? Tell me some part of you didn’t relish in the fact you no longer have to worry your Sorceress will leave you for a real Fighter? For someone who was there for her the years you weren’t.”

“Not even a little.” Not once had Dakota worried about Ana’s faithfulness. The fact that Thames was trying so hard to plant the idea in his head did nothing but piss him off.

“Then you are a fool.” Thames turned and left.

Dakota studied the bars, and with a deep breath, leaned his injured shoulder against one of them. “You can do this,” he muttered to himself. “Three…two…one!” Slamming his shoulder against the bars, Dakota heard the audible pop before the shooting pain radiated through his arm.

He fell backward onto the ground and held his arm against his chest as the pain dulled to an ache. Tears slipped down his cheeks, evidence of the physical and emotional pain slowly eating him alive.

Shane’s death was on him, and unless he found a way to get out of this fucking place—soon—so would Ana’s.

Losing her was a pain he wouldn’t survive.

Dakota closed his eyes and screamed.

4

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia stood atop the watch tower, looking out amongst the treetops. How many times had she stood like this? She’d awaited countless battles, watched as Fighters left for their patrols, been held by Dakota while they watched the sun set.

Tears burned in her eyes as the lump in her throat grew. It’s not the end. No matter how many times she tried to remind herself of this, she couldn’t move past the feeling that things were never going to go back to the way they were.

They can’t. Shane is gone.

I’m going to be a mother.

Everything is changing.

Anastasia ran her hand across her still flat abdomen. With her power, she could feel the small being inside of her, already so full of life.

What if Dakota never got to meet his son or daughter? What if their child would never get the chance to know their father?

The wood creaked behind her, and Anastasia wiped a tear from her cheek as she turned around, half expecting to see Dakota climbing up the ladder after her.

Of course, it wasn’t Dakota, so when Tony emerged, Anastasia wasn’t even slightly surprised. He held two glasses in one hand and a bottle of whiskey beneath his arm.

Crap, guess the nugget won’t stay a secret.

“Thought I might find you up here,” he said softly. Setting the glasses and whiskey on the railing, Tony turned to her, soft grey eyes studying her as one might regard an injured bird. “How are you?”

Anastasia shrugged. “Shane’s dead. Dakota’s gone. Thames has Vincent’s son. Not really sure there’s a word for how I’m feeling at the moment.”

“None of this is your fault.”

Anastasia shook her head, turning her attention back to the darkened sky. “This is all my fault. I can’t tell you how many times I felt something was coming. Hell, Tony, I even saw Thames two years ago.”

“What?”

She closed her eyes, guilt settling deep in her gut. “He appeared a couple of times, once in my cell when Vincent had me, and again the day I killed Vincent.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I’d like to say it was because I didn’t think it was relevant, that I thought I’d imagined the entire thing.” She shook her head again. “But, honestly, it was completely selfish. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want anything else to be coming. I wanted a break, a chance at a normal life. Or as normal as it can be, anyway.”

Tony touched her shoulder gently. “That’s not a crime.”

“Isn’t it, though?” Turning to him, Anastasia angrily wiped her tears away. “Had I warned everyone, we might have been prepared for Rosabel, and maybe things would have turned out a hell of a lot differently.”

“Possibly. Or it’s possible they would have turned out the same.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Thames didn’t attack right away because he was waiting. Even if you had warned us, there is no way we could have known when to be prepared, and it sure as hell wouldn’t have gotten us ready for Rosabel. She was a completely different threat altogether.”

Tony poured whiskey in two glasses and handed one to her. Anastasia stared down at the amber liquid, unsure how she was supposed to tell Tony, or if this was even the right time.

“You okay?”

Anastasia nodded and set the glass down. “I won’t be drinking whiskey for a while.”

Tony lifted an eyebrow, but she could see the moment it dawned on him. A huge smile spread across his face, and he set his glass down to wrap his large arms around her. “How long have you known?”

“Not long. A week or so.”

“That’s so wonderful, Anastasia!”

He released her, and Anastasia tried to force a smile, but instead, tears pushed through, and she covered her face with shaking hands.

“Hey, hey.” Tony wrapped his arms around her again, and she leaned against him.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“What do you mean?”

“How am I supposed to fight against Thames? I don’t even know where the bastard is! He has everything he wants, so chances of him coming out into the open again are limited. What if we never see him again?”

Tony pushed Anastasia back so he could see her face. “There is something else we know he wants.”

“What’s that?”

“The Terrenian life core.”

“We don’t even know where that is.”

“But if we find it, we can lure him out. If we can do that, we will be able to stop him and rescue Dakota. All is not lost, Anastasia. You simply need to see everything with a new perspective.”

How was she supposed to gain a new perspective? Wasn’t there only the one? Dakota was gone, Shane was never coming back, Thames had the upper hand, and truthfully, Anastasia wasn’t sure she could beat him if she even managed to find him.

Defeating him would mean possibly killing Dakota. Could she take that risk?

“What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing good.”

“We will win this, Anastasia. Just like we defeated Vincent before. We may get kicked a few dozen times, but in the end, we always get back up.”

Anastasia smiled softly. “Thanks, Tony.”

“Anytime. Now”—he raised his glass—“to you and the child you will bring into the world.”

Anastasia tapped his glass with her fist and watched as he drank the liquid down in one gulp. Hell of a time to not be able to drink.

“So, when are you going to tell Elizabeth?”

Anastasia pursed her lips. She hadn’t had a whole lot of contact with Dakota’s mom since Elizabeth had confessed that not only was she not human and over ten-thousand years old, but her eldest son was the one currently possessing her youngest.

It was foolish to blame Elizabeth, Anastasia knew, but that didn’t alleviate her feelings of betrayal. Moving past the anger was proving a more difficult feat than she’d imagined. “I’ll tell her eventually.”

“You know what’s happening is eating her up inside.”

“I know.”

“And you, of course, know it’s not completely her fault.”

Anastasia turned to Tony and sighed. “Logically, I understand all that, but emotionally… I’m having a hard time moving past it.”

“All I’m asking is that you don’t punish her too much longer, Anastasia. She’s grieving, too.”

“I know.”

Dakota was all Elizabeth had left of her normal life with George, Dakota’s father, in Seattle, and now he was gone.

“I’ll talk to her soon. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Tony smiled and gathered the glasses and whiskey bottle, tucking the latter back beneath his arm. “I’ll see you in the morning. Try to get some sleep.”

“Night, Tony.”

“Goodnight, Anastasia.” Tony disappeared beneath the platform, and Anastasia turned back to the sky.

She wasn’t a fool; Thames was a larger threat than Vincent ever was. Even though he’d been possessing the sorcerer from the beginning, having Dakota inherit the entire Luxe line of power so Thames could now use it himself made him far more dangerous than ever before.

To defeat him, they were going to need a miracle. A star shot across the dark sky, momentarily illuminating the village, before disappearing once more.

A miracle or a hell of a lot of power.

An idea began to take form in her mind. A lot of power. “The Terrenian life core.”

5

Terrenia

Anastasia

“I’m sorry, you want to do what?” Vincent stared at her from across the living room. She’d come to him first, figuring the thirst to get his son back would be far too great for him to disagree with her. Apparently, she’d been wrong.

“You said the world’s power would be enough to make someone unstoppable, and that Thames was already targeting it. I’m only suggesting we get to it first.”

Vincent turned and ran a hand over his short grey hair. “Do you have any idea what that would cost you? What it would cost Terrenia?”

“I’m supposed to be the most powerful being in the world; you don’t think I can handle it?” Her statement wasn’t egotistical, it was fact-based on everything she’d ever been told about her heritage as Sorceress.

There was only ever one, born on Terrenian soil, who inherited all the power to keep the worlds at peace.

“Exactly. You already are. Taking in more power could overload you. It could completely destroy you, or tear Terrenia apart. Do you really want to risk the complete annihilation of your people?”

“Do you think Thames is worried about that? Do you think he will care whether accessing that power means life or death?”

Vincent narrowed steel blue eyes on her. “You are not Thames, Anastasia. You should care.”

“What other choice do we have?”

“We find a way to get to Thames, and you use the power you do have to stop him.”

“By what? Killing Dakota?”

Vincent sighed, taking a seat on the small table in front of her. “You have to stop Thames, regardless of the cost.”

“Do you not hear yourself?” She stood and began to pace. “You say to stop Thames regardless of the cost—when it pertains to Dakota’s life—but when it may mean my own, or pulling power from Terrenia directly, that’s going too far?”

“It’s one life versus thousands.”

“One life that’s damn important to me.”

“I never said it wasn’t important, but you are going to need to weigh these options heavily before deciding on an action. What does Tony say about this?”

Anastasia bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I haven’t said anything to him yet.”

“Oh?” Vincent raised an eyebrow. “Have to say I’m honored you’d come to me first.”

Anastasia glared at him. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just assumed you’d be the only one insane enough to back me up.”

“Sorry to disappoint you,” he replied dryly.

“I don’t see another way. I’ve gone up against him before and lost.”

“Because he dangled Dakota in front of you. When it comes to that boy, you are weak; you know it, I know it, and every single one of your enemies knows it. If you can get Thames alone, you will stand a chance.”

She didn’t deny his words about being weak. As much as it pained her to admit, her uncle was absolutely correct. She’d die before hurting Dakota, and she’d risk everything if it meant getting him back. “Possibly.”

“I know you will. Anastasia, you are powerful, and you have a team. Thames is alone. If you stand and fight—and you do it right—you will win.”

Tears threatening again, Anastasia covered her face with her hands. “I just don’t know anymore.”

“Then think about your child. Because if you go through with this, and the power consumes you, it’s not only you paying the price anymore.”

She believed in her gut the baby would be fine, that the power wouldn’t destroy either of them, but the slightest chance of losing her child without first trying everything else stopped her. “Then what do you suppose?”

“We find Thames.”

“It’s not a matter of finding him.” Anastasia rolled her eyes. “We know exactly where the bastard is. What we don’t know is how to get there.”

“Then let’s figure that out first. We get you to Luxe, you kill him, we get Dakota and my son back, problem solved.”

“If it were that easy, don’t you think I would have already done that?”

“I didn’t say it will be easy. Just that it’s possible.”

“Fine, then how do you propose we reach him?”

“What’s one way in and out we know works?”

“Thames himself conjuring a portal?”

“Hardly. Rosabel was able to reach him.”

“Through a water portal. In case you haven’t realized, I don’t have a fish tail.”

“You can conjure a portal, why can’t you do it through water?”

“You’re joking, right?”

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “I think you can do it.”

“Without drowning?”

He shrugged. “With proper instruction.”

“I’m assuming you’re the one who will be instructing me? Exactly how many water portals have you conjured?”

“None. But it can be done.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Because I have yet to see you put your mind to something and lose.”

* * *

Anastasia stepped onto the porch of Carmen’s Terrenian cottage first thing the next morning. Vincent stood beside her, but still, she felt utterly and completely alone.

If this didn’t work, she could drown and lose everything.

If it did work, she would be face-to-face with Thames, who would more than likely use Dakota against her.

Either way the odds were not very high in her favor.

She knocked, the solid door letting out an audible thud moments before Carmen pulled it open. She smiled at Anastasia, but the smile quickly fell away when she spotted Vincent.

“Vincent,” Carmen greeted tightly.

“Carmen.”

“Can we come in?” Anastasia asked, not wanting to waste time they didn’t have on a feud. A foolish one at that, since Vincent hadn’t been in control of any of his actions for the last twenty-eight years.

Carmen looked back and forth between Anastasia and Vincent before stepping to the side. “I don’t see why not.”

Anastasia stepped into the warmth and familiarity of her grandmother’s home, taking a seat at a table with four wooden chairs. Carmen followed, cup of tea in hand, sitting across from her, while Vincent simply stood by the door.

“What is it?” Carmen asked, settling back in her chair.

“I think we have a plan to stop Thames.”

Carmen looked at Vincent, then back to Anastasia. “Oh?”

“If we can reach him, get him alone without Dakota as a shield, Anastasia can stop him.”

“And just how do you think we’re going to get him alone? Every time he leaves Luxe, it’s with Dakota. We have no reason to believe he’s planning a solo trip anytime soon,” Carmen responded, her hazel eyes narrowed on Vincent’s face.

“We don’t wait for him to leave,” Anastasia said. “I portal to Luxe directly.”

“You can’t do that. Thames has it blocked.”

“From normal portals, yes, but Rosabel reached him.”

“Rosabel was a Siren, Anastasia. She could manipulate water. You cannot do that.”

“Who says she can’t?” Vincent’s tone was aggravated, and Anastasia shot him a glare, hoping he’d pull back. Pissing off Carmen was not in the cards. If her grandmother didn’t think this plan would work, Anastasia had no problem going back to her original plan. Even knowing he wasn’t the enemy, she put more stock in her grandmother’s advice than a man’s she barely knew.

“The fact that she’s not a Siren,” Carmen answered.

“It might be possible, though; isn’t it worth looking into?”

“Anastasia.” Carmen reached across the table and covered Anastasia’s hands with her own. “If you try this and it backfires, you could be sucked down into the water and drown. Do you not think that’s risky?”

“Of course it’s a risk, but so is leaving Dakota with Thames. We have to get him back,” Anastasia urged, her voice breaking.

“Honey, I want to get Dakota back, too, but not at the risk of your life. Or the life of your baby.”

Since she hadn’t told her yet, Anastasia stared at Carmen, mouth partly open, in shock. “How did you know?”

Carmen smiled and patted her hand. “I can sense it, honey. The same way you can. You have more than one life to think about now.”

“Our lives mean nothing without him. If I can save him—and I really think I can—I have to try.”

Carmen glared up at Vincent. “I’m guessing this was your plan?”

Vincent shrugged. “You should’ve heard hers; it was much worse.”

“And just what was it?”

“Oh, you know,” he said easily. “Locate the Terrenian life core, absorb all its power, and knock Luxe’s door down. That’s if she survived the overload, of course.”

Carmen’s eyes widened, and she turned to Anastasia. “Water portal it is.”

Anastasia smiled, grateful to be making headway—no matter how small—toward getting Dakota back.

“I’ll go brief Tony. I guess I should talk to Elizabeth, too.”

“I’ll get started with research,” Carmen said with a sigh. “I sure as hell hope you’re right.” She aimed a glare at Vincent. “Because if she dies because of your misguided advice, I’ll find a way to send your ghostly ass back to hell where it belongs.”

“Threat taken. Contrary to common belief, I don’t want to risk the life of my brother’s daughter.”

“Oh? Well, you’ll excuse me if, based on prior experience, I have a hard time believing that.” Carmen got to her feet, and Anastasia followed suit.

“I’ll let you know after I talk to them.”

“Okay, honey. Good luck. And remember, Elizabeth is grieving, too. Whatever she kept from you, you have to believe she did it to keep Dakota safe.”

Anastasia bit down on her lip. “We all see how well that worked out.”

“Regardless, take it easy on her.”

“I will.”

Anastasia hugged her grandmother before stepping out in the cool morning air with Vincent.

“I think I’ll make myself scarce. Good luck.” Vincent disappeared, and Anastasia headed down the steps and across the clearing toward Tony and Elizabeth’s cottage.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Anastasia knocked on the door.

Elizabeth opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise. “Hi, Anastasia, please, come on in.” She stepped aside, and Anastasia strode into the cabin.

Her heart ached as she studied the pictures on the wall. Some were photos of him when he was young, following him all the way up to their adult years, where the pictures began to include more and more of the two of them together. The lump in her throat grew when her eyes landed on the portrait Tony had drawn of their wedding day.

Seeing the love reflected in their eyes, even in a hand-drawn image, was enough to nearly send her over the edge, so she looked away. Soon. Soon she’d have Dakota back, and they would be together again.

“Is everything okay? Tony isn’t here right now, he stepped out a few minutes ago.”

Anastasia turned to face her mother-in-law. The anger she’d been feeling seemed so out of place now. Elizabeth had only been doing what she’d thought was right. She’d been protecting her son, her chance at a happy ending. Was that really so wrong?

“Everything is fine. I wanted to let you guys know we have a plan to get to Luxe.”

Elizabeth set down the mug that had been in her hand. “And get Dakota back?” Anastasia nodded, and Elizabeth smiled. Pressing a hand to her heart, she said, “Thank God.”

“It’s risky, but doable.”

“Can I ask what it is?” The hesitation in Elizabeth’s voice made Anastasia’s heart hurt. She’d put it there with the cold shoulder attitude she’d been giving Dakota’s mother. Time to forgive.

“I’m going to try to get to him the same way Rosabel did… through water.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Well… I’m not a Siren, which means if the portal doesn’t work, I could drown.”

Elizabeth swallowed hard, putting her hands on her hips. “Are you sure it will work? You can’t risk your life, Anastasia; you’re no good to Dakota dead.”

“It has to work,” Anastasia responded. “I have to get him back.”

“You will. We will all do whatever’s necessary to bring him home.”

Anastasia forced a smile. Better just say it. “There’s more.”

“What?”

“Um, I wanted to wait until Dakota was back to tell you, but I’m pregnant.”

A large smile spread over Elizabeth’s face, and her eyes filled with tears. “You’re pregnant?”

“Yes.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful!” She started to move toward Anastasia, arms open, but stopped. “Can I please hug you?”

“Of course.” Anastasia opened her arms and accepted an embrace from the woman who’d been more of a mother to her over the years than she’d had to be.

“I’m so happy, honey. Does Dakota know?” Elizabeth asked, releasing her.

“He does. I told him before—” Images of Shane, lying bloody on the ground popped into her head, and she blinked away tears. “I told him when we got him back from Thames. Just before we lost him again.”

Elizabeth squeezed her arms. “You both will get the chance to see your child, I know it.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. Now, you’re going to need to get checked out by a doctor.”

Anastasia laughed. “I’m fine, baby is fine.”

“I’m sure you are, but we need to have you examined by an actual doctor in a medical facility.”

“Can’t you just look me over?”

“I’m not an obstetrician.”

“Women in Terrenia have babies all the time without any issue.”

“Most women in Terrenia aren’t being tossed around by evil maniacs either. We just want to make sure everything is fine now, before diving into any more battles.”

“Elizabeth—”

Elizabeth held up a hand. “I know after keeping what I did from you that I have no right to ask anything. But please, do this for me. Just this once. I promise I won’t bother you about it ever again.”

Anastasia seriously doubted that last part, but nodded anyway. Getting the confirmation from an actual doctor that everything was fine would put her mind at ease.

And a little comfort at this point would go a long way.

6

Luxe

Dakota

“Yes!” Dakota whispered loudly when he finally heard the click from the lock disengaging on his cage.

Sticking the dinner knife Thames brought him earlier into the back pocket of his pants, Dakota opened the lock and swung the gate open, wincing when it creaked.

Thames was already asleep as far as Dakota knew, as was Vinny. If ever there was a time to make an escape, tonight was it. There was no telling what Thames had in mind for tomorrow, or the day after for that matter.

Soft footsteps echoed down the hall as Dakota crept, moving as quickly as he could down the hall. As he walked, he checked each room he passed, hoping it would be where Thames was keeping Vincent’s son.

Pushing open a large red door, Dakota breathed a sigh of relief when he saw a crib with a small form sleeping inside.

Reaching down inside, Dakota lifted the small boy into his arms, grateful Vinny didn’t wake up. After grabbing the crib blanket to cover him with, Dakota crept from the room, silently shutting the door behind him.

Pulse thundering, Dakota quickly crept down the hall and back through the throne room. Truth was, he had no fucking clue how he was going to escape. Thames had conjured a portal before though, hadn’t he? Using the magic that Dakota possessed?

So, it was something he should be able to do too, right?

Once he was far enough away that Thames couldn’t hear him, Dakota shifted Vinny to one arm and closed his eyes, trying to find the power he’d inherited. He could feel it, a soft buzz like the wings of a hummingbird. Something that was as much a part of him as his own blood.

“Okay, this can’t be that hard, right?” Dakota whispered. “You can do this, Parker.” He held up his free hand in front of him and whispered, “Open.”

Opening one of his eyes, he groaned. Nothing. “Dammit. Okay, let’s try this again. Open up, you fucking portal. Take me to Terrenia.”

Still, his heart fell when he opened his eyes and had managed to conjure absolutely nothing.

“This is ridiculous.” Vinny stirred in Dakota’s arm, and he stopped moving until the boy settled back against him, head resting on Dakota’s shoulder.

Taking a deep breath, Dakota closed his eyes again and tried to picture Terrenia. He thought of the tall, green trees, the thick grass, blue water, and of course, Ana. He imagined the way she’d looked the day they were married: beautiful and ready to take on the world. Which—since they’d been about to march into battle against Vincent—she had been.

The thought of her had the magic in his veins moving faster, and when he thought back to her announcement that he was going to be a father, it pushed into a full-on roar, deafening everything else around.

Lastly, Dakota pictured a portal, and when he opened his eyes, it was there.

“Yes!” he whispered loudly. Gripping Vinny, Dakota stepped forward toward freedom—

A hand gripped his shoulder at the base of his neck, squeezing tightly and yanking him backward. Dakota jerked back, and the shock caused his escape to close, cutting him off from Terrenia—and Ana—again.

“Nice try,” Thames growled. “I underestimated you, Brother.”

Dakota turned, clutching Vinny to his chest.

“Give me back my son.”

“He’s not your son.”

Thames’ face contorted with rage, his usual amused smirk replaced with a sneer that caused Dakota’s blood to ice.

“You have one last chance or I’ll forget how much I actually need you,” Thames warned.

Afraid of what might happen to Vinny if Thames’ temper snapped, Dakota set him down gently. The boy was a heavy sleeper and simply rolled onto his side, clutching the crib blanket.

“Good boy,” Thames said, looking down at Vinny, then back at Dakota. “Too bad you’re an idiot. Did you honestly believe you would escape?”

“I will escape. Maybe not tonight, or tomorrow, but one of these days I will escape, and I will help Ana bring your ass down.”

Thames laughed, the deep chuckle reverberating through Dakota’s mind. “You seem to think I’ve played my entire hand, little brother. How little you actually know about me.”

“I don’t fear you,” Dakota growled, hands tightening into fists. Going after Thames with magic was foolish, and the bastard may have him outweighed, but if Dakota could catch him off guard and jam a blade into his throat, even Thames couldn’t walk away from that.

“No, you don’t. You’re too stupid to understand what’s worthy of your fear.”

Dakota reached behind him, hand closing in around the hilt of the blade. “You sure have a high opinion of yourself.”

Thames stepped toward Vinny, but Dakota held his ground. If this turned into a fight, he wanted to be sure he could get to the boy quickly and get them both the hell out of here as soon as possible.

Thames reached behind his back, pulling out a long, rolled-up whip. “Do you honestly believe you can stand against me?”

“I think I can sure as hell try,” Dakota said, pulling the blade from his pocket.

Thames raised an eyebrow at the knife as he studied it, amused. “You make things too easy.” He cracked the whip, waking Vinny up with a panicked cry. “How about we take this to another room?”

“You aren’t getting him again.” Dakota took his stance, blade in hand. At least if he kills me, this will all be over. No magic for him to use.

Thames cracked out the whip, and Dakota dodged, charging with his blade immediately after. He threw his body weight into Thames, knocking him back only a few steps, before burying the blade into his arm.

“You have no idea the mistake you just made.” Thames pulled the knife from his arm, before tossing it to the ground.

Dakota braced himself for another physical assault, but none came. Something exploded in his head, and his vision went blurry just before he fell to his knees, pressing shaking hands to his ears.

Thames stepped toward him. “I own you; your mind is mine to control.”

“How?” Dakota ground out. How the hell are you doing this to me while standing in front of me?

“Rosabel gifted us with a connection before her untimely demise. Only a Siren can remove it. Not even your precious Sorceress has the power to save you.” Thames laughed. Vinny whimpered, and Thames walked over, lifting the boy into his arms. “Now, now, son. Everything is all right. Uncle Dakota just has a bit of a headache.”

He grabbed Dakota’s shirt collar and dragged him behind them, before tossing him back into the cage he’d escaped less than an hour before.

“I think your wife needs a visit. Perhaps with some of her blood on your hands, you’ll learn to behave,” Thames said, slamming the cage shut and locking Dakota back inside.

Dakota rolled to his side, still clutching his throbbing head. If a Siren was the only one who could remove the connection, he really was screwed. He wasn’t even sure there were any other Sirens around. It was possible Rosabel had been the last of her kind—and Thames dusted her.

Pushing to his knees, Dakota took deep breaths, trying to ease the pain in his pounding head. Heavy footfalls signaled Thames’ return, and Dakota rose on shaky legs.

Eyeing the silver collar in Thames’ hand, Dakota asked, “What the hell is that?”

“Something to keep you in check.” Thames unlocked the cage and stepped toward him. Dakota stepped back, but Thames continued moving forward until steel bars pressed against Dakota’s back.

“On your knees,” Thames growled.

“In your fucking dreams.”

Thames slammed his fist into Dakota’s gut, and he crumpled forward, the contact knocking all the breath from his lungs.

“That’s better.” Thames gripped Dakota’s neck, large fingers biting into his skin, and secured the collar around his throat with an audible click. “Now you won’t be able to attempt anything so stupid again.”

Releasing him, Thames stepped back out and slammed the gate closed.

Still gasping for breath, Dakota crawled to the bars. “Ana will destroy you!” he screamed, but Thames’ only answer was a chuckle before disappearing down the hall with Vinny. “Leave her alone, Thames!” he screamed.

When there was no answer, Dakota curled up in the corner, pressing the palms of his hands against his still throbbing ears.

Kick his fucking ass, Ana. Please.

7

Seattle

Anastasia

Anastasia’s foot tapped impatiently against the laminate as she sat in the waiting room of Dr. Karen Jeffords—one of Elizabeth’s old co-workers. Women in all stages of pregnancy sat in blue cloth chairs around the office, smiles on their faces, loving partners sitting beside them.

It made her heart ache for Dakota all over again, and the overwhelming feeling of guilt that she was here without him settled in.

“This is a waste of time,” she muttered to Tony, who sat beside her. Elizabeth was still standing at the desk, chatting lightly with the woman working behind it.

He chuckled softly. “She wouldn’t have let it go. Besides, now you can give Dakota good news when you see him.”

“I shouldn’t be here without him.”

“He would want you to be here, Anastasia. Making sure you and the baby are safe would be his first priority—you know that.”

She shrugged and sat up straighter, trying to cease her own foot-tapping, which had started to get on her nerves.

Waste of time. I know everything is fine. She should be figuring out how to conjure a water portal so she could rescue Dakota. Then they could come to these appointments together. Tears started to form in her eyes as she watched a couple across from her. They had nothing but pure joy on their faces as the man ran his hand over the woman’s swollen belly.

Will I ever get that chance with Dakota? Will he ever get to share the joy of this new life?

“Anastasia Parker?”

Anastasia got to her feet, and Tony stood, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be here when you are done.”

“Thanks.”

Anastasia walked toward the tall brunette in blue scrubs that waited for her, offering a kind smile to Elizabeth as she passed, who waved at her from the desk.

“If you need me, I’ll be right here.”

Anastasia nodded, afraid if she spoke, the dam holding back her tears would burst, turning her into a blubbering mess.

“I’m Jo, Dr. Jeffords’ nurse.”

Anastasia smiled, but didn’t respond. Seemed foolish to introduce herself to someone who already knew her name.

“How are you today?” Jo asked with a smile as she led Anastasia down a long hallway.

“Fine, thanks.”

“Any complaints?”

Anastasia shook her head.

“We’re going to start off by getting your vitals; can you please remove your shoes and step on the scale?”

Anastasia did as she was told and climbed onto the scale.

“All right, you can step down. I just need to get your blood pressure.”

The cuff tightened around her bicep, and Anastasia bit down on the inside of her cheek, feeling completely alone as the couple from earlier stepped in and headed down the hall past her, hand in hand.

Breathe. He’ll be here soon enough.

Focusing on the task at hand, Anastasia sat still until the woman released her cuff, then sent her into the restroom for a urine sample.

At least he’ll miss this awkwardness. Anastasia laughed to herself, then, after washing her hands, headed back out into the hall to room twelve where Jo waited for her.

“Go ahead and strip down, then put on this gown. The doctor will be in shortly,” Jo said with a kind smile, as if she hadn’t just asked Anastasia to get naked.

“Okay.”

Once the door slid closed behind her, Anastasia let out a breath. Staring down at the gown folded neatly on the white paper covering the examination table, Anastasia’s eyes filled again, and she quickly wiped the tears away.

“I can do this,” she whispered as she began to remove her clothes.

Once she was dressed in the gown, she climbed onto the table and folded her shaking hands in her lap.

There was a light knock on the door, and a middle-aged blonde woman walked in, wheeling a cart with what looked like a computer on it behind her.

“Hi, Anastasia, I’m Dr. Jeffords.” She held out her hand, and Anastasia took it, shaking lightly before releasing. “We’re going to start off with a sonogram to verify pregnancy and see how far along you are, then we’ll go over a few things, and you’ll be good to go.”

“Okay.”

She smiled and handed Anastasia a small white sheet. “Go ahead and lay back for me, and put your feet in these stirrups.”

Anastasia followed her direction, feeling more uncomfortable and vulnerable than she had in her entire life.

“This is going to be a little uncomfortable, but if you watch the screen, we should be able to see baby.”

Not sure what she should say at the sight of the giant wand, Anastasia simply nodded and turned her head to the screen.

“Here we go.”

There was pressure as the doctor inserted the wand, but the second the small blip became visible on the monitor, Anastasia forgot everything else.

“There’s baby.” The doctor flipped a switch, and the sound of a fast, thumping heart filled the room.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Anastasia’s eyes filled. There they are. The new life she and Dakota created, blipping away inside of her. The small peanut-shaped blur became the most important thing in her entire world, and simply knowing it was there helped her not feel so alone.

I’ll bring your daddy home, baby. I promise.

* * *

With a smile, Anastasia stepped from the room and back into the waiting area where Tony and Elizabeth sat.

When they saw her, both got to their feet and met her at the door leading outside.

“So?”

Anastasia handed over the small rectangular photo in her hand to Elizabeth, and watched as a slow smile spread over her face.

“Oh, honey, this is wonderful!”

“What?” Tony peered down at the image, obviously confused. “What is that?”

“It’s the baby, you dope,” Elizabeth responded playfully.

“It looks like a bean.”

Anastasia laughed. “It really does.”

“So, doc said everything was fine?” Elizabeth asked as they stepped outside.

Anastasia nodded. “I’m about ten weeks along.”

“How exciting! Aren’t you glad I talked you into this?”

“It still felt wrong doing it without Dakota, but I am glad I have some peace of mind. Now, I can focus on bringing peanut’s dad home.”

“And we will,” Tony assured her.

“I know we—” A loud boom echoed through the otherwise silent alley, and the trio spun around.

“What the hell are those?” Tony asked, staring at the source of the noise.

Anastasia’s mouth fell open. The creatures were completely black. What she guessed was supposed to be their skin resembled black ink, steadily dripping down to the pavement at their feet. They moaned as they moved, reminding Anastasia of ghosts from an old horror movie she and Dakota used to watch every Halloween.

“I have no clue.” Anastasia held out her palms, ready for an attack.

The creatures inched closer, their movements limping and strained. The moans grew louder and more strained as they moved.

“I know what they are.” Elizabeth’s voice cracked, and Anastasia looked over at her. Tears shimmered in her eyes, and her bottom lip quivered.

“What are they?”

“They are Luxe—or rather were Luxe—before Thames got his hands on the world.”

“What? Those things were people?”

“Yes. My people,” she said sadly.

They continued to move closer.

“Did Thames send you?” Tony asked.

When the creatures didn’t respond, Anastasia conjured twin flames on her palms.

“What are you doing? It's possible they’re here to warn us,” Elizabeth insisted.

“Doubtful.” Anastasia held her palms in front of them. “Why are you here?”

“Blood,” one said, its voice gurgling as it spoke.

“Whose blood?” Anastasia demanded.

“Yours.”

An inky black arm reached out, extending well past normal, and shot toward her like a bullet. She dodged, and it slammed into a dumpster, leaving a smoking hole in its wake.

“Definitely not here to warn us,” Tony said, pulling a blade from his boot.

