Darian felt sick, understanding just how cunning the Watchers had been in their pursuit of destroying their enemies, the Others. They'd been patient, setting up their ultimate victory over the course of tens of thousands of years.
When the Others were dead, he'd turn his hunt to the Watchers. He needed Jenn to help him plan how to track the hundreds of creatures on the earth with the power to do what they want, unopposed, except for him. His odds were better than they had been against thousands of them.
Jenn had a mind for strategy. Darian's spirits dampened. She had to be alive. He couldn't believe otherwise, not after all he'd been through to keep her. He'd even made his peace with Claire before feeding the treacherous bitch to the sociopathic Original Vamp. Her second death wouldn't be as quick or painless as her first at Damian's hands.
Darian wanted to ask about Jenn but didn't. He feared the answer, and he'd never let one of these creatures see him vulnerable. He glanced towards the Watcher to find the space empty.
"Hang in there, little brother," he whispered to Damian and then Traveled back to the study.
Sofi and Bianca sat, one on each side of the bassinet, peering into it at the fidgeting baby god within.
"Bianca." Darian motioned her over.
She approached, a sad smile on her face. Darian couldn't help but pity her as well; her eyes were circled with black and puffy, as if she'd been crying recently. He held out his hand, and she took it without question. When they reached the meat locker housing her mate, Darian planted both hands on her shoulders before she turned.
"They're alive. Don't freak out. You just have to bring them back."
She frowned and pulled away, twisting to see the three bodies. She gasped and rushed to Dusty's side, touching his face with her hands.
"Oh, god, Darian!" Her voice rose in panic.
"They're alive, remember? Just do what you do," he said, remaining where he was. Already, he felt her magic in the air as she channeled it into her mate. He waited and watched, tense.
After a long moment, the color returned to the assassin's face. A few minutes later, Dusty sat up suddenly, sucking in air and gazing around him wildly.
"What the fuck happened?" he breathed. "Where are those fucking little green-eyed trolls that did this to us?"
Bianca threw her arms around him. Dusty's frame relaxed. Darian watched them hug, until the ache at his core grew too strong. He moved to Damian's side, grateful his brother would soon be back on his feet. He smiled, wondering how Damian would react when he found out about his son.