The Mage Rebellion The Prophecy: The Mage Rebellion, #4

By Brooke Gaspard

Plunging myself into the darkest parts of the realms to hunt traitorous bastards seemed like a great way to let my demons out. All I wanted was to spend my time filleting and skewering my enemies to my heart's content. Was that too much to ask? But, just as I thought I was done with the Mage Realm, it pulls me right back in. Sara, we need you! Sara, help us! Dear gods, what I wouldn't give to be left alone in the Underworld and that's saying something. Kingdoms rise and fall and I seem to be stuck right in the middle. I'm going to fry the next person to a crisp who says the Mage Realm is my fate. I make my own fate and I'll do anything to keep it that way. Even if that means leaving a trail of destruction behind me that rivals my dead mother's. My enemies may be many, but my wrath knows no bounds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brooke Gaspard
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223884187

Brooke Gaspard

Brooke Gaspard is a native of southwest Louisiana. She loves to connect with her readers to talk about the books or just connect with one another. You can contact her on Facebook page The Mage realm or on ticktock and instagram. You can find her when she is not lost in her own imaginary world gardening, tending to animals, at a good rock concert,  or homeschooling her two children. She is an avid reader, always up for some wild adventure, a watcher of hell's kitchen, and Joe Kendra. She can not wait to see everyone in the next book for another part of the adventure and would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep causing Chaos and Mayhem.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The sound of a loud , harsh phone ringing woke me.

Hello?

Ma’am, this is your wake-up call. The voice on the other end sounded like it belonged to a young girl in her early twenties.

I nodded, hearing the woman chewing on her bubble gum loudly on the other end.

Are you there, ma’am? Her smacking proceeded to get louder by the second.

I nodded again, sighing loudly. Yes, thank you.

With that, I was hanging the phone up as I rolled myself out of the bed, glancing at the clock. Seven thirty at night in the human realm. Most people were just going home to eat or even to get into bed, not me, though. Tonight I would take a night off my hunting to see Fiona, my daughter and now Queen of the Mage realm for her twenty-first birthday.

I took a quick hot shower and was just pulling my tight jeans on when my cell phone went off. I hated the damn thing, but since the Mages had come up with a good cell phone that could connect between the realms, Fi insisted we needed them. That's why I didn’t need to look at it to know who it was. She was the only being that called me anymore, and I was just fine with that.

Are you almost here, mom?

I raised an eyebrow, looking at myself in the hotel's yellow light. I will be there as soon as I can, Fiona. How has your day been?

She let out a long exaggerated sigh before she started whispering. Xander and I got into it pretty bad and now dad and his new wife, Aarron, are here with my half brother.

I shook my head, feeling the dread grow thick in my stomach. Mom, please don’t be late. I don’t know if I can stay sane.

I laughed softly, pulling my hair back in a clip. My black corset and blue jeans with knee-high boots were as good as I was gonna get.

I didn’t wear makeup anymore. I spent my time killing beings or in the Underworld and neither required you to look nice while you were doing it. Besides, my face scared them enough to think twice about crossing me if I decided to let them run away.

Fi, are the Middlanders going to be there?

There was a long pause on her end of the phone. I could hear her nerves as she spoke again.

Yes mom, I rekindled the relationship between us so they will be here. It is a week-long party, you know that, right?

I gritted my teeth for a minute before shrugging. Fi, I can not stay in the mage realm for a week. I have things to do.

She made a clicking noise with her tongue and then she was next to me with her hand on her hip, anger written in her every move.

I turned the phone off slowly, smiling. Why am I paying so much for a phone bill if you could just come and see me at a moment's notice again?

She raised an eyebrow, a familiar smirk crossing her beautiful face. Because if you need me, we both know you won't just leave the killing spree to come and get me, that's why, mom.

I rolled my eyes, wrapping my arms around her for a quick hug. Happy birthday Fiona.

She pulled me back to arm’s length, looking me over slowly. You have lost weight, but I do not see any new ink on you, so that is a good thing.