Anastasia shot the flames toward the creatures, knocking two of the three down. The black ink absorbed into the ground, and the third howled in rage.

Sticking out both arms, it extended them toward her, and Anastasia blocked its reach with a magical barrier. Her barrier began to smoke, the ink leaking through and dropping to the pavement at her feet.

“When I say so, jump to the left,” she instructed Elizabeth and Tony.

“Will do,” Tony responded, putting his hand on Elizabeth’s arm.

Conjuring another ball of flame, Anastasia said, “Now!” She dropped her shield and jumped to the side, crashing into a bunch of boxes.

The thing turned an inky head toward her, and Anastasia flung the flame at it. Unable to move quickly unless it was extending its limbs, it didn’t move in time, and cried out as it began to sizzle, turning into a smoking puddle of goo before absorbing back into the ground.

“You okay?” Tony helped Anastasia to her feet, and she brushed dirt off her jeans.

“Yeah.”

“Do we know what this means?” Elizabeth asked. “That he’s able to reach out without using Dakota as a shell?”

Anastasia stared at the place where the creatures had been moments before. “It means we’re running out of time.”

8

Terrenia

Anastasia

“We’ve got a problem,” Anastasia said as she stepped into her grandmother’s cottage. Both she and Vincent looked up from the books they were reading.

“What happened?” Carmen asked, getting to her feet. “The baby?”

Anastasia shook her head. “Baby is fine.”

Carmen let out a breath.

“Then what’s the problem?” Vincent asked.

“Thames sent Luxe creatures after us.”

Carmen’s head cocked to the side, her eyes narrowing. “Luxe creatures?”

“The living dead,” Vincent said, and Anastasia nodded.

“That’s an apt description for those fuckers.” Tony crossed his large arms over his chest.

“He was able to send them to you, in Seattle?” Vincent’s eyes were wide, his already pale, partially translucent face growing even more so.

“Yes. Somehow he sent them to us.”

“They were corporeal?”

Anastasia stared at Vincent. “Seeing as how they put a hole through a metal dumpster, I’d say they were pretty damn corporeal.”

“This means he’s gaining more power. We have to stop him.”

“Thank you for that observation, Vincent,” Carmen said dryly. “But how about you tell us something we don’t already know?”

Vincent glared at the older woman. “If Thames is able to leave Luxe without Dakota, it’s because he’s powerful enough to not need him anymore.”

Anastasia’s stomach dropped. “You think he’ll kill Dakota?”

“I think that’s a possibility we need to address.”

“But he hasn’t been able to leave yet,” Elizabeth insisted.

“Not yet, but if he can send creatures to a completely different world, he’s getting close.” Vincent looked back down at the book. “As much as I hate to say it, I think you’re going to have to wing it with this portal.”

“Wing it?” Carmen gaped at him. “You’re suggesting Anastasia conjure a portal, in water, that could close in and drown her at any moment, all without proper education?”

“Whether she drowns or not isn’t going to matter if Thames manages to get Terrenian’s life core and murder you all while we all have our noses buried in books.”

“If Anastasia drowns because of a botched rescue attempt, we don’t stand a chance in hell at defeating Thames,” Carmen growled.

“I’m standing right here, and I’m pretty sure it’s my decision.” Anastasia folded her arms and stared at her grandmother and the uncle who was getting on her nerves less and less these days.

Funny how that’s happened.

“Fine,” Carmen said tightly. “What do you want to do?”

Anastasia studied her. There was no way she was going to approve of Anastasia’s answer, but from her point of view, they didn’t have many options. No one knew where the life core was located, or if she would even be able to hold its power.

Dakota couldn’t die. She had to rescue him, even if it meant pissing off her last living relative.

“I wing it.”

“Anastasia—”

“I’m sorry,” she interrupted. “But I can’t risk Dakota’s life on whether or not we find something on this. I can conjure portals; seems like conjuring one in water shouldn’t be that hard.”

“You and I both know if a portal is not done correctly it could be disastrous. You could end up trapped, half in Luxe and half in Terrenia. Or the damn thing could shut down around you and leave you trapped below the surface. This isn’t something you should rush into.”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice.”

Carmen’s face twisted with anger, and she glared at Vincent. “If she dies, it’s on you.”

“She won’t die.”

Carmen scoffed. “You hope.”

“I know she won’t. Anastasia is powerful. If anyone can do this, it’s her.” Vincent looked over at Anastasia and nodded.

“I certainly hope you’re both right.” Carmen slammed the book on her table closed and turned to shelf it. “When do you want to do this?”

“Within the hour. That will give me enough time to change and gather my weapons.”

“Us,” Tony said. “I’m going with you.”

Anastasia glanced over at him. “You do know that could mean we both drown.”

Tony shrugged. “I’d rather do it together than send you in alone.”

Looking over at Elizabeth, Anastasia saw she was one word away from breaking completely down. Her mouth was a tight line, eyes wide and full of tears, and she was refusing to look anywhere but at her feet.

“We’ll come back, with Dakota,” Anastasia promised her.

Elizabeth nodded, then pushed the door open and disappeared outside.

* * *

Standing beside the pond Dakota disappeared into with Rosabel was more difficult than Anastasia would have thought.

Logically, she knew it was nothing but a body of water. But it was hard to not picture the way he’d taken her hand—even if it hadn’t really been him—and disappeared into the liquid depths with the Siren.

Kaley nuzzled Anastasia’s hand, the soft fur easing some of the bad memories. “Thanks, girl. I know you’re always here.”

Kaley growled deep in her throat just as Vincent appeared beside them.

“You ready for this?” he asked.

Anastasia didn’t look at him, just continued to stare at the glassy surface. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“If you feel for an instant it’s too much, you have to pull back.”

She turned her head and looked at him. “Worried about me?”

“I am.”

“Never thought I’d hear you say that.” When he opened his mouth to retort, she shook her head. “I didn’t mean anything by it, I’m just on edge. I know you were being controlled.”

“It’s still hard to look past it.”

“It is.”

“I am troubled by what I’ve done. It eats at me, and I know I’ll never be able to make up for it.”

“Helping me rescue Dakota is a start.”

Vincent smiled softly, and for a moment, it was as if Anastasia was looking at her father. “You know, I never would have chosen the route I did if I hadn’t been such a coward.”

“What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Gregory was my only family. When he met Annabelle, he began to grow distant. It was painful at first, but I understood.” Vincent stopped talking and continued to stare out at the water. “I’m not sure if either of them told you, but they’d had trouble conceiving a child before you.”

Anastasia turned to face him. “I didn’t know that.”

Vincent nodded. “They’d tried for a few years, and she miscarried four times during that time.”

“Four?”

“I thought that, given my magic, I could help, so I went in search of someone who could help them.”

Anastasia stayed quiet, afraid that if she interrupted, he would stop speaking.

“I searched for months and came up empty handed. One night, when I was about to give up, I had a dream of a man in a castle. He told me his people had magic that could help my brother… all I had to do was come see him.”

“Thames.”

Vincent nodded. “It was a foolish errand, one I should have seen for what it was, but the thought of helping Gregory—of getting my brother back—was too alluring to pass up.”

“So you went to Luxe.”

“I went to Luxe.”

“How did you get there?”

“A portal, but once I was on the other side and I’d given myself over, he used my magic to block all others from entering, sealing himself—and me—inside.”

“How did he take over your mind?”

“He told me that the power to heal could only be transferred if I allowed him control of my body. Said once the spell was in my mind, it would stay, as would the power to enact it. With how desperate I was, I believed him, and a dark sorcerer was born.”

Anastasia looked back at the water, pondering what he’d told her. If all of it was true—and he had no reason to lie to her now—Vincent had never been the horrible monster she’d pegged him as, but rather a loving brother wanting to help his family. Only, instead of helping, he ended up losing everything.

What a horrible price to pay.

“When I returned home, I learned Annabelle had birthed a child. I was so ecstatic that I didn’t think about the timing, and it wasn’t until after I visited them, and Gregory shut the door in my face, that I learned what happened to me. It was just too late to stop it.”

“I’m sorry, Vincent.”

Vincent turned to her. “For what?”

“For not seeing the bigger picture. I could’ve saved you.”

Vincent laughed lightly, but there was no humor in the sound. “My dear, I was well beyond saving when I met you. The damage he did to me—mentally, that is—changed who I was. I hated myself, and the day you killed me is the day you set me free.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but Carmen, Tony, and Elizabeth stepped up to the edge of the water.

“Ready?” Tony asked.

“Let’s do this,” Anastasia said. With one last look at Vincent, she turned to the water.

“Remember, if it feels wrong, pull back,” Vincent warned.

“I will.”

“And do not kill Thames’ body while he is in control of Dakota.”

“Why not?” Tony asked.

“Because there will be no way to get him out of Dakota unless you kill him, too.”

Anastasia swallowed hard. “It won’t come to that.”

“Let’s hope not,” Vincent said softly with a nod.

Gripping Tony’s much larger hand in hers, Anastasia jumped into the water. The coolness enveloped her, and after grabbing one last breath at the surface, the duo released hands and dove down. Swimming hard, she pushed herself toward the bottom of the water, and when the ground came into sight in the clear water, Anastasia closed her eyes and pulled at her magic.

Lungs burning, she reached for Tony’s hand again and called for a portal to take her to Dakota.

The water roared around her, a loud thundering filling her waterlogged ears, as light shot from the ground.

Blue light appeared before her and began to spin, sucking the water down into its whirlpool. Lungs burning, she tried to swim away with Tony, but the water pulled her down, down, down, until the world around them went dark.

9

Luxe

Anastasia

The ground came fast, and Anastasia slammed into the marble, coughing up water and gasping for air. She rolled over onto her back, body too exhausted and oxygen deprived to do much more.

A blue portal swirled on the ceiling, and seconds later, Tony fell through. The portal closed, and she rolled to her side to reach him.

“Tony?” she said hoarsely, but he didn’t respond. “No, no, please no.” Anastasia crawled to him and bent her ear over his mouth.

She couldn’t hear or feel any breath, so she pressed a hand to his wet chest. Pushing magic through her, Anastasia urged him to breathe.

Nothing happened, so she sat up on her feet and slammed both fists down onto him. He shot up, coughing, as water spurted from his mouth.

“Fuck, what happened?” he asked, falling back onto his back.

Anastasia stayed sitting, studying the area they’d landed in.

They were in some sort of foyer, sitting on a hard ground made of marble.

“We’re here.”

Tony sat up. “Luxe?”

Anastasia nodded and got to her feet. Walking to the only window in the space, Anastasia looked outside and swallowed hard. The living dead—as Vincent had described them—spanned as far as the eye could see, writhing and moaning in complete misery.

Tony stepped up beside her. “I’d say we’ve arrived.”

Dread pooled in her stomach, and Anastasia took a deep breath before turning to face the hall that would hopefully lead them to Dakota.

Was he alive?

Would Thames have control over him?

Tony put a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up to see him smiling softly. “It will be okay, have faith.”

Nodding, she took her first step forward.

Tony unsheathed his sword and did the same. Her blade would do no good to her compared to the magic at her disposal, so Anastasia left it securely attached at her back.

Their steps were silent as they moved down the hall, but Anastasia was sure everyone near would hear the thundering of her racing heart.

Creeping down the hall, they passed portraits where the faces had all been scratched out. The work of a madman, I’m sure. Staring at the faces of his family would have been too hard for Thames, she imagined. Especially after what he’d done to them.

Tony tapped her shoulder and held up a finger, asking her to wait and let him move ahead into the room in front of them.

She nodded and stepped back, allowing him to pass.

He leaned in, checked the space, and then looked back at her, nodding silently.

They moved forward into a large circular space with a single staircase leading up. Still moving as quietly as possible, they crept up the marble steps before reaching a landing that split off into three separate halls.

Tony looked back at her for direction, and Anastasia shrugged. She’d only ever been in the throne room; she had no idea where to go from here.

He gestured to the hall in front, and she nodded, they had to start somewhere. Creeping forward, they made their way down the hall to the first door. Opening it slowly, they peered in and, after determining it was empty, closed it and moved on to the next.

Four doors later, they were at the end of the hall and were no closer to finding Dakota. Frustration grew inside her, and Anastasia bit down on the inside of her cheek. He has to be here somewhere.

And if not, they would wait, because Thames would be coming back.

Once they reached the foyer again, Tony led them down the hall to the right. Another dead end with nothing but dust-filled, empty rooms greeted them.

Two down, one to go.

They started down the last hall, and Anastasia reminded herself to breathe. Soon, they would find Dakota, kill Thames, and move on with their lives.

She would not lose.

Stepping lightly, they made their way to the end of the door-less hall, until they reached the throne room.

A large cage sat on one side, and in it, the shape of a man curled into a ball.

“No,” she whispered and started to push past Tony.

He stopped her with a hand on her arm and shook his head.

“We have to move!” she whispered loudly, and Tony shook his head again.

“We need to be smart, check the room first, then we go to him.”

Anastasia huffed. He was right, she knew, but holding off when all she wanted to do was run to Dakota was difficult.

Finally, she nodded, and they crept soundlessly into the room.

It was empty, so they ran to the edge of the cage.

“Dakota,” she whispered. He rolled over, his body splattered with dried blood, eyes hollow as he looked up at her.

“Ana?”

She smiled and nodded, tears filling her eyes. “It’s me.”

“Thank God.”

Dakota pushed to his feet and ran to the bars. “How did you get here?”

“We can talk about that later,” Tony urged. “We need to go now.”

“You have to get Vinny.”

“Where is he?”

“In a room down that hall.” Dakota gestured toward a hall leading off to the right.

“I’ll go,” Tony offered. “Get him out of that cage.”

Anastasia ran around the side to the lock and, using her magic, broke the hinge. The lock dangled uselessly until she removed it a moment later, setting it quietly on the ground.

Dakota rushed out and gathered her into his arms. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Me too.”

Pulling back, he cupped her face with his hands and kissed her deeply.

“Are you hurt?” she asked once he’d stopped, resting his forehead on hers.

“No, but, Ana—Shane.” His voice cracked, and he shut his eyes tightly.

Anastasia gripped his forearms. “Dakota, look at me, that was not your fault. You hear me?” With a lump growing painfully in her throat, Anastasia fought back tears as she looked at the man she loved more than life itself.

“It was. I shouldn’t have accepted that fucking magic.”

“You were only doing what you thought was right.”

“I killed him, Ana.” Dakota’s voice cracked, and a tear slipped down his cheek.

Anastasia’s heart broke for the pain he was feeling—pain she knew all too well. “You didn’t kill anyone. Thames is the only one responsible.” Her fingers brushed an iron choker. “What is this?”

“Thames is using it to keep me here.” He leveled broken blue eyes on her. “You have to kill me, Ana.”

“I won’t kill you, Dakota. We will get you out of here.”

“It’s no use, Thames will only take me back. Killing me is the only way to stop him.”

“We need to go, now,” Tony said, rushing into the room, Vinny in his arms.

“I should be able to portal out normally,” Anastasia explained, raising her hand and conjuring the familiar blue light.

“I can’t leave, Ana. He’ll just use me again. I could kill someone else.”

“I will protect you.”

“Isn’t this sweet.” Thames’ deep voice reverberated through the room, and Anastasia turned as he stepped inside from the hall Tony had come through only moments before.

“Tony, go,” Anastasia said, stepping between Thames and Dakota. As long as she had eyes on him, she’d know the second he tried to take over Dakota.

“I can’t leave you.”

“You have to go.” She stood between Thames and the portal, the only thing stopping him from getting to Tony.

“You leave with my boy, Fighter, and I’ll slaughter everyone you love.”

“Go, Tony,” Anastasia urged, conjuring twin flames on her palms. “I’ll handle this bastard.”

Thames laughed. “You’re so arrogant, Sorceress.”

“Pot, kettle?” She mocked, though he probably wouldn’t get the reference.

“You damn well better follow,” Tony said just before stepping into the light with Vinny.

Thames growled. “That was a mistake.”

Not wasting any more time, Anastasia flung the flames at Thames. He grinned when the power hit him square in the chest.

“Your magic can’t hurt him, Ana, you need to go.” Dakota touched her arm.

“You better listen to my brother, Sorceress. Your magic is no match for mine.”

She pulled out her sword. “Then how about we do this the old-fashioned way? I’ll still kick your sorry ass.”

Thames laughed loudly. “I see why you like this one, Brother. She is arrogant, but has fire in her. You would have made a good queen.”

“Not interested.”

Thames took a step toward her. “You don’t stand a chance against me. Your best chance is to step aside and accept the inevitable.”

“And what’s that?” she sneered.

“That I will rule, everything.”

“Not a chance. The worlds do not belong to you. From what I understand, Luxe chose your younger brother. How does that feel?” she mocked. “To know that even your own world—your own people—didn’t want you?”

Thames’ hands clenched into fists. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I think I do.”

Thames started to move closer and stopped. “Wait, I have a much better idea.”

Anastasia’s eyes widened as she realized what Thames was about to do. Charging, she raised her blade, but it was too late.

“Go ahead,” Dakota said from behind her. Only, when she turned, the silver of his eyes told her it was no longer Dakota in control. Thames removed the choker from Dakota’s throat and tossed it to the side. “Kill me. You will never get your precious Dakota back.”

Raising a hand, he blasted her with power so strong it threw her back into the wall. Ears ringing and vision blurred, Anastasia tried to get to her feet. Another blast of power knocked her back, and Dakota—or rather, Thames—wrapped his hand around her throat, lifting her from the ground.

He leaned forward and breathed her in with a smile. “You carry a Luxe heir within you.”

She didn’t answer, just gripped his forearm with her hands, glaring into eyes that were foreign to her now.

“We can’t have that, can we?” Using his other hand, he reached behind his back and withdrew a short blade.

“No!” a deep yell came from behind him, and Anastasia was dropped as Tony barreled into Dakota.

“Tony!” Anastasia screamed as the blade meant for her was buried into Tony’s chest. “No!” she screamed. Conjuring just enough magic to stun Dakota and not kill him, she blasted him, sending him sliding back.

With one last look at Dakota, Anastasia grabbed Tony and conjured a portal beside them, dragging him through and into the light.

10

Terrenia

Anastasia

“Fuck!” Anastasia screamed as soon as soon as she and Tony were safe in Terrenia. Pressing her hands to Tony’s chest, she pushed down, causing blood to spray her face. She closed her eyes and sent her healing magic into Tony.

When the dizziness began to take hold, she pulled back, relieved to see the bleeding had stopped and Tony was staring up at her.

“You okay?” he asked as she sat back on her butt and wrapped shaking arms around her knees.

“Are you seriously asking me that? You almost died.”

Tony laughed and sat up. “But I didn’t.”

“We failed.” Anastasia’s throat burned as tears began to flow freely down her cheeks.

Tony wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him, running a soothing hand down her back. “We didn’t fail completely; we got Vinny back.”

“But Dakota’s still there, Tony. You saw him, he’s not going to last much longer.”

“Dakota’s tough, we’ll get him back.” Tony sat back and smiled softly at her. “Thames won’t know what hit him.”

Anastasia shook her head. “I don’t know if I can beat him. My magic did nothing. It was almost like he absorbed it.”

“Phoenix!”

Anastasia turned. Argento rushed toward her. Pushing to her feet, she brushed the dirt off her pants.

“Is everything all right?” Tony asked, following suit.

“I’m afraid not. I have bad news.”

“What happened?” Anastasia’s heart began to pound. Had there been another attack? Were people hurt?

“We have determined how Dakota woke from his stasis.”

“I assumed it was because Thames found a way to break free.”

Argento’s mouth was a tight line, his eyes narrowed in anger. “I’m afraid that while that is true, he did not do it alone.”

Anastasia crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re saying someone let him out.”

“I am.”

“And you know who?”

“I do.” He looked behind him, and two Brutes shoved another forward.

“Rayden?”

The older Brute’s face was bruised, his eyes hollow. “I am guilty.”

“What? Why? You helped us put him there in the first place!” Rage flowed through her, sending her magic to a thundering storm, ready to release.

Rayden straightened. “Thames promised to leave the Brute world alone if I did.”

“What do you mean leave it alone? What exactly did he say?”

Rayden’s mouth tightened. “I will say no more. I do this for my world, for my people. For my queen.”

“You coward, you will answer her questions!” Argento roared.

The healer began to shake with fear, bowing his head to his king. “My king, I will not.”

“You will answer me,” Anastasia growled, the tone in her voice startling even her. She could feel the power inside, reaching out, begging to be used. Conjuring a flame in her hand, she sneered to the Brute healer. “This won’t kill you, but it will fucking hurt, and I will continue to tear you apart until you answer every last question I have.”

She released the flame, and it slammed into the healer’s chest. The two Brutes holding him lost their grips at the impact, and Rayden flew back, slamming into the ground. He howled in pain as the flame continued to burn him inside, and Anastasia moved toward him.

He was responsible.

The reason she’d had to bury one of her best friends.

The reason her husband was trapped in another world.

He needed to die for it.

Conjuring another ball, she started to slam it down onto his chest when a large hand gripped her forearm.

Anastasia looked up into the worried grey eyes of Tony. “Not like this, Anastasia. We don’t torture.”

“He did it, Tony. He might as well have killed Shane!”

“Doesn’t mean you need to stoop to that level. You’re better than this.”

Anastasia scoffed. “Better than this isn’t winning us any wars! You think Thames gives two shits about what’s right and what’s wrong? He ripped Shane’s heart out, Tony. Ripped it right out of his fucking chest!”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, hot trails of the pain she felt inside. She was completely helpless to stop it, to stop any of it.

She’d been helpless the night Shane died.

Helpless moments ago in Luxe.

And she was damn tired of feeling that way.

“Not. Like. This,” Tony said sternly.

Anastasia looked over his shoulder as Selena and Elizabeth approached, both of them watching her, eyes wide with fear.

Anastasia’s heart sank. She was no monster. The Brute would pay for what he did, but Tony was right. It couldn’t happen like this.

Closing her hand, the fire extinguished, and she stepped away from the Brute.

“I assure you, Phoenix, he will pay for what he’s done. I will take him back to my world, and we will get answers.”

Anastasia nodded. “Thank you, Argento. Let me know if you learn anything.”

The Brute could make it back to his world on his own, using his people’s power, but Anastasia waved her hand and opened a portal.

Not wanting to talk to anyone else, she headed straight for the solace of her cabin. Once inside, she threw a ball of flame at the fireplace, bringing both warmth and light to the room. Then, removing her sword, Anastasia took a seat on the couch and stared into the flames.

“I killed him, Ana.” Dakota’s heartbroken face popped into her mind, and Anastasia’s chest ached. Tears slipping down her cheeks, she replayed what could very well be the last time she saw her husband.

Thames would have blocked the world from re-entry even by Sirens, so other than him venturing to Terrenia, there was no way to get to Dakota.

Tucking her knees up to her chest, Anastasia wrapped her arms around her legs and watched the red and orange flicker in the hearth.

“You okay?”

Anastasia looked over to the door where Vincent had appeared. “Peachy,” she choked out through tears.

“I’m sorry.”

“Not on you, I failed.”

Vincent slowly walked toward her until he reached the couch. “You will do better next time. Now you know what to expect.”

The fact that he didn’t argue with her was somewhat soothing. Her father was never one to placate either; when she’d messed up, he’d always tell her that now she knew what not to do.

Even though she appreciated it, though, Vincent doing the same reminded her of the others she’d lost over the last seven years, bringing a fresh wave of grief crashing down on top of her.

“He wasn’t even fazed, Vincent. My magic did nothing.”

“Then you find a new way to fight.”

“Physically, he’s stronger, and he keeps using Dakota as a shield.”

“If you keep making excuses, you won’t ever see past the failure.”

Anastasia looked up at him. “I’m not making excuses, they’re facts.”

“Excuses do nothing but help us feel better for our mistakes. The only way you truly learn is to take a closer look at what went wrong and determine how you can alter that for the future.”

Anastasia was silent a moment, going over every detail of her time with Thames. She’d hit him with power, which he completely bypassed.

Then he’d used Dakota as a literal body shield to keep her from doing anything physical to him.

So, how the hell was she going to get around that? She couldn’t kill Dakota, and she didn’t have enough power to separate them. More power. I need more power.

“The life core,” she whispered.

“Anastasia, that’s hardly a solution.”

“Your way didn’t work.” Anastasia rose to her feet. “You told me to stop making excuses. Getting the life core changes things. It means he can’t get it, and I will be more powerful.”

“Power isn’t always the answer. Sometimes it’s the problem.”

“Not here it’s not. If Thames gets his hands on it, we’re doomed—what better reason for us to go after it first?”

“We don’t even know where it is, and looking for it could mean wasting time we don’t have.”

“But if we find it, it could mean putting him down for good.”

Vincent didn’t speak, just focused on the wall behind her as he contemplated what she’d said.

Anastasia knew she was right. She’d hit that bastard with everything she had and he still beat her. Getting to the life core before him would mean not only stopping him—but possibly gaining enough power that he wouldn’t be able to counter her next time.

It was the difference between getting Dakota back and securing a peaceful future for the worlds, versus having to bury more friends.

He’d already destroyed the Guisnow world and killed Shane. Anastasia wasn’t willing to risk more lives. Especially when there was something she might be able to do about it.

Vincent looked back at her. “Fine. But we do this carefully. If you end up overloading and killing yourself, the future will be damn bleak anyway.”

11

Luxe

Dakota

The second Thames released him, Dakota crashed to the ground. His head hit the cool marble, sending stars exploding into his vision and sharp pain radiating through his skull.

Touching a finger to his forehead, Dakota pulled it back, not at all surprised to see the red sheen of blood covering the end of his index finger.

Ana swam into his vision, her worried and devastated face at the forefront of his mind. Curling his knees up beneath him, Dakota leaned back, trying to remember every look.

Was it possible that was the last time he was going to see her?

Was this it for him?

“Your wife is becoming more problematic than I’d originally considered,” Thames said from the corner of the room.

Dakota laughed darkly, his hands touching the iron choker around his throat. “She’s going to find a way to kick your ass back into whatever hole you crawled out of.”

Thames stalked toward Dakota, his face contorted in rage. “What do you think this is?”

Dakota pushed to his feet so he was leaning against the wall, head still throbbing from its impact with the floor. “I think this is your twenty-fifth hour, and any day now my wife is going to blast in here and burn you to ashes.”

Thames finished closing the distance so he stood only inches from Dakota. Leaning toward him, he reached out and shoved a finger at Dakota’s chest. “I can’t tell if you’re arrogant or just stupid.”

The finger pushed harder into Dakota’s chest, but he hid the pain. Not going to give this asshole the satisfaction.

“Oh? I have you pretty well figured out,” Dakota shot back.

“Your wife is not going to survive this. I will slaughter her and your unborn child in front of you, before doing what I should have done ten thousand years ago and killing our mother. It will be a bloodbath, and every single death will be on your hands.”

Anger burned in his chest, and Dakota shoved against Thames, knocking him back a step. “You won’t.”

Thames smiled. “Won’t I? It would be all too easy to pretend to be you. To sneak into their lives through you as—what is it you humans call it? Oh yes, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Thames laughed. “I will feel your wife’s blood as it drips down your arm. And you know what the best part is?” he asked as he leaned closer. “She will only see you when she dies, smiling and laughing as she breathes her last breath.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Dakota screamed, shoving against Thames. He reared a fist and slammed it into his face, knocking Thames’ head back.

Taking the opportunity, Dakota slammed his body into Thames and hit him again. Blood sprayed Dakota from Thames’ now busted lip, and he reached down into the top of Thames’ tunic, searching for the amulet he wore.

Dakota’s fingers closed around the gemstone only moments before Thames head-butted him.

As Dakota fought to gain control of his vision, Thames got to his feet and landed a kick in Dakota’s side.

Pain shot through him, and he heard the crunch of bone. “You stupid human,” Thames spat out, reaching down and lifting Dakota from the ground. “I cannot wait until I no longer need you. When that day comes, I will take great pleasure in killing you just as I did our other brother.”

Dakota spit at him, and Thames threw Dakota into the wall behind him. Breaths ragged, vision wavering, Dakota stood, pressing a shaking hand to his aching side. “Then kill me now!” he roared.

If he were dead, Ana would be safe. There would be no way for Thames to reach her through him. Hell, he wouldn’t be able to leave Luxe at all. “You hear me? Kill me, you son of a bitch!”

Thames looked back at him and laughed. “Soon, Brother. Very, very, soon. For now, unfortunately, I need you.”

* * *

“Ana, come on. We need to go.”

“I’m coming!” she called from her bedroom.

Dakota couldn’t help but smile. In the few months they’d lived together, he’d come to realize that if he wanted to be anywhere on time, he had to give a thirty-minute buffer on any of their time constraints.

Not because she took forever to get ready. Actually, she could get ready and look beautiful quicker than he could. Her hold up was finishing the last few pages in the chapter she was reading, or rather, the last few chapters in the book she was reading.

Dakota walked into the kitchen and grabbed a root beer from the fridge. The pop followed by the carbonated sizzle filled the small space after he popped the top.

Mid drink, Ana stepped in wearing the most gorgeous dress he’d ever seen. He choked, soda coming out of his nose as he tried to recover.

Ana laughed, her red lips pulling back into a smile. “Do I look that bad?”

Dakota grabbed the nearest napkin to wipe the soda remnants off his face before they dripped down onto the tux he wore.

“Bad is not the word I would use.”

Her face fell. “Horrible?”

“Come on, Ana. You know damn well you look amazing. Gage is going to annoy the crap out of me tonight.”

She laughed, making her bright blue eyes light up. “He always annoys us.”

“I know, but I’m going to have to field his ‘hook me up with your friend’ comments all night.”

She smirked. “He’s desperate.”

No, you’re just beautiful, he wanted to say, but didn’t. They were friends, and had only just started living together. Making things awkward between them now was not a good idea. They had time; soon, he could tell her how he really felt.

“Ready to go?” he asked, setting his root beer on the counter.

“Absolutely. I can’t wait to see your mom.”

They were headed to his dad’s holiday party, an annual event held by the precinct every year. And, every year since Dakota had been seven, he’d asked Ana to go along. Those nights, dancing beneath the twinkling Christmas lights were among his favorite memories.

Dakota held open the door, and Ana stepped past him. As she moved, he inhaled her lavender perfume before following her outside. Turning to lock the door, Dakota heard her mutter, “Oh my God.”

“What is it?” he asked with a laugh. “Forget something?”

He turned, expecting to see the parking lot of their apartment building. Instead, sprawled out in front of them, was a sea of death.

Bodies covered the broken concrete, bloody and unmoving, and the air carried the putrid stench of death.

“Dakota!” Ana screamed, and he turned just in time to see her falling back off the platform.

“No! This is all wrong!” He reached for her, hand gripping her forearm, but she slid from his grasp as if she were covered in oil.

“Dakota!” Ana screamed again, falling back into the death.

Not knowing what else to do, he jumped from the platform after her, landing on his feet beside the body of a man he didn’t know.

“Ana!” Dakota called, searching for her. Shouldn’t she have fallen right here? “Ana! Where are you!”

“I’m right here.”

Dakota spun. Ana stood just behind him, wearing black leather pants and a tank top. Her arms were bloody and scraped as if she’d been in battle.

Dark hair braided behind her back, sword in hand, she looked every bit a fierce warrior.

“What happened?”

She cocked her head to the side. “You don’t remember?”

“No, I don’t know what…” He stared out over the bodies.

“Thames did this. You let him do this.”

Dakota shook his head frantically. “No, I wouldn’t ever let this happen! Please, Ana, you have to believe me.”

“I wish I could.” Tears filled her eyes, and she pressed her hand to her stomach. “We were supposed to be a family.” Pulling the palm away, Dakota saw a fresh wound on her abdomen, and her hand came back covered in dark red blood. “We were supposed to have a happy ending.”

She started to fall, and Dakota reached for her, catching her before she hit the ground. “We will, baby. Please tell me what to do!”

Ana’s eyes fluttered closed, and she took her last breath in his arms.

* * *

Dakota woke with a start.

Heart pounding in his chest, it took him a moment to realize what had woken him up. Thames bashed the metal bars of his prison again, sending a ringing echo through the room.

“Wake up.”

“I’m awake.”

