Bianca entered the meeting room feeling shocked. How could she just pass through the wooden door as if she has walked through a veil of waterfall? Moreover adrenalin cruised through her body with what Ileus just said—they will have to leave in a few hours.

As soon as she entered the room, Brantley's face turned to her and he was bewildered. He stared in her green eyes and saw the panic in her. He got up and walked to her. Holding her hands, he said, "Didn't I say that in Aztec, nature works in your favor? You control it, sweetheart."

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And that statement ebbed her fear. She smiled and they walked back to the table. Ileus got up immediately and he bowed to her. "Your Highness," he said with awe.

She got a little flustered. Why was he speaking like that? "Uncle Ileus, are you making me feel nervous?"

He walked to her and hugged her. "No my dear niece. Look at all the nature you have restored in this kingdom. You truly are the queen of Aztec. The words just naturally flowed from my mouth." A huge smile tugged at his lips.

"Thank you," she said, blushing away.

He curled his fingers under her chin and said, "Are you ready for the battle?"

Clutching her dress, she shook her head.

Ileus chuckled. "You are. So pack your bags. We will be going to the wizard kingdom in three hours. It would take an hour to reach the place. I could take you via the portal, but I want you to examine the extent of damage the Shadows have done. You should see which places have been the worst hit. Only then you can command the army."

Her lips quivered, but she continued to look in his almost golden eyes.

"Remember Bianca, a good commander doesn't rely only on his or her own skills, they rely on the skills of their Generals and need to lead their squad in a robust manner." Ileus put his hands on her shoulders. "You have to estimate the situation, analyze it and give your commands."

She nodded, looking at him with more concentration.

"Get ready for it, Bia. It is starting from dawn."

"Yes Uncle," she breathed.

In the next one hour, everyone was eating while revising the strategy. Nusgroth left soon after assuring them that he would send them a message as soon as he reached the center of the palace.

When Brantley and Bianca reached their bedchamber, she dressed up in her breeches and black tunic. She was so nervous that she didn't speak a word after that. The tension roiled in her guts. All her movements were jittery. When she was zipping her boots, something pricked her finger and she jerked it with a curse. "I can't bloody zip my boots, how will I command the souls?" she muttered. She was about to resume her work when warm, strong hands from behind wrapped her waist.

"Sweetheart," he said, smelling her hair. "Calm down."

As if waiting for this, she immediately leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. "Brantley…"

They stood there quietly together in each other's arms till their hearts rhythm eased and matched.

"Are you scared?" he whispered.

She shook her head. "I am not scared. I just want this to be a successful mission. I feel— I feel so bur— burdened. So many lives depend on me. I want everyone to live happily and I hate that Sedora is doing this to the Lore. Why is she doing it? Isn't enough… just enough? Why can't people stop lusting for more power, more money?"

He turned her face towards him. Cupping her face, he kissed her lips. She was so young, so naïve that it made his heart go out for her. He tucked her hair behind her ears and said, "Sweetheart, when the darkness in you overpowers the emotion of becoming too powerful, there is no stopping. People cross their boundaries and are unable to return because they are driven by their disillusioned vision. It's their arrogance, which brings them to this level."

She rested her forehead on his chest and inhaled his misty, clean smell. "Brantley, I hope I do this right."

He rested his chin on her head. "Sweetheart, I know you will do this right. Be confident!"

Three hours later, Ileus was standing in the front gardens of the palace along with five Mozia who had accompanied him. Brantley, Lazarus, Daryn and Caleb were standing near him while talking about the weather and how fast they would reach, Darius and Dawn were with Bianca.

Dawn took her daughter's hand in hers and gave her a small gold chain with a green pendant. "This belonged to my mother. Wear it. It has always been my lucky charm."

She smiled and hugged her mother. Darius helped her wear it.

"I wish I was coming with you Bia," he said while clasping the lock of the chain behind her neck. His hands were shaking. His twin sister with whom he had that deep level connection was going in such danger. He leaned his head against hers from behind. "Sis, don't leave me. Come back…" With quivering lips, he kissed her hair at the back.

She turned to face him and smiled. "I will! Who is gonna fight with you otherwise?"

As the two laughed, Dawn hugged both her kids and closed her eyes. "This too shall pass…" she said softly, with hope in her voice. She held Bianca's hand and brought her to where Ileus was standing. Taking a good look at those who would join her, she said, "Take care of her." Her eyes rested on her husband. "I trust that both of you are going to come back to me." She stopped the tears from coming in her eyes and stopped herself from speaking further for the fear that they would roll out.

Daryn embraced his wife. "I swear Dawn—this is the last of Sedora!"

And she instantly knew that he would see to it that it is the last of Sedora even if it cost his life. She took in a deep breath and raised her chin. "So be it!" She was with him and would follow him anywhere he would go.

Ileus's broom nudged him. "It's time to leave," he said. The Mozias positioned themselves just behind him at a distance. "Bianca will travel with me, while Daryn, Caleb and Lazarus are going to fly with three Mozias. He looked at Brantley. "I will keep sending information to you about them." He held Bianca's hand and made her sit behind him.

Before Caleb sat, he turned to Brantley and said, "You have Ixoviya's army at your disposal. I know Sedora has sent a large number of Shadows there. It is possible that my people seek refuge in your kingdom. Let them come and use them. Use their powers. They will not deny you because I have already ordered them. They are bonded to me to carry my orders."

Brantley nodded. His eyes gazed past him to his wife. She was looking at him as if drinking his looks.

Ileus kicked the ground and his broom shot up in the air.

"I love you Brantley!" she shouted from up in the air and gave him a flying kiss.

Others followed him on their brooms.