I pushed her red curls over her shoulder. Who is the parent here, you or me?

She gave me a bright smile, her hazel eyes lighting up quickly as she stepped back and clapped her hands. Ok, so back to you staying for a week. You have no choice. I am the Queen and you are required to come home for the week. It's in the bylaws. I should know, I wrote some of them.

My voice stayed even as I pushed my way past her, getting a few of my things strapping them to my body. I can not just leave without finishing up a few things.

Fi put her hands in front of her as if she were praying and looked at me sadly. Mom, can’t you do this one thing for me? Just this one week. You can catch up to the bad guy again. I have seen you do it a million times before. You are the best hunter ever and the fact that you are the Queen of the Underworld helps too.

I took a deep breath, knowing I was going to relent as I put one finger in front of her to emphasize my point as I spoke pointedly, trying to hide my fear. One week, that’s all you get. Also, I can drink for the week so that I can deal with your father.

She laughed loudly, snatching my bag up and shrugging as she tossed it over her shoulder. Drink all you want. Delhar will be there and the rumor is he is single. His wife left him around the same time you and dad separated.

I raised an eyebrow, shaking my head quickly. Not interested, darling.

Fi smirked as she disappeared, taking my things with her. I checked out of the hotel and took off down the street, looking for an ally to disappear as quickly as I could.

When I arrived outside the castle, things were chaotic, so much so that I doubted anyone even noticed me. Nothing had changed during the three years I had avoided the realms. The vampires were all around Fi and Darrian, fawning like normal. Rei and his wife were happily chatting with everyone else as I slipped past them through the front doors. I was once again on the outside looking in on our family and friends.

Just as I thought I was in the clear turning to rush my way back outside, Fi’s voice reached me loudly. Your room is open and ready, mom.

I turned slowly, giving her a quick nod before flashing her a nervous look. Sorry it took so long.

Fiona glanced up at Darrian as she spoke once again. Your party dress is up there waiting for you to grace it with your beauty, as well.

I couldn’t help but scoff at her as I began my way back up the stairs, only to hear Darrian’s lumbering footsteps behind me. My mind spun a million miles a second as my spine stiffened of its own accord. I knew what was coming and wanted to avoid it.

So you won't answer when I call you on the headphones and you have answered no letters I have sent. I will assume that we are ok.

I turned to look at Darrian as I continued to walk up the stairs backwards. The need to punch him in the face for his past behavior was thick in the front of my mind. I hated he was acting like he didn’t do a damn thing to me during the years we had been together. There was also the fact that I hated myself for agreeing with him that Fi would never know about all of that sordid affair. Fiona still believed me to be the cruel, workaholic, uncaring wife and Darrian was the ever loving husband that was royally fucked over by me driven into the loving caring arms of his new wife.

Why are you worried if we are ok or not Darrian?

He gave me a dark smile. I just feel bad about how things ended. On how everything happened. Things have changed since you and I ended things. I have changed for the better.

I turned my back on him, shaking my head in disbelief. This was a rollercoaster ride I didn’t want to go on again. The emotions were always there at the surface waiting to come out, waiting to tear me apart and I couldn’t, wouldn’t, let that happen. Not here, not with him in front of me, so I did what I always did best.

You cheated Darrian. That's how things ended. You cheated and you beat me. I left this realm after Fi took over the throne at eighteen. There is nothing else to talk about. We have both moved on with our lives. I wish you the best. Sorry I missed the wedding and all.

Darrian cleared his throat as I pushed my door open, causing me to turn and look up at him slowly. What more do you want from me, Darrian?

He put his hand in front of the door so I couldn’t close it on him as he hissed angrily. I want...

Just as he went to finish his sentence, Edwin came up behind him, waving at me quickly. Oh, my favorite aunty is here. Mom and Dad will be here for the next week for the parties, too.

Edwin wrapped me up in his arms after pushing past Darrian, giving me just a second to glance at Darrian’s furious face as Edwin shoved him once again out of his way while leaving my room once again.