Dakota’s body ached, and he did his best to roll over despite the shooting pain in his side. Too fucking bad that broken rib didn’t puncture a lung. Dying seemed pretty damn good compared to the hell he was in now.

He turned to face Thames, who stood just on the other side of the gate, cup of purple liquid in his hand.

“Sweet dreams?” Thames asked with a grin.

“Wonderful,” he lied.

“Sounded like it.” Unlocking the gate, Thames swung it open on squeaky hinges and stepped inside. “We have work to do.”

“What work?” Dakota ground out.

“You’ll soon find out, won’t you?” He held out the glass in his hand. “Drink this.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely not.”

Thames glared at him in annoyance. “It’s not poison; I still need you alive.”

“Still not fucking drinking it.”

“It will heal your body.”

“You mean the rib you broke?”

“Yes.” He held it out again. “If you don’t drink it now, I’ll simply use our connection and make you.”

Dakota stared him down, pissed the hell off because he wanted the release and also because he knew Thames could make him do whatever the hell he wanted. “How can you do that?”

“Do what?”

“How are you controlling me? Rosabel is dead, so how do you still have control? Don’t you think I deserve to know at this point?”

Thames smiled, an eerie grin that chilled Dakota. “Sirens have the most wonderful gift of—persuasion.”

“But you aren’t a Siren.”

“No, but you see those fancy blue lines climbing up your neck? Siren poison linking us. I told you Rosabel gifted us with a connection.” He tugged down his shirt and turned around, revealing a single blue line climbing up his back. “Till death, Brother.”

“Yours or mine?”

Thames didn’t answer, simply held out the cup again for Dakota to take. Which, he did, begrudgingly.

The liquid smelled sweet, like flowers, and after taking one sip, he discovered it tasted sweet as well. Downing the glass, Dakota wiped the back of his hand over his mouth and waited.

Seconds later, he screamed in agony as sharp pain wove through his body, making it feel as though he were being simultaneously stabbed and burned.

“What did you do to me?” he yelled, falling back against the bars and sliding to the ground.

“The healing process is painful,” Thames said, leaving the room and locking the gate behind him. “Feel well soon.”

Dakota yelled again, clutching at his abdomen as his body knit itself back together.

12

Terrenia

Anastasia

Rolling out of bed, Anastasia raced for the trashcan she kept near her dresser. As the contents of her stomach forced their way out of her, tears of frustration slipped down her cheeks. How the hell was she supposed to fight a war when she felt like puking every other hour?

Once the vomiting subsided, Anastasia leaned back against her dresser and closed her eyes. As her breathing steadied, she thought back to her plan.

With Vincent finally on board, she had at least one person on her side. Not that it mattered—no one else would listen to what he said. It took time to earn forgiveness. She’d resigned to the fact that it hadn’t truly been him who put her through hell, and still, she wasn’t completely ready to take that step.

She needed at least Carmen and Tony on board in order for it to go smoothly. Carmen for the research side of things, and Tony for the help she was going to need traveling around Terrenia searching for the damn life force.

No one had any clue where to even start. It could take weeks—months, even—that they didn’t have to track it down.

Opening her eyes, Anastasia got to her feet and used the bucket of fresh water she’d placed beside her bed before going to sleep to wash her mouth out and brush her teeth.

Once she felt human again, she stepped out into the kitchen for a cup of instant coffee Dakota stocked up on before everything went to shit.

She pulled out the box of Black Rifle Coffee Company’s instant coffee and used magic to heat some water in a mug before dissolving it. The first drink hit her tongue, and she felt the caffeine seeping into her body.

After learning she was pregnant, she’d pulled back on the number of cups she drank, but she’d be damned if she gave it up completely.

There was no way in hell she’d survive the coming war without it.

“Morning.” Vincent appeared beside the couch.

Anastasia nodded, taking another sip of coffee.

“You ready for this morning?”

“I am. If they don’t agree, I’ll just do it by myself.”

He folded his arms. “Not by yourself.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Are you still sure it’s what you want to do?”

“Give me a better option, and I’ll be all for it. Right now, I don’t see another way.”

“Unfortunately, neither do I.” His brows drew together, and she could see he was contemplating something.

“What is it?”

“I’ve been trying to think back on where Thames may have believed the core was, but I can’t remember. It’s just bits and pieces that don’t make any sense.”

“We’ll find it. At least we know it’s on Terrenia.”

“In Terrenia would be more apt, I believe. I can’t imagine it’s sitting out in the open.”

“Do you think we’ll have to dig for it?”

He shook his head. “I think we should start in the mountains, it’s the most logical place for it to be hidden. As far as fortification goes, those caverns are intricate. If I were going to hide something, I’d choose there.”

“Then that’s where we’ll start.” Setting her mug on the counter, Anastasia secured her sword to her back and stepped out into the early morning sunlight.

For a brief moment, she saw Dakota sitting on the porch, and it brought tears to her eyes as a memory that felt like lifetimes ago, but in reality, had only been weeks, resurfaced.

He sat on the porch with his shirtless back to her, and she stood for a moment, drinking him in. She doubted she would ever grow tired of seeing him this way, bathed in the sunlight of a new day.

It certainly helped he was incredibly easy on the eyes.

As if her thoughts crept into his own, he turned to grin at her. “Enjoying the view?”

“Always.” Anastasia took a seat next to him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders as she leaned against him. His body was warm, a comfort to her even during the darkest days of her life, and it helped now to erase the remnants of the nightmare.

“Sleep well?” He placed a kiss on the top of her head and offered the steaming mug in his hand.

“I did. I can’t believe I slept that long.”

He laughed lightly. “You needed it.”

“How about you?”

“Eh, I slept all right.”

“What happened?”

The area between his eyebrows creased, and Anastasia straightened.

“It’s nothing. Just a bad dream.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He smiled and pulled her back against him. “Nope. I want to sit here with my beautiful wife and watch the sunrise over our home.”

“It is beautiful, isn’t it?” Brightly colored birds took flight for the day. She could see it every day for a hundred years, and Terrenia would still be just as beautiful as it had been the very first day she arrived.

“My view is better.” He grinned down at her, and she smacked his chest lightly.

“Corny.”

“So true though.”

She leaned back against him, grateful for the warmth his body offered to her.

“All those years ago, did you ever think this is where we’d be?”

“In an alternate world?” She laughed. “Can’t say that would have been my guess.”

“Mine either, though, that’s not what I meant. I mean here, together. Sitting on the porch of our home, watching the sunrise.”

Anastasia smiled. “I had hoped.” She turned her face up to his and accepted a sweet kiss. His lips were tender on hers, a gentle caress, and she nearly groaned.

How was it that after two years he could still manage to turn her into a pile of mush with just one kiss?

“Have I told you today that I love you?” he whispered against her mouth.

“Not yet.”

“Well, I do. With everything that I am.”

“I love you, too.” She pressed her lips to his again briefly and then leaned back against him.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Anastasia stepped down past the mental image of him sitting there, arm wrapped around her.

We’ll be here again, she promised herself. Just as soon as she put an end to the Thames threat once and for all.

Vincent fell into step beside her as they made their way toward the village. There were still only a handful of people who could see him, so to the villagers she passed, it looked as though she walked alone.

Lifting a hand in greeting, she greeted the three women and two men tending to the large garden just outside the village’s center. With spring coming soon, they’d planted an abundance of lettuce, potatoes, onions, and other miscellaneous vegetables that would survive in the cooler temperatures.

Luckily, Terrenia didn’t drop below freezing once December passed, so there was no risk to their crops.

She passed the stables, where the horses and other livestock were being fed their breakfasts, before turning the corner and entering the village center. The small marketplace was already bustling, sellers getting ready for a day of trading, and she did her best to avoid conversation as she made her way toward Carmen’s cottage.

Not that she didn’t want to talk to anyone, she just knew where their questions would lead, and talking about when Dakota would return, or how sorry they are about what happened to Shane, was not something she felt like doing this morning.

Or ever.

Her grandmother stepped out onto the porch, coffee and book in hand, then looked up as Anastasia approached. She simply waited and stepped aside, ushering Anastasia and Vincent inside.

“You eat yet?”

Anastasia shook her head, and Carmen walked into her kitchen, pulling a loaf of bread down and slathering it with a healthy helping of fresh butter.

“Eat, honey, you’re looking a little green around the gills.”

“Morning sickness,” Anastasia explained and took a bite of bread. It was still warm, and Anastasia savored every last bite of the homemade yeast bread.

“I was up early this morning and got some baking in. There are cookies, too, if you’re interested.”

Vincent groaned. “I hate being dead sometimes.”

Carmen glanced over, eyebrow raised in amusement. “Only sometimes?”

“Definitely when there’s freshly baked food available.”

“Well, if you were alive, I’d share.”

“Thank you. I suppose it’s the thought that counts,” Vincent responded easily. “I will let Tony know you wish to speak with him.” Vincent disappeared, and Carmen took a seat at her table beside Anastasia.

“Everything okay?”

“I have a plan.”

“Terrenian life core?” When Anastasia didn’t answer, Carmen sighed. “It was your backup plan if the Siren portal didn’t work. I’m assuming it’s your plan now.”

“I think it’s the best way.”

“I wish you were wrong. I wish I could tell you there was another way. But I’ve been looking into everything, and if Thames gets his hands on it first—there will be no stopping him.”

Anastasia nodded. “That’s my fear as well. If I can absorb the power, I can put an end to him once and for all.”

“If it doesn’t kill you first.”

“Let’s hope like hell it doesn’t.”

The door opened, and Tony stepped inside with Elizabeth and Vinny in tow. The little boy smiled at Vincent, who appeared just on the other side of Carmen.

“Dadda!” he said, rushing to Vincent.

The agony on Vincent’s face when the little boy ran straight through him by accident was enough to rip Anastasia’s own heart to shreds.

How sad it must be to not even be able to hold your own child? She ran a hand over her abdomen, thinking of Dakota and how close he was to experiencing the same pain.

No. Can’t think like that.

Vinny took a seat on the floor, playing with a stack of blocks Carmen kept at her house for him. Vincent watched on, and Anastasia forced herself to look away.

“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth asked, giving Anastasia a hug and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“Much better now that there’s food in my stomach.”

“When I was pregnant with Dakota, I had to keep saltine crackers by my bed. If I ate one before getting out of bed in the morning, it would ease most of the nausea.”

“I may be popping over to Seattle and grabbing some.”

“Let me know. I’m more than happy to go with you.”

“Will do.”

“So, what’s going on?” Tony asked, taking a seat beside her.

“I think I have a plan.” Anastasia pushed her plate away and turned to face Tony and Elizabeth, who stood behind him, hands on his shoulders.

Tony lifted an eyebrow. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Anastasia took a deep breath. “I want to obtain the Terrenian life core.”

If someone dropped a pin, Anastasia was sure you would’ve been able to hear it. Both Tony and Elizabeth simply stared at her as if they expected her to laugh and say ‘just kidding!’.

“I’m sorry, you want to do what?” Elizabeth asked.

“I want to track down the life core.”

“To guard it from Thames?” Tony clarified. “Makes sense.”

“No, not just to guard it. I want to take the power in, use it to defeat Thames and save Dakota.”

Tony got to his feet so quickly Elizabeth jumped back. “You want to do what?” he roared, causing Vinny to get to his feet and run to Carmen’s side.

After a glaring look from the older woman, Tony quieted his voice. “Please, clarify.”

“If I can take in the power, I will be powerful enough to take out Thames for good.”

“If you can.”

“There are—possible consequences.”

“Like?”

“The power could kill her,” Vincent answered.

“You can’t risk that, Anastasia. There has to be another way,” Elizabeth said.

“There’s not. I already tried to face off with him and look how that ended up. Tony nearly bled to death, and we’re still no closer to getting Dakota back.”

“We can try and find—” Tony started, but Anastasia put her hand up to stop him.

“There is no time. If Thames gets the core before us, it will mean the end—of everything. He will kill Dakota, then come here and wipe us out. You and I both know it, Tony, this is the best way.”

“If it doesn’t kill you first. If you die, do you really think any of us stand a chance?”

She bit back an aggravated sigh. “I am not the only magical being on the face of the planet. If something happens to me, another Sorceress will rise up.”

“So, that’s your logical reasoning? If you die, there will be another?” Tony began to pace. “You are the only Anastasia; there will never be another you. Not to mention the fact that you’re pregnant. What do you think the power will do to the baby?”

“Nothing. This baby is already going to be magical. If I survive the power, this kid will, too.”

Tony shook his head. “This is suicide.”

“Maybe, but it’s the only way to get Dakota back and end this damn war once and for all.” Anastasia got to her feet and crossed her arms. “I’m going whether you come with me or not. I just thought you might want to come along.”

Walking to the door, she pulled it open and stepped outside without another word.

13

Pickrie

Plews

There was nothing in any world Plews could compare to the sweet, yet tangy, flavor of the nectar on his home world.

Each of the flowers produced their own kind, but it was the bright yellow five-petal flowers in the castle garden that held the best of them. It was also why the castle garden was prohibited, and none other than the king himself were allowed to drink from them.

Which would be why Plews sat atop the tallest flower, so while he drank, he could keep an eye out for the Pickrie guards who circled the garden every other hour.

Tipping his head back, he poured a generous amount of the sticky liquid into his mouth, groaning as the flavor burst on his tongue.

This is the life.

Should he feel guilty that he was stealing from the garden? Perhaps, but to Plews, guilt was a useless emotion and one he’d no intention of letting settle into his gut for too long.

If anyone should feel guilty, it’s the so-called king.

The king who was supposed to be keeping the Pickrie people safe but was more interested in whoring himself out to all the women who looked his way. Plews led the army to Terrenia, freeing the Luxe king’s host, and what had he gotten in return for it?

Nothing. Not one single thing.

A purple light shot from the sky, and Plews ducked further down in his flower. The Sorceress’s husband stood just below him, making his way toward the garden center and the large golden fountain that stood there.

Moments later, the Pickrie king waddled out, flanked by two Pickrie guards. “My king, I wasn’t expecting you tonight.”

“No, I suppose you weren’t.” The disgust in his tone was evident even to Plews, who hid far enough away they couldn’t see him but close enough to hear what they were saying.

“What can I do for you?”

“Gather all your people. I wish to speak to you all.”

“Yes, my king.” Leay bowed his head and turned to his guards. “You heard him, go wake the others.”

Fear of being caught kept Plews where he was. Surely they wouldn’t miss one single Pickrie. Besides, he could hear what was said, which meant he could pretend he’d been there the entire time.

Nestling down further into the flower, Plews covered himself with a petal to keep from being seen as the heavy fluttering of wings sounded above him. The vibrations from the thousands of Pickries arriving made him grin.

There was nowhere else he wanted to be than right here. Why their king was bothering with other worldly matters, he didn’t know, but he did know that when the time came for another attack on Terrenia, it wouldn’t be he who volunteered to lead.

Truthfully, he was growing weary of travel outside his home. He’d spent two years in the human world and experienced his fill of what it offered.

The Pickries landed, creating a sea of golden skin and brightly colored wings below him. Plews stayed where he was, but leaned close enough to hear what the Sorceress’ husband had to say.

He knew it wasn’t truly her husband, but he refused to call the thing ‘king.’ Plews only recognized one king, and King Leay had murdered him.

“I am glad you all came,” the Luxe using the Sorceress’ husband said. “I have great news for you all.”

“We are glad to hear it,” Leay responded excitedly. Plews rolled his eyes. Pathetic.

The Luxe stepped toward the fountain and lifted his hands. Plews’ eyes widened as the water stopped spouting out of the flower on the top, and instead, the petals parted and a bright glowing pink light appeared just above it.

“What are you doing?” Leay asked, panic making his voice shake.

“I am honoring your world.”

“That is our life core! You must leave it or we will perish!”

“I know.” The Luxe raised his hands higher, and while Plews couldn’t see his face, he could make out the panic on Leay’s. “You will be my first, but your sacrifice will not be in vein.”

“Stop him!” Leay screamed at his guards. They attacked, but when the light grew brighter, nearly too bright to stand, they screamed in agony, falling to their knees.

Plews was helpless to do anything but watch as the light died out, settling into the Luxe’s body.

“What have you done?” Leay screamed.

“Now, it’s your turn.” The Luxe held up his hand, and the Pickries around him crumpled. Screams erupted amongst Plews’ people, and he watched as their golden-colored skin faded to a pale white, their eyes turning to mush in their heads before they crumpled to the ground below him.

The flowers around Plews began to wither and die, turning black, and the petals he hid on began to slink, dropping him to the ground along with them.

The Luxe turned toward him, and Plews was sure he’d been seen, but the Luxe only smiled, a chilling grin that didn’t fit the face he used.

With a flash of purple, he was gone, leaving Plews alone in a rotting world.

Rushing to his people, he gaped in horror at the open-mouthed expressions. They’d screamed, horrible, chilling screams, and Plews had been unable to stop it.

“Hello!” he called, running through the dried corpses of his people. “Is there anyone there?”

Small forms of their children—recently hatched from their mothers’ eggs—were withered just as the others, and it took him no longer than a few seconds to realize he was all alone.

The grass below his feet turned black, rotting away before his very eyes, and Plews took flight for fear whatever it was would spread onto him.

Tears slipped from his eyes, falling to the ground, as he watched the very place he’d loved more than any other wither and die in front of him.

He ruined it! He’d killed them all!

Horror quickly turned to rage, and Plews clenched his fists. He would not allow this to stand.

“Plews?”

Plews turned to see Marney floating just behind him, her eyes sheeny and full of tears that he imagined reflected his own.

“What happened?” she asked, staring below.

“He killed them all.”

“Who?”

“The Luxe.”

Marney gasped, covering her face with her hands, and floated toward the ground.

“No, stop!” Hurrying to her, he gripped her arm. “I don’t know what it will do to you if you touch it.”

She stopped.

“Is there anyone else left?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I was late because I’d been—” Pink blush covered her cheeks. “I was hiding from King Leay.”

“Why?”

“He had been making advances, and I wouldn’t give in to them. I’m so ashamed. I should have been here.”

Plews’ expression softened. “If you’d been here, you would’ve been killed.”

“How did you survive?”

“I fear it is shaming for me to admit, but I was drinking the nectar of the king’s flowers.”

“It appears we both have things we feel ashamed for, but you are right. We survived because of those actions.”

She looked back down at the world. “What are we going to do, Plews?”

“We’re going to get revenge.”

“But how?”

“By going to the one person we know hates the Luxe as much as we do.”

Her eyes widened. “You mean—”

He nodded. “We are going to go see the Sorceress.”

14

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia was packing the last of her things away into saddlebags when Tony stepped into the stable.

She smiled at him even though it felt like there were rocks in her gut, and turned away from her horse to face him. He carried nothing with him, and Anastasia was prepared for him to refuse to go with her.

If she were in his shoes, she wasn’t sure she could stand to see him die, and obtaining the power could very well mean she would do just that.

“You’re really doing this, huh?” Folding his arms, he studied her.

“I am.”

“And you really think this is the only way to stop Thames and get Dakota back?”

“I really do.”

Tony nodded, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “Then I’ll be coming with you.”

Anastasia ran to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. She hadn’t realized how badly she’d wanted him along until she’d believed he wasn’t going to come. In the last seven years, she’d never done anything without the man who’d become a father to her.

This was no different, if she were marching to what could very possibly be the end of her life, she wanted him beside her.

Selfish? Probably. But having him around put her at ease.

Tony returned her hug. “I would follow you to the ends of the world, Anastasia. Right into the gates of hell, if necessary.”

She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “I know.”

Tony released her. “My bags are outside. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

Tony nodded. “I don’t believe we should pull any of the Fighters. If this goes south, I’d rather have as many here as possible.”

“I agree.”

A shrill scream pierced the peaceful laughing and daily sounds of the villagers, and Anastasia and Tony raced outside to find out what happened.

Anastasia’s first thought was Thames had returned—but she quickly discovered she was wrong when two Pickries—one Anastasia recognized and one female she didn’t—stood, hands lifted in surrender at the gate.

Fighters surrounded them, swords at the ready, but the Pickries didn’t fight back.

“We’re here to speak with the Sorceress,” the Pickrie she recognized said.

“We bring news of her husband,” the female said.

Anastasia rushed forward, pushing past the Fighters. “What news?”

“I want your word we will not be harmed.”

“Depends on what you have to say,” Tony growled. “The last time you were here, you attacked.”

“We are no longer working with the Luxe,” the female explained.

“And you expect us to believe that?” Tony asked.

“Do we have your word?” the male asked again, eyes never leaving Anastasia’s face.

Slowly, she nodded. “We will not harm you unless you attack.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “The Luxe has destroyed our world.”

“He did what?”

“He stole our life core and drained my people—even the children. Marney and I are the only two of my kind alive.”

Anastasia folded her arms, contemplating what he said. She knew they were running out of time, but she’d never considered he’d go after the other worlds first. It hadn’t even crossed her minds he’d want any world other than Terrenia.

“This is bad,” Vincent muttered beside her. From the distracted looks of everyone around her, she guessed he’d made it so only she could see and hear him.

“This is really bad,” she repeated.

“We wish to join you in your fight against him,” Marney explained.

“You think we will trust you? The last time we joined forces, you turned on us,” Tony accused.

“That was before, when we were—whole,” the male Pickrie explained. “I am asking you to allow us to join your fight so we may have revenge for our people.”

Anastasia studied the Pickrie. His eyes were swollen and full of unshed tears. The pain reflected in them could not be ignored, no matter how much she didn’t trust him. “What is your name?”

He straightened. “I am Plews.”

“Well, Plews.” Anastasia stuck her hand out. “Welcome to the fight.”

Plews studied it a moment before reaching forward and taking her hand in his. “Thank you, Sorceress. We will not betray you.”

“I certainly hope not. If you do, I will not hesitate to kill you both.”

He bowed his head. “Understood.”

“Watch them,” Anastasia said to the Fighters, then turned back to the stables.

“You think they’re telling the truth?” Tony asked.

“I think it’s too risky to believe they’re lying. But I have every intention of checking their story.”

Once inside the barn, Anastasia waved her hand and conjured a portal to the Pickrie world. She and Tony stepped inside, and the stench of death immediately assaulted her nose. She bent over, heaving the bread she’d eaten before, and everything else in her stomach.

Tony stood silently, rubbing a hand on her back until she straightened and covered her nose.

“I’d say they’re telling the truth.”

Anastasia had only ventured to the Pickrie world once before, but it was a place she wouldn’t have forgotten. The beauty of the world—with its skyscraper-height flowers and bright green grass—was something she remembered putting into direct contrast with the hearts of its traitorous occupants.

Looking at it now, there was no resemblance to the place she remembered. Instead, the glass was black and muddy, having dissolved to nothing but mush. The flowers were all dead, fallen to the side and dissolved into nothing, clearing the way for her to see a large castle on the hill.

Not being close enough, she couldn’t tell if the pale husks she saw in the distance were Pickrie or part of the landscape, but she no longer doubted the validity of Plews’ story.

Thames had been here, and he’d stolen the life core.

Tears sprang to her eyes. Was this what awaited Terrenia? Would he not only destroy her home, but drain her people of their life force as well?

“We will stop this bastard, Anastasia.”

Unable to form a sentence, she simply nodded and stepped back into the portal.

15

Terrenia

Anastasia

Marching through the stables and out to Plews when her legs felt like jelly was a feat, but one she managed quickly. If Thames was already stealing the life cores from other worlds, it meant they had less time than she’d originally considered—and she’d never thought they had much time to begin with.

“When did this happen?” she asked the wide-eyed Pickrie.

“Late last night. We spent the morning searching for any other survivors.”

“And how are you two the only ones who survived?”

“I was hiding from the king,” Marney explained.

“Why?” Tony asked.

“He has—had—a taste for our women, whether they were willing or not.” Plews’ voice was less melodic as he answered, and Anastasia caught the sorrowful glance he gave to Marney. One point for you, Pickrie. “As for me, I was hiding in the castle garden drinking nectar from a king’s flower.”

“Did you watch everything that happened?”

“Yes.” His eyes filled with the sheen of tears, and Marney touched his shoulder gently. “I saw it all.”

“But you didn’t try to stop him?” Tony’s voice was anything but kind—not that Anastasia could blame him—but having the Pickries’ help added two more to their side, even if the bastards didn’t have the best track record.

Plews’ eyes narrowed on Tony’s face. “How would you have proposed I do that, Fighter? Fly down there and let him pluck me from the sky as he did my brothers and sisters?”

Marney placed her hand on Plews’ shoulder again.

Tony’s face softened. “I meant no disrespect, simply trying to paint a picture of what happened.”

“Why would you wish to paint a picture of it?” Marney asked, tears spilling from her eyes.

“It’s a figure of speech,” Plews explained. “I learned it when I spent time in the human world.”

“Think you can trust them?” Vincent appeared beside Anastasia.

She shrugged, not wanting to answer when no one else could see him.

“What’s our next move?”

Anastasia folded her arms. “We need to move to protect Terrenia’s life core, but if he’s going after the other worlds, they need to be warned as well.”

“Agreed.”

“Where was your life core kept?” Anastasia asked. “It’s possible ours would be in a similar location.”

“In the fountain beside our castle,” Plews answered. “Only a small group of elders knew its location, passing the information down to the next generation just before they returned to the ground.”

“So, you had people who knew where it was?”

“Yes. Don’t you?”

Before Anastasia could answer, she felt a soft hand on her shoulder and turned to face Zarina. “We need to speak.”

Nodding, Anastasia turned back to the Pickries. “Stay on the ground,” she warned before leaving with Zarina.

She followed the village’s tattoo artist and elected leader into her cabin, surprised to see the four elected elders waiting for her.

“We wish to know what your plan is, Sorceress,” the oldest of the group—Harold—asked. He’d never been a fan of hers, even from the very beginning when she’d first arrived. The man was distant with the other villagers—almost hermit-like—and very rarely ventured out of his home. He’d also made it well known how much he despised her power, and how he’d believed she was ‘nothing more than a little girl playing with magic she couldn’t possibly comprehend.’

“I am going to be sure the other worlds are warned of Thames’ plan to steal their life cores.”

“And you believe this is his plan, why?” Harold asked.

Anastasia took a deep breath and reminded herself to stay calm. When she’d spoken with Zarina and convinced the woman to kick her out when Rosabel was an active threat, Harold had been all too excited to get rid of her. The fact that she was back must’ve really grated on his nerves.

“The Pickries arrived this morning.” Something you must already know if you’ve called me here. “They warned us that Thames stole their life core and destroyed their world.”

He raised a grey, bushy eyebrow. “And you believe them? Did they not turn on you in Seattle two years ago?”

“I portaled to their world minutes after they told me. Tony and I saw the damage ourselves.”

“Ah.” Harold leaned back in his chair. This was the longest interaction she’d ever had with the elders—specifically him—although she’d heard how much he loved to interrogate. “So, you used your magic to aid the traitorous Pickries.”

“She did not use her magic to aid them,” Zarina interrupted, obviously just as irritated as Anastasia was. “She used it to verify their story.”

“You are our Sorceress; your magic is to aid those on our world. For the last two years, we’ve allowed you to gallivant to other worlds under your so-called mission to ‘unite’ them with us. Now, it is time for you to focus your energy on keeping us safe.”

Anastasia’s jaw dropped. “The Sorceress is granted her power by Terrenia because Terrenia is the most powerful of the worlds. That does not mean she is only meant to aid this world. It is my responsibility to care for everyone.”

Harold clicked his tongue. “If there were no other threat, things would be different, but with Terrenia on the Luxe king’s radar, you must focus your energy on keeping us safe.”

“Coward,” Vincent growled beside her. She simply nodded in agreement, unable to answer. She imagined if Harold knew she were seeing and talking to her dead uncle, things might’ve gotten even more complicated.

“I plan on keeping us safe.” She folded her arms.

“And just how do you plan to do that when you’re talking about leaving us to warn the other worlds?”

“By absorbing our life core.”

It was humorous how pale the faces of the four men sitting in front of her turned. Zarina said nothing, but one glance at her wide-eyed face told Anastasia she hadn’t seen that coming either.

“Sure that was a smart move?” Vincent asked. “Not that there’s anything these weak men can do to stop you.”

“You wish to absorb the power?” Another of the elders—a man by the name of Geoff—straightened in his chair.

“That is my intention, yes.”

“You foolish girl,” Harold growled. “You cannot possibly contain that much power.”

“It’s like he doesn’t know you at all,” Vincent quipped, and Anastasia forced herself to hold in a chuckle.

“If I have the life core, he can’t take it.”

“Our world will die without it.”

“Not if I’m still here. The power will remain on Terrenia, it will just be more difficult for Thames to get his hands on it.”

“Difficult, but not impossible,” Geoff said. “He could still kill you and take it.”

“But if I have the power, I will be stronger than him.”

Harold laughed. “Do you honestly believe you have what it takes to kill your husband? As I hear it, he is the one the Luxe is using like a puppet.”

Anastasia audibly growled, sparks snapping at her fingertips.

“Uh-oh. He’s really stepped in it now.” Vincent clicked his tongue.

“You have no right to dismiss what Dakota is going through. And as far as ‘having what it takes,’ I will do whatever is necessary to save the worlds from Thames and bring my husband home.”

“And if you can’t do both?”

Anastasia didn’t respond. That was her biggest fear, voiced by the most arrogant man in her world. If she had to choose between Terrenia and Dakota, her world or her husband, she knew which side she’d have to land on.

But it didn’t make the decision any easier.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure the survival of all the worlds. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have worlds to warn and a life core to find.”

“You won’t find it.” Harold got to his feet.

Anastasia turned back around. “You know where it is?”

“Of course, little girl. I am one of the chosen to protect it.”

“Then tell me where the hell I can find it.”

“Why would I do that?”

“So I can protect it!”

“So you can steal the power and use it for your own gain.”

“You’re a fool.”

“And you’re a naïve little girl playing with things that are not toys.”

Anastasia opened her mouth to speak, but Zarina stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

“Is Anastasia free to go?”

Harold dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

Zarina guided Anastasia out of the house and down the steps. “He’s a grumpy old fool,” Zarina explained once they were away from the cabin.

“He’s going to get us all killed. I need that power, Zarina. Or I stand no hope of stopping Thames.”

“I wish I could help; I have no clue where it is.”

Anastasia glared back at the cabin. “I’ll find it with or without that bastard’s help.”

“Good luck. And Anastasia, for what it’s worth, I’d place my life in your hands every day.”

Anastasia smiled. “Thank you.”

“Do you think you can bring Dakota back?”

“I hope I can.”

“I hope you can, too.” Her eyes filled. “Losing someone you love isn’t easy—but losing your spouse, the father to your unborn child—I cannot even imagine what that pain would be.”

Anastasia knew she was talking about Shane, and about how much she regretted not telling him how she felt before his death. The pain of that wound was still fresh, though, and Anastasia simply pulled Zarina in for a hug.

“Thames will pay for what he’s done, Zarina. I swear it.”

“I know he will.”

Releasing her, Anastasia made her way back to Tony and the Pickries.

“I thought for sure you were going to jump across that table and strangle him.” Vincent appeared beside her and matched her steps with his own.

“It definitely crossed my mind.”

“If it’s any consolation, I would have if I was corporeal.”

Anastasia laughed softly. “Thanks.”

Vincent shrugged. “He’s a miserable bastard.”

“I won’t argue with you there.”

“So, what’s your plan?”

“I’m going to warn the Brute world and the Jaitu, then find out just where this life core is being held.”

“If you want, I can tail Harold.”

She stopped and faced him. “You think he’ll lead you to it?”

A smile spread across Vincent’s semi-translucent face. “I think if I were him, I’d want to keep an eye on it.”

“I hadn’t even considered that.” Hope bloomed in her chest. “Do it.”

“You got it.” With a wink, he was gone, and Anastasia made her way back to the village center.

16

Luxe

Dakota

Dakota sat, dazed, staring out the window at the dark Luxe sky, the bars of his cage barely noticeable now as his mind was slowly slipping beyond his grasp.

How long would it be before the effects of Thames’ control were permanent? Even now, it was taking a hell of a lot longer than it used to for him to recover after each time Thames took over.

The Pickrie power core surging through him had been more painful than he could’ve possibly imagined and, had Thames not taken the power into the amulet he wore, Dakota was sure it would have ripped his body apart from the inside.

