“Everest?”

I glanced over. “Tegan?”

“Where did you go? I didn’t worry about you needing my portal, but you didn’t follow. Why?”

Libby arched an eyebrow at me. “That’s what I asked⁠—”

“Libby?” Devon gasped, her eyes wide. “Libby, you’re alive?”

Libby blushed but she wagged her eyebrows. “I’m still as surprised as you are, but yeah.”

Devon’s eyes watered. She pressed her hand to her chest. “Your family⁠—”

“Doesn’t know yet.” She grimaced. “Waiting for Everest to give me the green light on that⁠—”

“Not me.” I shook my head. “Your Coven Leaders will give you that green light.”

Tegan and Tenn scowled then in perfect unison turned to look at Tim and Constance. Who just rolled their eyes and chuckled.

“Wait, don’t distract him.” Tegan pointed at me. “Talk. Now.”

“Long story short, I ran into Sam in Chicago.” I glanced around to all the tense expressions in the room but there was nothing to be done about what I had to say. “When the sun sets there will be demon and Unseelie attacks in Chicago, San Diego, and Boston. In that order, one after another.”

Silence.

I nodded. “Their goal is undoubtedly to wear us out to make us easier to kill.”

“Is it time for new tricks?” Jackson asked, his expression tense.

“I think we need a plan. A strategy for which new tricks we’ll try and in which order so that there’s no question or hesitation when we fight.” I looked to Tenn and Tegan. “You two are still their prime targets so I am going to request you stay at my side. They are still afraid of me, and for good reason, but there is a limit to what I can do⁠—”

“Why?” Savannah raised her mangled hand. “No disrespect, Mr. Frost Mountain, but I’ve seen what you can do so what don’t we know? ‘Cause you could open up a can of whoop ass like no other out there —”

Akecheta chuckled then winced and gripped his chest.

Saber held my stare. Then she nodded. “Tell them, they need to know, and maybe crazy pants can find a workaround⁠—”

“For what?” Tegan moved closer to me. “Everest, talk to me⁠—”

“Lilith,” I said quietly and noticed everyone else shuddered. “If I use too much of my magic . . . it can lure her out. Bring her out. And yes, I’ve learned the hard way. I don’t yet know of a way to sever that connection so I must act within the limits I know⁠—”

“Good God.” Tenn scrubbed his face with his hands. “Yeah, please do. Right, Tegan and I will stick by Frost Mountain while we fight. How long until sunset?”

“Two hours,” Timothy eyed his watch. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if they go early.”