Darrian, I believe your wife is waiting for you.

I let my eyes go down the steps pointedly before going back to him, forcing a smile as he followed my gaze as he spoke stiffly. Her name is Aarron. I gave him an uncaring shrug, closing the door in his face.

There I stood with my back to the door, facing myself in the mirror across the room, only it wasn’t my face.

Should I figure a way out of this hellhole for us and get back to our own favorite hell? I gave Sophia a look that said not to start with me through the mirror, but she continued anyway.

So the kingdom didn’t fall down in our absence. That is always good news, but our love life and personal life is in shambles. Do you think Delhar still looks as good as he did back in the day? At this point, I would shut up just for you to have a bit of fun. Even if it is with him.

I rolled my eyes, making my way to my bed, and looked at the dress as I whispered to Sophia. Does it matter? Like you just stated, the kingdom is doing fine and I just have to make it through the next week. Then we are home free for another year. I am not here to reconnect with anyone, Delhar included.

A soft laugh sounded from the direction of my door, causing me to turn as I held the dress tightly to my front as if it would protect me from the intruder.

Does that include me? I couldn’t stop myself from smiling brightly as I rushed over to J, wrapping my arms around him tightly. A soft sigh escaping me as he spun me around. The second he lowered me to my feet, he was speaking laughingly.

That is the best greeting I have ever received from you before. I gave him a harsh look as I stepped back, studying him.

I didn’t know I had missed you this much until you walked in my door. J’s hand reached out, touching my now shoulder length black and blue hair, raising an eyebrow as he shook his head. Those damn green eyes watching me sadly.

You really missed me? I thought you were ready to get the hell out of here. J took the dress I was shoving toward him as I watched him disapprovingly.

Things like this are what I hate about this place.

J sat down on the bed next to the red halter top dress, touching it softly. Or could it be the memories, Sara?

I punched him in the shoulder playfully. Let's not get all depressed, ok? I have one week to survive this and then I will be out of here and back to my very own misery.

J shrugged, glancing at the fireplace. Darrian brought his wife. She’s dark. Did you notice?

I turned away from him, grabbing my dress making my way to the bathroom before shimmying out of my pants. Didn’t take time to notice. That's not my job anymore. I am not the Queen anymore.

J’s fingers went to the zipper at my back as I made my way out of the bathroom, slowly bringing it up as he spoke matter-of-factly. You didn’t have to give the throne over.

I turned to face him so that he could see the honesty in my eyes. Fi was ready, and I needed to focus on me.

J’s eyes went to the window, nervously watching the sun go down as he frowned. How is that going for you?

I shrugged, slipping on the shoes Fi had put out for me. It’s going.

J laughed softly, pulling me to sit next to him. Come now, Sara, tell me of your adventures. Have you seen all the human world you have wanted to all this time?

A bright smile slipped across my face as I thought back on my adventures, nodding absently. "London, it is not as I remember it. But some parts of it, well, they are amazing. The rain and fog are wonderful. I have to say, I didn’t expect to love Greece as much as I do, but the beauty and the slower pace is something I have been longing for. The villa I bought and stayed in for a little over a month sits on a cliff side. The locals and food are amazing. I didn’t want to leave.

Then there is Paris. That place has a dark side, but for the most part, the clubbing is fun and I like the vampires I ran into while I was there. I spent some time in New York but couldn’t stay long. I was hot on the trail of someone.

Now New Orleans, that’s completely different from what I remember. The feel of the magic is still there, but it’s different. The new is mixing with the old that is left behind from the witches before."

J gave me a bright smile, squeezing my hand tightly. Where will you be heading next?

I glanced at the door as a knock sounded on it before answering softly. I think Egypt is on the list next.

J and I both stood falling silent as Nick and Morganna came into the room, smiling, their hands clasped tightly together. News of your return has even reached little ole us.

I shook my head, frowning. I have only come for the celebrations. That's all.

Morganna rolled her eyes, looking at J happily. not you, Sara. J and Cate are finally returning. This is fantastic news.

