can we all just get along?

Everyone sat around the table in the war room. Destiny remained standing. With a single wave of her hand, her golden gown shimmered and transformed into a sleek, all-white leather outfit. Only then did she take her seat.

"Everyone," she said, scanning their faces. "I know I’m your Queen. I know you all respect me—thank you. Truly, thank you." Her tone softened, almost pleading. "But I need you to speak to me openly. I could just read your minds, but that’s not how we win this. We have to face what’s coming together. That means honesty. That means trust."

She paused, letting the silence settle before adding, “If anyone doesn’t want to be here, you’re free to leave. No hard feelings. But if you stay, then let’s get down to business.”

No one moved.

Destiny tried to remain optimistic, but she could feel the anger simmering in the room. No one wanted to fight alongside Torock—not after everything. Truthfully, neither did she. Part of her wanted to strike him down herself. But he was her son.

“He’s killed thousands of us,” Idris growled, pounding a fist to his chest. “His own people! He tried poisoning Seth and me!”

“And you expect us to just forget that?!” Tabitha demanded, eyes burning. “Forget what that traitor did?”

“He killed his own brother!” Seth barked, rising to his feet. “I was in the room when it happened—he had no remorse.”

“I know,” Destiny said softly. “I understand how all of you feel. I feel it too.”

“Do you really?” Professor E scoffed. “He hunted us in the woods like animals—for sport, not strategy.”

Tabitha stood beside her husband, gripping his hand. “If you really felt what we feel, you wouldn’t be asking this of us. And if we agree—how could we ever trust him again?”

Destiny let their pain wash over her. She didn’t interrupt. When the room fell quiet again, she finally spoke.

“I’ve searched the depths of his soul. He believes he was wrong. He wants to make things right. He wants to help stop the demon from breaching the Realm.”

“And what if he betrays us again?” Idris snapped. “What if he helps open that portal, and all seven of those demons pour through into our world? Then what?”

Destiny took a steady breath. “Torock will no longer hold any position of power. He’s been stripped of all authority. That was non-negotiable—and he agreed.”

She stood now. “So, we’ll vote. Then I’ll turn the floor over to my grandson.”

She raised a hand. “All in favor of allowing Torock to help us stop the demons, raise your hand.”

One by one, hands went up—slowly, reluctantly. All but Seth’s.

Seth remained standing. “If he steps out of line… I’ll end him myself.” His gaze locked on Destiny’s.

She nodded. “So be it, grandson. We’re all agreed—if he betrays us again, Torock dies.”

She clapped her hands once. “All right, troops. Suit up. War gear—now.”

A searing flash of pain shot through each of them as a glowing sigil appeared near their marks—an intersecting cross of light.

“A decussate sigil,” Destiny explained. “This will protect you from possession, and enhance your strength to match any demon’s. Praying it works.”

She turned to the group. “Tabitha, Dr. Gillead—you’re on medical duty. All our lives may depend on you.”

“ReNew, Heth—you’re aerial support. And what’s the hound that flies again?”

Aerial stood tall, puffing her chest. “That would be me.”

“Good. You three will patrol from the skies. If you spot the demon first, launch a flare. We’ll come running.”

“Got it.”

“Will do.”

Aerial gave a nod of confirmation.

“That leaves me, Charlene, Idris, Argun, and the hounds. Our job is to stop the demon from opening the portal. Argun, you’ll control the portal’s flow. Remember—if they get through, they’ll have free access to the Realm and can bring their armies at will.”

Destiny’s eyes narrowed. “Once the portal is closed, scramble its signal. No comebacks.”

“I know these demon lords,” she added. “They don’t trust each other. Their territories are spread across the domain—it’ll take time for all seven to gather. That gives us a small window.”

“When the portal opens, he’ll speak a phrase that allows them to pass. That’s our cue—we grab any relics or artifacts he’s carrying, push him into the portal, and shut it down.”

“Remember—they have telekinesis. They can control your mind. Shapeshifting—they can become anything. Necrokinesis—a touch can kill. Don’t fight alone. Pair up.”

Destiny and Argun took first watch. She waved her hand and the monitors lit up across the war room, scanning the realm. Argun, seated beside her, closed his eyes and reached out with his inner sight. The hounds rested at his feet.

Everyone else slept in uniform, ready to move at a moment’s notice.

In the quiet of the night, Charlene entered the kitchen, brewing coffee for those on duty.

Issa was already there, preparing something for the twins.

“Hey there,” she said. “What are you making?”

“The hot chocolate you made for the girls. They love it. But… something’s missing.”

Charlene peered into the mugs. “I see the problem.”

Issa followed her gaze. “What is it?”

“It’s missing the love,” she said simply, dropping a handful of marshmallows into each cup.

Issa chuckled, his eyes soft. Charlene blushed.

“That was it,” he said. “The love was missing.”

Then, more quietly, “Say… would you like to come with me? I’m telling the girls a bedtime story.”

Charlene smiled, but regret touched her eyes. “Can I get a rain check?”

Issa blinked. “What’s a rain check?”

“I mean… I can’t right now, but we can do something soon. Okay?”

“So it’s a date?”

She hesitated, then grinned. “Okay. It’s a date—later.”

“Later,” he said with a wink, walking out with the mugs in hand.

Charlene watched him go, her eyes lingering a moment too long.

ReNew’s voice rang out inside her mind. “DID HE JUST ASK YOU OUT ON YOUR FIRST DATE?”