“No.” Glancing down at the immortal faces looking up at them in awe and fear, he knows what they have to do. “It is time for the Vale to fall.” Tugging her close to his chest they shoot into the sky above twisting and turning. Their light leaving a fiery bright trail as they climb higher and higher. Finally reaching the edge of the sky they stop and look down at the beautiful blue and green planet beneath them. As one the King and Queen of the Fae turn and fall down like a mighty comet towards the invisible barrier. The intensity of their passage back to Earth leaves a long burning trail behind them. The impact with the Vale creates an explosion that is felt through the very heart of the planet. All who are standing, be they mortal or immortal are forced to the ground for a few seconds as it explodes outwards sending energy pulses and shock waves in all directions reaching for the horizons.
Across the globe, Anya and Sebastian, Keane and the Guild, all on the planet fall to the ground as one. The creatures hunting are pushed by an invisible force and pinned down to the earth.
Screaming in rage, Caius falls to the floor of his apartment, unable to move for multiple heartbeats. All sound stops for a moment, the planet shakes, he takes a breath, then another and on the third exhale everything is released.
Together, the Fae King and Queen greet their people as they land. Drake speaks, “Once the Vale was used to protect us from those who would seek our power for their own.” He gestures for them to get up and slowly they rise.
“We were not created to hide in the Shadows.” Drake’s flame ignites behind the pupil of his eyes. “I am the King of the Fae! I was sent to protect the Fae and humanity. You can choose to fight or hide, but no longer will you have the protection of the Vale.”
Chaos erupts, the Fae yell and scream, some cry, while others draw their swords and shout about rebellion.
Caderyn steps away from Drake and takes her baby from her best friend, Jazmyn. “I feel their pain. Our people are being turned. Caius is turning them into abominations. We can help fight and free them from this pain.”
Above the din of confusion, the clear sound of metal ringing startles everyone gathered and cuts through the chaos. The Shadow King stands with his army. Golden swords and shields pound together in a rhythm of war as they march from the surrounding trees. It is a call to arms.
“You will not do it alone, my Queen,” Reese bows.
Arianna grins at her brother from Reese’s side. “We can help, and we brought friends.”
Anya helps Sebastian to his feet and stares at him in shock. “Are you alright?” Sebastian asks.
“I think so. Did you feel that surge of power? That was crazy!” Anya replies just as her phone rings. Her eyes widen with surprise when she recognizes the number.
“Da, where are you?” Anya snaps.
“Listen to me. I am almost to New York. Have you seen the news?” She turns to Sebastian. “No, why?”
“I’m sending you a video clip. Anya, can you meet me in New York? Caius has released the Pex on the city. Thousands are being infected.”
Her stomach drops with dread as Sebastian switches on the television and they watch in horrified silence as the coverage plays. New York is being overrun. Anya closes her eyes against the images.
“Dad, can the Guild protect the humans? I should be able to go after the ones infecting them.”
“How are you supposed to do that, Anya?” he asks in frustration.
“Easy. They aren’t human!” Understanding dawns as he realizes she should be able to track them.
“None can remain, Anya.” He lowers his voice, “The Guild wishes to capture one. That can’t be allowed.”
“One problem at a time, Dad. Just get to New York, leave the Pex to me.”
“Be careful my girl, see you soon,” Keane tells her and hangs up.
“Let’s go.” Sebastian orders.
“You should stay here in case Vorn returns,” Anya argues, but he is already shaking his head.
“I am an Ancient Immortal, daughter. You are not the only one with the taste for blood!” He reaches out and she takes his hand and both their eyes flash solid black. The wind blows as she opens a doorway to New York and steps through.
Noise, smoke, screams, agony and blood float on the air, tempting the Herald. Her eyes shift to those of a predator as she takes in the chaos and her mouth opens on an inhale. She pulls the air inside her mouth sorting the flavors until she captures it. When she opens her eyes, she can see the scent of the Pex floating through the air. Each creature has its own aroma and Anya is confused. Instead of the hunger she should feel, she can sense the struggle of the victims held within each.
Instantly the noise returns, and she can here gunshots as some of the humans fight back. Two in particular, are shielding a group of humans, from three flying creatures.
“Help them, Dad.”
Sebastian grins and leaps into the air, landing with a thud in front of Josh and Joel.
Crouched with his taloned hands and extended teeth Sebastian advances on the Pex, the creatures fall back confused by the immortal. The humans he protects are just as shocked by his sudden appearance, but they do not stop to question a reprieve.
“Don’t kill them, Dad!” Anya yells as she leaps into the