Of course, at least then there would’ve been an end to this hell.

“You look terrible, Brother.”

Dakota didn’t even have the energy to glare at the bastard.

“Try not to die yet—I still have use for you.”

“I’ll get right on that.” Truth was, if he could’ve rolled over and died right then, he would’ve. Death would solve a hell of a lot of problems. For starters, Thames was still not strong enough to leave Luxe on his own.

“I thought you’d be happier. We’re one step closer to you seeing your wife again. At least, temporarily, that is. Maybe I’ll even give you two some time together before I rip her heart out.” He laughed. “Or maybe not. Has been a while since I’ve been with a woman. Perhaps I’ll take your place.”

“Fuck off.”

Thames’ laughter roared. “Easy, brother. Even I have a moral code.”

Dakota closed his eyes. “I very much doubt that.”

“While fucking your wife would be—as I imagine—a pleasurable waste of time, it would be just that—a waste. I’d much rather kill her and allow myself to fully return to my own form. Then I will have all the women I desire.”

“Yes, because I’m sure they’re lining up at the door to throw themselves at you.”

Thames chuckled and took a seat in the throne beside Dakota’s cage. “It may be hard for your puny mind to imagine, but when Luxe was thriving, I had my pick of our women. Sometimes, more than one at a time.”

Dakota glanced over. “Are you looking for a ‘congratulations?’ Because I’m afraid I don’t give two shits about what a whore you were.”

Thames got to his feet quickly. “Our customs wouldn’t be so alien to you if our mother hadn’t kept them secret for too long.”

This time, it was Dakota who laughed. “Customs? Do you think Luxe is the only place where men sleep around? Please, I knew plenty of guys in Seattle who did just the same.”

“Interesting.”

Dakota didn’t answer, just looked back toward the window. How the hell had everything gone so wrong? If he’d told Ana about the nightmares when they’d started, was it possible all of this could’ve been avoided?

Could they have discovered Rosabel before she sunk her scaled claws into him?

“It’s time.”

Dakota was so wrapped in his own thoughts he hadn’t realized Thames stood beside the now open door to his prison.

“No thanks, I think I’ll hang here.”

“You have no choice. Come, come and see what our world will be once the life core is returned.”

“I’m pretty sure a world only gets one of those, and you broke it.”

Thames growled. “Your humor will only get you so far.”

“Humor is the only thing I have the ability to control right now.”

Thames walked to Dakota and lifted him by an arm. Without the strength to fight, Dakota allowed himself to be drug past the window he’d been looking toward for the better part of the morning.

Thames continued dragging Dakota down the hall until they reached the double doors leading out to a patio overlooking the world. Thames opened the door and tossed Dakota out against the concrete balusters. “You could at least retain some of your dignity,” he spat out.

Dakota hit the solid structure with his shoulder, the impact sending pain radiating down his arm. He forced himself to his feet and stared out at the bleak landscape.

The moans reached him even in his cage, but seeing the tar-like humanoid shapes of the dying Luxe below was never something he’d get used to. They writhed, reaching for their king with dripping hands, the substance sizzling when it hit the dead ground.

“Soon, you will be back to normal,” Thames promised them as he pulled the glowing amulet from his tunic. Reaching behind his back, he withdrew a scepter and removed the amulet from his neck.

Placing it in the iron claw on top, Thames’ eyes widened with anticipation as the tines wrapped around the gem.

The dying moaned louder, desperate cries from those who hadn’t been gifted death when Thames took over. The amulet glowed a bright green as he held it above his head with one hand, the other reaching over and grabbing a hold of Dakota’s shoulder.

“I return the life core to Luxe, along with the heir our world has chosen!” he roared. Wind picked up, wrapping around them like a blanket, and Dakota gripped the railing tightly to prevent being knocked over in his weakened state.

The gemstone burned brighter as if the flame inside were being stoked back to life.

“Yes!” Thames yelled. The power swirled around them, and Dakota stumbled forward, only to be steadied by Thames’ large hand. “Sorry Brother, this will hurt. The world needs your magic to heal.”

Dakota cried out as the gem drained his power, pulling at the threads of Luxe magic inside of him.

The assault continued a moment longer, and Dakota’s vision began to swim, his legs growing even weaker.

In an instant, the light disappeared and the wind quieted. Thames released Dakota, and he crumpled to the ground.

“No!” Thames smacked the end of the scepter with his hand, and Dakota used the rest of his energy to laugh.

“Looks like you failed.”

Thames glared down at him, pure hatred reflected in his wide white eyes. With one swift kick, Dakota’s world fell away.

* * *

Opening his eyes, Dakota squinted in the light pouring from the window. The melody of chirping birds sounded just outside his window, and he sat up, confused. Where am I? Hadn’t he just been inside a cage?

An arm that was slung over his waist slipped off, and Dakota turned to see Ana opening her blue eyes for the first time that morning.

She smiled, a completely unguarded smile, unlike he’d seen on her in years. “Morning, handsome.”

“Ana?”

She chuckled. “Who else would it be?” Sitting up, the covers fell away, revealing her incredibly swollen stomach.

Dakota’s eyes widened. “You’re pregnant?”

Eyebrow raised, Ana grinned. “Forget already? We only have a few weeks left before this one comes into the world.”

Stretching, she got out of bed and made her way to the washbasin beside a dresser. Dakota couldn’t force himself to look away, but even without studying the room around him, he knew it wasn’t one he’d been in before.

After splashing water on her face, she turned to him. “You hungry?”

Without a word, Dakota climbed out of bed and rushed to her, pulling her familiar body into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”

“Missed me? I’ve been right here.” When he pulled away, her eyes were narrowed on him. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is perfect. I just, I think I had a nightmare is all.”

She cupped the side of his face, and Dakota leaned into the touch. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry to hear that.” Leaning in, she pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“I know.”

She beamed at him, a bright smile that would brighten even the worst of his nightmares. “How about we go and get some breakfast? I’m starving!”

“Anything for you.”

She turned to leave, and Dakota glanced around the room. It was large, much larger than even the cottage he shared with her back in Terrenia. A king-sized four-poster bed was centered on one wall, gold-painted leaves climbing up the mahogany posts.

The golden quilt was ornate and decorated with the same leaves, only in amethyst stitching. On the wall opposite the bed, a wash bin sat on top of a dark mahogany dresser, and pictures of the two of them decorated the top.

Stepping closer, he realized he recognized them as the same pictures they’d brought back with them from Seattle after defeating Vincent.

The pictures that used to sit on their dresser in the cabin.

“You coming?” Ana called, and Dakota rushed out the door, desperate to be in her company even if this were only some kind of crazy dream.

She waited for him out in the hall, hand outstretched. Taking it, Dakota followed her down the corridor, past hand-drawn pictures he recognized as Tony’s handiwork.

The sound of laughter drifted toward them, and the moment they stepped into the next room, Dakota realized where they were.

The Luxe castle.

Only, it wasn’t. Everything was different. Decorated, bright, and happy.

His mother and Tony sat at a large table with Vinny, laughing and sharing fresh fruit and bread.

A woman he didn’t recognize walked in and bowed her head. “Morning, my king, can I get you anything?”

Realizing she was talking to him and not quite sure what to make of it, Dakota simply shook his head.

“My Queen?”

“I would love some orange juice, if that wouldn’t be too much trouble?”

“Not too much trouble at all. Coming right up!” Beaming, the woman left the room in a hurry, and Ana took a seat beside Tony at the table.

Dakota watched the people he loved most in the world interact as if nothing was wrong. As if they were meant to be here, on this world, in this place that had become his prison.

“Dakota.”

Dakota looked up and saw a man standing on the other side of the table. The man was translucent, but his white eyes were saddened as he looked at Dakota’s mother.

“Who are you?” Dakota asked, not moving from where he stood.

The man chuckled. “I suppose you wouldn’t recognize me, would you? I’m Thames’ father, the one who used to be king.”

Dakota swallowed hard. He was also the man who’d come to him in dreams all those weeks ago. “What is going on? Is this real?”

The man shook his head sadly. “Unfortunately, this is only a dream, but if you can stop Thames, it is something that could very well be your reality.”

“Tell me what I can do. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”

“I wish I could be of more help. This castle is full of ghosts, Dakota. It would be nice to see them set free.”

“There has to be something you can tell me!”

“I’m afraid there’s not. But if Thames continues collecting the life cores, there will be no stopping him, Dakota. The horridness he’s begun here will only spread, and the other worlds will fall. Just as Luxe has fallen.”

“Please, just tell me how to stop him!”

The man looked around the room before settling his eyes back on Dakota. “This castle is full of ghosts, Dakota,” he repeated. “I certainly hope you do not become one of us.”

17

Brute

Anastasia

The last time Anastasia traveled to the Brute world, it had been a barren landscape with nothing but chunks of rock and a grey sky.

Now, as she and Tony stepped through the portal, it was completely unrecognizable. Brutes worked in gardens full of fresh produce, or tended cattle in the field, and horses in stables.

A brook bubbled by, traveling in its bed through thick green grass before disappearing into the large mountains ahead. The serene environment was so peaceful, Anastasia had to stop for a moment to take it all in.

“This is not what I expected.”

“Same here,” she agreed with Tony.

“Can I help you?” A tall Brute approached them. His pale skin was covered in brands, but his hands were muddy as if he’d been working in the ground.

Seeing the intimidating beasts in this environment, rather than the battle ground she was so used to, was a shock—but a kind one.

She remembered Argento telling her the Brutes were once a peaceful race. But until seeing for herself, she hadn’t completely believed him.

“We’re looking for Argento.”

“He’s up in the castle, follow me.”

“Thank you.”

The Brute grunted, and they fell in line behind him, following a dirt path leading up a hill. Once they’d crested it, Anastasia gasped.

Standing before her, carved completely out of rock and inset into the side of a mountain, was the Brute castle.

“That’s amazing,” she said softly.

“Our ancestors carved it. Keeps the royal family cool in the summer and warm in the winters.”

“It’s impressive,” Tony agreed.

Still following, they made their way up the path and to the castle gates. Two Brutes stood guard, but she recognized them from the group that traveled with Argento two years ago to fight against Vincent. Or rather, she supposed, Thames was the one they’d fought against. They just hadn’t known it.

The guards stepped aside with slight nods, and the Brute with them turned. “Just go on inside, they will get him for you.”

“Thank you.”

The Brute grunted in response, then turned and headed back down the path to continue whatever he’d been doing when they arrived.

Anastasia and Tony made their way inside the impressive structure, and Anastasia couldn’t help but gape. The temperature inside was absolutely perfect—not too hot, not too cold—and the décor was bright and lively.

A long red rug greeted them, guiding them down a large hall and into an open room that boasted a gold couch, two red, high-backed chairs, and a small table in between.

“Phoenix?”

The soft feminine voice had Anastasia turning to see the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Soft blonde hair curled around a delicate face with wide green eyes and a full, red-lipped smile.

The woman looked to be about seventeen or eighteen, and while she was familiar, Anastasia couldn’t place her.

The woman laughed. “I’m sorry, you probably don’t recognize me!” She smiled and held out her hand. “Calisi.”

Anastasia’s eyes widened. “You’re Argento’s daughter!”

“Yes! You do remember!” Calisi pulled her in for a hug and then released, doing the same to Tony. “It’s been too long!”

“It’s been two years,” Tony said. “How are you this—”

“Old?” Calisi laughed. “As you know, Brute children grow faster than humans. My father believes I grew even faster than the Brute children because our world needed me.”

As if their talk summoned him, Argento rounded the corner. Seeing them, he stopped and smiled. “It is wonderful to see you both! Although, I hope it is not because of bad news?”

“I wish it were on better terms,” Anastasia said.

“What’s happened?” Calisi asked.

“Can we speak freely?” Tony asked, gesturing to Calisi.

Argento nodded. “She is our queen; you may speak freely in front of her.”

“Thames has destroyed the Pickrie world.”

Argento’s brow furrowed. “While that is sad, it doesn’t seem to be a horrible turn of events.”

“He took their life core,” Anastasia explained, understanding completely why Argento wasn’t all that bothered by their world’s destruction. Back in Seattle two years prior, the Pickries had taken his men as well when they’d betrayed them.

“That is horrible. Any survivors?”

Anastasia nodded. “Two. They came to warn us.”

“I suppose they’re realizing they sided with the wrong person.”

“That would be my guess,” Tony agreed.

“And you are here to warn us?” Calisi questioned.

“We are. We think Thames will be going after all the worlds. While I can’t know why for sure, I think it has something to do with the current state of the Luxe world.”

“He has to know stealing the life core of another, more underdeveloped world won’t bring his world back.” When no one spoke up, Calisi continued. “The life core is formed specifically for its world. You cannot expect to steal and use a young life core for a world as old as Luxe. Of course, if you don’t think he’s stopping at one, it could be he already knows that.”

Argento touched his daughter’s shoulder gently. “Our world is protected.”

“You know that for sure?” Anastasia asked.

“Yes. Our life core is unlike most worlds’, as it is a living, breathing thing. It does not stay in one single spot.”

Tony folded his arms over his chest. “You don’t think Thames will be able to track it somehow?”

Argento glanced at Calisi with a smile, and Anastasia realized just why Argento wasn’t worried. “Calisi is the life core, isn’t she?”

Calisi smiled, and Argento nodded. “Our life core transfers from queen to queen. It is why my world saw so much destruction after my wife passed. Our daughter wasn’t yet old enough to carry the burden, so the world was dying.”

“Is there somewhere you can take her, temporarily? To keep her safe?”

“I will not leave my people,” Calisi responded to Tony. “No matter the danger, I stay where they are.”

Anastasia looked over at Tony. “Chances are Thames won’t know where to even start looking. He definitely won’t suspect the queen to be the source of this world’s power.”

“It still wouldn’t hurt to keep you safe,” Argento responded with a nod at Tony. “Just until we know he won’t be coming here.”

“I’m doing everything I can to stop him.” Anastasia turned to Calisi. “I promise I will put an end to this and make you all safe again.”

“We know you will, Phoenix,” she said. “But I still will not hide. Our people need me, Father. I cannot simply stow away awaiting danger.”

“I can’t lose you.”

She gripped his hands. “You won’t.”

Argento stared at her a moment longer before turning back to Anastasia. “I fear Rayden has not divulged much either.” Running a hand over his bald head, he sighed. “He is proving tougher than I’d imagined.”

“I think he’s scared,” Calisi said. “Not that it justifies what he did, I just believe he is afraid of what might happen should he tell us of Thames’ plan.”

“He should be scared,” Tony responded angrily. “The bastard is the whole reason Thames was able to take Dakota again.”

“Agreed,” Argento grunted. “What can we do to help you with Thames? I wish to stay here and protect my daughter, but I will send as many warriors with you as you require.”

“Honestly? Stay safe. Numbers won’t mean much unless this comes down to an all-out war, and since he seems to be killing everyone he comes up against, I don’t think we need to worry about allies. You keep your men here, protect your world.”

“What about those creatures he sent after us in Seattle?”

Anastasia turned to Tony, surprised she hadn’t thought about that. “Even still, weapons will be no match for them unless they have some substance. My power is all we’ve got.”

“If you need warriors, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, Argento.” She smiled at him. “I think we need to get going. You have the ability to portal?”

“Yes,” Calisi answered.

“If there’s danger, please come to Terrenia. We can keep you safe.”

“You have our word,” Argento interrupted when Calisi started to argue.

“Thank you.” Embracing the Brute queen and her father one last time, Anastasia waved and returned home with Tony.

18

Jaitu

Nallia

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Nallia asked as she and Nix stared down at their new baby girl. Her skin was pale like her father’s, but her midnight hair was a perfect match to Nallia’s own. The young princess was sleeping, her eyes fluttering quickly behind her lids.

“She is,” Nix said warmly. “Just like her mother.”

Nallia looked up and blushed. Nix stared back at her, his lips parted slightly. He grinned, knowing exactly the effect his words had on her.

“It’s almost time to introduce her to our people,” Nallia said, looking back down at the little girl. “Little Nyla.” They’d chosen an ‘N’ name as a match for both of their names, as well as a way to pay homage to his world, as Nyla was a common Guisnow name.

Nallia handed Nyla to her husband as two members of her guard came in. “Everything okay?”

With the danger Anastasia warned them about, the Jaitu people were on high alert. “Yes, Queen Nallia. The Sorceress’ husband is just here to see you.”

“Dakota?”

The guard nodded. “He brings news of Terrenia.”

Nallia smiled. “Tell him I will be right there.”

The guard nodded once more before disappearing, and Nallia turned to Nix. “Shall we introduce our daughter to Dakota?”

“Definitely.”

After securing the still sleeping Nyla to Nix’s chest with a sling, they climbed down the ladder of their home and into the bright afternoon sun.

Her people made their way happily around the village, going about their daily business in complete peace. Smiling, Nallia made her way through them, waving and greeting as she went.

Spotting Queen Orlaith—the Guisnow queen—playing with her young daughter, Nallia broke course and headed to tell her of Dakota’s visit. The queen would be just as excited to see their old friend as she was.

“Nallia, Nix,” the queen greeted, getting to her feet.

“My queen,” Nix said, bowing his head.

Orlaith smiled. “Please don’t call me that, Nix. I am no longer your queen.”

“You will always be a queen,” Nallia replied with a sad smile. The Guisnow world was completely decimated by the Siren, leaving the queen and her young daughter homeless.

“Thank you. Where are you two headed?”

“Dakota is here. He brings news of Terrenia.”

Orlaith smiled. “Is the Sorceress with him?”

“I don’t know, I hope so. We thought you may wish to accompany us.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

Dakota waited for them in the center of the village near their elder tree, the only tree that survived two years ago when Vincent attacked with his army.

“Dakota!” Nallia greeted, accepting a hug from him.

“It is good to see you,” he said in return, accepting another hug from Orlaith.

Nallia stepped back, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end as an overwhelming feeling of unease settled over her. Dakota looked normal enough, but dark lines climbed up his neck and disappeared into his hair, and his eyes—weren’t they blue?—now had threads of silver woven in them.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Oh, these?” He smiled and ran a hand along the odd markings. “Permanent gift from the Siren. Nothing to be concerned about.”

“The Siren?” Orlaith’s pale face paled further at mention of the creature that killed her people.

Nix stepped forward. “Where’s Anastasia?”

“Back in Terrenia.” Dakota’s face sobered. “We lost quite a few people when the Siren attacked. Anastasia didn’t want to leave them alone just yet.”

Nallia nodded. “Understandable.” Focusing her attention completely on Dakota, she searched for the source of her unease, but couldn’t find anything off about him. He was the same man who fought side by side with her and Nix two years ago.

Wasn’t he?

“Who is this little one?” Dakota leaned closer to Nyla, and Nallia couldn’t help but put a hand on her daughter’s back to keep him from touching her.

“This is our daughter.”

“She’s quite a looker. Not completely Jaitu though, is she?”

Nallia’s eyes narrowed. He knew she wasn’t.

“Who are you?” Nix stepped back, and Nallia drew her blade.

Dakota straightened. “What do you mean?”

The village went silent, other than the sound of metal being unsheathed by her guards.

“Who are you? You are not Dakota.”

Dakota grinned, his eyes flashing from pale blue to silver. “You are quite perceptive, aren’t you?”

“Dakota knew our daughter was half Guisnow, and he wouldn’t travel anywhere without Anastasia. So, I will ask you once more before I kill you: who are you?”

The man who looked like Dakota smiled again, a chilling grin that didn’t belong on the kind face that wore it. “I am Thames, heir to the Luxe throne.”

“The Luxe?” Orlaith asked. “I believed them to be destroyed.”

The silver eyes landed on the queen’s face. “And here I thought all but one Guisnow dead. Apparently, neither of our sources were completely accurate.”

“Why are you here?”

“Dakota here,” Thames said, gesturing to himself. “He told me you would know the difference.” He shrugged. “I told him it didn’t matter. By the time you figured it out, it would be too late.”

“Too late for what?” Nallia pressed.

“To save your world.”

“Bind him!” she ordered.

Her guards moved in, quickly surrounding Thames, who still looked exactly like Dakota. He raised his hands, and Nallia’s guards howled in pain.

They fell to their knees, covering bleeding ears with their hands.

“Stop!” Nallia screamed.

“I’m just getting started.” Thames grinned, but the silver of his eyes faded back to blue. “You have to go,” he growled at her, and for a brief moment, she could see a shred of her old friend.

“Dakota?”

“Go! Warn Ana! Now! I can’t hold him—” The silver returned, and Dakota shook his head.

“Seems he’s getting quite a bit stronger.”

Nallia spun at the same time she pulled a portal vial from her waist. Throwing it to the ground at Nix’s feet, the blue whirled to life.

“Go and warn the Sorceress,” she told him.

“I’m not leaving you!”

“You have to. I love you, Nix.” She shoved him through the portal and turned to Orlaith. “Go with him. Keep him from returning.”

Orlaith hesitated, and Nallia rushed her, shoving her through as well before the light faded.

Turning back to the monster pretending to be Dakota, Nallia growled.

“It won’t matter,” he said. “Terrenia is next.”

The guards stopped screaming, their lifeless bodies lying in pools of blood.

“The Sorceress will stop you.”

“You all have a lot of faith in someone who isn’t even here to save you.” Raising his hands, Thames turned to the elder tree.

The world began to shake, and the screams of her surviving people ripped through the air. Turning away from him, Nallia ran down the narrow path between two rows of communal buildings and pulled the last vial from her waist.

“Go, my people! We are under attack!” The swirling blue light appeared, and those nearest ran through the portal.

Nallia turned and sprinted back to Thames. With a war cry, she ran toward him, blade drawn.

She was nearly behind him when he raised a hand, and she slammed into an invisible barrier.

“No!” Screaming, she pounded her fists against it and rammed her blade into it. The metal blade shattered, falling into useless pieces at her feet.

Helpless, she watched as lightning crackled through the sky, splitting the elder tree down the middle. It smoked, and the two halves broke apart. A bright yellow light—nearly as bright as the sun itself—rose from the center of the tree.

“Oh no.”

“Tell me, queen of the Jaitu, do you know what this is?” he asked, turning to face her, the light floating just above his raised hands.

She didn’t answer, just stared at the floating ball of light that had been nothing more than a legend to her.

“I see you don’t. This is the life core of your world. Everything around you—the people, the plants, the sun, the moon, everything—comes from this ball of light.”

The light grew brighter, the screams of her people louder, as it floated softly down in front of Thames.

“Say goodbye, Queen Nallia.”

“No!” Nallia screamed, ramming her shoulder into the barrier. The light completely obliterated everything around her, and Nallia fell to her knees as the very life inside her was ripped away.

19

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia stepped out of the portal and into complete chaos.

Parents yelled for their children as they raced for their homes. A group of Fighters rushed toward the center of the village, weapons drawn, and she and Tony followed.

The village center was filled with people she didn’t recognize but knew weren’t Terrenianas. They were Jaitu, tear-stained, dirty, clutching children and each other, and they were terrified.

“Sorceress!”

Recognizing the voice, Anastasia turned. Nix ran toward them, a small infant clutched in his arms.

“Nix, what happened?”

“We have to go back!” he yelled, startling the baby. “We have to go back for Nallia!” His eyes were wide, panicked, his pale face flushed with color.

“What happened?” Tony insisted, stepping closer.

“He came for us.” Nix looked Anastasia straight in the eye. “The Luxe, he came as Dakota.”

Orlaith stepped forward, and Nix handed her the crying baby.

Not wanting to waste any time if she could save the Jaitu world, Anastasia waved her hand, conjuring a portal.

“You five, come with us,” Tony ordered a group of Fighters.

Anastasia, Nix, Tony, and the handful of Fighters stepped through and onto the decimated world.

All the greenery—trees, grass, everything—was black and withering away before their very eyes, turning into tar and collecting on the ground.

“Nallia!” Nix yelled, breaking into a run and racing through the devastation.

Anastasia followed, her heart thudding in her chest as she searched for anyone left.

“Nallia!” Nix cried out again as they burst into a clearing. A large tree had been split completely in half, its leaves dripping to the ground in an inky black just like the Luxe people she’d seen in Seattle. “No, no, no.” Nix fell to his knees, and Anastasia rushed to him.

In his arms was Nallia—or what was left of her. Her body had been drained of everything, leaving nothing but a bone-filled husk of skin.

The horror of it dropped her to her knees. Tears burned her cheeks, and the tightening of her chest was so constricting Anastasia wasn’t sure she could breathe.

“Go! Search for survivors!” Tony ordered the Fighters, but Anastasia already knew they’d find no one.

Thames had done to this world what he’d done to the Pickrie world—drained every last drop of life from it and its inhabitants.

Nix cradled his wife in his arms, holding her close to his chest and rocking as one might do with a frightened child.

“How did this happen?” he asked Anastasia.

But she couldn’t answer. What was there to say? She should have gotten here sooner, could’ve warned them about Thames and Dakota, brought them back to Terrenia and kept them safe.

Now, they were dead.

Nallia was dead.

Gone.

And Anastasia was left standing on yet another bloody battlefield.

Tony approached, carrying a smaller body in his arms. Jaw tight, he laid it down beside Nallia. The boy was drained just like the woman, but Anastasia recognized him as Henry—Nallia’s younger brother and the next king as soon as he came of age.

Nix cried out, his grief pouring through the pain-stricken cry as he gripped his wife and the hand of her younger brother.

“I’m so sorry, Nix.”

He looked up at her, amethyst eyes full of tears. “When did the Luxe take Dakota?”

She swallowed hard. “A week ago.”

“You knew for a week and didn’t tell us?”

“I’ve been trying to get him back.”

“You could’ve warned us!” he screamed. “I could’ve kept her safe!”

Anastasia took a step back. Not out of fear, but because he was right.

She should have warned them and didn’t. Had she told them Dakota was compromised, that Thames was in control and a bigger threat than Rosabel ever had been, this could have been avoided.

“This isn’t Anastasia’s fault,” Tony said, stepping up beside her. “She’s been doing everything possible to keep Thames at bay.”

“Everything except warning us he was a threat to begin with. Last we heard from you, it was a Siren!”

“It was. Everything with Dakota happened so fast—” she started but stopped. Bottom line was that on some level, she hadn’t wanted to face the fact that Dakota was a real threat because of Thames.

Hadn’t wanted to risk someone killing him without giving her a chance to save him first.

She’d chosen Dakota’s life over this world.

Nix stood, gathering the drained bodies of his wife and brother-in-law. “We will bury them in Terrenia, and I will fight with you. But please know, it is not because of a friendship. As far as I’m concerned, we no longer have one.” Walking past her, Nix carried the bodies and waited for another portal.

Anastasia got to her feet. Staring out at the destruction, she wiped tears from her eyes.

“He’s grieving, Anastasia.”

She shook her head angrily. “He’s not wrong, Tony. This is my fault.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.” She turned toward him. “As soon as I knew we couldn’t trust Dakota to be himself, I should have warned everyone so they wouldn’t fall for whatever game Thames planned. They would’ve known Dakota wasn’t himself and been able to escape.”

“Maybe. But look what Thames did to the Pickries. They knew who he truly was, and he still was able to decimate them.”

“Because they trusted Thames.” She turned around and studied the bodies of the Jaitu who hadn’t made it through to Terrenia. “Just like the Jaitu trusted Dakota.”

Anastasia clenched her hands into fists. “I have to warn everyone who’s left.”

“Tell me what I need to do.”

Anastasia turned her head up to look at him. “Back me up, because I’m about to really piss off an elder.”

“I’m always on your side.”

Nodding, she waved her hand and conjured a portal.

The moment she was on the other side, she headed straight for Harold’s cabin. The son of a bitch was going to listen to her whether he wanted to or not.

Tony on her heels, they passed Zarina, who fell into step beside them. Anastasia could hear the mumbling of voices and assumed Tony was filling the other woman in, but she was entirely too pissed off to focus on anything else.

The Terrenian life core was the only thing that would stand between Thames and the other worlds. The only fucking thing they could use to stop the bastard once and for all.

And as far as she was concerned, Harold stood in her way.

No one would stand in her way.

Not knocking, Anastasia slammed the door open.

Vincent stood on one end of the cabin, invisible to anyone but her, and Harold looked up from the book he was reading. “Anastasia, how dare you—”

“No.” She walked to him, stopping just on the other side of his desk. “You fucking listen to me, Harold.”

“Watch your—”

Anastasia slammed her hands down on his desk. “Interrupt me again, and I swear I’ll put a hole in this desk.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Oh no,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m promising you.”

“If you kill him, we will never find the core,” Vincent warned. “Although it wouldn’t be completely unjustified. The man is a waste of space.”

“The Jaitu are dead.”

Harold’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, dead?”

“Can I be any clearer?” Anastasia growled. “What the hell do you think dead means? Thames slaughtered them and stole their life core.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Anastasia stared at him, eyes wide. “Unfortunate? Unfortunate! Are you fucking kidding me!” Roaring now, power snapped at her fingertips, and when she slammed her hands back down on the desk, the wood split in two.

“My desk!”

“Your fucking desk should be the least of your concerns.”

“The Jaitu are not my people. While I grieve for them, Terrenia is my focus, as it should be yours.”

“So, hundreds of innocents die, and they aren’t your concern? You can stop this; you can help me put an end to Thames once and for all. Just tell me where I can find the power core.”

Harold narrowed his eyes. “If anything, telling you where it is now would be a grave mistake.”

“Not telling me and letting Thames get it will be the mistake, you jackass,” Zarina said.

Harold looked past Anastasia and glared at Zarina. “You will pay for that comment.”

“You had damn well better make the other worlds your problem, Harold. Because I swear to you that if one more race gets slaughtered before I find that life core, I will make you nonexistent in this world.”

“Listen here, one threat was enough, but two? Do you forget who you’re talking to?”

“I haven’t forgotten, I just don’t fucking care. Now, where is it?”

Harold crossed his arms. “I will never tell you.”

“Last chance.”

When he didn’t speak, Anastasia conjured a ball of flame and threw it as hard as she could at the wall behind his head. It hit the wood, flaring to life and burning a hole in the wall.

“You!”

“You better watch your mouth,” Tony warned.

“You will all pay!”

Anastasia straightened. “Once Terrenia hears what I have to say, I doubt it’s me who will pay, you spineless bastard.”

She turned to leave, and Harold reached for her arm. Power shot through her, sending the old man flying back against the wall. She didn’t even bother to check if he was still alive.

.Truthfully, she didn’t care. He’d just effectively condemned the worlds to death, so as far as she was concerned, he could burn in hell.

20

Luxe

Dakota

Dakota winced when he was tossed against the railing of the terrace once again. He was raw—emotionally and physical exhausted—after watching yet another world, one that was full of his friends, perish at the hands of Thames.

Nallia. Dakota hung his head. The pain and terror on her face would be something he would never forget.

Wide-eyed, she’d fought to the very end, and now, a little girl was forced to grow up without her mother. Nix was forced to go on without his wife. The thought of losing Ana and experiencing that pain firsthand was nearly too much to handle.

Tears burned in the corners of Dakota’s eyes as he knelt, not listening to a damn thing his psychotic half-brother said as he rambled on about sacrifice being necessary to the survival of Luxe.

Dakota didn’t give a shit about Luxe. He didn’t give a shit about the fact that Thames was attempting to atone for the genocide he’d committed on his home world.

All Dakota cared about was the loss of more innocents.

One more world, gone in the blink of an eye.

Something hit the back of Dakota’s head, and he looked up, not even a little surprised Thames’ hand was still raised.

“You planning on paying attention?”

“Not interested.”

Thames ripped him up by the back of his shirt and slammed his chest into the railing. “You had better get interested. This is your world, too.”

“No, it’s not.”

Cursing, Thames held on to his shoulder. “I return another life core to Luxe, along with the heir to the Luxe throne.”

Once again, the gemstone ripped power from Dakota. Ready for it, he clenched his teeth, refusing to give in to the satisfaction his brother seemed to gain from seeing him in pain. Moments passed in silent agony until the Jaitu power pulsed brightly.

Thames grinned, victory plain on his face, until the light sputtered and died out just as the Pickrie core had done.

“Look at that, more innocents slaughtered for nothing.”

“You think it was for nothing?” Thames ripped him back, throwing him to the ground.

