check it out," Justice said. "It could be dangerous to our people. We must ensure their safety."
Her parents exchanged a quick glance. "We'd prefer you stayed in the castle," Deloria said. "It's safer."
Justice shook her head. "I love you guys, I really do, but you can't protect me from everything. And it's my duty to make sure our people are safe. I'm going."
Her father tried to argue again, and I couldn't help the low laugh that escaped.
They all looked at me. "Justice is stubborn as hell," I told them honestly, "and her sense of responsibility is huge. My preference would be that she stayed where it was safe, but I know from experience it’s best to just tag along and protect her stubborn ass."
She tilted her head and gave me a sardonic stare. "You've really nailed the art of the insult sandwich. Layering a compliment in there doesn’t mean I missed the other stuff."
Her mother glared and interrupted before I could respond. “We should go, then. We’re wasting time. I expect you to keep my daughter safe if it's the last thing you do."
"I promise," I said without hesitation. “With my life.”
Deloria hmphed but didn't say anything else as we started along the hall. When we reached the front door, I insisted on stepping out first, my elemental magic swirling about my hands. I had no idea what to expect out there, but I wanted to be prepared for anything.
It was very dark, most of the city void of light, the air chilled in a way it hadn't been before. The energy I'd felt when the explosion first rocked the house was stronger out here, and I followed the essence, moving onto the street.
"It's coming from the center point between the lands," Justice said, staying close to my side.
"Could it be the shadows?" her mother asked, clutching at her mate's forearm. "We banished them for good, right?"
Jepati looked grim, the few dull lights sending shadows across his face. "Nothing is for good in this land, but there's no reason to believe they’ve been disturbed. Unlike last time, the jewels are not responding to this threat as if it was shadow driven."
Our pace picked up as we ran toward the center that connected these four worlds. It was here that the shadow prison existed, and already members from all the lands were gathering, the noise picking up as everyone searched for answers.
I felt a familiar energy a moment before I spotted him. "Ty!" I said, hurrying over to my brother. He slapped me on the back, and I gave Grace a hug. "What are you two doing here?"
Tyson smiled at Justice as she hugged Grace as well.
"After Grace dropped you off, we decided to head back over and visit her family," he said, gesturing to the icy land of the diamond meadows. "Guess our timing was right on. I’d rather you weren’t here alone to deal with whatever drama is about to unfold."
I felt better having my brother close by. Together we were stronger, and I needed all the power I could get to keep Justice and my pack safe.
"Does anyone know what happened?" Justice asked. Her parents were off chatting to some of the other royals now, hopefully gathering intel.
"It was like an earthquake," Grace said quickly, "it shook our house and woke us."
"I can feel the energy surge,” Tyson said. “Pretty sure it’s magic."
I nodded. “I feel it too.”
“It’s familiar,” Justice said, stepping forward. "I…" she shook her head. "I don't know why it feels familiar, but there's something weird about the power…"
Tyson closed his eyes, hands out. His mage strength slammed against us. I was used to it, as was Grace, but Justice jumped as it hit her.
"He's a showoff," I said, only half-joking. He was the most powerful magic user, even surpassing Louis, so it stood to reason he'd be a little cocky about it.
"It's coming from Earth," Tyson said suddenly, eyes flying open. "Fuck. Things were tense when we left, but I didn't think it could get that bad so fast."
As soon as Tyson finished that sentence, there was a cracking explosion right above our heads, everything shuddering again as the ground rocked beneath our feet.
"Jacob! Tyson!" a familiar voice boomed, from above. "Portal’s about to be blocked. Return to Earth."
"What?" Tyson bit out. "Why is Louis always so cryptic? How can they block the portals?"
"What’s happening on Earth?" Justice choked out, looking around at the milling members of all four jeweled lands. "And why is