“No,” Ronan said. “We’ve never lied. We took a vow, and we’ve kept it.”

“Guess what?” Dage growled. “The vow is over. We know about the Seven, we know about the Cyst, and we know about other worlds that we can no longer access because of your actions. What we don’t know is why the secrecy.” The king leaned forward, power in every line of his body. “What is it you don’t want me to know?”

The king was smart—there was no question about that. As was Zane Kyllwood.

And both men would do anything, absolutely anything, to protect Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood, the Lock. They could never know the role she was to play in the end. Even Adare didn’t know, but experience told him it would be one of danger and sacrifice. If they had a clue of the danger she’d someday face, they’d try to dismantle the Seven, regardless of the cost to the Realm or to their family.

Ronan stood tall and took one last look at his great-nephew. “It was nice getting to know you, Dage. Good luck.”

Adare exited the room before his brothers, heading down the hallway to awaken Grace. They needed to take their leave and now. Besides, he could use a nap.

He was exhausted.

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Too many people were scrambling around the lodge at Realm headquarters. Hope ran into the rec room, where Libby was sitting, crying with a gift basket in her hands.

“Libby,” Hope said, grabbing her best friend for a hug. “I don’t understand. What is happening?”

Libby sniffled and handed over the bag. “We’re leaving. Going to my mom’s family in Montana for a while. I guess the shifter nations have all left the Realm. We’re enemies now,” she wailed.

“No,” Hope said, setting the bag on the couch. “We’re not enemies. We’ll never be enemies.” She held Libby’s hand. “I’ll go get my dad. He’ll make it okay.” There was no way the shifter nations would just leave the Realm.

Libby shook her head. “It’s too late. We’re all leaving today.”

Paxton ran into the room, his hair long and wild around his shoulders. “Is it true? Do you have to leave?” He grabbed Libby’s arms.

“Yes.” More tears fell down her face and she leaned in to hug Paxton. “I’ll miss you guys so much.”

Pax hugged her back and pulled Hope in for a group hug. “It won’t be for long. I’m sure the shifters will rejoin the Realm soon. They have to.” He was tall and solid holding them, even though he was so skinny.

Tears filled Hope’s eyes and she let them fall. Things weren’t supposed to change. Not like this. “I don’t understand,” she said, her voice muffled against Pax’s T-shirt. “Why do you have to leave?”