Dakota didn’t even have the energy to fight back. Hosting all the power was slowly killing him. Too bad it’s not working faster. “Seems like nothing to me. Face it, you broke the world, and there’s no putting it back together again.”

“You stupid, stupid, pathetic human.” Thames stalked toward him, and Dakota stood on shaking legs. “Those worlds left me to die. No one bothered coming to Luxe to check on us; the Sorceress at the time couldn’t even be bothered to help!”

“Because you fucking destroyed it! There was no reason this world should have died. The only mistake these people made was not dropping you into a hole at birth.”

Thames glared at Dakota, nostrils flaring, white eyes narrowed. Cocking his head, Thames slammed his fist into Dakota’s nose.

Bone split and blood sprayed, the force knocking Dakota back into the wall. He smiled through the pain, grateful for once he’d managed to shake the bastard’s foundation. “You murdered your entire family, your entire race, and you’re paying the price for it.”

“Am I? Seems to me the only ones paying are those too weak to stop me.”

“Ana will stop you.”

“You keep saying that, and yet, where is she?”

Dakota didn’t answer, just stared through blurry eyes at the monster before him.

“You need to face it—you’re leashed like the animal you are.” Gripping the iron choker, Dakota gasped for air, Thames’ knuckle temporarily cutting off his supply.

“Not. For. Long,” he choked out, and Thames tossed him to the side. Dakota coughed, rubbing a hand on his throat. “You and I both know this power will kill me soon enough, then you’ll be screwed.”

Thames shook his head and looked back out over his world. “It should’ve been enough. I need more. I need Terrenia’s core.”

Dakota’s eyes widened. “Terrenia will be the same as these others, and you know it. Your best bet is to kill me now and pray Ana doesn’t find a way back here.”

Thames turned to him. “Terrenia is the most powerful of all the worlds. It’s why the Sorceress is always of Terrenian heritage. Their life core would be more than enough to fuel Luxe’s recovery.”

“That’s what you thought about the Jaitu, and that didn’t work out. All you’ve done is piss Ana off. A fly buzzing around her head.”

“Oh, Brother, I’d say I’m more than a fly by now.” He turned back. “But, perhaps you’re right. I’m not even sure where to start looking for Terrenia’s core. I will start with your birth world, then go from there. The essence of billions of people should be more than enough to unlock me from this prison.”

Panic rose in Dakota’s chest. If Thames went to Seattle, billions would die. Billions of innocent men, women, and children. All of them destroyed.

“After that, Terrenia will be next. If only to punish you for the trouble you’ve given me. Don’t worry, though, I have every intention of killing you after you’ve watched everyone you love die.”

Thames reared his fist back again and slammed it into Dakota’s face. He slipped to the ground, eyes losing focus just before they closed.

* * *

Rolling over, Dakota groaned and pushed up to his knees. Between the throbbing in his head and the pain of his surely broken nose, it took him a few moments to recover long enough to open his swollen eyes.

Peering out into the room beyond the bars of his prison, he realized night had fallen, casting an eerie glow from the dim Luxe moon over the room.

He leaned back, pulling his knees up to his chest and resting his hands on top. He really was pathetic. Thames had broken him, completely shattered the strong person he’d always considered himself to be.

Now, what the hell was left?

A broken, shell of a man with a death wish.

Was that a man Ana deserved? She deserved a fighter, someone who’d have managed to escape this hell.

Tears stung in the corners of his eyes. If he were truly honest with himself, he didn’t see another way out of it. His death was the only thing that would keep Thames out of the other worlds, and if Thames didn’t do it himself, Ana was going to have to put him down.

And that would kill her.

Dakota took a deep breath, then another. Positive thoughts… you aren’t dead yet. There was still a way for him to stop Thames, he just had to find it.

If he could manage to get the damn necklace off the bastard’s neck and get his own binding removed, he could take him out and be back in Terrenia within moments.

But there was the problem. Anytime he was out of the cage, Thames was using him. A fucking puppeteer pulling his strings. Then there was the fact that Thames was stronger than him physically.

Which was a damn hard thing to swallow. Ever since he’d decided to become a cop, Dakota worked his ass off to become physically ready for any situation tossed his way. Rough drunk? He handled that with ease. Perp running from him? He’d been faster.

But now? Thames could snap his neck with a flick of his wrist, and there wasn’t much Dakota could do about it without a blade in his hand and the element of surprise.

“Fuck.” Dakota ran his hands over his face, wincing when a finger brushed his busted nose.

His stomach growled, reminding him it’d been at least a day since he’d eaten anything. What I would give for some fucking Goldfish® crackers right now.

The tiny orange snacks wouldn’t stand a chance.

His argument with Ana over which was better—Nutter Butter’s or Goldfish®—popped into his head and brought a small smile to his face.

The smile vanished when a door scraped open and Thames walked in, torch in hand.

“Thought you might be hungry.”

“You thought wrong.”

“You do realize, of course, I’ve been inside your head. I know what you’re thinking, Brother.”

Thames stepped closer to the bars and dropped a hunk of stale bread inside.

“Gee, thanks,” Dakota responded sarcastically, eyeing it with disgust.

Stepping back, Thames took a seat on the throne in the center of the room. “So, tell me of your childhood.”

“No thanks.”

“You don’t wish to talk? It must be lonely in here.”

“I don’t care much for my company,” Dakota shot back, glaring at Thames.

“I’m curious, what is it about the Sorceress that has you so willing to sacrifice your own life for hers?”

“How about the fact that I love her? I suppose that’s not something you know anything about, though, is it?”

“I wouldn’t say that. I loved our mother, until she abandoned me.”

“You murdered your father and brother; can’t say I blame her for leaving.”

“I had no intention of killing her, too. Not until I discovered she’d left me. Chosen another life over her eldest son.”

Dakota snorted. “Yeah, because you’re such an awesome expansion of the gene pool.”

Thames glared at him. “When everyone else ran to Lyrant, so excited for the new heir to the throne, she sat with me. Told me she didn’t understand why the world had chosen him as its next king, but that it meant I was destined for something more than a stuffy throne room.” Thames smiled softly at whatever memory played out in his mind. “It was the first time I remember being angry. Before then, my father would treat me as his future successor. He took me with him to meetings, allowed me to sit beside him during conferences, but once Lyrant was born, all that changed.”

Dakota wasn’t sure what Thames was aiming for, but if it was pity, he’d well missed the mark. There wasn’t a single shred of understanding in Dakota’s heart.

“Can you truly blame me for taking the action I did? For taking my kingdom back?”

“For murdering your family? I absolutely can blame you. Boo-fucking-hoo, you didn’t get the throne. Find something else to do, some other way to put meaning into your life. You don’t slaughter your entire world, then go after others, just because you didn’t get your way. You call me pathetic? Maybe you’re right, but you’re worse—you’re completely worthless.”

Thames rose to his feet. “You will come to understand just what it’s like to lose your future, Brother.” He stormed out, and Dakota slunk back against the bars.

Lifting the stale bread, he held it to his lips. “Yum.”

21

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia shoved spare clothing into a leather bag before pulling her boots on. Turning, she stared at the bed where she’d shared so many nights with Dakota. Angry tears slipped down her cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away.

There was no time for grief.

No time for mourning the life they’d had before.

Not when she had so many lives to avenge.

After seeing the destruction Thames caused on the Jaitu world, Anastasia knew without a doubt she had to stop him by any means necessary. Even if that meant sacrificing the life and future she’d always wanted.

Dakota’s words were on replay in her mind. “You have to kill me, Ana. Killing me is the only way to stop him.”

“Not if I can help it,” she growled to the empty room. Strapping her pack onto her back over the blade she carried like an appendage, Anastasia walked quickly to her kitchen.

“He’s alive, if you’re interested.”

Anastasia didn’t bother turning to look at Vincent. “That’s too bad.”

“While I applaud your ass-kicking skills, murdering people is not your style.”

“Murdering people who believe genocide is okay just so happens to be my style.”

“He didn’t say explicitly it was okay.”

She turned now, glaring at him. “Are you taking his side now?”

Vincent shook his head. “I’m on your side, Anastasia. But you have to understand he’s a coward, and cowards don’t think clearly.”

“Cowards don’t belong in leadership.”

“Couldn’t agree with you more on that note, but his blood on your hands won’t fix anything.”

“Thought you said he wasn’t dead?”

“I did.”

“So, why exactly are we having this conversation?”

Vincent sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Anastasia, you have to keep a clear head in this. I know it will be hard, but you are going up against the most powerful enemy you’ve ever faced. Clear thinking will be the only thing to get you through. Revenge will only cloud your judgment.”

“How am I supposed to have clear thoughts when he’s slaughtered three races of beings? The Guisnows, Pickries, and now the Jaitu—” Her voice broke. “They’re dead, Vincent. All but wiped from the history books, and still, he sits on his fucking throne, claiming more lives each and every day.”

Vincent stepped toward her. “I didn’t say don’t be angry. Be pissed the hell off, Anastasia. Use that anger as fuel when you don’t feel like you can keep going. Revenge and anger are two different things. You can carry anger, but fight for justice, not revenge.”

The words were such a stark contrast to what her father taught her, that it shocked her. Yet he and Vincent were two different men, they experienced two different lives, and as much as it hurt to admit, Vincent was the only one of the two who she believed knew to some extent what she was going through.

“Aren’t justice and revenge the same thing?”

“No. Justice is putting an end to the bad while retaining the good in you, revenge is being willing to stoop to the very level as your enemy.”

The door opened, ending their conversation, and Tony stepped in. “You ready to go?”

She nodded, throwing a small smile at Vincent, who simply bowed his head as he disappeared. “We have a lot of ground to cover.”

“We’ll find it,” he assured her.

“I know. We have to.”

Anastasia stepped out into the sun with Tony, and together, they made their way down the path toward the stables.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“No. But I’ll make due.”

They reached the clearing where three horses waited, saddled and ready to go. “Three?”

“I couldn’t keep him from coming.”

Anastasia turned just in time to see a stone-faced Nix step from the stable. He didn’t bother looking at her, just headed for the horse nearest him and placed a small satchel onto the back of his saddle.

The two Pickries floated down softly, their feet touching the grass soundlessly. “We are ready, Sorceress,” Plews told her.

“Then let’s get going.” Anastasia removed her sword and sheathed it at the horse’s side, before climbing onto the buckskin mare’s back.

Kaley padded over, ready again to march into battle at Anastasia’s side. Would there ever be a day they weren’t fighting? It certainly didn’t seem like it now.

“Anastasia!” Elizabeth raced down the path toward them, two leather bags in her hands.

“Lizzie, what are you doing?” Tony asked, dismounting from his horse to greet her.

“I packed you two food.”

“We already have food,” he said.

She narrowed her eyes. “I packed you more. And medical supplies.”

“Ahh, thank you, my love.”

“You’re welcome.” She accepted a kiss from him before moving to the side of Anastasia’s horse. “Please, be careful.”

“I will.”

“For both your sakes,” she added, nodding at Anastasia’s abdomen.

“I will,” Anastasia repeated, more than ready to get the journey started. There were hundreds of miles of mountainside to cover, and that didn’t even count the thirty miles it would take her to get there before they could begin their search.

Finding the life core was the only part of her plan that she was sure of, absorbing the power and using it to destroy Thames would come next—only if it didn’t kill her first.

Pressing her heels into her mount, Anastasia nudged her horse along. The first few steps were the hardest, but when she reached the village center and saw the broken faces of the Jaitu people and the Guisnow queen watching their king leave, it fueled the fire burning in her chest.

By the time they reached the gate, and the Fighters pulled the heavy wood barrier open, Anastasia was more than ready.

She would find the life core.

She’d stop Thames.

And she would bring Dakota home.

Or she’d die trying.

22

Terrenia

Anastasia

By nightfall, they’d reached the mountain range. The stars above them shone brightly, and the moon provided more than sufficient light to set up camp.

“I’ll grab some firewood,” Tony offered, disappearing into the tree line.

Anastasia went to work unsaddling her horse so the animal could relax, then did the same with Tony’s. By the time both horses were grazing peacefully, Nix’s blankets were already unrolled, and Tony was returning with the firewood.

Plews and Marney were already up in the trees above them, relaxing and eating whatever the hell it was Pickrie’s ate.

Tony set up the firewood, and Anastasia sent a ball of flame toward it, and the fire crackled to life.

“Nix, are you hungry?” Anastasia asked, but the Guisnow didn’t respond. He just leaned back on his blanket and closed his eyes.

“Give him time,” Tony said softly. “He’s grieving and looking for anyone possible to blame.”

“I am to blame.”

“No, you aren’t.” The tone of his voice told her he wasn’t in the mood to argue it, but deep down, Anastasia knew she truly was to blame, and it was a weight she’d carry forever.

Before the emotion crashed over her, sending her into a blubbering mess, Anastasia changed the subject. “So, when we find it, if we still can’t get to Luxe, we’ll need to find a way to draw Thames out.”

“I think the power core will be enough, don’t you? He’ll come here looking for it, and when he does, you’ll send him to hell.”

“You have a lot of faith in me.”

“I don’t know of another person I’d bet every single card on.” He smiled, and Anastasia felt some warmth return to her shattered heart.

Tony had always believed in her, from the first day she’d arrived in Terrenia, and every single battle between then and now. “Thank you,” she said easily. “For everything.”

“Anytime.”

Leaves cracked, and the three of them drew their swords. Plews and Marney flew down from the trees and landed behind them, golden eyes peering into the dark.

“Did you see anything?” Tony asked them.

“No.”

More crackling leaves, and Anastasia readied herself for a fight. Kaley growled beside her, teeth bared and body tense. When Em stepped into the clearing, she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Em, it’s good to see you.”

The Fawnis leader stretched her long, greyhound-like physique before lifting her slender head. Her red eyes glowed softly in the dark, and three more Fawnis stepped up to join her.

“You too, little one,” she said through the psychic connection the creatures used for communication.

“To what do we owe this visit?” Tony asked, sheathing his sword now that the danger had passed.

“We were going to come to Terrenia and get you. There is something you need to see.”

“What is it?”

“You should see first, then we will explain what we know.” Turning back toward the trees, she glanced once more over her shoulder as if to beckon them again. “It’s not far.”

“Okay.” Anastasia sheathed her sword and put her hand on Kaley to ease the giant feline who still glared at the Fawnis in warning.

“I guess dinner will wait,” Tony said begrudgingly as he followed her. Grabbing the horses, Nix fell in to step just behind them, and the Pickries flew softly above them.

Anastasia followed the Fawnis into the trees, over downed branches, and through a narrow stream. The walk couldn’t have taken more than ten minutes before they reached another part of the mountain covered entirely by hanging vines.

One of the Fawnis used its large head to push the vines aside, revealing a hole roughly the size of a bus in the stone.

Glancing back at Tony, Anastasia took a step toward it. Before she could enter, though, Kaley pushed her aside and went first.

Hand on the hilt of her sword, Anastasia made her way through a dark, damp tunnel until it ended and she emerged in a clearing.

Jaw dropped, Anastasia gaped at the area before her. Bright green grass shone even now in the dark, while mushrooms glowed unnaturally, providing light despite the canopy of trees above.

But it wasn’t the serene environment that had her shocked.

It was the creatures inside.

“What is this?” Nix asked, awestruck.

“This is our home,” Em answered.

Anastasia barely heard them. Before her, the remaining Mamsets and Fawnis lounged leisurely with beings she’d never seen before.

Brightly colored bird-like creatures perched on branches, their dark eyes watching the newcomers intently, while completely translucent humanoids raced to hide behind large boulders scattered throughout the clearing.

“What are they?” she finally asked Em.

“They are beings who fear for our world. The Volcrise are the flying beasts who live at the top of the mountains. They’ve come down to hide for fear their kind will be destroyed by the dark. The Faeres tend to the earth and have nearly all died out.”

“They’re Terrenian?” Tony asked.

“As much as you are.”

Anastasia took a step further into the clearing, then another. “Why have we never seen them?”

“They hide, each serving their own purpose until the time comes for them to die.”

Anastasia turned to her. “You said a coming darkness, what’s happening?”

“We would not have believed it had we not seen it, but something is coming, Sorceress. The mountains are dangerous now, filled with creatures who’d see your blood spilled before so much as sparing you a glance. The world is closing in on itself for protection, but in doing so, is killing its inhabitants.”

“What creatures? Brutes?”

She shook her head. “These are creatures that the Volcrise believed to only be legend. Those meant to protect Terrenia, only now they’ve turned against it.”

“Why are the Faeres dying?”

“They depended on the water in the caves to keep them sustained. It’s the only sustenance pure enough to not poison them. Now that the creatures are roaming free within, any who venture inside never come out.”

“What the hell is going on?”

Anastasia turned to Tony. “It has to be Thames. What if he’s sent these creatures here to find the life core?”

“Then we’re looking at a much larger fight than we’d originally considered. We may need more help.”

“No, we can’t put any more lives in danger.”

“If those mountains are crawling with creatures, we’re going to need more bodies with the ability to swing a blade,” Nix added.

“I don’t believe that would do any good. These are ruthless beings with no weaknesses.”

“Have you seen one?” Tony asked her.

“Partially. We went below the entrance and saw the glowing green eyes of the beasts looking down at us from atop the mountain.”

“Everything has a weakness,” Anastasia said, glancing back at the entrance they’d walked through moments earlier. “We just have to find it.”

23

Terrenia

Anastasia

“You do realize this is an absolutely insane plan, right?” Vincent asked Anastasia as she knelt, filling a water pouch from the stream running through the Fawnis clearing.

“Possibly, but it’s the best one we’ve got.”

“You’re going to dangle yourself as bait in front of creatures you know nothing about.”

Anastasia stood and drank deeply. “It’s my plan, Vincent. I know what’s going to happen.”

“Why not let me go? I’m already dead—not like they can hurt me.”

“Because you look dead,” Anastasia said. “No offense, but you’re partially transparent. They would literally see right through you. Nix is a Guisnow not from this world, and Tony is entirely too intimidating. Besides, out of all of us, I’m the only one with a weapon that can’t be seen.”

“This could go terribly wrong.”

“It could,” she agreed. No sense in playing stupid. They could kill her where she stood, or be immune to her power, but she had to try. Learning about these creatures and their weakness would ensure they weren’t walking onto a battlefield unprepared. Capturing one and discovering its origin was their best bet at survival.

“The life core may not even be in there.”

“It’s in there,” she said with the utmost confidence. “Otherwise, why would those creatures be in there?”

“Could be the Luxe is just as blind as you are and doesn’t know where it is.”

“That’s possible, but I doubt it. He’s known exactly where to look for the other ones, I think there’s another reason he hasn’t come himself, and I think those beings in there hold the answer.”

“Ready?” Tony approached, nodding at Vincent.

Vincent folded his arms. “You agreed to this foolish plan?”

“I don’t like it any more than you do, possibly even less. But Anastasia is right. If anyone stands a chance at making it out of there alive, it’s her.”

“And if her magic doesn’t work on them? Or if there’s too many?”

“Then we go in, swords drawn, and either get her out or go down with her.”

“You are all fools.”

“Says the guy who started this whole thing.”

Vincent glared at Tony, who stared right back at him.

“Can you two please put your differences aside. I get it, neither one of you like it, but it’s the best plan we’ve got. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She stepped past them. “I have a creature to catch.”

“Foolish.”

“You can come with me, you know,” Anastasia said. “Just keep yourself hidden from view. Then, if anything goes wrong, you can pop out and let Tony know.”

“I plan on it.”

“Good. See? We even have a backup.”

Vincent shook his head, but smiled softly. “You are so much like your father sometimes.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should.”

“Great, now that we’ve got that out of the way. Em’s waiting for us.” Tony turned and began walking through the clearing toward the exit.

They’d had much-needed rest the night before, surrounded by the protective barrier of the Fawnis hideout. While Anastasia hadn’t had the chance to speak with any of the Volcrise or Faeres, she’d noticed them watching her intently anytime they didn’t think she was paying attention.

Even now, as she made her way out of the clearing, she could feel their eyes on her back, the sensation of being watched sending chills up her spine.

The Fawnis held the curtain of vines back, allowing her to step through with Tony, Vincent, Nix, Plews, Marney, and Em.

“Okay, so I follow the mountain around until the stones become climbable. Then I climb to the top and the entrance is there?”

“Yes. But be careful, the rocks are steep.”

“Why not just portal?” Nix asked, not meeting her eyes.

“Because I don’t want them seeing I have power. Not yet, anyway. It needs to be the spare card up my sleeve.”

“Makes sense,” he said. “Good luck, and I hope you don’t perish.” Turning back, the Guisnow-turned-Jaitu-king disappeared into the clearing.

“Thanks,” she whispered once he was gone. It was the closest thing they’d had to a conversation since he’d reappeared the day before yesterday.

“Are you sure I can’t go with you? I can wait outside. If something goes wrong—”

Anastasia touched Tony’s shoulder lightly. “Nothing will go wrong. Just trust me. I’ll lure one out and portal it back to where Em found us last night.”

Jaw tight, Tony nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Good.”

Strapping her backpack on, she handed Tony her sword. “Keep it safe.”

“I don’t like this.”

“I’ll have Kaley and Vincent with me.”

“Still don’t like it.”

Anastasia kissed him on the cheek. “I will be back, Tony.”

“You better be.”

“Good luck, little one.” Em bowed her head and stepped back behind the curtain.

“I’ll see you all soon.” Anastasia turned and, with Kaley and Vincent at her side, began to follow the mountain.

The early morning sun shone down through the canopy of trees, and Anastasia couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of it. Even in the midst of so much destruction and chaos, seeing the light was a sign to her.

A sign that what she was fighting for wasn’t lost.

For nearly two hours, Vincent strode beside her in silence, Kaley padding softly on the dew-covered grass. Nerves swam in her belly as she got closer to the place Em said the rocks climbed up, but she pushed them down.

Everything will go the way it’s supposed to. It had to.

“Looks like we’re here.” Vincent looked up, and Anastasia followed his glance.

The rocky mountainside opened up slightly, revealing indentations in the stone that disappeared up past the trees. There was no way Kaley would make it up, so Anastasia knelt beside her and cupped both sides of the feline’s face.

“I have to go up alone, girl. Wait here for me.”

Kaley growled softly, and Anastasia rubbed the top of her head one last time before tightening her grip on the straps of her pack.

“Well, this ought to be fun.” Holding on to the sides of the mountain, she stepped up and stuck her foot into the first slot.

“See you at the top,” Vincent said just before disappearing.

“Must be nice,” Anastasia muttered as she continued her climb.

Never one for heights, she did her best to not look down below as she moved up the mountain. The sun grew brighter, letting her know she’d passed the canopies of even the tallest trees, but still, the mountain spanned above her.

Sweat beading on her brow, Anastasia continued to move, careful to not lose her footing. She was pretty damn sure she could conjure a portal to catch her if she fell, but better to not take that chance.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she looked up and breathed a sigh of relief, then hoisted her body up over the edge of the cliff.

Rolling onto her back, Anastasia let her shaking muscles recover and closed her eyes, breathing deeply. The air was thinner up here, and it took her a lot longer to recover than she’d counted on.

Before she knew it, the sun was sinking lower in the sky, signaling her that night would be falling soon.

“Glad to see you made it.”

Anastasia opened an eye. Vincent stood just above her, looking down. She gave him a thumbs-up, then sat up to grab water from her pack. “Can you let Tony know?”

“Already did the second you reached the top.”

She drank deeply, letting the cool liquid soothe the burn in her throat. “Thanks.”

He didn’t answer, just turned to stare out over the edge of the cliff. “Terrenia is a beautiful place, isn’t it?”

“It is,” she agreed, pushing to her feet. “Shall we find this entrance?”

“No need.” Vincent pointed behind her. “We’re already here.”

Anastasia turned slowly and stared up at a giant stone door decorated with strange carvings she didn’t recognize. “What are those?”

“Terrenia’s original language,” he told her.

“Can you read it?”

“I know some—my mother insisted Gregory and I learn it—but it has been quite awhile.”

He stepped toward the carvings and lifted a hand. While he couldn’t actually feel the stone, she imagined it brought him a false sense of solidity to pretend.

“These are old. It’s a warning of some kind, but some of the characters are worn.”

“A warning? That’s welcoming.”

“It’s not meant to be. Whatever is inside was never meant to be found.”

“Could it be the life core?”

Vincent shrugged. “At this point, I’d say anything is possible. But it would be damn lucky if we found it on the first day.”

“Or unlucky, if Thames is already inside.”

“Or that,” he agreed.

“Any idea how to open it?”

Vincent looked back at the sun, squinting in the light, before turning back to her. “I think we’re going to have to wait for nightfall.”

“Why?”

He gestured to a sundial positioned at the top of the door. “I think it will open on its own.”

“And if not?”

“Then we find another way in. Unless you feel like trying to portal in.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t want to alert anything inside as to who I am.”

“Didn’t think so.”

He walked to the edge of the cliff and stood, staring out over Terrenia again.

The sadness of his face was evident as he stared out, and it hurt her heart. She’d reflected quite a few times on the emptiness he must feel being only partially there, but other than when he looked at Vinny, he hid it well.

“So, tell me about your mother. My father never talked about her.”

Vincent let out a laugh. “Can’t say I blame him there. She wasn’t the warmest after our father left. Honestly, I always had the feeling she hated Gregory and I for it.”

“Why?”

“We had power that she feared, and if it weren’t for us, our father would never have known she was magical.”

“Is that why he left?”

“One of the reasons, I imagine.”

“I’m sorry.”

Vincent shrugged. “I’d say out of the two of us, you had the worst childhood.”

“Yeah, Mitch was no peach.”

“I am truly sorry for what happened to you.”

“Thank you.”

“I do hope you get your happy ending, Anastasia. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

The sun began to set, and she watched it begin its descent, her uncle standing beside her.

24

Terrenia

Anastasia

“Should be any time now,” Vincent said softly as the sun disappeared. Darkness fell easily, a smooth blanket over their world, and Anastasia took a deep breath.

Turning to face the heavy stone door, she stared in complete amazement as it slid up into the mountain above, nearly soundlessly, revealing a large opening.

“That’s amazing.”

“That’s old magic,” Vincent said almost proudly.

“Shall we?” Anastasia lifted her pack and secured it onto her back before stepping inside. “This is nice and dark.”

“You could light a torch.”

“Not yet, I don’t want to reveal anything.” Stopping, she faced him. “Speaking of, we should probably not talk anymore yet. I don’t want to alert whatever is in here to your presence.”

“Fair enough.”

Anastasia turned back to the dark cavern lying ahead. This is going to be awesome. She moved further inside, taking small, calculated steps that wouldn’t give her away. As soon as she found one of the creatures, she could capture it and portal out to Tony.

Easy, peasy.

The stone door behind slammed shut, and Anastasia spun as she was thrust into complete darkness.

“I think they know you’re here,” Vincent muttered. “Move cautiously and be ready.”

She didn’t answer, just did her best to peer into the darkness before her. Not that she could see anything no matter how hard she tried.

“Why have you come?” a booming voice thundered through the cavern, sending a chill up her spine.

Clearing her throat, Anastasia spoke, while trying to discern where the voice came from. “I was seeking shelter for the night.”

“Lies. We sensed you waiting on the ledge. So, why have you come, Sorceress?”

“There goes the element of surprise.”

“Shit,” Anastasia muttered. At least she could get some light now. Snapping her fingers, Anastasia illuminated the space around her with tiny lights floating above her. She was still unable to see anyone other than herself and Vincent, so she continued moving forward. “How about you show yourself, and we can speak.”

“I’ve no interest in revealing myself just yet.”

“Why not? Are you working with Thames?” She continued moving, and the cavern split into two sections. Both were dark, so she chose the right.

“Thames? Who is this Thames?”

“Now who’s lying.”

“We do no such thing.”

“We? I know you didn’t show up here until recently, and if you know who I am, he must have told you.”

“Foolish girl.”

Her foot banged against something hard, and Anastasia gasped. Looking down, she covered her mouth with a shaking hand as she saw the human bones littering the cavern floor, and the skull her boot had contacted with.

“That’s promising. Maybe we should go,” Vincent said, but Anastasia shook her head.

She was too close—no way in hell she was giving up now.

“Anastasia,” Vincent pressed.

The narrow cavern began to widen slightly, and Anastasia started walking faster, desperate to get out of such close quarters. Claustrophobia was not something she struggled with, but she still wasn’t a fan of feeling trapped.

Eight pairs of glowing green eyes blinked ahead, and Anastasia sent her lights fluttering further into the cavern and up to the ceiling.

Gaping, Anastasia tried like hell to wrap her mind around what she was seeing.

Horse-like bodies.

Cloven hoofs.

Humanoid torsos.

“You’re centaurs,” she said almost breathlessly.

“Yes. And you’ve made a grave mistake if you’ve come for the life core.” The one in front stomped his black hoof, and the ground began to shake.

“Wait!” Anastasia called. “You don’t understand!”

“Now’s the time to portal out!” Vincent yelled, but Anastasia stood her ground.

“I’m not here to steal it!”

“You expect me to believe that?”

“Yes!”

The ground began to steady, and Anastasia slowed her breathing and tried to gain control of the nerves stewing in her belly.

“Why should we believe you?”

“If you know who I am, then you know I would never wish to bring harm to the worlds.”

“Then why are you here?”

“To stop the one who is.”

“This Thames you speak of?”

“Yes.”

“You accuse us of working with him, why?”

“You show up suddenly after he’s stolen two other life cores and wonder why I might suspect you’re connected to him? Then there’s the Faeres you’ve been murdering when they’re only coming into the mountainside for sustenance.”

“Faeres?”

“Yes.” She clenched her fists. This plan had gone sideways so damn fast she still hadn’t managed to come up with a backup. They needed to know what they were up against, and if these creatures weren’t working for Thames—then just why the hell were they here?

“I fear we’ve had a grave misunderstanding,” the creature in front of her said and took a step forward. “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Armes.” He bowed slightly, bending at the chest, his front horse-like leg lifting and tucking beneath him. “Guardian of the Terrenian life core.”

“Guardian?”

“Yes, Sorceress. These are my comrades.” He gestured to the other seven beings in the room, and they lowered large heads as well.

Some had long flaxen hair, others were dark, but each watched her with intense emerald green eyes.

“Come,” he said softly and turned to head down another hall. One look at Vincent, who looked more nervous than she was, and Anastasia began to follow.

She could portal out if things got dangerous, but if they didn’t, she wanted to know just where the hell the core was, and how these beings planned to protect it.

“You say you’re the guardians… why have we never seen you before?”

“Or heard of you?” Vincent muttered.

“We have long been slumbering as the mountain itself is also a protector of the core. It is only in times of grave danger the world awakens us to shield it.”

“How long have you been sleeping?”

“We are immortal, so I truly could not tell you. I know it has been centuries, as the world below has changed much.”

Her lights followed her, illuminating the cavern as she walked. The other Centaurs had fallen into step behind her, completely trapping her between them.

“I don’t like this, Anastasia,” Vincent said, keeping close as if he could protect her.

She couldn’t answer, but she wasn’t caring much for it either.

“What woke you up?”

“We awoke to find the core in distress. Terrenia is under attack, though from what, we do not know.”

“I can answer that.”

He paused, turning quickly to face her. “Then tell me.”

“Thames.”

Scrunching his handsome face up, he shook his head. “You say that name as if it should mean something to me.”

“Thames is a Luxe who is stealing life cores to try and heal his world. A world he destroyed in the first place.”

The creatures behind her gasped, and Armes glared past her. “He has been stealing the cores?”

“Yes.”

“How many?”

“Two that we know of, though I suspect he destroyed Luxe’s as well.”

“This is not good.”

“I know.”

Armes turned back around and continued moving. Light shone just up ahead, and when they stepped into a well-lit cavern, Anastasia let her lights go out.

“Are those—”

“The Faeres you believed us to have murdered.”

The light inside wasn’t coming from any natural source, but from the water pooled in the center of the cavern. It was so bright Anastasia squinted her eyes in order to look directly at the surface.

Dozens of Faeres filled the space with dozens more Centaurs, each splashing in the water or lounging on the side of the pond.

Green grass sprouted up from all places and large trees loomed above.

“You didn’t kill them.”

Armes laughed. “No, Sorceress. We merely offered them shelter when they came seeking their power source.”

