United. (Book 5 of the Lupus Antiqua Series)

His deep chuckle spun through the cabin as Abby told him of the task to which she'd been set.

"All of them?" He asked.

"All of them." She confirmed. "Every Alpha or Alpha pair is at the High Council's mansion as we speak. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back into his warmth, bending his head to nuzzle at the nape of her neck.

She smiled at him and turned to face him inside the circle of his arms. He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers, the sensation rushing through her skin and heating her blood.

"They may not wish to see me." He cautioned her. There wasn't any hesitation or fear in his voice, only warning of the obvious.

"I know. But that's not our problem. You're an Alpha again in case you've forgotten." She pointed out. "You'll need to go even they didn't want me there."

"Do they? My new pack already works for the True Witches. Isn't it a given that we would be in partnership regardless?" He asked.

"No. The wolves here help, but they aren't signed under any magically binding contracts or anything. If you wanted to, you could take them and leave today.

"Only if you came with us." He growled, nipping her lower lip playfully. "And we both know you'll never abandon your sister witches." He murmured.

"You're right about that." She whispered, breathing in his scent. "Does that bother you?"

"No. I think your loyalty to your people is admirable. Never doubt that right here by your side is where I want to be. You have helped me to begin to heal from my past, and you have given me a future. You have shown me what it is to love and be loved in return.

Through you I have been given a chance at redemption that I did not deserve. If you think for a moment, that I would ever wish to be parted from you, then you are foolish." He stated intently, framing her face in his hands.

He leans in and slants his lips over hers, consuming her in a kiss that sets fire to the warmth in her and she moans, and leans fully into him.

"I love you." She whispered.

"And I love you." He replied. She pulls away slightly, with a pout.

"I wish we didn't have to go now. I have to finish putting on my garb." She murmured.

"I know." He growled. He leaned against the dresser, and raised a brow at her. She laughed when she realized he fully meant to stay there and watch her.

Without much care she shed her outfit and pulled on her garb, with every piece pulling on the coldness of the Imperium that lived in her blood.

By the time she was done she was entirely ready. And now, thanks to the crash course in training she'd been getting she could teleport them at will, now, and she did, landing them right before the entrance to the High Council's great room.

She'd heard of the room but hadn't seen it before. It was truly massive. There was a raised dais where the High Council sat, conversing with one another. Then there was the rest of the room.

It was full of very powerful Werewolves and Lunas. The Lupus Antiqua all stood out to her immediately. Their power signatures were fairly similar to Endymion's.

The moment she entered the room, all noise ceased, and every head turned. She saw surprise in some of them as they took in Endymion, but most of them stared at her.

She knew she made a figure in her black garb and she wasn't trying anymore to hide her power, so she supposed that was what they were noticing. Either that, or they knew exactly what she was and why she was here.

She kept her head held high. Once upon a time she might have been intimidated by so many powerful being focusing on her in one place, but not anymore. She'd battled Winter's Fury herself and given her a run for her money to boot. These wolves had nothing on that.

She walked at a level pace to the dais where the High Council sat, Kani in her seat to the side and curtseyed in the traditional manner, her back straight, head bowed. When she rose, she spoke the words.

"I am here to perform the Duty Of the Blessed. How may I serve?" She asked. Kani stood up and stepped forward, gesturing at her to turn and face the room, which she did.

"Allow me to introduce Abigail Thorne. She is a War Witch and Imperium. She is here to tell us who amongst you if true and who is not. If you are not true, she will perform the Duty of the Blessed. For those of you who do not know what that is, believe me when I tell you that you do not wish to." Kani gestured that Abby should stand before the raised dais.

It's a message. She's a war witch now, and her placement serves to tell everyone that she will stand between the High Council and harm.

Kani stands beside her and addresses those gathered once more.

"In case you were not briefed, there is an ancient prophecy. I shall recite it for you now.

Hear the words from out these hands,

Walking in the spirit lands,

Demons often whisper here; shadows come to visit near.

I hear the words, and hear the rhyme,

Darkness speaks, Evil unleashed.

God and goddess, Satan god, it doesn’t matter what it’s called.

Red eyes watch from the shadow, calling, calling; calling for your soul.

If he rises, fire and blood will be his vices.

He bides his time and waits for his savior.

Open your mind and know his might.

Take up the sword or use a word, take your choice of a thousand verbs.

Speak three times, to seal and bind thrice be true and twice be lies.

Soulless rise, He’s still alive.

The Destroyer’s dreams will awaken what was never meant to be.

He comes calling, calling; calling for your soul.

He comes; calling, calling; calling to make the old brand new."

She pauses for a long time, allowing the meaning of the words to sink in before she continues.

"Over the centuries there has been much debate about this prophecy. Who the destroyer is, who will release him, what will happen if he is released?

As with most prophecies, there has never been much in the way of agreement. But now the deliberation is moot. It has happened. The Destroyer has been freed from his prison.

The only question that remains to us now is this; how do we meet the threat? Your King and Queen came to this council to propose an alliance. The Nephilim King Ramaah will no doubt have his allies amongst the Vampires and together they are a fearsome enemy indeed.

If we wish to survive, if we wish the humans to survive, we must stand against them. Or, we can do nothing, and be prey after all the humans have died.

The choice of whether or not to fight is yours. As the Alphas and Lunas of your packs, you will decide whether your packs will fight or abstain. But I caution you now, if you swear to fight, and you are lying, you shall discover the power of our Imperium." Kani gestures to her. "Those of you who wish to fight with us, come and make your choice known to Abigail."

Kani moves and retakes her chair, leaving Abby standing alone. Most of the gathered couples are talking, but Endymion comes forward immediately and smiles at her.

"My mate. My Luna. I will fight with you wherever the battle takes us. Our pack will as well." He states, eyes on hers. She can feel the heat between them and barely avoids grinning at him. Still she must do her duty.

She flexes the power inside her and she's in his head in a second. His sincerity rings through her.

"His vow is true." She announces. Endymion smiles and comes to stand at her side, facing down the entire room.

"Just in case anyone gets any stupid ideas about attacking my mate; understand you will need to get through me first." He growls, his power rippling from him, making most in the room drop their gazes.

This time she can't help but smile. The Duty of The Blessed may be her least favorite thing, but with him at her side, it was easier to bear.