J gave me an apologetic smile before nodding. I was going to tell you that we were returning home, but you were so happy talking about all the places you have been to, I hated to interrupt.

That had a pit of snakes twisting in my stomach, but I covered it by hugging J tightly against me. You don’t need to tell me, J. It’s your life.

J glanced at the door where Nick and Morganna were. Have the celebrations started? They both nodded swiftly, causing J to give me a bright smile as he swiftly followed them out of the room, leaving me standing alone once again.

The truth was, I had been lying. The only reason I had visited all those places was to hunt down defects of the Underworld and hard to catch souls. I wasn’t enjoying my life. I was working it away. Keeping myself in my own realms, ignoring my own fucked up life was my secret.

They didn’t need to know all of that. Normally, I would only sleep for a few hours before going to the Underworld, dealing with my subjects and contracts before disappearing for the night. Lor had actually complained about how much I was working. I chose to ignore him every single time, though. This was the only way I could survive, but he didn’t need to know that either.

Chapter 2

The music pounding from the ballroom was a crossed mess of human music and some wailing that sounded like it was from the Underworld. My first stop was the bar. Between the music and people, I would need alcohol to keep me from killing someone. I will take the strongest of whatever it is you have.

The vampire behind the bar flashed me a bright smile, pushing a glass to me. I’ll keep this bottle to the side just for you, Queen Sara.

My anger flared at his words, causing me to down the drink swiftly. My eyes narrowing in on him, causing him to still as I scoffed. You will do well to remember that I am no longer the Queen. I wouldn’t want my daughter to find out about it. Would you?

That had his eyes going to Fiona, looking her up and down as if she were unappealing before going back to me confidently. You will always be the true Queen and one day you will take your throne back. Queen Fi is doing well for her age but there has been too frequent of attacks and little push to find out who it is. Your people are getting itchy under the sword belt.

I took the newly refilled cup and walked away, thinking about his words and not really watching where I was walking. That's when I bumped straight into a huge brick wall of a man spilling my drink down the front of my dress and the man’s shirt.

Shit, I am so sorry I was, my sentence trailed off as I came face to face with the one man that had been haunting my dreams for the past twenty-one years. Delhar.

The way his name came out in whispered surprise made me want to kick my own ass. What was worse was that his hand snaked out swiftly to steady me. His dark blue eyes held surprise and a little something else I couldn’t quite place shining brightly in their depths. Don’t worry about the liquid you spilled. It was my fault. I’ll get you another.

My gaze dropped to my feet in nerves as I shook my head, wrinkling my nose. Don’t worry about it. I can get my own. How have you been Delhar?

Delhar gave me a charming smile, looking deep into my eyes as he reached out, suddenly thinking better of it, causing him to pull back. Better now.

My lips pursed tightly before I turned and walked back to the bar getting another drink, deciding that continuing that conversation would be a bad idea, but his question stopped me in my tracks. After the party, can we speak privately?

My eyes widened as I pivoted, shaking my head. Delhar don’t. Can’t we just leave it at, it was nice to see you and move on?

Delhar’s head shook, his blond hair hardly moving as he frowned, never breaking eye contact with me. The desperation thick in his one word plea. Please?

There it was, the one word he knew would work on me, causing me to nod slowly. You remember where my room is? I left him watching me as he stood unmoving in the crowd of mages, vampires, and middlanders.

The night passed with loud cheering and celebrating until two hours before the sun came up. With a quick hug to Fi, and a promise of taking her to lunch, I finally managed to start my escape to my room, exhausted from the stress of being back in this cursed realm.

The second I made it to the stairs, I reached down, ripping my shoes off climbing up the stairs slowly. This night was more than I thought it would be. I had completely forgotten about telling Delhar to come to my room when the party was over.

When a knock came on the door, I was more than confused. On the third knock, I jerked my door open, finding Delhar leaning against the frame, watching me expectantly. You said after the party we could talk.