“There are more, starving just outside for fear of being slaughtered.”

“If you leave, perhaps you can tell them they will be safe here.”

She narrowed her eyes. “If?”

“I cannot let you leave until I can trust you.”

“You don’t?”

“Why would I? You do not trust me.”

“Fair enough.”

“Tell me, Sorceress. Why are you here?”

“I told you.”

“You told me you wished to protect the life core, but how did you plan to do that?”

She hesitated. If she told him she planned on taking the power for her own, she doubted he’d take it well. But if she lied, that would push her further from the trust she needed in order for her plan to work.

“I wanted to absorb the power.”

The cavern around her quieted instantly. “You wished to steal it.”

“No, I wished to borrow it. Thames already has two life cores. Each time I’ve come up against him, I’ve lost. My plan was to take the power and add it to my own. Once he was gone, I planned on finding a way to put it back.”

“The Terrenian life core is not to be ‘borrowed’ for these matters.”

“If I don’t stop him, Thames will destroy everything. The Jaitu, Guisnow, and Pickrie worlds are already gone. There’s no telling if he’s managed to reach the others yet. It’s only a matter of time before he gets to Terrenia, and by then, he may be too strong to stop.”

A large roar filled the cavern, and Anastasia covered her ears. By the looks of shock on the Centaurs’ faces, it was not them who caused it.

“Come!” Armes ordered and ran back down the hall they’d come through originally.

Running behind him, Anastasia was cautious to not get too close to his thundering hooves, while still staying close enough she didn’t get lost.

Instead of returning where she’d met them, he turned to the right, then left, then right again, down the labyrinth of caverns inside.

Armes slowed to a walk and disappeared down a corner. Anastasia turned, following, and nearly fell over as a dizzying wave of power washed over her. Getting back to her feet, Anastasia stepped inside the cavern and stared, jaw falling open, at a bright red light floating just above an alter.

The life core.

25

Luxe

Dakota

Dakota shot to his feet when the door to his cage creaked open and Thames stepped in.

“Time to go, Brother.”

“Where?” Panic rose in his chest. Was Thames going to go after Ana now? Was today the day he’d have to watch as Terrenia was destroyed in front of his eyes?

“Hopefully the last place we’ll need before restoring Luxe to its former glory.”

“Where? You could at least tell me that much.”

“I don’t think I have to tell you a damn thing.” Pulling a vial from his waist, he handed the healing liquid to Dakota. “Drink, so I don’t have to listen to your incessant whining about how everything hurts.”

“I don’t whine.”

“Either way, drink it.”

“No.”

Thames rolled his eyes. “Again? You do realize I could force it down your throat.”

“Then I guess that’s what you’re going to have to do.”

Stepping out, Thames made his way over to the throne. He took a seat, closing his eyes and chanting.

Dakota felt the intrusion into his mind, and tried to block it. Using all the power he had, he put up mental blocks, but Thames blasted through every single one of them until Dakota was watching himself lift the vial to his lips, tasting the liquid as it slipped down his throat, and feeling the excruciating pain as it healed his broken nose.

“See,” Thames said smugly, using Dakota’s own voice. “Not a damn thing you can do about it.”

He walked over to Thames’ unconscious body and pulled a key from the pocket of his cloak. Using it to unlock the choker around Dakota’s neck, the iron clattered to the ground and Thames rolled Dakota’s neck, stretching the aching muscles.

“You really need to take better care of yourself,” he said, disgusted.

“Maybe if I wasn’t locked in a cell, I could.”

“You don’t have to be. If you weren’t such a stubborn waste of space and actually came around, you could sleep in one of the great bedrooms.”

“No thanks.”

“Your loss.” Waving his hand, he conjured a portal with ease, and Dakota mentally groaned—something Thames picked up on since he was, in fact, inside Dakota’s mind. “Easy, Brother. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this next world.”

Stepping through the portal, Dakota watched helplessly as Thames emerged into downtown Seattle.

“No.”

“It’s time, Brother,” he said with a smile. “My, what an interesting world. Truly the most interesting of them all.”

“You should walk out into that street.”

Thames laughed. “I am no fool. I have no interest in being struck down by one of those cars. This is hardly my first trip here. In fact, I saw quite a bit of this world through Vincent’s eyes.”

Staying silent, Dakota was nothing more than a forced participant as Thames strolled down the sidewalk toward the police department.

Once inside, Thames headed for the nearest officer. “Hey, I’m looking for whoever is in charge.”

The man Dakota had known for nearly his entire career blinked, confused. “Dakota, are you drunk?”

“Of course not,” Thames responded with a laugh. “Just messing with you. How’s it going?”

“It’s good. Ashton’s back in his office, if you’re here to see him.”

“Is he the one in charge?”

“You’re in an interesting mood today.” Officer Brant Lippy smiled.

“I’ll just go see him then,” Thames said and headed for the hall. “Tell me where he is,” Thames demanded within Dakota’s mind.

“No thanks, I’m rather enjoying watching you act like a moron.”

“You either tell me or I’ll just kill them all.”

Dakota hesitated, not doubting for even a second that Thames would follow through on his threat. Finally, he answered, “Down the hall, turn right.”

“Good boy.”

Thames did as he was told, and before long was knocking on Ashton’s office door.

“Come in,” the familiar voice said gruffly.

Thames stepped in, and Ashton got to his feet quickly. His eyes widened, his voice going slightly shaky when he asked, “Dakota, what can I do for you?”

“I needed to talk to you about something.”

“If it’s about Texas, I’m… I’m sorry.”

“Texas?”

“Anastasia was a threat, I had to do something.”

Dakota began to panic and shoved at the barriers keeping him at bay. Thames didn’t speak as Dakota beat against them, trying to push out.

“What the hell happened in Texas?”

Ashton’s eyes widened, and a sharp pain radiated through Dakota’s brain. What the hell just happened? The realization brought him a surge of hope. He’d done it. For a moment, he’d managed to escape his mental prison.

“I—uh, you aren’t here for that?”

“No, not even a little. I want to talk to you about the life core,” Thames said.

“No! What happened?”

“Pull a stunt like that again and I’ll kill the man.”

Ashton’s brows drew together, confused. “Life core? What the hell is that?”

“Don’t play fool with me,” Thames warned. “You are head of this city’s Fighters. You must know where it’s being held.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Thames crossed the room and wrapped a hand around Ashton’s throat.

“What the hell, Dakota? Let me go!”

“Tell me where the life core is.”

“I’ve already told you—I have no clue!”

“Then you’re of no use to me.” Thames closed his fist, and through his own hand, Dakota felt the sick cracking of bone.

“No! Stop! Let him go!”

Ashton’s eyes went bloodshot, his face turning an ashy white. Thames released him, and he crumpled to the ground. “Pathetic.”

“You didn’t need to kill him!”

“He was of no use to me, and I don’t have time for uselessness.”

Dakota watched, horrified, as Thames conjured a portal and strolled out of the detective’s office, arriving in a warehouse he recognized as the one Vincent used when Thames was in control.

“Now, where to begin. Tell me, brother, where would you start?”

“By impaling myself on something sharp,” Dakota responded. How many people were going to die before Ana found a way to stop Thames? How many more innocent lives lost?

He pushed against the barriers again, screaming inside his mind, but they didn’t give.

Thames laughed. “That little trick won’t work again. I let my guard down for a moment, and that’s on me, but trust when I tell you it was the last time.”

“No!”

“We were so close to finding it before. I destroyed this world looking until I was forced to rebuild it because the damned thing was nowhere to be found. I spent so much time asking, and no one has been able to tell me a single thing.”

Dakota didn’t respond. Didn’t tell him it was probably because this world didn’t believe in magic. Nothing he would say was going to change what Thames was about to do. So he would bide his time in silence, waiting and praying for an end to this hell he was being forced to live in.

Ashton was dead.

Nallia and the Jaitu were gone.

Who was going to be next?

26

Terrenia

Anastasia

“What is happening?” Anastasia asked over the loud buzzing filling the cave.

“It’s a warning,” Armes told her.

“A warning of what?”

“Another world is under attack.”

“Which one?”

He looked to the bright red light, then around to his brethren surrounding them. “Earth,” he said softly, turning to face her. “And Terrenia will be next.”

“Thames is in Seattle.”

“I do not know where that is, but the inhabitants refer to it as Earth.”

“I know.”

“You must stop him, Sorceress. If he destroys another world, millions more will die.”

“Try billions,” she told him, terror twisting her gut. “I don’t have the power I need to stop him. Not without the life core.”

“I will not give you that power. Not until I know I can trust you.”

“What do I have to do?”

“Stop him from destroying another world.”

“What part of he is more powerful than I am do you not understand?”

“You’ve stopped him before.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“He’s come to Terrenia before, has he not? We felt the darkness of his soul. Stop him again, Sorceress, and you may harness the power for your final battle.”

“Give it to me now, and it could be the final!”

“No.”

“Anastasia, we’re running out of time,” Vincent insisted.

“If he kills me and destroys that world anyway, know it’s on you.” She waved her hand, and a portal appeared. The Centaurs stepped back quickly, both frightened and enamored by the light.

She stepped through and into Ashton’s Seattle office. “Dammit, where is he?”

“Why are we here?”

“Because I need to know if he’s been spotted. Ashton would be the best one to tell me that.”

“Even though he tried to kill you?”

“Unfortunately.”

She stepped around his desk and nearly tripped on his body.

“It appears we’re too late.”

Ashton’s face was completely pale, his eyes wide with fear and full of blood. “Fuck!” she cursed and stood. If Thames killed Ashton, Dakota was going to be not only wanted, but hunted by this world.

“We need to get the hell out of here.”

“Go to my old warehouse.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s where Thames would go.”

“How do you know that?”

“He spent a lot of time in my head. Go.”

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and Anastasia conjured another portal. With one last look at the detective, and a sorrow-filled silent prayer for his family, Anastasia stepped through the light.

She stepped out and into the empty warehouse where she’d rescued Dakota all those years ago after Mitch and Vincent—or rather Thames—had gotten his hands on him.

“Any clue where he might be now?”

“No.” Vincent’s voice was tight, and Anastasia imagined being back here where he’d been the face of so much pain was not easy on him.

“You never found the life core?”

Vincent shook his head. “Not that I’d remember, most of my memories of that time are a blur.”

“So you’ve said.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I believe you.”

“Well, isn’t this a nice surprise.”

Anastasia spun quickly, her hand reaching for a blade that wasn’t there. “Thames,” she growled.

Dakota’s body looked worn, dark circles beneath his eyes gave his face a gaunt appearance, and the beard that had grown tremendously was filled with dried blood and dirt. “Good to see you, Sorceress. Although, I have to say I’m surprised.”

“Why is that? Didn’t expect to have your ass kicked this morning?”

He chuckled. “Not at all worried about that. While I wear this skin, I doubt you’ll do me much harm.”

His face contorted, turning pale before his eyes flashed blue. “Kill me, Ana!”

“Dakota?”

He shook his head again, eyes flashing amethyst, then silver. “He is becoming quite a problematic host.”

“Let him go, Thames.”

Dakota’s eyes landed on Vincent, letting Anastasia know he’d allowed himself to be seen by the other man.

“Nice to see you, Vincent. Tell me, is this bringing back good memories?”

“Hardly.”

“Either way, there’s not much here, it seems.”

Hand behind her back, Anastasia conjured a ball of flame meant to knock Dakota out. If she could get him back to Terrenia, she might be able to keep him secured long enough to find a way to separate him from Thames.

Then there would be no need to take the life core. This could all be over.

Not wasting time, she flung the flame at him, and it slammed into his side.

“You bitch!” he growled, using magic of his own to knock her back into the wall.

Her head slammed into the concrete and stars swam in her vision.

“Anastasia!” Vincent yelled, running to her.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t just kill you now,” he said angrily, calling more power to his disposal.

Anastasia pushed to her feet. “Because you can’t. You aren’t powerful enough or you would have already done it.”

The momentary flash of panic she’d seen when Dakota had taken over was enough. He was terrified, forced to do things he’d never have done otherwise.

He was being forced to kill his friends, and it was enough to push her over the edge.

She brought her own power to the surface, letting it build until she could barely leash it. Power whipped around her, sending her hair flying away from her face.

She screamed, letting it pour from her body, a wall of power slamming into Dakota and throwing him back.

The walls of the warehouse began to shake, the boxes stacked in the corners falling to the ground in loud booms.

“You’re going to kill us both!” Thames yelled at her.

“Good,” Anastasia growled. “Then at least Dakota will be free.”

“You’re a fool.” He called a portal and started to step through when Anastasia threw a ball of flame at him. It landed in his shoulder, sending him tumbling through the light and back to Luxe.”

“Dammit!” Anastasia fell to her knees, body shaking from the power drain.

“Are you okay?”

“No! He fucking got away! Again!”

“You managed to stop him, though, that’s progress.”

“For how long?”

She touched the back of her head, where it slammed into the concrete, and winced. Looking down, she saw blood at the tip of her fingers.

Getting to her feet, Anastasia stared at the space Thames had been.

“We need to get back to the Centaurs. Surely this will force them to let you have the power.”

Anastasia shook her head. “Will it be enough? I hit him with everything I had, and he lived.”

“You weren’t trying to kill Dakota, though.”

Anastasia looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “Yes, I was.”

* * *

Anastasia stepped through the portal and into the clearing where Tony waited.

“Anastasia!” He rushed to her. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“Had a run-in with Thames.”

“Was he inside the mountain? I knew I should have gone with you!”

She shook her head. “I went to Seattle.”

Tony’s face reddened. “Why the hell would you do that? Especially without me!”

“I didn’t have time to wait. He was going for the life core.”

The color drained from his face. “Did he get it?”

“No, I stopped him in time, but not before he got a few good hits in.”

“Fuck.”

“I only wanted to come by and let you know I was fine. I need to get back to the Terrenian life core.”

“You found it?” Eyes wide, Tony gripped her shoulders.

“I did. It’s being guarded.”

“By what?”

“Those creatures are called Centaurs. They’re apparently immortal, and only wake up when there’s a direct threat to Terrenia.”

“Where were they two years ago?”

She shrugged. “They must not have seen what was happening as that much of a threat. It wasn’t until recently Thames started taking the other world’s cores.”

“True.” Tony released her, and ran a hand through his hair. “Are you sure you should go back?”

“They won’t hurt me.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I think they realize they need me. Stopping Thames in Seattle was a test—one I hopefully passed.”

“I don’t like this.”

She shrugged. “You don’t have to, it’s the only way.”

Her body was drained from all the power, and if she didn’t get to the life core soon, she imagined portaling anywhere would be impossible until she recovered. As it was, she’d taken a risk coming here first.

“I need to go.”

“Take me with you.”

“I’m sorry, Tony, but I need to go back alone. I don’t want them to view me as a threat.”

She touched his arm gently. “Just know that I’m fine, and I’ll be back as soon as I have the life core. Wait for me in the clearing with the Fawnis.” She started to turn away, but stopped. “Tell the Faeres their kind is safe. The Centaurs have been offering them shelter, and if they wish to return to their pool and recharge, they are free to do so and will be safe.”

“You be safe.”

She smiled. “I will be.”

27

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia stumbled through the portal and into the cavern where the Centaurs waited for her. Falling forward, she was caught by Armes, who set her back onto her feet.

“You are alive.”

“Barely,” Vincent murmured, having skipped seeing Tony.

When the Centaurs regarded him warily, Anastasia asked, “So, they can see you now?”

“Yes, your uncle gave us quite the tongue-lashing.” Armes was almost amused as he spoke, the corner of his mouth lifting.

“More like an ass chewing, and one you deserved. Fucking morons.”

“Why?” she asked, taking a seat on the ground.

“They sent you to a world knowing something more powerful was there. They could’ve just as easily given you the life core and sent you on your way.”

“We needed to know we could trust her.”

Vincent rolled his eyes. “You would have killed her the second she entered the cavern if you didn’t trust her.”

Armes shrugged. “I suppose you’re right.”

Anastasia closed her eyes, tears burning in the corners at what she’d tried to do.

She’d nearly killed Dakota.

The man she loved.

She’d been more than ready to end his life if it meant stopping Thames and the horrors he was putting Dakota through. What made it worse, somehow, was that Dakota wanted her to do it. He’d asked her to during that brief moment of clarity before Thames took over again.

Vincent knelt in front of her. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know.” She didn’t open her eyes.

“What’s your plan, Sorceress?” Armes asked.

“I told you.”

“You’ve told me you plan on taking the power and using it to stop this Thames, but how?”

“I’m going to draw him out. The host he’s using is my husband.”

“You are prepared to kill him?”

“Killing him won’t stop Thames,” Vincent said. “He’ll only find another host.”

“No, there isn’t another host.”

“Yes, there is.” Vincent pointed at her abdomen, and the horrifying realization sunk in. Dakota was the perfect host because of his Luxe heritage. She carried another Luxe within her, one who could be used as a conduit for the Luxe power.

“The baby.”

“You kill Dakota without taking Thames out of play, he will simply bide his time until that one is old enough to come into power.”

“So, basically, if I kill my husband, I’m sentencing my child to death, but if I can’t get to Thames, and don’t kill Dakota, I’m sentencing the worlds to death.”

“What is your decision?” Armes asked pointedly.

Anastasia glared at him. “I will not allow anything to happen to my child or the worlds.” She pushed to her feet and leaned back against the wall. “You let me take the power core, and I will find a way to get to Luxe and destroy Thames once and for all.”

“And if you can’t?” Armes argued. “Then the life core is gone, and Terrenia will be destroyed along with you. At least if it stays here, we can live to fight another day.”

“You told her you’d give it to her if she stopped him in Seattle.”

Armes looked to Vincent. “I told her we’d talk about it. Which is exactly what we’re doing.”

“If I don’t stop Thames, there will be no other day. He’s going to get that life core one way or another, unless I can stop him first.”

Armes stared at her. “We need to convene.”

Leaving Anastasia and Vincent alone in the room she’d first met Armes in, the Centaurs disappeared down the hall.

“This had damn well better not have been a waste of time.” Vincent began to pace, and Anastasia slipped back down to the floor. “Are you okay?”

“I just need to rest.” She closed her heavy eyes and leaned her head back against the cool stone. One deep breath after another, Anastasia felt herself slip away, closer and closer to sleep.

* * *

Blood-splattered ground stretched as far as her eyes could see. Anastasia took a hesitant step down from the porch of her cabin.

The ground had withered away to ash, and as she walked, it billowed up around her. “Hello?” she called out, moving toward the center of the village.

There were no bodies, only blood and ash, and that somehow made things worse.

She stepped into the town’s center and cried out, covering her mouth. “No!” Screaming, she rushed toward the pile of corpses in the center of the village.

Men, women, children, and creatures she knew as friends were piled high, their mouths hanging open, blood dripping from the corners, while dead eyes stared back at her.

“No!” she screamed again.

“This is our fault.”

Anastasia spun to face Dakota. The dark coat he wore was open, revealing his bare chest covered in blood and dirt.

His face was somber as he stared at her, blue eyes the clearest they’d been since Thames first took control.

“What do you mean?” Walking toward him, Anastasia tripped and looked down to see Dakota’s body splayed open, a hole in his chest where his heart should be.

She fell to her knees beside him and looked up at the man before her. A man she now recognized was no longer alive.

“What happened?” she choked out, tears streaming down her face.

“We did this,” he said. “Because we couldn’t stand against each other.”

“I don’t understand.”

Dakota walked toward her and knelt on the other side of his body. “You have to kill me, Ana. That is the only way to stop him.”

“I tried,” she admitted, the words barely making it past the lump in her throat. “Back in Seattle, I tried.”

Dakota smiled softly. “My love, you don’t have the power you need yet. But when you do, you have to kill me. Then, you can kill him.”

“How am I supposed to live without you?”

Dakota leaned forward and ran his finger along her tear-stained cheek. “You are a survivor, Ana. You will be just fine.”

He began to blow away, the wind taking pieces of him with it.

“Dakota, wait!”

“I love you, Ana.”

As he disappeared before her, Ana turned to the pile of bodies behind her, and let out a horrified scream as they all went up in flames.

* * *

“Anastasia.”

She opened her eyes, shaking her head to clear the remnants of the nightmare.

“Are you all right?” Armes asked, kneeling before her.

It took her a moment to realize where she was, and to realize he’d called her by name rather than Sorceress. “Yes, how did you know my name?”

“I pay attention when others speak. Your uncle has said it quite a few times.”

She looked around. “Where is Vincent?”

“He said he needed to speak to a man named Tony, that if he didn’t reach out, the man would come here.”

Anastasia smiled. “He definitely would.”

Armes reached a hand toward her. “Allow me to help you.”

Taking it, Anastasia let him pull her up. Legs still a little weak, she steadied herself against the wall.

“You’re weak.”

“I used a lot of power in Seattle—more than I ever have. It takes time to recuperate.”

“Well, perhaps we can help.”

Eyes widening, she studied his face. “What does that mean?”

Armes flashed her a smile. “We are going to allow you to use the life core to fuel your fight. But only if you allow us to venture out and help.”

“You want to fight with me?”

“Sorceress, based on what I have seen in the little time you’ve been here, I would follow you to the ends of this world.”

A lump of emotion formed in her throat. How many times had Dakota said those very words to her? Or Tony? It was a loyalty she wasn’t sure she’d earned from anyone.

“I appreciate that.”

He bowed his head. “We’ve always served this world, and helping stop the creature set out to destroy it would be an honor.” Raising his head, he stared into her eyes. “I must warn you, though, should we fail, not only Terrenia will be lost forever.”

“What do you mean?”

“Terrenia was the first of these worlds. Its power core is connected to all the others. Should it burn out, the others will soon follow.”

“So, it will kill everyone, on every world.”

“Yes.”

“No pressure.”

“What does that mean?”

Anastasia sighed. “Just that there’s a lot depending on our success.”

“Let us hope you are up for the task.”

“I am. This bastard has stolen everything from me. I will stop him, one way or another.”

“Come, let us prepare the life core.”

She followed him down the hall and back toward the life core. Power pulsed in the air around the core, growing stronger the closer she moved toward it. Her body regenerated nearly instantly, bringing back her strength and clarity of mind.

Anastasia smiled as she focused on the red light.

This was it.

Receiving this power would mean the end to Thames.

The end to this fucking war.

Once and for all.

28

Terrenia

Tony

Tony paced back and forth at the base of the waterfall, the crashing sound doing nothing to block out the panicked thoughts racing through his mind.

I should have gone with her. Vincent would be no help if it came down to a physical battle.

What if they turned on her? Or the life core killed her?

“Dammit.” Feeling helpless was not something he was good at, and he’d never been one to sit idly by. He was used to action! Used to doing something. He was a Fighter, and lounging around while his honorary daughter risked her life pissed him off.

“You look entertained,” Nix grunted out from where he sat next to the pond.

“We should be there helping her.”

“Should we?”

Tony stopped and spun to face the Guisnow. “Yes, we should. She could die.”

“Not anything less than she deserves at this point,” he mumbled.

Tony growled, then stalked across the grass and wrapped his hand around Nix’s throat. Lifting him to his feet, he stared into the man’s amethyst eyes. “You better watch your fucking mouth.”

“Why?”

The Guisnow’s breath smelled of Terrenian whiskey, his eyes glazed over with pain and the temporary patch he’d chosen to put over his grief.

Tony sighed. “She is not responsible for what happened to Nallia, Nix. You know that.”

Nix shoved against him and fell back onto the grass. Getting up, he staggered slightly before catching his balance. “Yes, she is! She should have warned us!”

“She didn’t know he would show up!”

Nix burst into tears, and Tony’s anger softened. When he’d lost his wife and young son, he remembered the anguish, the complete and total helplessness he felt. But he also remembered the anger, and how he’d blamed Gregory for a time since it had been his brother who’d led the assault.

Nix was in pain, but Tony would be damned if he’d blame the only one trying to stop the war.

“She should have told us about Dakota.”

“When could she have done that, Nix? When she was trying to save him from Thames? Or how about when she’d buried one of her best friends after he’d had his heart ripped out? Tell me, Nix, when did she have time to come and warn you about something that might happen, and would it have made a difference anyway? Do you honestly believe Nallia would have left her world defenseless?”

Nix’s jaw tightened, and he refused to look into Tony’s eyes.

“Nix, I know you are hurting. If anyone knows how you feel right now, it’s me.”

The Guisnow leveled an angry glare on him. “Oh? Last I checked, your wife was still alive.”

“I lost my first wife and my son in a Brute attack. They died in my arms.” The grief that still lingered ached in his chest as he stared back at Nix.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. The point is I know what you’re feeling right now—the anger, the guilt—but those emotions do not belong on Anastasia’s shoulders, or yours. Thames was responsible, and if you don’t pick yourself up and live for your daughter, Nallia’s death will have been in vain.”

Nix didn’t argue, he simply stared down at the water as tears slipped down his cheeks.

“Dammit, Nix, you’re better than this.”

Turning, Tony left Nix sitting by the water and went to find something to do. Maybe if he busied himself, the worry would fade to background noise rather than a full-on assault.

Vincent appeared in front of him, and Tony stopped abruptly to avoid walking into—or rather through—him. He scanned the area for Anastasia, then focused on Vincent.

“What is it?”

“She’s fine. They’ve agreed to give her the life core.”

Tony ran a hand through his shoulder-length, greying hair. “I don’t know if I’m supposed to be relieved or terrified at that.”

“A mixture would be healthy.”

Tony glared at him. “Do you not think this will work? You are the one who supported this crazy idea.”

“I support any idea that keeps Thames from gaining more power and destroying Terrenia, but I would not have done so if I didn’t also think Anastasia is strong enough.”

“So, you care about her all of a sudden?”

“I’ve always cared about her.”

Tony ground his teeth together to keep from saying anything he might regret. Vincent was as much a victim as Dakota in the sense Thames used them both, but that didn’t make the transition from enemy to friend any easier.

“Make damn sure she survives this, Vincent.”

“I will do everything I can.” He glanced back at Nix, who sat by the water. “He needs to stop blaming her.”

“Already had that conversation. He’s grieving and looking for anyone he can shift the rage onto.”

“I can understand that, but Anastasia is not responsible. She carries enough weight on her shoulders.”

“I agree.”

Vincent turned to face him. “Isn’t that interesting, us agreeing on something.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Tony retorted dryly.

Vincent nodded. “I will keep you updated if anything changes.”

“Thanks.”

Vincent disappeared, and Tony walked over to the horses grazing on the green grass. Naked Faeres danced around the water, bathing and enjoying themselves in the sunlight. Plews and Marney were off drinking nectar—which hopefully wasn’t a euphemism for sex. Tony shivered at the thought.

Could do without that mental image.

Pulling Anastasia’s sword from its sheath, Tony lifted a rock and began sharpening the blade.

Couldn’t hurt to be ready for anything, and it gave his idle hands something to do.

29

Terrenia

Anastasia

“You should know,” Armes started, turning toward her, “the last Sorceress who absorbed the core didn’t survive.”

Although it was her biggest fear—failing because she wasn’t strong enough to contain the power—she tried to hide it on her face when she responded. “I will.”

“She was sure as well.”

“How long ago was this?”

“Who knows, really. When you do not age, and sleep for centuries at a time, it’s difficult to track how much time has passed.”

“Why did she need the power?”

“She didn’t need it,” he said simply. “She bedded a Centaur, convinced him to allow her to absorb the power, and it killed her.”

“What happened to the Centaur?”

“I killed him.”

Anastasia raised an eyebrow. “For falling in love?”

“For forgetting his duty. We are the only thing standing in the way of the total destruction of this world. We do not have time for love, things like that are not in our futures.”

“That’s a sad way to live.”

“It is,” he agreed.

They continued staring at the life core, watching it as it spun above the stone altar. It was so beautiful, the shades of red and gold as they moved around in an ever-turning circle.

“Do you ever wish it were different for you?”

Armes sighed. “I do, but it is not, so dwelling on such a fact would be foolish.”

“All I ever wanted was a happy ending. A family, a future without blood.”

“Perhaps you will have that one day.”

Her mind flashed back to the nightmare from earlier. “I’m not so sure that’s in the cards for me.”

“Aren’t you with child?”

“I am. But if I don’t survive this, that won’t matter.”

“I believe the worlds give us the tools we need to survive. You are this world’s tool, and it is yours. You will survive because the world wills it so.”

She looked up at him and smiled softly. “That’s a kind thing to say.”

He shrugged. “It’s what I believe, otherwise I would not allow you to take the core.”

Vincent appeared beside her. “You okay?”

“Much better. How’s Tony?”

“Angry, but he’ll survive.”

“Are you ready, Sorceress?” Armes asked, holding out a hand for hers.

“I suppose so.” She took his hand, and together they walked to the life core. Vincent stayed back, but she shot him a confident smile over her shoulder.

This will work.

It will not kill me.

“I don’t suppose you know how to do this?”

“I do, actually.” He released her hand and stepped toward the life core. Lifting his hands, he held them on either side of the light and closed his eyes. “We have a host. Please accept the Sorceress and bless her with your power.”

Moving his hands, the light stayed within them, floating without actually making contact. He held the orb in front of her, and after one last look, he shoved the power into her chest.

The burn was the first thing that came to her mind. Invisible fire ripping through her, sending the blood in her veins to a full rolling boil. She screamed, falling to her knees and pressing her hands to the floor. The stone should’ve felt cool, but her hands stung as the rock beneath them turned red.

The overwhelming power burned straight through into her soul as flashes of lifetimes flew through her brain.

A woman—hair as red as the fire burning inside Anastasia—stood before the altar and called the power to her. It soared up into the air before slamming down into her body moments before she went up in flames and was completely devoured by it.

The memories moved back—became older—as the burn continued, searing her skin. The cavern changed around her, and four men appeared where the woman had burned. They studied the ash, shaking their heads in disgust before turning to a much younger Armes.

“This will be punished,” they said as one, and the Centaur king nodded.

“It will be done.”

Anastasia screamed again, a terrified roar. Was she dying? Was this it? Her hands ripped at her chest, pulling on the fabric and tearing it with her bare hands as she tried to tear the pain out. All she wanted was the pain to stop. It had to stop.

“Stop this!” Vincent roared from somewhere in the room.

“I can not. Once it has begun, it has to finish.”

“It’s going to kill her!”

“Then that is the will of the power.”

“No!” he yelled.

Anastasia let out another terrified scream as blood began dripping from her nose, landing on the cool floor.

Vincent knelt before her. “Breathe, Anastasia,” he said calmly, although the wideness of his eyes showed he was anything but. “You have to breathe.”

“It burns,” she choked out, still grasping at her chest.

“I know, Niece, you have to try to breathe through it. You can do this, you are strong enough.” He raised a translucent hand to brush the hair matted to her face with sweat. It hit her skin—cool to the touch—and the pain stopped instantly.

Vincent’s head flew back, his eyes glowing brightly with the same fire she felt within her own. He yelled, his body absorbing the light swirling around her, and she turned to Armes, wide-eyed and terrified.

“What’s happening?” she demanded.

“The world is choosing.” He stared at them both, and Anastasia tried to push herself up, to help Vincent, but her body was frozen.

Would the power destroy whatever it was that kept Vincent tethered here?

Am I about to lose the uncle I’ve just come to know?

“Choosing what?”

“Whether Vincent is condemned or not.”

“But he isn’t the one who wants the power!”

“He touched you, Sorceress. The life core will now judge him.”

Before she could respond, Vincent was gone in a flash of bright light, the blinding pain disappearing with him. On shaky legs, she pushed up, using the stone wall for support. “Where did he go?”

“Anastasia?”

She turned, expecting to see Vincent’s slightly faded form, but instead, her uncle stood before her, a solid man. He stared down at his solidified form, before looking back up at her, the blue eyes so much like her father’s, once again full of life.

“What the hell just happened?” he asked Armes.

“I believe the world has chosen two hosts for its power,” he said with a smug smile.

“Two hosts?” Anastasia looked down at her hands, which glowed with power, then to Vincent, who stared at his own.

“Two of the same line. The light,” Armes said, gesturing to Anastasia, before turning to Vincent. “And the dark.”

