“Fifteen hundred,” Tenia answered.
“They lost over twenty-thousand when Sincaro was killed.” Myanin hoped that might help make the number of newly converted vamps seem a little less daunting.
“And Cain is the new sire?” Lucian asked.
“That’s what he said,” Myanin answered.
“They won’t be that stupid,” Peri said. “Cain may turn these first ones, but they’ll spread out the vamps that rebuild the army so that the loss of one sire won’t wipe them out again.”
“We can try to figure out who they are using,” Tenia said.
“The Great Luna also paid them a visit,” Myanin said.
“Ohh,” Peri’s lips turned up into a small smile and her eyes brightened. “I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that.”
“I wasn’t there for that part,” Tenia said as she looked at Myanin.
Myanin swallowed, her mouth dry as she remembered the words the goddess had spoken into her mind. She didn’t think that was information the group needed, especially the warlock she was currently having a hard time not staring at, so she focused on what the Great Luna had said to the Order. “They were having a meeting,” she explained. “The leaders of each of the races that has joined the Order.” Myanin listed off their names in quick succession. “The Great Luna told them that if they attacked her chosen during this time of mourning, she would strike them dead where they stood.”
“Anyone else hoping they’ll attack?” Peri asked as she leaned back into the couch where she sat.
“They talked about it.” Myanin nodded.
“Of course they did.” Peri ground her teeth together. “They’re morons who don’t think the Great Luna will act on her words. Mostly because their egos have outgrown their intelligence.”
Myanin chuckled. “That is true.”
Peri sobered as she met Myanin’s eyes. “Lilly said you’re willing to work with Gerick,” the high fae paused as her eyes glanced up at the male who was standing just to Myanin’s left, “and help prepare the warlock warriors for battle.”
Myanin nodded. “I am not trying to imply that your general…” She looked at Lilly.
“I’m right here.” Gerick’s rich voice rumbled from beside her. At some point, he’d gotten much closer to her without her even realizing it. “You can speak to me.”
Myanin shifted in her seat and turned so she could look at him. He knelt down so his bright eyes were level with hers. Her heart sped up in her chest, and she had to force her breathing to remain even. This was why she’d been pointedly trying not to look at him. He made it difficult for her to think.
She cleared her throat and began again. “I’m not trying to imply that you aren’t capable of training your warriors. And I don’t want to step on any toes.”
Gerick’s lips twitched, as if he wanted to smile at her but forced himself not to. “I am not a fool. The djinn are an ancient race with immense power. From what I’ve read about your people, you study different fighting styles and don’t rely on your magic.”
“We can’t. Our power is too dangerous. We have to rely on our skill as fighters.” Myanin continued to hold his gaze.
“Which is why I know it would be smart for me to accept your instruction for my warriors,” Gerick said.
Had he moved even closer? His breath was on her face. She could smell his scent, which was a mixture of spices and rich soil. An odd combination, yet very appealing. She found herself leaning closer, wanting to breathe deeper, wanting to touch him.
“This is about to get awkward, isn’t it?” Peri’s dry voice broke the spell that seemed to have captured Myanin.
The djinn leaned away, surprised by how close their faces had been. Gerick didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. He winked at her as he stood back up, though he didn’t move away from her chair.
He winked at me. She felt ridiculous for liking it. But she did. Myanin liked it a lot, almost as much as she liked cotton candy. The thought gave her pause. That was a serious amount of like. She felt a nudge, and her head snapped to the side as her eyes met Tenia’s. “What?” she asked the fae. Tenia motioned toward Peri.
Myanin turned to look at Peri. “Oh, you’re back with us?” the high fae smirked.
Myanin nodded dumbly.
“So, the Order thinks you two are spying on us, correct?” Peri pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Yes,” Myanin and Tenia answered at the same time.
Peri adjusted herself as she leaned forward and tapped her chin. “We have to make sure you have decent information to report back to them or they will not keep sending you out.”
“Alston does not control me,” Myanin said through clenched teeth.
“Do not underestimate Alston.” Peri’s eyes pierced Myanin. “He is a formidable and adaptable foe. He wouldn’t have lived this long if he wasn’t.
“Lilly mentioned you’re receiving the visions that would normally go to Thadrick,” the high fae said. Her words were matter-of-fact rather than accusatory, which surprised Myanin.
“I have been, but they’re not always clear or in a straight timeline,” Myanin explained. “And I won’t be having them anymore.”
“And why is that?” Peri asked.
Myanin’s eyes once again glanced at Gerick. Maybe she shouldn’t worry about his approval, but she couldn’t help the fact that she wanted it. “I made things right with the Great Luna and with the elder, Lyra. She’s the one whose life I took and whose magic I stole. I gave it back.”
“You gave it back?” Peri sounded very confused.
“Peri,” Lilly said, her tone sounding a tad reproving.
“How do you give back a dead djinn’s magic?” Peri asked, ignoring the warlock queen.
Myanin shrugged. “I just told the Great Luna I didn’t want it anymore.”
“Just like that?” Peri challenged.
What the hell is up with this high fae? Myanin’s face heated. “Yes,” she bit out. “Just like that.”
“You’re young compared to Thadrick. It must have been nice to suddenly have all that power,” Peri crooned.
“Perizada,” Gerick snapped, and the