I rolled my eyes, making my way across the room, still in my dress from the night's party, taking a seat barefoot on the deep red armchair in front of the fire. What is it we needed to talk about, Delhar?

That had his eyes watching me closely for any type of emotion as he whispered sadly. I am sorry, Sara. I didn’t know the history between my father and Sophia. If I would have known. I would have handled it all differently.

My eyes were on the fireplace as I curled my feet under me, leaning my head on my arm. It’s in the past, Delhar. I forgive you and so does Sophia. We are at peace with what happened. Don’t keep beating yourself over all of that any longer.

Delhar was in front of me, turning my face up to look at him quickly. I watched as his eyes searched mine for a few minutes, a frown marring his beautiful face, as he whispered softly. You've changed.

I raised an eyebrow, refusing to break eye contact with him as I nodded. How do you think I have changed?

Delhar shook his head, running a hand through his now chin length hair. The fight is gone. What happened?

I clenched my jaw, turning away from him quickly, feeling a bit frustrated with him before grating out roughly. Nothing happened Delhar, people change. The war ended.

He laughed softly, sitting back down in the chair across from me as he spoke again. We are not people, Sara. We are warriors. We don’t know peace and we don’t do change, well.

I rolled my eyes, sneering at him quickly. My emotions pulling me in every direction, causing me to be more childish than normal. I am a hunter now, so peace is nothing in my vocabulary but a period between my hunts.

Delhar gave me a devilish smile. I am King now and peace is what I am striving to keep every day.

I raised an eyebrow, shaking my head slowly. No way in hell you are the King now. When did that happen?

The proud smile that tilted the edge of his lips was breathtaking as he shrugged, speaking matter-of-factly. About seven or so years ago. My father died and my mother stepped aside.

I nodded slowly, knowing that he didn’t want to go any further with the information. So how is your wife enjoying being Queen?

I couldn’t help but wonder if the rumors were true as I watched him curiously. Delhar’s face darkened for a moment, but the emotions disappeared before I could read them. He tipped his cup toward me before swallowing the contents down thickly. His voice strangled as he spoke gruffly. My wife left me. She, he paused for a moment before taking a deep breath pushing forward. Things just didn’t work out is all.

There it was the guilt that I held toward that whole situation came surging forward, causing me to look away from him back to the fire. Yeah, things never work out like you think they will. Do they?

I could hear Delhar breathing for a few minutes before his voice finally came to me out of the darkness in my mind. No, they don’t. I noticed you and Darrian are no longer together.

I kept my face impassive and my voice emotionless as I spoke again about something I would rather forget. He changed. I didn’t wish to play pretend with him while he ran off to another woman every night. There I was, lying, in a way, once again. I was trying to hide that I had been beaten into submission and controlled for so many years.

Every time he hit you, I was tempted to come down and teach him what a real man’s fist felt like, Sara.

I couldn’t help but let the surprise lace my voice with my next question. You continued to watch over me?

Delhar’s hand went through his hair slowly as he looked away from me, shyly nodding. I did because we still believed you would need us is all. With that, Delhar was up and crossing the room. I will bid you goodnight, Sara. Maybe tomorrow night you won’t spill your drink on me and instead grace me with a dance or two.

As I walked with him to the door, I snorted loudly, shaking my head. I may not spill my drink on you, but I don’t dance anymore. I believe I have forgotten that a long time ago.

Delhar leaned down slowly, keeping his lips a breath away from mine as he whispered softly. I will remind your body what it is like to dance. With that, Delhar was gone, leaving me stunned.

I could hear Sophia's dark laugh in the back of my mind as I closed the door behind him. That, my dear, is called flirting and you should go for it. You two are a good match. Oh, wait, that would mean you would become a Queen again. Those thrones just don’t want to let you go, do they?

There she was, the Sophia I had gotten so used to. The constant dose of reality I hated and needed all at the same time. I snatched up my jeans and tee shirt I had been using to sleep in, finally going to shower so that I could shut Sophia up. This wasn’t what I wanted to think about right now. Relationships didn’t have a place in my world anymore. I was still reeling from my last one. That was an utter failure. I couldn’t do this again. I refused to be that stupid.