* * *

Anastasia sat near the pond inside the Centaurs’ cavern, staring at the water. She could feel the difference in her even now that she wasn’t using her magic. All the power inside her—that had once been a part of her she could call upon—was now no longer just a piece of who she was, it was all of her.

Vincent walked over and sat down beside her.

She side-eyed him. “I hate to ask this, but this wasn’t your plan all along, was it? Get me to track down the life core and use it to bring yourself back?”

He turned to her, joy in his bright eyes. “I assure you it was not. I had no idea it was capable of such power. It’s astounding.” He stared down at his hands. “I know you probably don’t believe me, but it’s the truth.”

She shrugged. “I believe you. After everything I’ve seen of Thames, I believe it was him controlling you. My only concern is that he may be able to do it again.”

Vincent’s eyes darkened. “That is a concern of mine as well. If he does, you know what you’ll have to do.”

“Kill another person in my life?”

“You make jokes, but that might be the only way.”

“Not if we stop him first.”

Armes made his way over to them. “The power inside is a life essence gifted to you by the core. Once it’s returned, you will not have to give it up. It is a gift, to be freely given.”

“So, I’m mortal?” Vincent asked, astonished. “Alive again?”

The Centaur nodded. “Although you are not mortal in the sense most humans are. The power inside of you is what is keeping you alive, as I said, it is a gift freely given should you ever choose your time is over.”

Anastasia smiled when Vincent turned to her. She was more than glad he had been given a second chance.

The bastard had grown on her.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Anastasia pushed to her feet. “Shall we get going?”

“We will have to wait until the caverns are secure. I’ve sent other warriors to be sure the exits are sealed so we may keep our guests safe.” He gestured to the Faeres. “I will be leaving guards behind as well. We may bring your other friends here if you’d like to keep them safe until we are victorious.”

“You’d be willing to house the remaining Terrenian humans and creatures within these mountains?”

“I would. I’ve told you, Sorceress, we are here to protect this world and its inhabitants.”

“That is very kind of you.”

He bowed his head. When he straightened, he continued to stare at her.

Vincent cleared his throat and stood. “I’d say—”

Roaring filled the cavern, and they spun to face the water, where a large whirlpool swirled in the crystal water.

Screams of the Faeres as they raced to safety were completely drowned out by the sound of the water as it spun, shooting to the ceiling of the cave.

When it subsided, Anastasia readied herself for a fight.

There, standing in the center of the water, was the Siren queen and four of her guards.

“Sorceress,” she said, narrowing her eyes on Anastasia’s face. “It seems you’ve made quite the mess of things.”

30

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia gaped at the woman standing before her. The dark hair she typically wore loose was braided back, and her body was covered in gold armor that, thankfully, hid the breasts these beings liked to show off.

Golden eyes narrowed on her face, and Anastasia crossed her arms over her chest, anger pounding in her blood. How dare this woman refuse to help, then show up and blame me.

“I’ve made a mess of things?” Anastasia took a step toward her, and the Sirens flanking the queen moved closer in case of an attack. “You condemned us when you refused to help me!”

Armes looked back and forth between the queen and Anastasia. “Is this true, Coral? Did you refuse to help the Sorceress?”

The queen looked at Armes long enough that Anastasia didn’t miss the longing in her eyes, or the way her nostrils flared when she gazed on the Centaur. There was history there, and it made Anastasia wonder just how long the queen has reigned over the Sirens.

Obviously a long damn time if she knew the head of the immortal Centaurs.

“She allowed my daughter to die.”

“I did not!”

“Rosabel?” Armes choked out, his voice stammering.

“Yes.”

Armes swung his head back to Anastasia. “What happened?”

“Thames killed her. She is the only reason he was able to take my husband in the first place. She lured him, then used magic to tie Dakota to Thames.”

Tears shimmering in his eyes, Armes looked back at the queen. “Coral, is that true?”

“She should have rescued her.”

“There was nothing I could do!”

The queen looked past Anastasia and glared at Vincent. “Why is he here? You told me he was dead!”

“He was dead. Until about an hour ago.”

Vincent cleared his throat and stepped forward. Bowing his head, he stated, “Queen Coral, I am so sorry for the pain I caused your people when Thames had control over me. I assure you it is not something I would have done willingly.”

She glared at him, and Anastasia readied her magic just in case. No way in hell this woman was going to take her revenge on Vincent. “Very well, but just know we will be watching you. If you so much as step mildly out of line, I will put you down.”

“Understood.”

“Now, how about you two tell me what the hell is going on?” Anastasia demanded. “Who was Rosabel to you?” she asked Armes.

“We need to speak in private,” he said quietly and turned to leave the cavern.

Anastasia watched as the queen followed while the other Sirens stayed put. Not wanting her at their back, Anastasia and Vincent waited until she’d made it past them before following.

“What do you think is going on?” Anastasia whispered so only Vincent could hear.

“I wish I knew. The Sirens are an old race, but I wouldn’t have thought they’d be old enough to know the Centaurs.”

The cavern narrowed just before opening into a smaller room, one she hadn’t been in before. Pillows in red and gold covered the dimly lit space, and Anastasia wondered if it weren’t Armes’ bedroom they were standing in now.

He turned to face them, and the queen took a seat on one of the pillows. “The tale I am about to tell you is one that could get us both killed.” He gestured to the queen. “I would ask you to keep the knowledge to yourself.”

“Okay,” Anastasia agreed.

“The Sirens are an old race, nearly as old as time itself,” he started.

“They used to be Atlantians,” Anastasia interjected, not needing that to be re-explained.

“Yes. Coral and I were among the few chosen to protect our worlds. We are the guardians of our life cores.”

Anastasia’s mouth fell open, and she looked to Coral who stared intently on Armes’ face, longing in her eyes and her mouth hung open just slightly.

“We met the day we were tasked, and we…” He sighed, looking to Coral. “We fell in love.”

Anastasia was afraid to speak, not wanting the story to stop.

“Rosabel was your daughter,” Vincent said.

Armes closed his eyes. When he opened them, the green depths shimmered with tears. “Yes, she was. She was born with Siren magic and Siren features, so staying here with me was not an option. I’ve only ever seen her once, and that was the day her mother gave birth and took her back to Atlantis.”

Anastasia glanced over at Coral, who wiped tears from her cheeks. “I tried so hard, Armes. She longed for the surface, and when he came to her, the offer was too much for her to turn down.”

“I’m so sorry, Armes. I cannot even imagine,” Anastasia said softly.

“You should have saved her,” Coral growled.

“I tried. Thames was stronger than me.”

“Then how do you stand a chance now?”

“She has absorbed the power of the Terrenian life core,” Armes said softly.

Coral shot to her feet. “She did what?”

“It was the only way.”

“You allowed her to take that power? You know what will happen if she fails!”

“I do, but it chose her, Coral.” He stepped closer and gripped her hands with his own. “It chose them both.”

Coral’s golden eyes fell on Anastasia and Vincent with the scrutiny of a scientist looking through a microscope. “That is why he is no longer dead.”

“Yes,” Armes said. He placed a long finger beneath her chin and lifted it to look into her eyes. “I’ve missed you, Coral.”

To Anastasia’s surprise, the queen’s face softened. “I have missed you, too.”

Vincent cleared his throat. “We can, uh, leave you two.”

“No.” Coral turned to face them. “I am here because Thames has been to my world. I wish to warn you.”

“We know. Anastasia stopped him,” Vincent said.

“Barely. It is only a matter of time before he discovers its true location.”

“Where is that?” Anastasia asked.

“I will not tell you.”

“So, how am I supposed to protect it?”

“By stopping him.”

“Had you freed my husband when you had a chance, this wouldn’t even be an issue,” Anastasia growled.

“You should have brought my daughter back, alive.”

Anastasia shook her head. “If he wins and destroys the worlds, it will be on you and your kind.” Sparks snapped at her fingertips, and Anastasia fought the urge to do just what Thames had done to Rosabel.

Armes stepped up between the two women. “We cannot fight each other. Save your anger for the real enemy. Rosabel is gone,” he said to Coral. “It is horrible, but she made her choice, and the consequences were great.” Turning to Anastasia, he said, “We will try to save your husband, Sorceress, but if it comes down to his life, or the life of the worlds, I will not hesitate, and I hope you will not either.”

“I know what I have to do,” Anastasia choked out through the lump in her throat.

“We will fight as well,” Coral said defiantly.

“I thought your kind didn’t trouble yourself with the matters of other worlds?” Anastasia asked sarcastically, enjoying the glaring look she got from the queen. Bitch.

“This concerns all the worlds—including ours.”

“Fine.”

Vincent put a hand on Anastasia’s shoulder. “We appreciate your help.”

Coral eyed Vincent. “I still do not trust you, Sorcerer.”

“I do not blame you,” Vincent said softly.

Armes clapped his hand. “Very well, let us prepare.”

Anastasia folded her arms. “How long do you need?”

“We can leave within the hour.” Armes left the cavern with Coral at his side.

“Quite the complicated history.”

“I wish I cared enough, but that queen—”

“She’s a grieving mother, Anastasia.”

“She should have helped when there was a chance.”

“I agree, but she’s here now. With the Sirens on our side, we have a way to separate Dakota and Thames. That is good news.”

Anastasia stared after them. “I suppose so.”

If they could capture Dakota again, the Siren queen could put an end to the connection between the half-brothers, which effectively would put an end to the war. But Anastasia couldn’t help but feel they were shorter on time than they thought. The longer Thames controlled Dakota, the more damage he did to both the worlds and her husband. What if the damage was irreparable? What if the man she got back was not the man she married?

Was Dakota already gone?

31

Luxe

Dakota

Three thousand and twenty-four. The seconds ticked by, and Dakota continued to count, unable to do much else in his cell.

He was collared, caged, and being forced to murder the people he cared about, so what was he doing? Fucking counting. Three thousand twenty-seven.

“Hungry?”

Dakota didn’t even bother looking up. He could picture the smug smile on Thames’ arrogant face without even seeing it.

“Nope.”

“Today is a big day, Brother, you’re going to want to eat.”

“No thanks.”

Thames laughed. “I don’t know why you continue to deny the simple things. I can make you do whatever I wish.”

“Then why even ask?”

“Good point.”

The iron gate of his cage opened, and still, Dakota didn’t move. Three thousand thirty-nine. Thames leaned against the iron bars, white eyes narrowed. Dakota could feel them boring into him, twin flames that held nothing but madness.

Dakota was afraid of what he might see reflected in his own at this point. There was hardly a shred of the man he’d been left.

Thames stripped away pieces of his soul each and every time he took over, turning Dakota into nothing more than a shell.

He hadn’t eaten in four days, at least not by himself. Thames eventually took over and forced the food down his throat, but the refusal was all the control Dakota had left, he’d hang on to it as long as there was breath in his chest.

“I long for the day Luxe is returned to its former glory,” Thames said almost wistfully.

Dakota scoffed. “I long for the day Anastasia rips you apart.”

Thames laughed. “Humor is good in times like these, brother. As is hope. I’m happy to see you retain both.”

Dakota rolled his eyes. Three thousand four hundred forty-four.

“You’ll see her soon.”

Thames’ words got Dakota’s attention, and he sat up quickly, losing count. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Dread settled in his stomach, a sinking feeling he was becoming accustomed to.

Thames shrugged. “Our time has nearly come.”

“For?”

“We will be taking the Terrenian life core soon, and once it’s in my possession, Luxe will be saved.”

“And the Terrenians?”

Thames shrugged. “Dead. Their sacrifice will fuel our future.”

“You won’t fucking touch it. Ana won’t let you,” Dakota growled.

“You should be grateful.”

“And why the hell is that?”

“Because I’ve decided to keep you alive when all this is over.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve grown used to your presence, and I believe one day, you will come to understand why I did what I did. Then perhaps, we can become the brothers in mind as we are in blood.”

Dakota clenched his fists. “I will never be your brother. You hear me? You are a fucking monster, and keeping me alive will do nothing but give me time to kill you myself.”

Thames glared at him, obviously pissed off his offer hadn’t been received well. What the hell did he think was going to happen? That he was going to be able to murder everyone Dakota cared about and be forgiven?

“You’ll come around.”

“No, I won’t.”

Thames pushed to his feet.

“Do you hear me, you murdering psycho?” Dakota stood, gripping the bars to help hold himself up. With his body going weak from the lack of sustenance and the magical overload, it took everything in him to not fall over. “I will never be your brother!”

Thames took a seat in his throne and closed his eyes.

Dakota felt pressure in his mind, and he once again tried like hell to block it out. No, no, no.

Moments later, though, the pressure exploded into pain, and Dakota was pushed back, a new mind taking over.

“You will come to understand why this must be,” Thames said in Dakota’s voice as he made his way down the hall toward a flight of stairs.

“What are you doing?”

“I think it’s time for a family reunion, don’t you?”

Throwing open the doors of the castle, he stepped out onto the stone steps. Groans of the Luxe trapped between life and death grew louder the closer he moved toward them.

“It’s time, my subjects!” Throwing his hands up, Thames opened a portal. “The time has come to take back what’s rightfully yours! Wait for me, do not let anyone leave. By nightfall, Terrenia will be nothing but a pile of ash.”

“No! Stop this!” Dakota pleaded as he watched, unable to do anything, as the creatures stumbled and crawled toward the portal.

“Stop!”

Thames laughed. “I’m only just beginning.”

32

Terrenia

Elizabeth

“There, sweetie, you’re all done.” Elizabeth lifted the little girl from her table and handed her over to her mother.

“Thank you so much, Elizabeth.” The woman kissed her tear-stained daughter’s face.

“Anytime. I hope your knee feels better, honey.”

“Thank you,” the little girl said, offering Elizabeth a smile and showing off where she’d already lost her two front teeth.

“You are most welcome.”

Elizabeth smiled, watching them leave. Carmen stepped in and, after a greeting to the woman and her daughter, made her way over to Elizabeth. “She okay?”

“Just a knee scrape.”

“How are you doing?”

Elizabeth sighed. Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? “I’m taking it day by day. I know that if anyone can bring Dakota back, it’s Anastasia, but if anything happens to him—” Her voice broke as it did whenever she talked about her son.

She’d lost Thames the day Lyrant was born, and lost Lyrant the day Thames lost himself. If she lost Dakota, too, she wasn’t sure she’d survive.

She’d already lost so many people.

Carmen touched her shoulder gently. “They will bring him back.”

Elizabeth smiled softly and nodded, then continued cleaning up her medical supplies. “Any news?”

“None yet. But there will be soon, I’m sure of it.”

The door opened, and Gage rushed in, face flushed.

“What is it?”

“We’ve got a problem. I’ve already told Zarina. She and the elders are waiting at the gate for you two.”

“Is it Anastasia? Dakota?” Her pulse thundered in her ears.

Gage shook his head.

Adrenaline pulsing through her veins, Elizabeth stepped outside with Gage and Carmen. The village had gathered near the gate, Zarina and Harold leading the group of elders.

Their faces were grim, mouths pulled in a tight line, eyes narrowed on her as she made her way forward.

What the hell happened?

“Zarina believes you may know what’s going on,” Harold said to Carmen dryly. “Since our Sorceress abandoned us, you are the only one with any capabilities.” He addressed Carmen with disgust, and it pissed Elizabeth off.

“Maybe you should change your tone,” she warned him.

His eyes darkened. “You are an outsider; you’d do well to remember that.”

“No need to be rude,” Selena said as she stood beside Elizabeth.

Harold didn’t respond, just turned his attention back to Carmen. “What is out there?”

Carmen headed for the nearest ladder and began to climb—slowly—to the top of the watchtower.

Elizabeth climbed up behind her.

“Open the gate!” Carmen ordered.

“Why the hell would we do that?” Harold shot back. “You don’t know why they’re here!”

Elizabeth reached the landing and got to her feet. “Oh my.” Standing just beyond the fence were well over three-dozen large felines. Some the size of Kaley, others even larger, in varying colors.

They stared back at her with intense orange-yellow gazes, completely focused on her.

“They’re friendly, you ass-hat!” Carmen called down. “Let them in!”

“Not until we know for sure!”

“Shit,” Carmen muttered and headed back for the ladder.

“Let me go first,” Elizabeth insisted and started down so she might be able to at least break the older woman’s fall, should she lose her balance.

Once her feet were firmly on the ground, Carmen followed. Elizabeth followed her as she marched straight for the gate.

“Let me out,” she told the Fighter. He shot a nervous glance at Harold, but when Zarina nodded, he opened the gate just enough for Carmen and Elizabeth to slip outside.

Nerves danced in her belly, but she stayed focused. Kaley certainly was no threat to them, and the felines had done nothing but help in past instances, but she’d never seen this many.

And she didn’t miss the way they studied their surroundings, ready to pounce should danger present itself.

So, what was going on? Did they somehow know about Thames?

Carmen walked right up to the largest one, who bowed his head against her palm.

Elizabeth glanced back at the gate and choked down a laugh. Harold stared at Carmen with a mixture of fear and disbelief on his face.

Coward.

“Let them inside,” Carmen said again.

Harold finally nodded, and Carmen and Elizabeth headed back to the gate with the large cats behind them.

Just before they reached the gate, the felines stopped and turned. Bowing low, the largest let out a roar loud enough to cause her to jump.

The other cats did the same, and before long, the air was filled with feline war cries.

“What is happening?” Harold yelled over the sound.

“I don’t know!” Carmen yelled back. “They must sense danger somewhere.”

Within seconds, a purple portal opened. Elizabeth’s heart jumped into her throat. Anastasia’s portals were blue, which could only mean one thing.

“It appears we have company,” Carmen muttered as black, tar-like, humanoid-shaped beings stumbled through the portal into their world.

“Get inside the gate!” Zarina called. Elizabeth gripped Carmen’s arm to hold her steady as they made their way back inside and the Fighters sealed the gate behind.

Elizabeth raced for the watchtower, climbing as quickly as she could to see what was happening on the other side.

The felines stood their ground as dozens of Thames’ army stumbled through the portal. They stopped roughly five yards in front of the felines, hoarse moans escaping their throats.

“What is going on?” Gage asked, making Elizabeth realize he’d climbed up beside her.

“I have no idea.”

They continued to pour out, now in the hundreds, and spanned so far back Elizabeth could see nothing but a sea of dead.

The ground sizzled where the tar dripped from their bodies, killing the plants that were thriving only minutes before.

“What the hell are those things?”

“They used to be the Luxe people.”

“Those things were people?” Gage asked, his eyes widening with shock.

“They were. Good people too. Until Thames destroyed them.” Tears burned in the corners of her eyes as she looked upon what was left of her people.

“We don’t stand a chance without Anastasia. Even with Carmen’s magic, we don’t have the numbers to hold off an attack this size.”

“No, we don’t.” Elizabeth agreed. Without Anastasia, they wouldn’t survive.

The portal closed, and the beings didn’t move any closer. They began to spread out, surrounding the village, and the felines did the same, their numbers significantly lower than the enemy’s.

“What the fuck are we going to do?” Gage asked.

Elizabeth shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself. “We pray that Anastasia gets back in time to save us.”

33

Terrenia

Anastasia

“How much longer is it going to be?” Anastasia asked once she’d finally tracked down Armes. They’d been waiting at least three hours since he and Coral disappeared from the cavern. Three hours that could have been spent tracking down Thames and putting a stop to his onslaught.

“We are nearly ready,” he told her.

She’d tracked Armes down in the cavern with the pond where the other Centaurs were gathered, saying their goodbyes to the Faeres residing inside.

“We don’t have time for this, Armes. We should’ve left already.”

Armes turned to her. “My people have been preparing for war their entire existence; it is quite possible many will not make it back. We have time for them to say their goodbyes.” His tone was curt, telling her there was no room for argument.

Since she now held the life core inside her, he wouldn’t let her leave without him, but he was a king first, protector second, it seemed.

The logical side of her understood; the emotional side wanted to scream out in irritation. The good news was she could simply portal them back to where Tony waited, which meant they wouldn’t have to make the trip on foot, saving them at least three hours.

Vincent walked up beside her, studying the Centaurs and Faeres as well. “Any update?”

“He’s giving them time to say goodbye.”

“And that angers you?”

She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “Yes, it does. We don’t have time for this.”

“What if they never make it back?”

“If Thames makes much more progress, that won’t matter. We’ll all be dead.”

He put his hands on her shoulders, and Anastasia met blue eyes that were so much like her father’s. At least it no longer hurt her heart to compare the two men. Vincent had been a tool—used for his magic just as Dakota was.

Now, he had a second chance at life, and she had a chance to get to know her uncle.

“When everything seems dark around you, it is up to you to provide the light others need to make it through. They are marching into what could possibly be their final battle; giving them a chance to settle their minds so they may accept the possibility of death isn’t a waste of time—it’s what gives them something to fight for.”

She nodded as the tension in her shoulders subsided a bit. If she’d been given a chance to say goodbye to Dakota, there was no one in any world who could stand in her way.

Armes approached, Coral at his side. “We’re ready, Sorceress.”

Taking a deep breath, she conjured a portal to where Tony waited for them. “We can send the rest of the creatures through once we reach the other side,” she told him, and he bowed his head softly in understanding.

The mountain would do little to protect them if Thames destroyed the life core inside her, but they would be safe from any war that might reach the depths of the Terrenian forest. Not that she was planning on letting it get that far if he showed up.

Stepping through, Anastasia breathed the fresh mountain air.

“Thank God,” Tony said, rushing to gather her into his big arms. “It’s been long enough.”

“I agree,” she said with a soft laugh and stepped aside.

Vincent came through next, and the level of intensity of the glare Tony shot him had Anastasia stepping in front of her uncle.

“What the hell is this?” he asked, gesturing to the man who’d been nothing more than a ghost the last time Tony saw him.

“The life core was too much for me to take on my own.”

“So Vincent just volunteered his services? To what end? Was this your plan all along? Use Anastasia to get to the power that would bring you back?”

“Easy, Fighter,” Armes said, stepping from the portal.

Tony’s eyes widened even further, and he stumbled away from the Centaur that stood nearly two feet above his own height.

“The world wouldn’t have chosen the Sorcerer if his intentions weren’t pure.”

“Who the hell are you?”

“This is Armes,” Anastasia explained, “king of the Centaurs and guardian of the life core.”

“Well, this world just keeps getting bigger, doesn’t it,” Tony retorted. “First Faeries and Volcrise, and now Centaurs.”

The Siren queen stepped out, her four warriors beside her.

“And who the hell is this?”

“Excuse me?” Coral demanded. “I am Coral, queen of the Sirens.”

Tony simply stared, and Anastasia wondered just how much more change the Fighter could take before he snapped.

He was looking pretty damn close to losing it already.

Someone cleared their throat behind her, and Anastasia turned to face Nix.

He gave a slight nod. “I’m glad you didn’t perish.”

“Thank you.”

“I apologize for any blame I put on you, Anastasia. It is not yours to bear.”

“Nix, I understand why you blamed me, I blame myself, too. If only I would have come to you sooner—”

“It would have made no difference. Nallia would have gone out fighting for her people whether we were warned or not.” His eyes filled with tears, and Anastasia stepped forward to embrace him.

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”

“We’ll get him, Nix. I swear it.”

She released him and stepped back as the remaining Centaurs came through the portal. “Anyone who wishes to stay inside the mountain until this is over is welcome to go now,” Anastasia told them. “We will shut the portal before we head for Terrenia to make sure you aren’t followed.”

The heavy flapping of wings from the Volcrise as they shot down from the trees was only barely outmatched by the screams of delight from the Faeres as they danced their way past the Centaurs and into the portal.

“We stay with you, Sorceress,” Em said. She was flanked by the remaining Fawnis, as well as the rest of the Mamset race.

“Thank you,” Anastasia replied and turned back to her followers. “Who’s ready to kick some ass?”

Cheers erupted through her group, and Anastasia smiled. First stop, Terrenia. Next, they would find a way into Luxe, even if it meant beating the fucking door down.

“I’m going to portal into the village first and let them know you’re coming. I’ll let you know when it’s time to come through.”

“As you wish, Sorceress,” Armes replied.

Waving her arm, Anastasia conjured a portal, but just before she stepped through, it fizzled like a light burning out and died right before her eyes.

“What the hell was that?” Tony demanded.

“I don’t know.” Terror wove its way into her mind. What if the life core damaged her magic? What if, for some reason, she was losing power rather than gaining it?

“Try again,” Vincent said.

She did, and the same thing happened.

“You try,” she said to him.

He nodded, and the light lasted only a second before disappearing just as hers did.

“What is happening?” Nix asked, panicked. “Can we not get back?”

“No, this—something is wrong. Carmen may have blocked the village from magic to protect them from Thames,” she lied. Carmen would have never prevented her from portaling in. “I’ll try taking us to the trees just outside.”

Waving her hand, she breathed a sigh of relief when the portal flared to life and stayed that way.

She stepped through and cried out.

The village was surrounded by the Luxe creatures who’d attacked them in Seattle. They moaned, moving from one foot to the next as if uneasy.

A large group of Terrenian felines and two dozen Fighters were all that stood between the hundreds of enemies and her people.

Even with their Centaur army, they were severely outnumbered.

“Oh no.” Tony grabbed for his sword, but Anastasia stopped him with a shake of her head and a silent plea. If they made too much noise, the monsters would turn around, and they’d lose any element of surprise.

She stepped back into the portal and closed it quickly.

“Why did we leave?” Tony began to pace angrily. “We should have stayed and fought!”

“We need to open a portal further back, that way we all have a chance to get through.”

“We may be able to surround them quickly,” Vincent offered.

Anastasia pondered this for a moment, trying like hell to think rationally when everything inside her was screaming for action. “Queen Coral?”

“Yes?”

“How much control do you have over water?”

The queen scoffed. “Full control.”

“Can you create a wall of water, a barrier to encapsulate the enemy and free a path to Terrenia?”

“With ease.” The annoyed look on her face told Anastasia the queen thought she should have already known the answer, but she ignored it.

“Then that’s what we do.” She opened a portal in the same location she had before, only this time, she gestured for the queen to come through with her. Vincent stepped up to her side as well, Tony and Nix on the other.

Coral closed her eyes and lifted her hands. Water roared behind them, shooting through the portal and directly toward their enemy.

The creatures turned, but weren’t fast enough, and were swept up by a solid wall of water moving faster than they could have even if they’d been alive.

The water split in the middle, separating the two halves as the creatures struggled in the current.

“Now!” Anastasia called back to the Centaurs. Thundering hoofs shook the ground as they poured from the portal. Anastasia ran beside them but was quickly lifted by one of Armes large hands. He placed her on his back, and she held on as he raced for the village.

Once they reached the gate, Kaley stepped out from the herd of Centaurs, greeting her pack. They parted, allowing Anastasia and the Centaur king to enter. Looking back, she was relieved to see three other Centaurs had grabbed Tony, Vincent, and Nix, and brought them through as well.

“Anastasia!” Elizabeth called, rushing toward her. She wrapped her arms around her, then pulled Tony in as well. “I’m so happy you two are safe! We didn’t know what to think. Carmen couldn’t even use a vial to try and reach you.”

“We couldn’t portal in,” Vincent said.

Elizabeth pulled back and stared at him, mouth open. “What is this?”

“Long story,” Tony told her.

“This is Armes.” Anastasia gestured to the Centaur, who bowed his head.

Elizabeth didn’t speak, she simply stared wide-eyed until Tony cleared his throat. “I’m, I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen your kind before. I’ve heard of you, of course, but it was only legend.”

“Pleased to meet you,” he greeted.

“Enough with the pleasantries,” Harold growled. “How about you fix this problem you created.” He got right in Anastasia’s face, close enough she could feel his breath on her skin.

“You’re going to want to get away from my niece.”

Harold turned, jumping slightly at the sight of Vincent before turning back and jabbing his finger into Anastasia’s chest. “I knew you were working with the enemy!”

Anastasia moved even closer. “Thames is our enemy, not Vincent. And if you touch me again, I will break every single one of the bones in your miserable, cowardly body.”

Harold glared at her, obviously trying to decide whether to continue pushing or back off. Luckily for him, he made the right choice.

“This isn’t over.”

“It absolutely is,” Tony told him. “Or I’ll toss your ass out to the creatures waiting for blood just outside.”

The water crashed to the ground, soaking it and sending water beneath the gate of Terrenia.

“Coral!” Armes cried out, rushing toward the gate.

Two of her Sirens carried her in, unconscious, as the sound of metal clashing and battle cries filled the air.

“What happened?” Anastasia demanded.

One of the Siren guards narrowed her ice-blue eyes on Anastasia. “He is here.”

34

Terrenia

Anastasia

“Open the gate,” Anastasia told the Fighters guarding it.

“Anastasia, wait!” Vincent rushed toward her. “You cannot go out there without knowing what you face.”

“I know what I’m up against. I have no intention of letting him kill anyone else before today is over.”

“You cannot go out alone.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “I’m not. I need you to take care of the Luxe outside. Keep them out of Terrenia.”

“I will.”

“Tony, you and the Fighters have to hold the line.”

He nodded.

She turned back toward the gate. “I’ll handle Thames.”

“Are you sure you’re up for it?” Vincent asked.

Anastasia ran her hand over her stomach. Pregnant or not, her husband was out there, and she was the only one able to save him. “I am.”

“Then let’s do this.”

“Here.” Tony handed her the sword she’d left behind when going to the Centaurs. Holding the familiar weight in her hand, she prepared herself for a battle she’d known was coming, but hoped she’d be able to stop before it reached her home.

The gate opened, and Anastasia, Vincent, Tony, Nix, and another dozen Fighters—including Selena and Gage—stepped out to join the fray.

The battle was unlike anything Anastasia had ever seen. The Luxe attacked, sending tendrils of black ooze at their targets, letting it sear their skin, the victims crying out in agony as they fell to the ground, their bodies disintegrating before their very eyes.

“Don’t let them touch you!” Anastasia screamed, blasting one with a stream of light as it neared Kaley. The felines were doing what they could to hold the line, but being unable to hold a weapon, they were the last line before the Luxe reached Terrenia.

The last ones to fall before her home went up in smoke.

“I don’t see Thames!” she called out to Vincent over the chaos.

He slammed a Luxe with a beam of light as it reached out for Tony. The stun lasted long enough Tony was able to swing his blade, slicing the creature in half.

“Anastasia, shield yourself!” Vincent ordered.

She did as she was told, and extended that shield to include Tony, who fought alongside her.

It did little good though, the first time a creature slammed into it, Anastasia felt the shield give way to their acid skin.

“I have to drop it!” she yelled to Tony.

He nodded, already covered in sweat, and Anastasia dropped it. Just as she did, the sky lit up with purple, and Dakota appeared on the other side of the fight.

A blast of water shot out around her, encapsulating the creatures, and she spun, grateful to see another Siren step outside of the gate.

She nodded, and Anastasia raced toward Dakota, who stared at her with a sinister sneer, letting her know it wasn’t him in control.

Good, I have quite a few things to say to you, you bastard.

She glanced back and breathed a sigh of relief. With the Siren holding the Luxe at bay, and Thames’ attention focused solely on her, the Centaurs and Fighters regrouped, backing closer to the village.

Thames broke into a run, racing toward her, and they clashed in the middle, both throwing blasts of power at the other. The power erupted into flames, sending heat crashing over them both.

She screamed, rage and grief battling for control, as she spun and slammed out at him with another blast of light.

Thames blocked it, barely, and recovered with a shield. Her power slammed into it and fizzled to the ground.

The two stood, breathing heavily, and Thames laughed. “I have to say, Sorceress, I’m impressed.”

“That makes one of us, you coward.”

“What makes me a coward?”

“You have to use someone else in order to fight.”

“Dakota is simply a means to an end. A way for me to get off my dying world.”

Now, it was Anastasia’s time to laugh. “You and I both know that’s not true. The Luxe denied you power, your best option was to use another magical person. You’re a pathetic waste of space.”

“You and your husband have the same opinion of me, it seems. No matter. I’ll let him watch you die before I track down this world’s life core and restore my own.”

Anastasia scoffed. “You’ll never find it.”

Thames narrowed his eyes. “Oh dear, Sorceress, I believe I’ve already found it.”

He lifted a hand, and a large whip appeared, purple and snapping with electricity. He popped it on the ground, turning the grass into ash.

Two can play that game. Anastasia unsheathed her sword and lit the blade with flame. Holding it straight in the air, she cried out and raced to close the distance between her and Thames.

