It will be a travesty that humanity will never know the lengths to which you’ve gone to save them all. You won’t be memorialized in history, but you are forever etched on my soul. That’s all that really matters.”
“I love you,” I whisper, putting my hands to the sides of his face and pulling him to me for a kiss.
And it starts warm and bright like the sunshine. Ultimately, when he’s done with me, I see nothing but stars.
It’s only after we take a shower together, get dressed, and head into the kitchen that I start to lose the warm fuzzies Carrick produced. I know I have to start mentally preparing for the fight ahead. But before that, I need just a little bit more time for one last gathering in the kitchen while Zaid feeds us.
Me, Carrick, Zora, Rainey, Myles, Maddox, Zaid, and Boral.
The Dream Team.
I think I can speak for the group when I say none of us really have an appetite, but we need fuel for the long and arduous hours ahead of us.
As it’s mid-morning, there’s nothing more appropriate than brunch while enjoying these last moments of camaraderie. After, we’ll make the roughly two-hour drive toward Lake Wenatchee, where we’ll set up a good mile out from the ritual site in a deeply wooded area Maddox had scouted. Currently, Carrick has allies stationed around the general vicinity of where the ritual will take place to watch for Kymaris and her forces. They’re hidden in trees or with magical glamours, their only job to watch and report. We have no clue when Kymaris will start to set up, but we want to know as soon as she does.
So far, it’s been quiet.
Zaid lays out an amazing feast—Belgian waffles with fresh cream and strawberries, thick-cut bacon crisped to perfection, two different types of quiche, croissants for Zora, and a variety of cold cuts and broiled tomatoes for a bit of a European flair. We load up our plates, take our usual spots around the island, and eat.
The first bite of bacon stimulates my appetite, especially as I realize this could be my last real meal, the protein bars and electrolyte drinks we’re bringing with us not really counting as more than sustenance.
This gathering is obviously different. We don’t joke and banter. Zaid can’t even gather up enough antagonism to level a glare at Boral.
We are all resigned that we have the fight of our lives ahead of us.
“The condo has protections,” Carrick reminds Rainey and Myles, who will be staying well clear of the ritual for their own safety and our peace of minds. “But if you wanted to head out of town, that would be even safer.”
Rainey smiles with a short nod, but Myles says, “I’ve been working on something for you guys.” He bends to the side of his stool, pulling the canvas satchel he always carries onto his lap. From within, he pulls out a small drone. Way smaller than others I’ve seen people use. He sets it gently on the counter to the side of his plate, then smiles proudly down at it.
“Nice,” Maddox says, pushing up off his stool and moving closer to inspect it.
Myles proceeds to explain the drone and some fancy micro camera he has mounted on it. The beauty of it is in how small it is, which means it’s probably whisper quiet.
“It can be flown over the clearing, and the night vision camera can project live stream right to your phones. In the heat of things, you can get play-by-play through comms. I have earpieces—one for Carrick, Maddox, and Titus.”
“Why us?” Maddox asks, moving back to his place at the island to eat.
I take the liberty of answering because it’s common sense. “You and Carrick are our two strongest warriors. Titus is incredibly battle-tested. The most important ones out there. You can take the information and pivot strategies as needed.”
“What she said,” Myles quips as he cuts into his waffle, taking a big bite.
“It’s amazing,” I commend Myles.
“But who will fly it?” Carrick asks pointedly.
“I will.” Myles and Rainey exchange a glance, and it’s clear they’ve talked about this already.
My tone is hesitant, not wanting to offend. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“It will be incredibly dangerous,” Carrick adds. “While I’m assuming you can fly that thing some place away from the action, you’d still be close enough to be in danger. You won’t be able to take on the weakest daemon if you’re discovered.”
“Then I won’t be