I already knew that. Whether they knew what Spessa’s End had become or not, they were coming for their Maiden. Their blood supply. The future of their Ascensions in one shape or form, and they’d brought an army to gain what they wanted, fully prepared to do so through force.
And people would…they would die. Possibly even some of those in this very room. All of them were the closest things to immortal there were, but none of them were gods. And even with everyone willing and able to fight, we were vastly outnumbered. People would die because they were harboring me, just like the people in New Haven.
Like Renfern.
My stomach and chest twisted with the iciness of apprehension. I couldn’t live with that again.
“They cannot have what they want,” Casteel snarled as his gaze shot to mine. “Ever.”
I stilled as he held my gaze. There was a vow in his words, one that spoke volumes—one that said he knew where my thoughts had gone.
“They’re here for me,” I said, holding his stare and willing him to hear what I couldn’t say in front of others. “We cannot risk—”
“Yes, we can,” he cut me off, eyes burning an intense yellow. “And, yes, I will. They cannot have you.” Bending forward, he placed his hands on the table. “Whatever you’re thinking, you have it wrong. They’re not going to turn and walk away if they have you. You know that, Poppy. You saw that firsthand with Lord Chaney. They will get what they want and still lay waste to everything before them just because they can. That is what they do. And once they have you, they will use you to wreak more havoc and destruction. By giving yourself to them, you won’t be saving lives. You’ll be destroying more of them.”
Casteel was right, and I hated that. It made me feel like there was nothing I could do to stop this—to fight back.
But that was wrong.
There was something I could do. I could fight.
Casteel dragged his gaze from mine. “We need reinforcements, and we need them quickly. Alastir, I need you to cross the Skotos. Alert those at the Pillars and Saion’s Cove to what is happening. Send as many of our soldiers that can make it to Spessa’s End within two days,” Casteel ordered, to which the wolven already began rising from his chair to obey. Casteel wasn’t done yet. He turned to Kieran. “I want you to travel with him just in case something happens.”
“What?” Kieran exclaimed, obviously as shocked as I was to hear Casteel’s demand. “There is a damn army of Solis heading this way, and you’re sending me to Atlantia?”
“I am. You’re fast. You’re strong. And you will not weaken or falter if something happens to Alastir.” Casteel met the wolven’s astonished stare. “You will not fail us.”
My heart started thumping hard because I knew. I knew in my bones why Casteel was sending Kieran away.
“My Prince,” Nova spoke up. “I know you feel that it is your duty to remain here, but it is you who should travel beyond the Skotos. You should leave immediately and head for safety.”
“I have to agree with her,” Alastir chimed in. “The Ascended may think you’re the Dark One, but they may know who you really are—the living heir to the Kingdom of Atlantia. You are the last person who should be here.”
I tensed at Alastir’s words, but Casteel showed no reaction to him being referred to as the living heir to the kingdom. “I value both of your thoughts and opinions, but you all know I will not leave Spessa’s End to defend itself. Not when I helped to convince those here to come and make their homes in this place.”
“Everyone who came here knew the risks involved,” Alastir argued. “Your life cannot be put at risk for Spessa’s End.”
Casteel inclined his head. “If I’m not willing to risk my life for Spessa’s End, how dare I ask the people here to do so? That is not what a Prince does—at least not a good one.”
A wealth of respect for Casteel rose so swiftly in me, it took my breath. I didn’t understand how he couldn’t see it practically radiating from me. He wasn’t willing to ask those to risk what he would not, and no one could argue that. Not even Alastir.
He exhaled heavily and then nodded.
“I should be here with you.” Kieran stepped closer to Casteel. “My duty is to defend your life with mine. That is what I’m bonded to do, the oath I took. How can I do that running away from the battle?” His voice lowered. “Don’t do this, Cas.”
My heart twisted as I stared at them. Casteel was sending his bonded wolven away. One look at Kieran told me that he knew it, too. Casteel was removing any chance that Kieran would risk his life to save his.