Sleep evaded me for countless hours, causing me to wonder if it wasn’t me but the realm causing the sleeplessness. The moon crawled slowly across the sky as my mind raced on and on. When I did finally fall asleep, my dreams were a restless mix of the past and cryptic messages.

When the sun finally made its appearance as I threw the blankets off of me, angrily yanking on a decent tee shirt for the day. The walk down to the great hall was silent and lonely, like always. When I rounded the corner to the great hall, I found Fiona sitting at a table alone. Her eyes were downcast and there were bags under her eyes.

What are you doing up, Fi? Fiona’s head slowly came up, her half-hearted smile crossing her lips as I sat down next to her. Running a kingdom, running away from my problems. You know, the same thing you used to do early in the morning and late at night.

That had me wanting to slap myself.  Instead, I started nibbling on the toast in front of me as I kept my voice level. I wasn’t running away from my problems. I was trying to solve them when I was up this early.

Fiona raised a perfectly manicured reddish brown eyebrow, setting her drink down in front of her gently. Xander and I are separating, mom.

That had me leaning back in my chair, needing the distance as I kept my face impassive, letting her continue on nervously. He wants me to give the throne back to you because of all the attacks. He has no faith in me to run this throne through a war.

My mind picked apart what I wanted to say, finally settling on the safest route after watching her for several seconds. Fi, I would never dream of taking this throne from you. You earned it. I will tell you it won’t be easy to lead them through another war. Have you found out who has been putting these attacks on you? Your people need to be protected. What are you going to do to protect them? You are young and this is a heavy burden. I don’t think it is that he has no faith in you. I think in my heart of hearts he is worried you will turn out like me.

Fiona’s lips thinned as I rambled through my speech. Her brow furrowed in thought before her hazel eyes swung back up to mine. The joy and laughter that had been there the night before was now replaced with worry and sadness.

You taught me long ago that war is never easy and leading our people is never to be taken lightly. I have put feelers out to find out who is orchestrating all of this, but have come up with nothing. I am not the queen of the Underworld and I do not have the resources you do. I can’t be held up to your standards, mom.

After finishing my coffee, I nodded and set it down. No, but your mother is the Queen of the Underworld and all you have to do is ask for me to put some feelers out to find out what is going on. We are always allies. I will do anything to help you.

Fi put her cup down gracefully before she asked the question I could see burning deep in her eyes. Are we allies, mom? Here it was, the uncertainty I knew was coming, causing me to force a smile as I pulled in a ragged breath.

My hands went over hers for just a moment. Always. I am not just your mother Fi, but I thought, your friend as well.

Fi’s eyes went around us nervously as she spoke gently. You really haven’t turned out that bad, mom.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as I took a piece of her food, shoving it into my mouth, responding un-lady-like. Fiona, I’m cold, hell some would say heartless. I run away from love and have more regrets than tattoos. That has made me into a woman most men don’t want and others would love to control. When they find out they can’t control me, they leave me even colder. Xander loves you Fiona, maybe taking some time from the throne or at least letting someone aid you in this would be for the best, not just for you, but your people. Some may even argue that it would renew their faith in you because you know when to ask for help.

Fiona was up and out of her chair quickly and gracefully as she gave me a bright smile. Then it's settled. You will stay to help me.

Panic gripped my chest as I shook my head, causing her smile to fall, sticking the words in my throat before I could even speak them. Fiona’s words were sure as she winked at me. We will meet in the war room in about half an hour. Welcome back to the mage realm, mom.

Fi made her way out of the room, stopping for just a second before nodding her smile bright in the morning light as if this were a sure deal. Her voice, when she did finally speak to me, betrayed her fear, though. This will be good, right mom?

My stomach twisted into a knot as I lied to her. Yeah, it will be great Fi. With that, she was gone, and I was left to sit in silence.

