In the great scheme it really didn’t matter, as long as it wasn’t the mainland, where Dannie would focus her attack first. But it felt a little more respectful to at least acknowledge the name of the locals who were assisting us.

The ones who had given us a shot at taking down the most powerful goddess to walk the worlds.

Samsan Grove had shifted the odds in our favor, and now it was time for us to do them proud.

54

It took longer than expected to usher thousands of creatures and hundreds of locals through to the island. When they were finally done, Shadow and I couldn’t hang around, knowing Dannie might be breaking free at any moment.

He assured me that our mists would send out an alarm, but I was worried it’d be too late by the time that happened.

Before we left, though, I had one final task to complete. “The creatures are free now,” I said, in my booming wolf-phoenix voice. “Royals are not to bond or use their energy in any way, or the outlier locals have full right to stop you with every weapon at their disposal. And then when they’re done, I will come for you.”

I felt the royals’ momentary fear before all of them shouted their promises and swore to never hurt a creature again. Dannie had already somewhat sufficiently broken them in the time she’d had them locked away, so I felt confident that my orders would be obeyed.

“Is there any way we can leave the outlier locals a way to communicate with us?” I asked Shadow. “On the slim chance there is trouble?”

Shadow’s expression was grim. “I wouldn’t worry about it. The battle with Dannie will be over fast. If we lose, they all lose, and if we win… we will remove the royals from here and back to the mainland before there’s chance of an uprising.”

Right. That was true and depressing, but at least I didn’t have to stress about a hostile takeover while we were busy fighting the goddess hellbent on destroying it all.

“We must go now,” Shadow said, gently bumping me toward the portal.

I nodded, taking one last look at the island, which was now a few thousand inhabitants larger. It felt cozy, somehow, and I didn’t really want to leave, wishing I could stay and help the locals, who were already taking care of the mentally and physically fragile royals.

“Dannie has a lot to answer for,” I said shortly. “Do you think your royal compound was the only one she did that to?”