“He can no’, sweetheart,” Phelan said. “The more Kings there, the more the Dark bring this war out into the open. Then all the work the Dragon Kings did to stay hidden will be for naught.”
“And Ulrik gets what he wants,” Aisley said with a nod.
Rhi had the uneasy feeling that something was about to change in the world. She wasn’t sure about Ulrik. One moment he seemed to be one thing, and then in the next, he was the epitome of malicious.
He hadn’t just cursed Rhys, but he’d had Lily killed. Then brought her back. Now he might be responsible for sending the Dark to Darcy, only to ask Rhi to watch over the Druid and ensure that she remain alive.
Whoever it was that wanted to expose the Kings might very well get their wish soon. There was no way the Dragon Kings would allow the Dark to so flagrantly flaunt themselves in Scotland without some kind of battle.
The Dark had to know that.
Because if the Kings didn’t retaliate, then the Dark would know they could do whatever they wanted and go wherever they wished.
That would bring about another war.
“Are you all right, Rhi? You look a little green,” Aisley asked.
Rhi blinked and looked from Aisley to Phelan. “I thought I knew who the bad guys were. What if I don’t?”
“We’ve all known the enemies are the Dark, the small group of MI5, and Ulrik.” Phelan folded his arms across his chest. “There’s no doubt another group or person out there aligned with one or more of those groups, but they’re small players if we doona know of them yet.”
Phelan was right. It all made sense. It all fit neatly together. Why then couldn’t Rhi dislodge the sick feeling that there was something they were missing?
“Let’s get Darcy free of the Dark before we turn ourselves into knots over the bigger picture,” Aisley said.
Rhi winked at Aisley. “Smart thinking, flame girl.”
“With that many Dark, we’re going to need more Druids,” Phelan said. “And Warriors.”
Rhi held up her hand to stop him. “Wait. Right now, the Dark aren’t focusing on the Warriors. You bring that many there, and you’re asking for trouble.”
“What did you expect when you came to us for help?”
She really hated when Phelan was right. “Fine, but keep the gods tamped down as best as you can. I’m seriously going to kick your ass if the Dark figure out you’re half-Fae. You don’t want to know what they’ll do to you, Phelan.”
“Message received loud and clear.” He shot her a grin. “Now get out of here and keep an eye on Darcy. We’ll be there soon.”
Rhi told him the address and started to teleport away when Aisley pulled her close for another hug.
“Be safe,” the Druid whispered.
“Always.”
“We see the Light within you.”
Rhi pulled back, shaken by Aisley’s words. “Are you sure? Or is it just that you think you see it?”
“It’s there,” Phelan said. “Just as bright as before.”
Rhi wasn’t so certain anymore. She teleported away before she gave herself a closer look.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
The more Warrick thought of taking Darcy out of the shop, the more he wondered if it was a terrible idea.
“Stop worrying,” Darcy said as she nudged his arm with her shoulder. “It’ll be fine.”
He raised his brows as he looked away from the broken door to her. “Fine? It’s going to be anything but.”
“I’m trying to make myself believe it’ll be all right,” she told him. “Can’t you just pretend with me?”
Warrick shook his head. “Nay. You’ve encountered a few Dark, but you’ve no’ seen what they can do in a group.”
“It’s not that far to my flat. We can make it. I refuse to spend the rest of my days in this shop. I’ve had to cancel all of my clients for the next week because I didn’t want them walking so near the Dark.”
“Maybe we should wait another day.” Warrick had never doubted his power, but he hadn’t been in such a predicament before either.
Darcy turned to face him and scrutinized him. “Everything you’ve done has helped me so far. There’s no reason to believe this protection bubble thing you can do won’t as well. You’ve used it before, right?”
“Of course.” As if he would try something new while her life was in jeopardy.
“Then it’ll be fine.”
Unless the Dark surrounded him like they did the day before. Warrick wasn’t certain his power could remain up and surround Darcy if he was knocked flat again. He’d managed once before long, long ago, but he had been in dragon form then.
“I’d rather do this at night,” he murmured.
Darcy glanced out the window to the two Dark Fae who remained on the opposite side of the street. “I just wish my magic could do more damage. If I can touch dragon magic, why can’t I do more against the Dark?”
“A verra good question.” He’d been wondering the same thing. Her magic should be strong enough to do more damage to the Dark. There was something wrong, but Warrick couldn’t put his finger on it.
Darcy blew out a breath. “If I stand around any longer, I may chicken out completely.”
“That might be the wisest decision.”