Looking around, Caden saw that the other Doomsday Brethren were currently mopping up the last of the opposition. Thank God.

Another Anarki scrambled away from Tynan to Bram’s side, holding a knife high above Rion’s heart. Racing across the room, Caden leapt onto the ghoul, grabbed his blade, and shoved it deep into his chest. The zombie gasped as black ooze gurgled from his chest, then he slumped into death.

Breathing hard, Caden dropped to his knees next to Bram, who writhed and shouted, fighting an invisible battle with the black cloud. Caden lifted him into his arms just as Duke reached his side, looking sweaty and disheveled. An eerie calm fell over the room, now littered with black blood and dead Anarki wizards.

“We have to get him help,” Duke said.

Caden nodded. “What is this black cloud?”

“I don’t know. Something very bad, I’m sure. Sydney, Lucan, and the book safe?”

He nodded. “And that damn glass sphere destroyed. Mission accomplished.”

With a glance back at Bram, Caden wondered at what price?

Back at Bram’s house, with afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, Caden watched Duke and Sabelle prepare the transcast mirror so Sydney could keep magickind informed. Lucan burst in—with most everyone else behind him.

“What is this, a bloody circus?” Caden demanded.

Lucan thrust his hands on his hips confrontationally. “You’re not going back to Texas.”

If his brother was expecting an argument, Caden hoped Lucan wouldn’t be too disappointed.

“I’m not,” he agreed. “I’m staying to fight. A weapon like the Doomsday Diary needs all the protection it can get. I can help.”

A smile burst across Lucan’s face. “In that case, you’ll need this.” He pulled an ornate golden box with some sort of family seal across the top. “Will you take your wand?”

“With pride.” His chest swelled just thinking about holding the magical instrument made especially for him.

“Kneel.”

Caden did, head bowed.

“In the name of MacTavish, brandish this well and do good. Protect yourself, those you love, and guard this with your life. If you swear to do thus, I give this wand to you.”

“I swear it,” he vowed as Lucan put the instrument in his hands.

Goosebumps broke out across his skin, and power vibrated through him. He was truly a wizard now. Caden looked up at his mate, who smiled proudly.

Lucan slapped him on the back. “Congratulations on transitioning, mating—everything. I think Mum was right; you’ll be a gifted wizard.”

“I hope you’ll consider me one of the Doomsday Brethren, too.” Caden addressed the others assembled: Lucan, Ice, Duke, Marrok, and Tynan. “I’m here to fight with you.”

Lucan and Duke both stepped closer, and his brother spoke. “Absolutely. If Bram was well, he’d approve.”

Sabelle sniffed, holding back tears, and Lucan rushed to put an arm around her. “I’m sure your aunt and the healer will find a cure for Mathias’s spell. Remember, I’m here for you.” He caressed her cheek. “You cared for me when I needed help. Let me help you.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’ll get through this,” Lucan assured softly.

“Where’s Shock?” Ice challenged, glaring as Lucan touched Sabelle.

Lucan glared back. Reminders that the elder Denzell still kept Anka was a sore spot, and Caden cursed under his breath.

“I hope the mate thief and traitor rots.”

Caden agreed.

“Actually,” Sydney spoke up. “Shock did seem to be on Mathias’s side . . . except that he could have told Mathias that the Doomsday Diary only granted the heart’s true desire. The thought was right in my mind to pluck, as he had all the others. But he lied to Mathias about that.”

A puzzled silence fell over the group.

Finally, Duke offered. “I don’t know if we’ll ever know exactly whose side Shock is on. I suspect it’s his own. He’ll help us . . . if it suits his purpose.”

That way Shock wouldn’t suffer, regardless of which side ultimately proved victorious in the war. Caden didn’t respect that position, but Shock wouldn’t be the first to take it.

“What do you think he’ll do next? Or Mathias, for that matter?” Caden asked the others.

Duke shrugged. “I have no idea. All we can do is stay prepared for any eventuality and stand strong.

Amen.

“The mirror is ready,” Sabelle said, stepping away from Lucan.

In moments, Sydney snapped into action, got into place, and began her transcast. Yes, the Council had sent missives, likely objecting, but with Bram so ill, no one was reading his correspondence.

“During a battle earlier today, a group of wizards destroyed a weapon Mathias claims he retrieved from Africa that ripped the souls from unsuspecting humans and made them Anarki instantly. Mathias escaped, but his forces have been badly damaged. As always, updates will follow as necessary,” she concluded. “I’m Sydney Blair.” She cut a glance over at Caden and winced at his scowl. “Sydney Blair MacTavish. Stay safe. Good afternoon.”

The transcast ended. Caden was still afraid for his mate’s safety, but pride beamed all through him. She was vital to him and magickind. He had no idea what he’d do without her—and thankfully he hadn’t learned the hard way this morning.

He held her close and pressed his lips to hers. “Perfect.”

“The transcast?” she asked hopefully.

“Yes, but I meant you. I’m very proud of you.”

“Ugh. New mates.” Duke rolled his eyes. “I’m leaving.”

The others followed suit and closed the door to the library behind them, sequestering Caden and Sydney alone.

“I hope you mean that,” she whispered. “Because I called Holly today and quit my job.”

Fear for her speared through him, but he took a deep breath. This was war; they were mates and in this together. “She hadn’t already sacked you?”

“Aquarius told her I was working deep undercover on a new magickind story. It satisfied her until I called. She wasn’t happy.”

“Are you?” he asked gently. “Do you truly want to give up your human existence and work exclusively for magickind? What about proving to your parents that you’re a journalistic star?”

“I don’t need their validation anymore. I know I’m doing something good. That’s all that matters.” She bit her lip in uncertainty. “What about you? Once, you wanted to return to Texas and resume—”

“I thought I did. You said it best when you accused me of running from my destiny. It took nearly losing everything and everyone I love dearly to make me realize I had to stand and fight for what I want. I’m a wizard now, and magickind needs those trained to fight during what’s bound to be dark times ahead. And I wouldn’t leave your side for anything in the world.”

“What about your job in Dallas?”

“I called and resigned an hour ago. You’re stuck with me.”

“Promise?” she laughed. “Where is that little red book? I have a few untapped fantasies I want to jot down.”

“Oh, no, you don’t. If you want something, from now on, you only need to tell me.”

“Looking forward to it,” she murmured, then pressed her lips to his.