[Trista] The walk back to the house was as depressing as it normally was. Landry and I weren’t as concerned about the camp thing, because Madison wasn’t worried.I loved her and wanted her safe, but a demon queen is a warrior queen. The shapeshifters didn’t understand. She was everything a queen should be.When we got inside, we found Drayce and Anders in the kitchen with Poppy and Gail. They were smiling like they had a secret. That made me more nervous than Madison going to any number of camps.

[Madison]A shuddering sigh pulled me from my thoughts. I opened my eyes and looked at Drayce and Anders. Drayce was clinging to Anders tightly. The Vasili was rubbing circles into his mate’s back and cooing tenderly to him.“Are you okay, Drayce?” I asked softly, walking toward them.“I thought he was going to kill you, Maddie. How were you able to look him in the eye and laugh? No one can do that. How can you be okay with going to Nettleston’s care, knowing our father will be there?” Drayce said breathily.

[Ford] I wanted them all to understand. They all underestimated my baby. The harem knew she was the Phantom, but not what that really meant. Maybe Winston did, but he seemed pretty surprised when I told them she’d killed Tybalt. At least the dragon confirmed it for them. Now, they had to believe.The room was silent. Will, Rafe, and Winston turned to look at me. I glanced over and winked. I was proud. Nothing scared her because nothing was more frightening than the threat of her.&ldquo

I slid my arms around Aria, then wrapped my wings around her. It was the most intimate hold among our people. Cocooning Aria in my grasp and breathing in her scent, I felt more relaxed.It was delicate and slightly salty, like the breeze off the ocean. She smelled of a mixture of my soap, conditioner, and the beach. It was soothing and calmed the fury I felt. I still hated the men who’d hurt Aria, but it wasn’t a fresh anger anymore.“You don’t have to be a killer. I don’t need another person like me in my life. At least, not like the hard, cruel part of me. Never think I need you to be what I am. I need you to be you. You may have to accept that I won’t chang

[Madison] I woke early and moved out of the bed. Aria had rolled onto her side and away in the night. I looked down at my sleeping angel. It was nice to wake up next to someone who made me feel complete again. I still missed Ford, but Aria made it hurt less.After heading into my room to collect clothing and bathing items, I went to the laundry room for Aria’s clothes. Getting ready was important. Anders needed to believe I was serious, the succubae needed to think it as well. If nothing else, it showed my commitment to following through.