I wanted to dismiss the commander’s words, but I’d felt the Lord of Shadows’ powers firsthand. Still, everyone had a weakness—even him. The celestials would find his weakness, and if not them, then I would. “They’ll find a way.”

“Do you think the adze are the only ones who have pledged their loyalty to the Lord of Shadows?” Commander Rovey snapped. “The elokos, chupacabras, bogeymen, yetis, and werehyenas . . . they’re all on his side.”

Eleni had been right about Captain Nulan recruiting in the human world. This was a nightmare come true. Some of the most vicious magical creatures had chosen to join forces with the Lord of Shadows. That still didn’t explain why Nulan had let herself get caught. She was smarter than that, and that worried me. “Maybe the odds are against us, but we won’t give up.”

Zeran put his hands on his hips. “You can convince the Resistance to work with the celestials.”

Commander Rovey’s top lip curled into an ugly sneer. “What makes you think they’ll listen to me?”

Sidda crossed her arms. “Make them listen.”

“You’re asking me to betray everything I believe in,” said Commander Rovey.

“No.” Sidda shook her head. “I’m asking you to help make sure there’s a future for not only our children but all children.”

Zeran pressed his mouth into a tight line to hide his emotions while Billu practically leaned on his tippy toes, waiting for their father’s answer. “I’ll do it,” Commander Rovey spat out as if he had dirt on his tongue. “But I make no promises.”

Billu released a shaky breath, but Zeran only stared at his father. Commander Rovey said nothing more as he turned to leave.

“How are you going to find the Resistance?” Sidda asked.

Commander Rovey glanced over his shoulder, taking one last look at his family. “I have my sources.”

Once Commander Rovey had left, I opened a gateway back home. Sidda, Billu, and the darkbringer recruits reluctantly followed Zeran and me across the bridge of god symbols. “It’ll be okay,” I told them. “You’ll be safe with us.”

Soon we poured out on the sidewalk in front of my house. It was early evening, and it was already dark out. Two familiar swirling blue lights rushed at us. A moment later, Miss Ida and Miss Lucille had taken human forms. Sparks of their godling magic danced on their skin as they held up their hands, preparing to strike.

“Stop!” I shouted as I stepped forward. “They’re with me.”

Miss Ida and Miss Lucille exchanged a glance, but they lowered their hands. “What have you gotten yourself into now, Maya?” Miss Ida demanded.

Zeran cleared his throat. “To be fair, Miss Ida, she was helping me.”