He snapped out, and she dodged, jumping to the left and avoiding his whip by mere centimeters.

Focusing, she slashed out with her blade as it snapped toward her again, cutting part of it off. Before she could grin, the damn thing grew back.

Focus on the user, not the weapon. Good advice for what she was going to have to do.

Using her free hand, Anastasia conjured a ball of light and blasted him with it. Dakota’s body flew backward and slammed into the tree just behind him.

I’m sorry, Dakota. Tears burned in her eyes, but before Thames could recover, she blasted him again, and again, and yet again, the balls of light hitting his chest until she was so close she could look down into his terrified eyes.

“You’re going to kill him,” Thames warned, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.

“I imagine death is something Dakota would welcome.” Surprised her voice was steady, she conjured another ball of light. “It’s better than being forced to do things he’d never otherwise do.”

The ball grew significantly, the light all but blinding them both. With one last attempt, Thames hit her square in the chest with enough power to have her stumbling back.

He was weakening, though, and it did nothing more than sting.

Kicking out with his foot, he knocked her to the ground and conjured a portal.

Racing toward it, Anastasia tried to stop him. She was so close! If he got away now, who knew when she’d get another chance! A glance behind her, Anastasia dove through after him, just before the portal closed.

35

Luxe

Anastasia

She hit the marble with a thud, immediately pushing to her feet. Thames was already racing down the hall, so she pushed into a sprint, tackling him just as he entered the throne room.

“You stupid bitch!” he yelled, kicking out with a boot. Her lip split open at the contact, but she ignored the pain, focusing on the body slumped over in the throne.

Anastasia smiled. This was it, her one chance to destroy Thames forever.

“You know,” he taunted, backing toward the wall behind him as Anastasia got to her feet. “I had the most fun toying with your pathetic father.”

Anastasia clenched her fists, not letting him know she’d seen his physical body.

“He believed I was your uncle from the very beginning, let me come in and rip apart his family from the inside.”

“You must be so proud.”

“Once I learned of the prophecy, of who you were supposed to become, I knew I had to end it.”

“Yet you couldn’t force Vincent to kill me.”

Thames shrugged. “The pain you suffered through living was more than enough for me. I ate it up, each and every time I showed up at your house and looked upon your bruised face. It killed Vincent, and his pain was my fuel.” Thames closed his eyes and turned his head up to the ceiling. “Just as Dakota’s is now.”

Anastasia ground her teeth together.

“He is terrified, you know. I can feel it. Terrified that I’m going to make him feel your blood on his skin just as I did that Fighter.”

“I’m sure he knows there’s nothing to be afraid of. You won’t be in control much longer.”

Thames grinned. “Where is your uncle, anyway? I assumed his ghost would still be following you around like a shadow searching for life.”

“He’s back kicking the shit out of your monsters.”

“Interesting. He was a most fun toy. I have to say I miss our conversations and the pain he felt knowing your father hated him. How sad is it when your own family doesn’t see the good in you?”

“You should know.”

Thames nodded angrily. “I should, shouldn’t I? My father was too weak to see what needed to be done. We should have ruled the worlds—all of them! But he was too focused on peace, and dolled out power when other worlds began to die.”

“How dare he be a good person.”

“He used our power—Luxe power—that could’ve been used for so much more.”

“Yet you destroyed your world.” Anastasia side-stepped, trying to get close enough to blast him. If she hit him with enough power, she might be able to jolt him from Dakota long enough to kill him once and for all, separating them and bringing her husband back.

“My world was already weak because he’d used the power!”

“Pretty sure that’s not how that works.”

“Your uncle was pathetic, your father was pathetic, your bitch mother was pathetic, so why do you think you’re any different?”

“I’m not any different from them, but you’re wrong. The only pathetic one here is you.” She conjured a ball of flame, and Thames’ eyes widened. He glanced toward his own body and threw up a shield to block her.

Before she could do anything, Thames raised Dakota’s hand and threw an orb of light straight into the chest of his own body.

“No!” she screamed, running toward him.

Thames’ physical body began to burn, and Anastasia was helpless to do anything but watch.

“Now, it seems we’re both trapped in this miserable shell,” Thames said, disgusted. “Tell me, Sorceress, what was your plan? Attack me and hope I went back into my own body so you could save your husband?” He laughed angrily, and Anastasia turned to him, tears slipping down her cheeks as Armes’ words came back to her.

“If it comes down to his life, or the life of the worlds, I will not hesitate, and I hope you will not either.”

“Ana, you have to kill me, it’s the only way,” Dakota had urged her.

“You bastard,” she cried out.

Thames grinned widely at her, his eyes narrowing on her face. He thought she’d lost, but as long as Terrenia still thrived, she couldn’t lose—at least not completely.

“I’m sorry, Dakota,” Anastasia whispered before pulling at all her power and screaming. She aimed her power at him, channeling all of it into him, the stream of magic throwing him back into the wall and holding him there as it poured into his body.

“You’re going to kill him!” Thames yelled, but Anastasia didn’t stop.

Flashes of their life together went through her mind as she fought to stay connected to her power.

His smile, his laugh, the way he looked when he rolled out of bed in the morning. She used all of it to channel her rage at the monster using him as a weapon.

Dakota would be free.

Free from Thames.

Free from the nightmares of what he’d been forced to commit.

And the worlds would be safe.

“You stupid girl!” Thames yelled again as he crumpled to the ground. He threw up a hand, attempting to shield Dakota’s body from any more harm, but Anastasia put up her other one and continued pushing everything she had into him.

Her vision swam, the power draining her energy, and when she saw Dakota fall the rest of the way to the ground, she stopped and raced toward him.

His face was pale, blue eyes returned to their normal color but dimming with every second that passed.

“Ana,” he whispered, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

“Dakota, I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head, tears dripping from the corners of his eyes. “Don’t be, you did what I asked.”

“How am I supposed to live without you?” she sobbed, the lump in her throat making it impossible to breathe.

“You’ll be fine.”

She gripped his hand, pressing a kiss to the top.

“I. Love. You. Ana,” he whispered. His eyes closed, and the blue lines on his skin began to recede.

“No!” she screamed, pressing her hands to either side of his face. “No! Dakota, come back! Please, come back!” Her vision was blurred from tears, making it impossible to see the lines of his face as she sobbed.

Gripping him, she barely noticed when a blast of power shot from his body, saturating the room around her with a thick purple haze.

Grief overwhelming her, Anastasia rocked Dakota as his power seeped into her body, saturating her blood.

She screamed out again, clutching Dakota to her chest and rocking.

The shape of a man appeared in front of her, and still, she held Dakota, unwilling to let him go.

“Oh, Anastasia.” Vincent cupped her face with his hands. “Niece, I'm so sorry.”

Unable to speak, she leaned down, burying her face in Dakota’s chest. He was gone. The love of her life was gone, and she’d been the one who killed him.

Because she’d been too weak to stop Rosabel in that house back in Seattle.

“He’s gone,” she choked out.

“Anastasia,” Tony said, having come through whatever portal Vincent used to bring him here. “I’m so sorry.” His voice broke at the end.

“Anastasia,” Vincent said quietly, and she looked up at him. He smiled softly. “Getting to know you has been such an honor. You are your father and more, child. The strength within you is more impressive than the prophecy ever could have promised.”

He touched her cheek gently, then looked down at Dakota. Holding his hand to Dakota’s heart, Vincent’s body began to glow brightly, his skin lighting from the inside.

“Vincent, what are you doing?”

“Giving you a second chance. Life—a gift freely given.”

She opened her mouth to speak as Vincent’s light climbed down his arm and into Dakota’s limp body.

“You are a phenomenal woman, Anastasia. Never forget that.”

His body turned transparent again, and Dakota’s glowed for a moment before the power she’d absorbed upon his death shot out of her and back into him.

She cried out, pain ripping through her as the power pulled away, burying itself back into its host.

Dakota gasped for air, sitting up quickly.

Tony pulled Anastasia out of reach, and she waited to see who came back.

Vincent, returned to his ghostly form, watched the scene before him, and all she could do was stare, completely immobilized by what he’d done for them.

“Ana?”

She turned toward the sound. “Dakota?” She pulled her arm out of Tony’s grip. “Is that you?”

He looked at her, eyes clear and blue, just as she’d always remembered them. He nodded and pushed to his feet.

She ran to him on shaky legs, their bodies meeting together in a frenzied embrace. Dakota crashed his mouth to hers, and Anastasia wrapped her arms around his shoulders as tears poured from her eyes.

“I thought I was gone,” he whispered against her lips.

“You were. Vincent saved you.”

Dakota pulled away and turned to Vincent, who smiled softly.

“I did what needed to be done. You deserve happiness, Anastasia.”

“So do you.”

Vincent shrugged. “I made my bed when I went to Thames for help. It is time to lie in it.”

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to thank you,” Dakota said, still gripping onto Anastasia.

“You take care of my niece. Keep her safe and make her happy.”

“I will.”

Vincent looked past them and smiled wider than she’d ever seen him smile before.

“Brother,” he whispered. He turned his attention back to them. “It appears my job is complete.” He started to walk toward the wall, but stopped and turned to Anastasia. “Embrace the power, Anastasia, but don’t ever let it rule you.”

She nodded, unable to speak.

Vincent looked to Tony. “Take care of my son, Fighter.”

“I will. Thank you, Vincent.”

Vincent nodded once, then faded away.

Dakota turned his attention back to Anastasia, and she smiled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and hanging on for dear life.

36

Luxe

Dakota

His mind clear for the first time in weeks, Dakota held onto his wife. He breathed her in as he held her, their hearts beating together as one.

Thames was gone, completely erased from his mind, but Dakota knew he’d be living with what he’d seen and done for the remainder of his life.

Which was now longer because of a sacrifice Vincent made.

He cupped Ana’s face and kissed her deeply, not caring that they weren’t the only two in the room. He’d been ready to die, and his second chance at living was not something he planned on wasting even a moment of.

The ghost of the man Dakota knew as the late king appeared in front of him and motioned toward the throne where Luxe’s scepter still sat.

Dakota pulled away, releasing Ana and walking to Thames’ burned corpse. Reaching down, he lifted the golden scepter and closed his eyes.

Power slipped down his arm, buzzing as it moved through him and into the object. The light grew, forming an orb of energy at the top where there’d once been only a dull stone.

The light solidified and radiated from the top, spreading through the castle and out to the rest of the world.

For the first time in ten thousand years, the sun rose, brightening the castle nearly painfully.

“You’ve ended the reign of darkness,” the king said.

Ana and Tony spun, having heard the old man’s words.

“Who the hell are you?” Tony demanded, reaching for his sword.

“He’s the Luxe king,” Dakota told them. “Thames’ father.”

The king bowed his head slightly. “I am not the king any longer. You must reign. Make our world whole again, Dakota. Bring Luxe back to its peaceful glory.”

He disappeared, fading away in the sunlight, and Dakota looked back down at Ana.

“There are a lot of dead people coming back lately,” Tony commented.

Dakota laughed. Damn, that feels good.

Ana’s eyes widened. “Terrenia! What happened when I left?”

“When I left to find you,” Tony said, “the Sirens held the Luxe at bay and we’d gotten the villagers into the bunkers.”

She waved her hand, conjuring a portal. “We need to make sure they’re okay.”

“Let’s go.”

The three of them stepped through the portal and into Terrenia, where cheers of the victors radiated through the air.

There was no sight of Thames’ creatures, but there were a hell of a lot more people than Dakota remembered.

And he didn’t recognize most of them.

They turned as he approached, bowing their heads as they knelt before him and pressed a fist to their chests.

“Are those—” Tony started.

“Those are the Luxe,” Dakota confirmed.

“Thames must have trapped them between life and death, draining them and polluting them with his darkness,” Ana said.

“Dakota!”

He turned just as his mother reached him. “Hey, Mom.”

“You’re alive.” Eyes full of tears, she reached up and cupped his face. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Dakota wrapped his arms around her, and she sobbed against his shoulder.

The sun shone brightly, and when he released her, he was surrounded by creatures he’d never seen before.

“I trust this means the threat is gone?” one of the large half-man, half-horse creatures asked Ana.

“Yes. Dakota, meet Armes, king of the Centaurs.”

Armes bowed his head slightly. “I’m glad to see you were able to save your husband.”

“Only by killing me first,” Dakota joked.

Armes raised an eyebrow, and Elizabeth gasped.

“Where is the Sorcerer?” Armes asked, looking behind them.

Dakota swallowed hard. “He sacrificed himself for me.”

Armes studied him curiously before nodding. “A gift freely given. You should feel honored.”

“I do.”

“Sorceress, we need to return the life core to its resting place as soon as possible.”

“Can’t she rest for a moment?” Elizabeth asked angrily.

“It’s okay, Elizabeth, it needs to go back,” Ana said softly. “Gather your men, and we will return it.” The Centaur king turned away and headed toward his people, who’d gathered near the wall.

Thames’ internal rage when he’d learned she’d taken the life core was enough to give Dakota hope she’d stop him.

Ana was powerful on her own, but put the strength of an entire world at her back, and she’d been unstoppable.

Nix walked slowly toward him, and Dakota swallowed hard, the memory of what he’d done to the Guinsow’s wife nearly crippling him.

“I’m glad to see you’ve returned, Dakota.”

“Nix, I’m so sorry. If I could’ve stopped him, if I could take it back—”

“It is not your burden to bear. The actions were not your own, and I know you never would have brought harm to our world.”

“I’m still so sorry.”

Nix sighed. “Nallia would be pleased to know her daughter is safe now, that our enemy has been destroyed.”

Kaley ran over and rubbed her head against Dakota’s leg. Kneeling, he hugged her tightly, and she buried her face in his chest.

Her fur was matted with blood, and parts of her skin were injured, but she would survive. He stood and stared out over Terrenia, tears burning in his eyes.

They’d come so damn close to losing everything.

He looked down at Ana. I came so damn close to losing everything.

She threaded her fingers through his and leaned against him.

Life would never be the same. They were permanently scarred by the past, and the lives Thames took when he’d been in control would haunt Dakota forever, but at least now there was the light of a brand-new day, a chance to live again, without the threat of war looming over them.

He looked to the Luxe who’d been given a second chance just as he’d been.

They would survive, thrive even, on their world, and eventually, the nightmare of this war would be nothing but a faded memory for future generations.

A story told to keep history from repeating itself.

“Hey, where’d you go?” Ana asked, turning her head up to his.

Dakota smiled down at her. “Just glad to be back.”

“We’re ready, Sorceress,” Armes said as he approached with a herd of Centaurs and three women Dakota assumed were Sirens.

Being this close to the creatures that tied him to Thames sent a sense of dread through him, and he gripped Ana tighter.

Never again. I will never be someone’s weapon ever again.

“Let’s go.” Ana waved her hand, and a portal appeared. The Centaurs went through first, followed closely by their king and the Sirens. He and Ana went through next, and Dakota took a deep breath before following her down a narrow cavern.

He’d spent a long time trapped in the dark; being back—if even for a moment—was enough to send his nerves spiraling.

“It’s okay,” Ana whispered, picking up on his tension. “Everything is going to be okay from now on.” The promise in her words brought a smile to his lips.

Usually, it was him comforting her.

They made their way through a labyrinth of caverns until the one they were in opened into a large room, an altar in the center.

Dakota felt a pull at his magic, almost as if something called out to him.

Ana released his hand and followed Armes and a Siren to the center of the room.

“Ready, Sorceress?”

“Yes.”

Ana closed her eyes and lifted her hands out to the sides as her skin began to glow. Power poured from her, lighting the room with a bright red glow that swirled around her, a tornado of light. The light gathered and shot up to the ceiling, forming into a large orb.

It floated softly down, centering itself over the altar.

“Are you okay?” he asked, but Ana just smiled over at him.

“I’m fine.”

He swallowed hard. How much had he missed? “Was that the life core?”

“It was, and now, it’s home,” Armes told him. “Thank you, Sorceress, for all you’ve done.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you for your support.”

“If ever you should need us again, you know where to find us.”

Ana smiled and shook the large Centaur’s hand. “Thank you, Armes.”

He turned his green eyes to Dakota. “I do hope your world recovers, King Dakota.”

Dakota’s eyes widened. King? Is that what I’m supposed to be now? He was just coming around to being alive again, how the hell was he supposed to rule a world he’d only recently learned of?

“Thank you, for everything.”

Armes bowed his head, and Ana conjured another portal.

“Goodbye, Sorceress. May your reign be long and happy.”

“Thank you, Armes. I hope you get some good rest.”

The Centaur smiled. “I believe I will.”

She held out her hand, and Dakota took it. Looking down at their hands, he took a deep breath and stepped through the portal.

37

Terrenia

Anastasia

Anastasia stood on the watchtower, staring out over the battleground still covered in decaying grass and plants.

In their short time here, the Luxe had done some serious damage to the area, but even now, just three days later, new tendrils of green grew through the death.

New life amongst the horror.

She smiled and closed her eyes against the soft breeze. Terrenia was safe, Luxe was safe, and while they couldn’t bring back the Pickrie, Jaitu, or Guisnow worlds, those remaining would find solace in their new homes.

Even from where she stood, she could see the tops of the large flowers she’d conjured for Plews and Marney, complete with sweet nectar they could enjoy for years to come. The Jaitu moved deep into the forests, and the Guisnow queen traveled with them.

The Fawnis returned to their clearing near the mountains, and the Mamsets went with them, the two species having become close friends over the last two years.

Time was moving forward, life was going on, and the nightmares of the past were becoming easier to handle.

For some, at least.

She turned around and looked out over the village. She could barely make out the graveyard, and the man more haunted than the final resting place of the dead.

Climbing down the ladder, she walked slowly through the village as the sun began to sink lower into the sky.

Come tomorrow, she, Dakota, Tony, Elizabeth, and Carmen would travel to Luxe to begin preparations for Dakota to take the throne.

He was going to be king, and he’d make a damn good one. They just had to help him move forward from the memories of the atrocities Thames committed.

It was going to take time and, luckily, now they had it.

“Hey,” she said softly, coming to stand beside him.

He stared down at Shane’s grave, tears slipping down his cheeks. “He fought so hard to stay alive.” Dakota’s voice was weak. “You should have heard the things Thames said to him.”

“None of that’s your fault.” She wove her fingers through his.

“You say that, but if I’d come to you back when I first started having the nightmares, maybe we could’ve figured out who Rosabel was before it was too late.”

“We didn’t even know Sirens existed; how could we have known what she was capable of?”

Dakota shook his head but didn’t answer.

“You are not responsible for what Thames did, Dakota. No more than Vincent was.”

“How am I supposed to lead the Luxe? To be their king when that place holds more horrors for me than anywhere?”

“Horrors that you are going to erase.”

She stepped in front of him, blocking his view of Shane’s grave, and cupped his cheeks with both hands. “We are going to erase them, together.” Reaching for one of his hands, she pressed it to her abdomen.

Dakota closed his eyes, and more tears slipped down his cheeks. “I don’t deserve this.”

“Vincent thought differently. He gave up his second chance for you to have one.”

“Maybe he should’ve let me die.”

“How can you say that?” Anastasia asked angrily. “I need you, this baby needs you. You don’t get to check out just because the pain is difficult. You will make it through, and eventually, it will get easier. You have to believe that.”

He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. “I do, but dammit, Ana, it hurts. Every time I close my eyes, I see Shane and Nallia, and all the others Thames murdered.”

“I see them, too, and I see my father, my mother, Brady, Sarah, your dad, and now Vincent. But that doesn’t mean I let them haunt me. They’re my reminders.”

“Reminders of what? Pain?”

“It used to be that way, but now when I think of them, I remember love. I remember parents who searched for me for twenty-one years. I remember a brother and sister who weren’t blood, but every bit my siblings. I remember an honorable man who stood up for what was right even if it meant sacrificing everything. And I remember a man so desperate for his brother’s love that he sought a magical way to it, a man who, in the end, sacrificed his last chance for life in order to give me back the man I loved.

“That’s what you need to remember, Dakota. The love, not the pain.”

She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“I love you, Ana,” he whispered against her mouth.

“I love you, too. Now, let’s go home.”

Linking hands, they turned away from the gravestones and began the short walk home.

Once inside, she removed her cloak and followed Dakota into the kitchen. He’d lost so much weight when he’d been held captive, and the dark circles beneath his eyes had barely begun to fade.

Her love was broken, shattered, and it was up to her to begin putting the pieces of him back together.

“How is anyone going to be able to look past what Thames did as me? How is anyone going to be able to trust me again? I’ve seen the way they watch me, Ana. As if it’s still not really me.” He covered his face with his hands. “Hell, I don’t even see me anymore.”

She closed the distance between them and placed her hands on his forearms. Slowly pulling them down, she looked into his tear-filled eyes. “I see you, Dakota, only you.” She reached up and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. “Soon, they will see you, too.”

Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his, burying her hands in his thick hair. He groaned slightly and gripped her hips, pulling her hard against his body. He threaded his hands through her hair.

Anastasia let her fingers trail down to his waist, slowly lifting the shirt from his body, breaking the kiss just long enough to pull the fabric up and over his head.

Dakota did the same with her shirt, then pulled her against him again and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her hands in his hair as he kissed her desperately, as if she were the oxygen filling his lungs.

There were no words that could fill this void or stop the painful thoughts running through his head, but showing him how much he meant to her, how much she desperately needed him, was the best she could do.

Walking, Dakota carried her to their bedroom and laid her back gently onto the mattress. He stared down at her with longing, and she reached for him, pulling his body over hers.

“Only you, Dakota,” she whispered before pulling him back to her mouth. Reaching down with her hands, she undid the buttons of his jeans, before rolling him over onto his back. She slowly slid down his body, kissing his soft skin as she went, before lowering his pants and tossing them to the ground.

Dakota reached for her, but she only smiled as she stood by the bed, slowly removing the rest of her clothing until she stood before him wearing nothing.

That’s how it always was with them—no barriers, no walls to climb in order to reach the other. Thames did more damage when he took over Dakota than she’d ever considered, and it was going to take time to move past the damage.

It was going to take love.

She walked to him, and his hungry eyes ate up every stride. When she reached the edge of the bed, he pulled her down, rolling over so his body covered hers. His beard scraped the skin of her neck as she arched, giving his lips access to her throat.

Rough hands palmed her breasts, teasing the nipples gently as he massaged them. Anastasia moaned, arching her hips up against his erection. Breathing heavily, Dakota reached down and adjusted himself before slipping inside where she ached for him.

Anastasia moaned, arching up again, and Dakota stilled, resting his forehead in the crook of her neck.

He slowly pulled out before thrusting in again, and again, and her orgasm built inside her, a steady roaring of intimate power that could only come from sex. She gripped his hips as he continued to drive into her. Her release tore through her, and she cried out, digging her fingertips into his hips as he continued to move only a moment longer before his own release took over and he crumpled, trembling on top of her.

Anastasia wrapped her arms and legs around him and held on, not ready for the intimacy to be over.

Too soon, Dakota pulled away to look down into her eyes. “I love you, Ana.”

She smiled, seeing light in the blue for the first time since she got him back. “I love you, too, and I always will.”

* * *

The morning came quickly, and as the first rays of sunlight streamed in through the windows, Anastasia and Dakota pulled on their clothes and grabbed the bags they’d packed the day before.

Turning to stare at her room, she smiled, both excited for what was to come, and emotional over leaving the place that had been her home for the last seven years.

“Ready?” Dakota grabbed the bag from her hands.

She turned to him and smiled. “Ready, King Dakota.”

To her delight, he chuckled, a little more of the darkness disappearing. “No, please don’t call me that. Ever.”

She laughed and followed him out into the Terrenian sunlight. Kaley waited for them on the porch, and after petting her lightly, they stepped down onto the path that would take them to the village center.

Once they rounded the corner, Anastasia gasped. There, waiting for them in the center, was the Terrenians, the Jaitu, the Guisnows, and Argento. They began to clap, and Anastasia looked up at Dakota, tears in her eyes. He smiled down at her, and they walked toward the villagers.

“It’s good to see you, Dakota.” Argento was the first to greet them, and he reached forward, pulling Dakota in for an embrace.

“It’s so good to see you, too.”

“I’m just sorry I missed the final fight.”

“You were keeping your daughter safe,” Anastasia said with a smile.

“From what I heard, it was a big one.”

“You didn’t miss much.”

Argento laughed and hugged them both again. “It has truly been an honor, and I do hope you both will come visit me.”

“We will,” Dakota promised.

They moved further into the crowd, accepting hugs and saying their goodbyes as they went.

Tilly, who hadn’t ventured outside since Rosabel killed her husband in her attempt to turn Terrenia against Anastasia, stood with Selena and accepted a hug from Anastasia.

“I’m so sorry,” Anastasia whispered.

“Thank you.” Tilly released her, tears shimmering in her grey eyes. “Take care of yourselves.”

“We will,” Dakota promised.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” Selena said, hugging Anastasia. “Brady and Sarah would’ve been proud to have known you.”

“Thank you.” The lump in Anastasia’s throat burned, but she swallowed hard, forcing the tears back down.

Zarina stood beside Harold and the other elders, and offered them both a smile and a nod. Anastasia returned it, before turning to the crowd.

“This world has been my home for the past seven years. I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me, for being my friends, and for becoming my family.” She smiled, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I promise this will not be the last you see of us. We will be back to visit, and I can’t wait to see what Terrenia will become in the future.”

She stepped back, and Dakota cleared his throat. “Thank you for taking me in when I followed Ana here. You guys accepted me as if I’d been born here, and that always meant more to me than I could possibly say. I know things have been difficult the last few years, and I apologize for any part I played in it—knowing or otherwise.” He looked down at Ana, and she smiled. “I promise to take care of her, and make sure she brings the baby back to visit.”

Laughter and cheers erupted through the villagers. Tony, Carmen, Elizabeth, Vinny, Gage, Zoey and their three kids, and Kaley came to stand beside them.

Anastasia opened a portal that would take them to their new home. “See you guys soon.” With one more look back, she stepped through and into the living room of the Luxe castle. The others followed, and the portal closed behind them.

Anastasia looked up at Dakota. “Welcome home.”

“With you here, it feels like it could be.”

Epilogue

Luxe: 5 Years Later

Anastasia

“You better run!”

The giggles that followed Dakota’s empty threat had Anastasia nearly swooning. It didn’t matter she’d been hearing this idle threat for the last four years, it was her favorite sound in the world, and there wasn’t a day that went by that watching Dakota play with their daughter didn’t bring a smile to her face.

“Daddy can’t catch me!” Annabelle ran faster, circling a tree before running straight for Anastasia.

She caught the little girl and toppled back, holding her to the side of her swollen belly.

“You’re going to squish your little brothers!” Dakota warned with a smile, and Annabelle placed her hand on top of Anastasia’s stomach.

“Are they kicking?” she asked, her freckled nose scrunching.

“Not at the moment.”

Anastasia had been expecting the pout that followed, and also the giggles immediately after when Dakota scooped her up and plopped down beside Anastasia.

It was beautiful on Luxe today, the sun shining brightly in the sky. Where there’d once been nothing, grass, flowers, and trees now covered the spanning landscape surrounding the castle.

The people were thriving, loving, and living their lives as though nothing had ever happened, and it brought pure joy to Anastasia’s heart.

Of course, this happiness hadn’t come overnight. It had taken two years of hard work to put the world back to the way it had been before Thames destroyed everything in his path.

“You about ready to go inside? Gaga will have dinner ready soon,” Dakota said to Annabelle, using her pet name for Elizabeth.

“Yum!”

Annabelle jumped to her feet and raced toward the castle, while Dakota pulled Anastasia up and kissed her loudly. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, you’re not so bad yourself.”

Dakota linked his fingers with hers, and they began to walk slowly toward home. Home. Who would’ve thought the castle harboring so many bad memories would feel so comfortable now? Dakota still battled with nightmares of the things he’d witnessed when Thames controlled him, but they were getting fewer and farther between as time went on, and she hoped that one day the nightmares would disappear forever, giving him the peace of mind he deserved.

Thames’ darkness was long gone, replaced by bright décor, sunshine, and happiness. Something he never would’ve understood.

They still visited Terrenia from time to time, and now, with Zarina in charge and the ever-grumpy Harold passed on, they were even welcomed.

Kaley ran toward them, rubbing her face on Dakota as she fell into step beside them.

This was happiness, this was home, and for as long as she lived, Anastasia vowed to protect it and those she loved from any threat that might arise.

Not that she was worried about anything other than welcoming her two sons into the world.

“Hey, you two!” Tony greeted them from the front door. “I was just telling this one we might have to come carry you both inside.”

Annabelle giggled from Tony’s arms, and the broad smile on his face had Anastasia sending one of her own his way.

“Can I have up, Uncle Tony?” Vinny asked, lifting his arms in the air.

“Well, I guess.” With a grin, Tony bent and lifted the seven-year-old with his other arm before turning and carting them both inside. “I’ve got two kiddos in tow, and I bet we’ll still beat them.”

Anastasia heard the happy ring of their answering laughs as they disappeared inside.

“Want me to carry you?” Dakota asked, grinning.

Anastasia laughed. “I’m fairly certain you couldn’t lift me. I weigh a ton right now.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Don’t. Even. Think. About. It,” she warned.

Dakota’s answering chuckle told her he knew better by now. “I won’t, promise.”

They reached the foyer and began the walk upstairs to the dining room, each step carrying them closer to the laughing family waiting for them above.

Anastasia had once wondered if she’d know what it would be like to let go of the war and just live.

She hadn’t had an answer back then, but she certainly did now.

As long as when the fighting was over, Dakota was by her side, there wasn’t a damn thing she couldn’t do.

From The Author

If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or anywhere else you share your love of books!

Even if it’s only a few words, reviews are helpful to other readers, and treasured by authors!

Thank you so much!

Jessica

Acknowledgments

I’m not even entirely sure where to start on this one! This series has been a part of my life for over a decade.

I still remember sitting at my desk and plotting out Anastasia's character, but even then I had no idea the journey she would take throughout the series.

It was originally only going to be a trilogy, but after writing the final words in Sorceress, I knew I wasn’t ready to let these characters go. Hell, I may never be fully ready to let them go, but after everything they went through it was time for Anastasia and Dakota to get their happy ending.

I want to first thank God, as I do every day, for blessing me with my love of words and the drive to create new worlds each time I sit down at a keyboard.

I want to thank my amazingly supportive husband who has stood by my side motivating me, supporting me, and pushing me to chase after this crazy author dream since the day we met. I love you Nate!

I want to thank my wonderful kids for keeping me so incredibly entertained each and every day. NEVER lose your imagination!

To my author bestie Meg. You have always been such a wonderful friend, confidant, and motivator since the day we met and I’m not sure what I’d do without you!

To my betas, Brianna and Cynthia, THANK YOU for reading the incredibly rough draft of this and offering your invaluable feedback! Seriously! You guys rock!

To my editor, Jessa, thank you for all your hard work!

To Dominique, the best damn proofer around, thank you for making my words really shine and offering your endless encouragement!

For my ARC team, thank you for each review, kind word, and all your support!

And finally for each and every one of you who took a chance on this series, I cannot thank you enough and I hope Anastasia means as much to you as she does to me.

Thank you all for taking this incredible journey with me!

-Jessica

About the Author

Jessica Wayne was born and raised in southern California where she and her family trained horses. She grew up traveling to different competitions, as well as showing sheep and rabbits for 4-H and the FFA.

After moving to Texas with her family, Jessica joined the Army National Guard where she served for seven years.

From the moment her grandmother introduced her to Nora Roberts’ wonderful world of romance, Jessica knew she wanted to create her own stories and share them with the world.

She has been writing full time for the past four years, and is a stay at home mom. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, their two children, and their dog.

You can get in touch with her using any of the links below:

E-mail

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Also By Jessica Wayne

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FANTASY

A Tethered Duet

Collateral Damage

Their Own Time

The Prophecy Series
phoenix
fighter
sorceress
siren
unity- Coming Soon

Co-projects

Star-Crossed

Amria

Supernova

SUSPENSE
the corrupted series
deceived
concealed

Terminated- Coming 2019

Betrayed- coming 2019

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Year Of Love

Available on AudioBook

Deceived

A Tethered Duet

Collateral Damage