All power to him.

Glad it hadn’t worked, but still. The thought counted.

“Well, I appreciate the sentiment,” I said, smiling at my best friend, suddenly feeling a little choked up. It was probably the leftover emotions from leaving my dad’s. Cair had consoled me in his office before we’d called Alex and Tee here. He’d snuggled me on his lap for over an hour while I’d wept, overwhelmed and gutted, but even with the sense of relief I’d gained from letting it all out, it was still fresh in my mind.

To think, if everything had gone differently, I wouldn’t have seen Alex again. Or anyone. Wouldn’t have stood in the club again, wouldn’t have felt my friend embrace me in his rough way or listened to his inappropriate topics of conversation—or had my eyes graced by another of his hideously bright sweaters. It was all hitting me at once, and I didn’t really know how to process.

Short of bawling my eyes out. But at that point, I didn’t think I had anything left in me.

“It’s good to see you again,” I murmured, my voice cracking, hoping he understood.

His expression softened. “Missed you so much, Lulu.” Of course, he had to go ahead and ruin the moment by ruffling up my hair and adding, “My little wizard.” But he wouldn’t be Alex if he didn’t.

And it helped.

“I never thought our father would make such a bold and reckless move,” Teighan said, his arm automatically circling Alex’s waist as my friend cuddled against his side. “He won’t get away with this.”

“I can count on your help, then?” Cair asked, and Tee gave his brother one of those ‘no shit’ looks of his that should have had its own trademark.

“Without question,” he asserted. “You are my brother, and I know you would do the same for me if it were Alex.” His hold instinctively tightened on his mate. “Besides, our father has been allowed to abuse his power for too long. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, as I know your stance on taking the throne, but the Otherworld deserves a new leader. It is time, Cair. You know it.”

I glanced up at my mate, wondering whether he would mention his flyaway proposal to stand down and set Orian in his place, but he didn’t. There would be time for that yet. “I agree.”

“I want to help too,” Alex offered, determined.

It warmed my heart knowing so many people were ready and willing to defend us. Kor and Igor—along with their mate, and the rest of their family—had already pledged themselves to our cause. Monsters in the Otherworld were lining up to fight for their prince at a second’s notice, those already on his payroll and regular citizens. Plus, Rathe had assured us the numbers would only rise as his word reached the four corners of the land.

It was a huge responsibility. A little terrifying, I wouldn’t lie, but also incredibly encouraging.