บท 284: Chapter 284: So Be It

I turned to find Mabel watching us with her own sorrow on her face. She had to know what was coming.

"Is there anything I can do?" She looked back and forth between us, no comment on Max's bristling, armored state, nor on my steady resolve.

"Nothing," he said. "But care for our people. That has ever been your destiny."

She bowed her head to him, the song of the drach swelling as his people appeared, filling the dust ridden cavern, their love in their music.

Pretty, my demon sent. Can we get on with this? Her irritation I knew well. Just fear hiding behind curmudgeony bad humor. I got it.

Soon enough, my vampire sent.

You three could jump ship, I sent. Find new hosts.

Stop telling us what to do, my demon grumbled. And trying to get rid of us already.

I have a feeling you're going to need us, Shaylee sent. Besides, I'm kind of attached to this body. And you.

Gabriel is gone, I sent. Everyone else is safe, or as safe as they can be until I do what I have to do. So be it.