“There will always be evil in the world. In fact, every person has the capacity for evil inside of them. It is the daily, continual pursuit of goodness, justice, kindness, and selflessness by those unwilling to accept the possibility of evil’s rule in their lives that keeps it at bay.” ~The Great Luna
Peri felt the power of the Great Luna fill the great hall and couldn’t help but let the hope inside of her, which had heretofore been but a small flame, grow into a raging fire. They wouldn’t have to do this alone. They wouldn’t be facing their biggest battle yet without the help of the goddess who loves her creation with an unconditional love that was hard to comprehend. Not that they’d ever faced any battle alone, but none of those had felt as ominous as this threat. Not even the threat of Volcan against her healers felt this deadly.
“Turn your eyes to the sky and see where your help comes from.” The goddess’ voice, full of power, echoed throughout the room. “It matters not what battle you face. If you fight on the side of righteousness, then I am with you. You’ve only to ask and I will give you strength. I will grant you the ability to defeat your enemy. You need only the faith to follow through. No matter what obstacle you come against, do not doubt my ability to make you victorious.
But hear this. There is no great victory that does not come without great sacrifice. The price of redemption is the shedding of blood. One day, very soon, I will shed my blood to redeem the faithful. Until then, I shed my tears for those who have continually fought the good fight, who have remained faithful even in the midst of trial and tragedy, who will fight one more battle and then come home to me. I shed my tears for the lives that will be lost by those who have no knowledge of the threat they are facing. I shed my tears for the wicked who refuse to turn from their ways, who are willing to take from others, who murder, rape, lie, corrupt the innocent, refuse justice, and live only for themselves. I shed my tears for you, who must remain behind in a broken world.
“Shine bright the light I have placed inside of you. Stand like a city on a hill for all to see and show the world there is something greater than themselves. Show them that, though my wolves are my chosen, I offer my light to any who would turn away from the darkness. I offer my tears to cleanse their land until the time comes for my blood to cover all their transgressions, all their guilt, all their selfishness, all their deceit, every single thing that keeps them in bondage.
“The battle belongs to me! And you are my arm, my sword that will carry out my justice!”
The room was suddenly plunged into silence, but the light that had filled the hall was still there, still illuminating them, reminding them they were not alone.
Peri stood and looked out at everyone, their eyes wide in wonder, tears on many of their faces, hers included. “Pretty sure she just outdid Jen,” she said to Vasile as she wiped the tears from her face.
The Alpha looked at her, tears in his own eyes, though he didn’t bother to wipe them away. “We’ve faced many battles, Perizada of the high Fae.”
She held out her hand and he clasped her forearm. “That we have, wolf. And just like all the others, when the smoke clears, we will be standing victorious.”
The room emptied, everyone marching outside to join the waiting warriors. A hush settled over the crowd. Then, Peri released her power. Her form was outlined in light as she projected her voice out for the entire army to hear. “FOR JUSTICE!”
“WE FIGHT,” they roared in one voice.
“FOR THE INNOCENT.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THE LOST.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR EACH OTHER.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“FOR THE GREAT LUNA.”
“WE FIGHT.”
“WE FIGHT. WE FIGHT. WE FIGHT!” She chanted with them. When it ended, she grabbed Dillon’s arm and flashed them to the field he pictured in his mind to guide her. It was dark and the place was deserted. No lights, no noise. Completely silent.
“Looks like the element of surprise will be on our side,” Dillon said.
Peri flashed them back. “Group up,” she yelled, and everyone began moving toward the fae warriors who had their arms outstretched.
“We flash as one,” Peri said. “On three. One, two, three.” One second, roughly one hundred and fifty supernatural warriors were in the sprite realm, and the next, they were standing in a field in Phoenix, Arizona.
At the front of the army stood Peri, Dillon, Vasile, Andora, Jareth, Cypher, Ainsel, Lilly, and Thalion.
Several muttered curses flew from different mouths as Peri’s lips tightened and her eyes narrowed.
“Looks like we lost the element of surprise,” she said as she stared across the field where the army of their enemy stood waiting on them.
Jen opened her eyes. Just like Jacque, who was sitting across from her at the table in what they called the War Room, she was crying. Fane, like Decebel, must have let Jacque see what was going on at the summit, and she’d experienced the Great Luna’s appearance as well.
“At least they’re going into this with their morale strong,” Jen said with a small smile.
Jacque nodded. “That’s true. Not going to lie, Jen. I’m scared out of my mind.”
“You’re not alone, Jacque. But they’ve got a plan and they’ve got help. It’s not just our men fighting.”
“We’re about to flash to the location of the Order,” Decebel’s voice filled Jen’s mind.
“Watch your back, B. I’m not there to save your beautiful behind if you get in a tight spot,” Jen teased, trying to keep her fear from leaking over to him.
She heard him chuckle and felt his love, but it was abruptly cut off. For a split second, Jen saw through her mate’s eyes, just before he locked the bond down tight.
Jen jumped to her feet, and Jacque was up just as quickly.
“Did you see that?” Jacque asked.
Jen nodded. “The Order’s army,” she hissed out.
“It’s like they knew we were coming,” Jacque said.
Jen’s eyes snapped to her best friends. Her stomach lurched as she realized what that meant. “Vasile’s got a traitor in his army.”
Look for book 5 in the Gypsy Healer Series, Wolf Sight, coming spring 2019