Page 16 of A Bond So Deadly

My stomach twists, and I give her a weak smile. “But the demon realm finally had peace, and now I’m dragging you and the demons into another war. It’s not fair.”

Blake lifts a finger into the air. “Firstly, you didn’t drag us we hunted you down, because apparently, letting your bestie know you’ve been kidnapped by insanely sexy shadow men isn’t something we share with each other.”

“Hey!” Nate protests through a mouthful of chicken, though there’s a playful gleam in his eyes. “You just admitted you think they’re sexy.”

Blake’s lips twitch, but she ignores him and holds up another finger. “And secondly, after what Queen Krosia just told us, we would have gotten involved sooner or later anyway. This war affects all of us. Being able to use our support as a bargaining chip for you was just a happy coincidence.”

Silence fills the dining room.

“So, what did the queen tell you?” Thane growls, crossing his arms as he studies Blake. “How was it at the shadow palace?”

My friend waves her hand dismissively in the air, though something flickers in her golden eyes. I can’t quite place the emotion. Worry, maybe? If that’s the case, we really must be in trouble.

“She said you’ve all been chasin’ your fuckin’ tails since the moment you were pulled into this war,” Nate comments dryly.

Dante flicks his tail under the table, and the jaguar shifter grunts.

“What?” Nate grumbles. “Am I wrong?”

I’m surprised when Knox is the one to answer. “No,” he replies coldly.

Smiling smugly, Nate spears another hunk of meat with his fork and holds it up. “See. Told ya.”

Blake moves back to her own chair and leans forward. “Your queen explained all about the humans you recruit and bring to this military academy. She spoke about the prophecy regarding the war, and the increase in the Xalgrith attacks over these past years. Though she didn’t directly say it, the situation here is getting desperate, and even if we hadn’t arrived when we did, it’s likely she would have reached out to the other realms for aid sometime soon. Your kind are struggling, and it’s only a matter of time before this war turns, and not in your favor.”

The silence is heavier this time.

“Your shadow army is weak,” Blake goes on. “Morale is down, your warriors think they’re fighting an unwinnable war, and the only hope stems from this damn prophecy, and the idea that you four will close the fold.” She narrows her eyes at my mates. “Your warriors are tired, and I’m guessing the queen is hoping the alliance with the demons will bring much needed strength back to the cause, but for how long? You’ve been fighting this war for centuries. It’s no wonder she wants Shade dead. Just the idea of Shade’s existence threatens everything, and it could have been enough to fracture the remaining morale of your troops. I’d say this alliance is currently the only glue holding your forces together.” Her eyes soften when she peers at me, and I smile weakly. Right now, Blake isn’t speaking as my bestie. She’s talking as the demon queen, and while the truth makes my stomach churn, it’s important to hear.

Blake lets out a long breath. “I’ve agreed with Queen Krosia for you to train some of my top generals in your fighting techniques. Apparently, your shadow abilities are specifically suited to fight against the Xalgrith. We will stay for a week and learn what we can. My generals will then pass on this knowledge and train their troops when they return to Seral.”

My mates nod like they’d already received this information.

“Anything else?” Thane prompts.

Blake’s lips thin. “Shade is to remain here within the academy barrier or the agreement will be voided. The shadow queen assures me there will be terrible repercussions if Shade were to leave these grounds. Aside from that, we are to visit the other realms and convince royalty to also get involved in this war.”

Nate chuckles. “There’s no fuckin’ way you’ll get those bastards in power over in the beast realm to give a shit about anythin’ outside of their realm.”

“The giants are also unlikely to join,” Alaric adds gruffly.

Callan rests an elbow on the table, propping his chin on his fist. “It’s possible, the archangels may see reason with appropriate persuasion.”

“And then that leaves Derois, realm of the water monsters,” Blake says. “Who knows if they’d get involved.”

“Don’t forget the Perstalians and witches, my mate,” Mason comments.

Blake purses her lips. “We would only call on them as a last resort. As far as I’m concerned, they’re outside of the agreement with the shadow queen.”

“She may not see it that way,” Dante points out, his tail flicking in the air.

“Then we’ll deal with that if it comes to it,” Blake replies.

I swallow because a part of me feels responsible. The Perstalians and witches were at war not too long ago. Blake helped to usher in an era of peace for them, but the relationships are still fragile. It makes sense Blake wouldn’t want to involve them in another war. They’ve lost so much already.

“Sorry,” I mumble again, because I can’t help myself.

“Stop that,” Blake tells me. “I told you. We would have gotten involved anyway. But that’s enough about the shadow queen. What we should be discussing is how you’re going to keep Shade safe.” She stares my mates down, and they hold her gaze.