Page 25 of Master Oradea

Romano stops her. “Let me see if I remember. Over the top of the moss door is the letter W. It blends in with its surroundings. It looks like twigs or brush, but from far away you can see it. When you and Willow will it to do so, it burns bright for us, leading the way to safety.”

Raven nods. “You’ve got it.” She pulls a key from her skirt. “If you want less bloodshed, like I told you last time, then you want me with you. I’m coming to help.” Romano growls, but Raven stands her ground. “The only way that key will work is if a witch is using it. And let’s not forget, I am a witch.”

Lucianna closes her eyes and then opens them, watching us all. “They are at the top of the mountain. They know about the key to our survival, and they know somewhere in that valley it holds the answer to strip our powers. The power-hungry rogues and Lucas want to strip the vampires of our power, just like Isala did. We’ve known this, but destiny has always interfered with our ability to end this drawn-out war.”

She’s not wrong and this time I have no intention of letting destiny stand in the way of finding Lucas, Embry, and those fucking rogues. “Master Bistrita’s land butts up against mine, and that area in the mountain is right in the center of where our land meets. I called him earlier to see if he could meet us here. He’s probably just running a little late.”

A shuffle behind me causes me to turn as Bistrita clears his throat. “I’ve been watching the rogue shifters on my cameras up in the mountains. The mangy beasts are infiltrating that side of the range as though it were put on earth just for them. They should have picked another range because they will not fare well this time. Master Oradea and I will not allow them to infiltrate this land. We will fight them until none of them live to see another day.”

I couldn’t agree with him more. “This time, we have the syndicate surrounding the area. If the shifters who protect them run, they will be captured. The purebloods will take on the rogues, Lucas, and Embry,” I tell the group, pointing out the spots on the map where each circle of infiltration will go.

The stones around Willow, Raven, and Madria’s necks all begin to glow at the very same time, turning from the dull amber to the bright flaming bluish hue, causing us all to bring our attention to them. Devora’s image appears in the stones. “The bastard rogues are on their way to the mountain. They plan to stake claim on the very land that we witches call our homes. If the bloodthirsty purebloods find the key in this land and take power from the vampires, they will wreak havoc on civilization as we know it. The humans will begin burning witches and vampires alike, no matter whose side we are on. Fucking vampires!” she screeches.

Descallia growls, “We work together, Devora. We join forces to end the battle with the rogues once and for all. We send them back to the hell they deserve and then settle the land issue amicably.”

Electricity flows from the tips of her fingernails, causing a chain reaction with the other witches, their eyes flashing and fingertips sending blue and silver energy into the air. Lucianna’s eyes begin to glow, and she raises a hand, trying to tamp down the tempers in the room as only she can do. “We need to remember, whatever Lucas tries to do, we have the power. The power of the stones and destiny has sent the witches to help us battle the rogues once and for all. Recall a passage in the Vade Mecum that says when beasts and enchantresses combine, the path of light will blind.”

“Devora, the power to end this has always been with you, the witches, and the purebloods, a sign from destiny that we are to work together and end this for the good of the rest of the world and underworld as we know it.”

Devora nods. “Then we follow the path that destiny has carved out for us. Witches, your stones will lead the way and help the vampires end the rogues for good. Take care of the witches, vampires!” she warns.

I give her a nod of thanks, knowing exactly how she feels because I’m not leaving Natalia alone for a minute if I’m outside this estate. “That’s exactly what we intend to do, Devora. Gather your gear, everyone. We’ll gather the rest of our group, and then, Lucas, Embry, rogues, and mangy shifters, we are coming for you.”