Sophia’s sudden chattering jarring as she sneered. Well, this is just awesome. You just extended our stay in hell indefinitely. Sara, are you listening to me? Ok just one more thing. What the hell is wrong with you? You should have told her to talk to J. He is better at staying in the shadows. I mean, seriously, what is going on in your head besides me?

The walk to the War room was longer than I had remembered. Maybe it was because I was trying to push Sophia and her insistent nagging back. The dread building up with each step I took, making them heavy.

When I pushed the old door open, I felt as if I were someone else trapped inside my body. The only two in the room were Delhar and Fi. The only thing my mind could think of was. Great, now we have to be this close to one another. I tried to give a quick smile, but I think it came out more like a grimace. Do you need blood, mom? I know being here you can’t get it so readily.

The need to laugh at her had to be stamped down hard. She had no clue how hard getting the blood I needed was going to become. I managed to raise an eyebrow as I leveled my angry gaze on her, shaking my head. My voice tight with frustration and fear.

I’m fine. I came to see what all you have planned so far. You easily caught me in your trap earlier, so I figured you may have more of a plan than what you were letting on while we were eating. Delhar tossed me a nervous look as I sat next to him, keeping my face impassive. Fiona took the seat across from the desk, fidgeting with her papers.

Ok, I will admit that I did kind of plan what happened earlier, but if I came out and just asked you for help, you would have freaked out and ran. Am I wrong?

I crossed my arms in front of my chest, keeping my gaze leveled on her for a few minutes, the anger radiating off of me. I would have said that I would not stay here and be your lap dog to help you run this throne, if that is what you are asking. On the other hand, I would have given you help Fi. I would have appreciated a more direct approach, but since I agreed to stay and help you, that is what I will be doing now.

Fiona frowned down at the desk, her fingers twisting together as she whispered to me. Are you angry with me?

Delhar was now red in the face from suppressing his laughter as I glanced over at him, sneering. I am angry with you, but it will pass Fi. Now, are you getting your father involved with all of this?

That had her blinking at me vacantly for a few minutes before blushing hotly. I haven’t thought that far. The only part I have thought about is getting the Underworld and Middlanders involved.

I had to tear my gaze from her, putting it back on Delhar as I raised a single eyebrow before addressing the room. I don’t believe we need to involve Darrian in this for the moment. He will only cause more trouble than what it’s worth for the time being. Do you agree Delhar?

He gave me a swift not keeping his eyes on Fi as he spoke informally. J will be needed, along with Rei. We don’t know what we are dealing with at this time, so that would be our priority.

Fiona frowned, watching me closely as I spoke once again. I will go down to the Underworld for a few days, find out if they can get any information on this situation. I suggest you reach out to the Forest Dwellers and poke around. See what they might know.

I stood, making my way to the door, stopping with my hand on the door frame as I turned to watch her over my shoulder. Do we have any connections with the Therians?

Fiona’s head shook in the negative as she gave me a stupid look. They hate us because of you killing Charles.

A slow, dark smile crossed my lips. The memories flashing through my mind swiftly. Ok, technically, I didn’t kill him. That was your father, but I will take it. Secondly Delhar, I let my eyes lock on him seriously, trying to keep my emotions in check as my mind kept going down memory lane. Are you still in contact with my aunt?

He gave me a single nod, standing up making his way to me. I will speak with her and find out if she is doing this.

I couldn’t stop myself from patting him on the shoulder. Good to have someone on the same train of thought.

Fi’s ecstatic laugh filled the room as she clapped her hands together in front of her, looking between the two of us filled with wonder. I am utterly useless with you two at the helm.

Delhar peeked at me as my eyes turned black before I forced them back to their normal hazel color. Fi, I am not going into this war head on. If I can avoid being in this, that would be perfect for me.

Fiona frowned at me as Delhar shook his head, confusion coloring his voice as he sat back down roughly. Why wouldn’t you join us, Sara?

