Finally, Zion arrived, and Bane gave him the barest nod. The male had been a surprisingly good ally, keeping his end of their bargain. In every recent battle, they’d guarded each other’s back, often bleeding for each other. Bane even liked him.

Another frosty wind kicked up, whistling in spurts. Carrick said, “You’re the one who ran off with the other human, isn’t that right, Zion? Didn’t you get the memo? You were supposed to bring her here for our enjoyment.”

Bane dropped his chin to his sternum, his narrowed gaze fixing on the lava maker. He’ll pay for that.

Zion crossed his arms over his chest, preparing to deliver his bomb. “Sorry I couldn’t oblige. As soon as I was done with her...I killed her.”

Shockwaves crashed over the others. Though Vale had received a text telling her not to believe anything Zion said, she paled, emanating horror. Tears filled her eyes and splashed down her cheeks.

For a moment, Bane wondered how he would have reacted if the news were true. Losing Nola...

He beat his fists into his skull, ripped at his hair and fell to his knees. Throwing back his head, he roared to the sky. The sun had disappeared behind the mountains, bright lights beginning to glow in the sky.

A debate rang out, some warriors believing Zion, some doubting him. Seven paid no heed to anyone, gliding to the center of the circle to lodge his scythe in the ice.

The assembly had officially begun.

In fifteen minutes, Seven would finish with roll call, and a bloodbath would erupt.

Erik glided forward, the Rod in hand. Frost glinted in his beard. Though he’d once spoken ancient Norse, he used Nola’s language today. “This is your chance, your only chance, to join my cause. While you were trapped, I used my freedom to my advantage. The measures I’ve taken to ensure victory are vast. I’ve done things you can’t imagine. Things you can’t protect yourself against.”

“And yet, we remain alive,” someone said, and chuckles abounded.

Bane believed the bastard planned to gain the trust of as many combatants as possible, and kill them when they least expected it. The viking had no king to command him, no reason to stop the war; but he had every reason to win it.

With a humorless smile, Erik added, “If you want to live here the rest of your days, if you hate your realm for forcing you to fight and threatening your loved ones, you will cease killing and ensure a winner is never declared. If you want to win the war so your realm can enslave mine, I will come for you, and I will defeat you.”

A debate rang out, Bane uninterested in listening.