We arrived to the edge of Anchorage an hour before noon. Zain was a blur, racing around as she did her best to organize the Enforcers that had already arrived. She and Jennifer had taken charge of splitting the Enforcers into two groups. Zain herself had taken on a lot of responsibility. 

   Jennifer approached as Tate and I arrived. I looked around the group of Enforcers, my heart in my throat. "Is this everyone for the front line?" It looked to be around fifteen people. Not many. 

   I couldn't ignore all of the looks. They seared into my arm. A few whispers scattered through the Enforcers in surprise.

   The demon nodded. "The rest are currently taking position at City Hall. Zain is taking charge of that group. We have no military leaders, so we're on our own."

   "No, you're not."

   All three of us swiveled our heads. Three figures rapidly appeared as they walked through the barrier. I recognized one as Captain Lugo. He stood tall, his buzzed head shining in Anchorage's light. He and the other two wore dark blue armor with a shield symbol on their chests, a spark sitting in the middle. Their armor was closer to Spandex with inserted plates over sensitive areas, like their stomachs and back.

   "Captain Lugo," said Tate, stunned. "Why are you here?"

   Captain Lugo grimaced. The man to the side of him stood at his height, muscles ripping across his arms. His skin shone darkly in the sun. The woman had bright red hair and her body was small and lithe. Both looked wickedly strong.

   Jennifer's face turned into a scowl. "I called for your help two days ago."

   The man beside Captain Lugo grunted. "We've had our own problems to deal with. We got word from Councilman Clarence that there was a spy in Death Valley. We've been chasing Captain Scof's hide all around the desert for days."

   Tate swore under his breath. "A captain . . . how much information could he have given to the Dark Stars?"

   The red-head shook her head. "Literally no telling. We finally got him into custody. The general is dealing with him now."

   "Regardless," said Captain Lugo. "We're here. And we're helping organize your operation here. Ms. Reilly, meet Captains Tyson and Pierce." He gestured at the man and the red-head.

   The red-head, Captain Pierce, dipped her head. "So you're Roxie Reilly."

   "You're short," said Captain Tyson flatly.

   I scoffed and shook my head. To my surprise, Tate outright chuckled. "I think you'd be surprised at how much spice is locked up in that tiny body."

   "Oh, shut up, Tate." I focused on the three Captains. "I'm not a leader. I have no idea how to organize troops. I trust you guys can."

   Captain Lugo nodded. "We're on it. Where's the rest of your forces?"

  Jennifer folded her arms, still irked about their late arrival. "The other half is at City Hall, defending the old door. Zain is with them."

   Captain Pierce's lip pulled. "Oh, Zain's here? Well, this fight is going to be interesting. I'll head there to help fortify." She lifted a hand in goodbye, jogging into the main city. I turned back to the two remaining captains as a few more people approached from the roads.

    "We're helping, too."

   Mark stood alongside four other Council members. He had his staff strapped to his back and he wore Enforcer armor. The other four did, too. Captain Lugo shook his head at the same time I did. 

   "You're the reason the Dark Stars are here," I said sharply. "You're what they want."

   Captain Lugo folded his arms. "We're here to protect you, Councilman Clarence."

   Mark's eyes held the same defiance I'd seen in my own face. "I'm putting this flatly, Lugo. All five of us are of original magick lines. We're ancients. And we've been trained as Enforcers to boot. We're not going to hide while all of you risk your lives."

   The other four nodded. I saw an elf, another neutral, and two shifters. I met Mark's eyes sharply.

   "You know that you might be targeted for that alone, right? Darks historically have hated ancient lines."

   Mark's face hardened. "I might say the same to you."

   The two captains and Jennifer blanched slightly. I held Mark's gaze solidly, refusing to look at their expressions. Thanks for dropping that bomb, Mark. Appreciate it. They had already been staring at my arm enough.

   "You're an ancient?" asked Jennifer, stunned.

   I shook my head. "No. My mother was, but I'm not."

   Mark raised an eyebrow. "You told me you were."

   "I didn't. I asked if you thought I was, and you said yes. I never said otherwise." I worked my fingers. "But I'm not."

   "How?" Captain Tyson criticized. "You have the power of an ancient line."

   My smile turned wry. "Because I'm Alexie's apprentice."

~

   We weren't able to convince the Council members to back down. Reluctantly, they were allowed into the second line at City Hall. Time ticked down, closer and closer to the noon deadline. We watched the road carefully, but no one ever arrived. It confirmed that the barrier considered the Dark Stars dangerous, and they were being blocked from let inside.

   Tate and I left the road for City Hall, deploying the first part of the plan. Daniella and another mage had spent hours examining the runes on the door and determined which one had to be destroyed to allow the Dark Stars into the city.

   My heart thundered. Just a few minutes until noon. Everyone had dispersed by now. Enforcers and fighters were hidden around the building. I stood in front of the door as the first line of defense against the individual sent to destroy it.

   Tate was directed to remain around City Hall unless otherwise called upon. If Dani saw him, she'd know that I was nearby. Half of our plan banked on Dani not knowing I was around. So, he was ordered to remain out of sight from Dani unless absolutely necessary.

   He grasped my hand. No words were said. I saw what he meant in his eyes. Good luck. You've got this.

   I squeezed his fingers, conveying my fear only for him. He was the only person that knew I wasn't entirely sure about this. He nodded and put a finger to his lips. His hand pointed down to the ground floor.

   The Dark Stars member had arrived to take down the door. The fight had started.

   I reluctantly let go as he slipped away, silently disappearing down a different hall. My eyes remained glued to his back. What if this is the last time we see each other intact? Straightening to my full height, I cricked my neck and stretched my arms. Butterflies churned in my stomach.

   It's all coming down to this. I scrunched my eyes tightly. It's time to fight like Alexie taught me to. He wouldn't have trained me for nothing. I'm not letting Dani walk away. This is ending today. This is for Alexie.

   By the time the Dark Stars member got around the corner, the nervous Roxie was gone. I leaned against the wall casually, my arms folded loosely. My foot hooked about my other ankle.

   Fole the fae rounded the corner and halted. A smile coveted my lips at the sight of him. He was already sweating from the pressure of the barrier. The wood bracelet sat on his wrist, plain as day. He wore the same armor-like stuff Karrae had in Anchorage. Black with mat pads, almost like the armor pads in my pants. Three purple stars sat on his chest. He looked nothing like the Fole I'd first met in the Ghost Realm.

   "Fancy seeing you here," I said smoothly. 

   Fole's face darkened. "How are you here?"

   My hand reached forward. The staff appeared and landed in my hand with a solid thunk. Crimson magick poured down my arms. The vibrations of the magic circled my head. The longer I felt it, the more confident I grew. 

   "That would ruin the suspense, wouldn't it?" I slid my foot back and readied my staff. "Now, quit staring, and let me finally kick your ass." My other hand beckoned him forward.

   Fole flashed sharp teeth and drew the sword from his hip. With a flash of the blade, he launched forward.