Him, that’s why I wouldn’t join this war. I mean, let’s not even mention the fact that if I stayed in this war, they would find out how horrible I am for all of them. The dark things I had been hiding from all of them.

I looked away from him, pursing my lips as I gave Fi a stern look. This is your fight, not mine. This is your home and life, not mine. I’m merely helping you keep it peaceful, if possible. Now, Fiona, you also need to get the guard ready to go. They need to start training and also get the fucking shield up. I don’t know why you didn’t do that before, but now is the time. You are vulnerable during these celebrations and are just begging to be attacked.

Fiona rushed her way to the bookshelf, frowning as she ran a finger along the spines. Do you think the shield will keep them out?

I laughed darkly, shrugging. I suggest you get used to that uncertain feeling that is in the pit of your stomach right now. During war, it will never go away. You have enjoyed twenty-one years of peace. Now it is time for the plunge into chaos, my dear daughter.

I didn’t even bother leaving the room to shadow to the Underworld. I just disappeared in a puff of black smoke, smirking when I was finally sitting on my own throne.

Chapter 3

Isat down on my throne of bones, watching as the men took notice of my arrival as I absently addressed the room. Lor, I need to speak with you.

Lor was by my side in seconds, immaculate in his suit and black eyes as he fixed the cuffs on his suit jacket. My Queen, you have returned.

My chin raised as I watched him silently for several minutes before finally standing up, taking the steps down from my throne. I waited until we were away from the other beings of the Underworld to finally speak.

I need to know who is attacking the Mage Queen. I need to know, like yesterday. Lor’s footsteps faltered as his eyes shot gold, watching me sharply, causing me to give him a single nod. I don’t know the details, but I know enough to know this shit needs to be handled quickly and, if at all, possible quietly.

Lor gave me a rare smile as I rolled my shoulders back, making my way into my office, letting him follow and close my door behind him. How are the celebrations going or were you attacked there?

I laughed softly, putting my head down as I closed my eyes. We weren’t attacked. Fiona roped me into helping her.

Lor’s eyebrows rose as I sat back in my chair, his voice smooth once he finally spoke. Sara, the other thrones have been looking for you. They have been complaining about you not being around for card night.

I laughed softly, shaking my head as Lor cocked his to the side. You lied to me about going to the card games. Why? My eyes shot to Lor as I thought through my response, shrugging. I enjoy hunting alone. Now I need the Reapers to be on standby. They will be aiding in this fight, if that is what it comes down to.

That had him leaning forward as he whispered softly. And here I thought you were sneaking off to see a lover or lovers, should I say. I shot Lor a dark look as I shook my head. Don’t start with me Lor, I am in no mood for that argument again. His dark chuckle filled the room around me as he disappeared, choosing that now wasn’t the time to push my nerves.

I knew Lor wouldn’t drop that conversation. That eventually he would start the relentless questions and didn’t that just spell a good fun time for me? Then there were the other realms. They wouldn’t want me just disappearing. This was going to be a shitfest and a half and I had allowed my feelings for Fiona and the damn mages to get me stuck in it.

I was in no hurry to get back to the mage realm. I knew Lor would keep an eye on them and I had my phone with me. If anything happened, I would be told immediately, so I took this time to work through contracts and school stuff for the kids. This was my life now, always working, and in a way, I liked it.

Well, you look happier than I thought you would after seeing your ex. Pride refused to call Darrian by his name after everything came out. He had to be threatened to just leave it all be. The only reason he listened to my request was because of Fi, otherwise Darrian might not still be breathing.

I looked up, finding Pride's eyes watching me closely. We had drawn as close as possible for us in the past twenty-one years and I honestly considered him a friend.

And you look, I hesitated, trying to find the right word, causing him to give me a devilish smile as he provided a few words for me. Handsome, sexy, relaxed, oh I have a good one edible.

I laughed softly, shaking my head. And your name fits you so well. He nodded slowly before he shrugged. And your name doesn’t fit you at all. Why did you pick such a simple name to go by Sara?

I stilled, thinking back to when I chose my name, shrugging as I picked my