Page 278 of The Edge of Darkness

“When Nivelle and my commander met with you, they gave you a brief outline of what to expect, but some plans have changed since then. We’ve gathered more intel and adapted our approach, and there are several things you all need to be aware of. The first of which, I will let the Lady of Calledan explain.”

Auren stepped up to Niall’s side.

By all appearances, she looked fine, but something about her was different. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but I sensed something was weighing heavy on her heart.

“The fallen god can only be defeated by someone who descends from him, yet is not a god themselves,” she said. “And that someone must be powerful enough to do so. Many things have to align in order for that to even be possible.” She paused and scanned the room, letting the silence build. “I have come to fulfill the fae prophecy. I am the enigma that Lyceius did not expect. It is my power that will destroy what is left of his and eradicate him from this earth. But I will need each and every one of you by my side to do it.

“Your job is to protect every warrior and creature on the battlefield that fights for our cause. But first, there are things you need to know about the enemy. Things that we have only just learned today.

“Torin’s sister, Skadi, has taken up arms, alongside Lyceius, and the creatures she commands are just as foul, if not worse than his. We encountered one in particular that is made solely out of shadows. It seems to be immune to all manner of forged weaponry. However, it is vulnerable to the talons and teeth of a wolf-like animal that the fae call the cù-sìth. I watched one kill the shadow creature when traditional blades could not.”

“What she says is true,” the unfamiliar Dionach that stood next to her said. “I fought the entity. Neither of my blades had any effect on it.”

Concern circulated on faint murmurs as the Dionachs traded worries.

“A spell should take care of them,” a female voice called out.

Nivelle.

The Dionachs parted for her as she strode forward from the entry.

Instead of wearing armor or leathers or something befitting the occasion, the witch wore long black robes that fluttered around her as she moved—an outfit she must have brought back from Neveshir.

“The cù-sìth are ancient creatures with ties to magic and death, are they not?” she asked.

“They are,” Niall answered her.

“Then a death spell should do just fine on them.” She turned to address the Dionachs. “I will conjure one and bestow its enchantment tonight.”

Wings shifted and heads nodded in acceptance.

Niall huffed a breath of air. “Conjure one that can be used on the enemy’s entire host, and let’s just avoid this entire event altogether.”

“If there was a way, High Lord, I would. But there is no spell strong enough to take the lives of thousands.”

“Hundreds of thousands,” Niall corrected her.

The air in the tent fell still, as if every breath had halted upon hearing his words.

The number had put everything into perspective.

Niall met the eyes of each Dionach. “That is what we are up against—countless beasts and creatures that are born of pure evil. The darkness that Lyceius harbors isn’t like the one that runs in my veins. It’s a corrupt version of the power he had before. It’s the result of him abusing the gift he was given. And it should not be taken lightly.”

“And speaking of power,” Auren continued. “There is another type of creature you must be aware of. They’re called the keres, and they’re drawn to power. So any use of it will be a beacon for them. You need to take caution. Use your weapons when you can. Save your power for when you must. Keep your head on a swivel, and do not let your guard down.”

Auren’s voice faded out as a familiar scent brushed by my Aura. I shifted my focus to it and found the source.

There, near a cluster of trees on the outskirts of the camp, was Remic. His chest was heaving, and his wings were sagging. Sweat dripped from his brow. At his side, his sword hung from his hand.

The tree that stood before him bore the brunt of whatever rage had been brewing inside him just moments ago. It was nearly chopped in half, its canopy now resting upon the one next to it, keeping it from falling to the ground.

My Aura approached, and Remic’s shoulders loosened as he recognized the invisible presence.

He wiped away the strands of hair that clung to his cheeks and closed his eyes, catching his breath. “I’ll be there momentarily,” he rasped.

In an instant, the Aether was back, absorbing into my skin, making me whole again.

All good? Niall’s voice slipped into my mind.