Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
“There will be losses, Safia, but you must keep fighting no matter what happens. Grief can be acknowledged later. We have only one real chance at winning this war, and that’s if we do so quickly.”
She had read the cards. She was very aware Petru had tried to give them all hope when there wasn’t nearly as much of a chance as he made it seem.
“I will be wounded numerous times. Close your mind to me. That’s imperative. Lilith can’t use us against one another. If I need you, I will call to you.”
She nodded without looking at him. It wasn’t easy to know that very soon, her entire world was going to be turned upside down.
Petru wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest, holding her tight. “Tet vigyázam. I love you, Safia, with my heart and soul. We will see this through, and we will prevail, because there is no other option.”
He lifted her chin very gently, his eyes searching hers. She found love there. Reassurance. Belief in their ability together. Belief in her family and his brethren. The knots in her stomach loosened and she nodded. They could do it. Their chances might be slim, but they could defeat Lilith if they stuck to the plan and struck hard and fast. She believed in Petru. They all did.
A slow smile touched his glittering silver eyes, and then he lowered his mouth to hers. His kiss was heat and fire but so incredibly gentle, so tender, he took her breath away. She felt his love. In that moment, he was all Petru, the man, her lifemate. Her spouse.
He lifted his head and ran the pad of his finger across her bottom lip. “We’ll go to your family home so you can see your loved ones. You’re there to give them hope, Safia.”
She knew what he was telling her. Just as he had given her hope, her family had to believe they could win the war against Lilith. She also knew he was giving her the opportunity to say goodbye should she lose any of her family members. She pressed her forehead against his chest for a brief moment, and then she straightened her shoulders and stood upright.
“Let’s get this done.”
“I’m going to take you to the farm, Safia. I know you’re capable of getting there on your own, but I need to hold you close to me.”
He didn’t wait for her to reply, he simply swept her up and launched himself into the air. Safia wrapped one arm around his neck, fingers sliding into the thick hair at his nape.
The wind fluttered against her skin, bringing the touch of the sea with it. Along with the sea, she caught the scent of evil. It was vague and far off but foul. The undead were answering Lilith’s call. The wind shifted, moving inland to sweep through the forest and across the meadow. With it came a faint burnt smell that set off alarms.
What is that?
She’s releasing the hellhounds. His voice was grim.
Safia drew in her breath. The farm was just below them. It looked so peaceful. So familiar. The animals weren’t out the way they normally would be, but she knew every acre of the terrain and position of the houses, barns and coops. She knew the fields of grass, wheat and crops they grew for their animals and members of the tribe. One touch from a vampire’s foul hand, and it all could be destroyed.
We stick to the plan, Ku Tappa Kulyak.
Petru set them down at the front door of the farmhouse, reached around her and pushed it open, certain of their welcome. It was clear he had informed her grandfather they were coming. He was there to greet them, drawing her into his arms and holding her close.
“We’re ready,” he said in his calm, steady voice—the one she’d known and counted on her entire life.
Safia hugged him hard. “Yes, we are,” she agreed.
She followed him into the family room where everyone was gathered. They were dressed in loose clothing, clearly prepared for war. Charif had his arms around his sister and brother. He stood as tall as possible in front of his father. She noticed how much he looked like Zdan. Safia hugged each child and asked Charif where the medical station was located. He looked very important when he told her. The younger children would be with him, but locked away where they would be safe.
She knew that meant they would be asleep where Lilith and the vampires would have no knowledge of their location. That way, their enemies couldn’t attempt to repeat the actions of the war crimes of two thousand years earlier, burning the children while their helpless parents watched.
Amara clung to Izem, but there were no tears. She stood almost defiantly, dressed in combat clothes, ready to fight. Farah kept blinking back tears as she hugged Safia, but she didn’t shed them. She stayed very close to Usem, holding his hand and attempting to smile at him when he looked at her.