Page 70 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

“Where?” he breathed.

“A clearing in the woods. They were dying mid-shift.”

“There was a woman,” August added immediately. “Black hair. Kneeling in the snow.”

“Sandpoint safe house,” Rosaleigh whispered, eyes wide, flicking between us.

“We can jump you in if you show me where,” I said, hand already extended.

Without hesitation, Kingsley grabbed it. The layout and coordinates rushed from his mind to mine. August and Rose fell into formation, each clasping on as we turned back-to-back, power flaring and locking like gears.

Together, we jumped.

Relief slammed into me with the same force as the cold. No screams. Not yet. For the first time in months, a vision had hit early enough to make a difference.

They’re coming, Adrastos’ voice echoed in my memory.

I scanned the clearing as darkness fell around us like a curtain. Stark trees jutted from the earth, skeletal and watchful. To the east stood a two-story stone cabin, windows glowing, smoke curling from the chimney.

“What are we up against?” Kingsley asked.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, shaking my head. “From the bodies? Nothing I’d want to fight alone. Can we evacuate?”

“This is where we keep the wounded,” Rose said, her voice breaking.

“Healers,” August growled. Fucking hell.

Yeah, I agreed. Aloud, I asked, “How many?”

“At least two dozen last I checked.”

“Mortals?”

“A few souls. Mostly braids. Some humans.”

“Too many to jump out?”

Kingsley’s grim nod was all the answer I needed.

“So, we fight,” I said, lifting my chin.

“I’d expect nothing less,” August replied, rolling off his jacket, scanning the woods. He turned to Kingsley. “Got somewhere to take the worst off?”

Another nod.

“Then go. Do what you do best. We’ll do the same.”

The stone-set king locked eyes with my mate for a long beat, then gave a final dip of his chin, grabbed Rosaleigh’s hand, and vanished.

“Certainly not the group activity I had in mind,” I muttered.

“You have got to stop suggesting that,” August teased, sleeves already rolled.

Despite myself, I grinned. “And what if I told you that is my thing?”

He scoffed. “Only boys share. Men keep what’s theirs.”

“Mmm. Kingsley’s pretty appealing.” I stripped off my hoodie, scanning the woods as energy crackled through the air. “Might be fun to fill our tanks together after.”