Halfling (editing in process)

Chapter Forty-Three

In the two months that passed Aria continued her training until she was able to hold her own against Payne. Their army was quickly gaining numbers, demons organizing and preparing in hell while dark elves plotted on earth. The cold winds of winter didn't seem to want to leave, continuing to blanket the once vibrant landscape in a sea of white. Nicholas and Lilianna seemed to grow more and more each day, the two couples more than happy to watch them grow. The looming threat of war constantly sat in their heads as the destruction went on. A place had been chosen as to where the battle would take place, far away from any settlement. It was a matter of getting Lucien there, and a matter of when to begin. Something would have to be done soon, lest there be nothing worth saving.

"They are getting restless Payne. They are ripe with the lust for battle; we've got some of the most brutal demons I have seen. I'm barely able to keep them together." Catherine said quietly. "I've had to hide Vanessa, they wanted to rip her apart, and it's a mad house!"

"Soon Catherine... The elves are moving in; give it a day or two more. They are securing our battle ground, setting up places where we could get an upper hand."

"Payne... I can't fight with you. I promised Vanessa I'd find a way to make her my familiar and break her binds as a soul slave. If I am slain that won't happen. I am no fighter... I'm so sorry."

Payne shook her head, moving over and hugging her friend tightly. "I would do the same to Aria if I could Catherine. She is determined, and I can't stop her. You and Vanessa keep safe while all this goes on, and when it's over, we'll all get together, alright?"

Catherine nodded and gave her a small smile, a light sniffle leaving her. They looked at one another before Catherine abruptly disappeared, a light sigh escaping from Payne's lips. She looked around the bedroom before slipping out, smiling as she saw Aria on the floor of the living room with Lilianna. The baby was lying on her stomach on the floor, cooing excitedly at her mother while they played with toys. Aria looked up when Payne came in, a soft smile coming onto her face as Payne moved to sit beside her, Lilianna squealing her happiness.

"She's gotten quite vocal; I can't wait until she starts talking." Payne commented with a soft smile.

"As long as she doesn't take after her uncle Javen and not curse at every opportunity, though you would be the cutest little foul mouth I've ever seen, yes you would be." Aria cooed, scooping the baby off the floor and kissing the top of her head.

"What did Catherine say?"

"Catherine said the demons are getting restless, we are going to have to do this soon if we're going to do it. Have you figured out a way to get Lucien to meet us there?"

"I'm going to invade his dreams as he likes to do me. I'm going to challenge him, as large as his ego is he won't resist." Aria's arms tightened ever so lightly around Lilianna.

"You can still stay here Aria." Payne whispered, gently cupping Aria's chin. "No one will think less of you. Catherine and Vanessa are staying out of this as well; you and Maven can stay here with Lilianna and Nicholas."

"You know I can't Payne ... He might not even come if I'm not there. I have to end this once and for all. If I have to shut my eyes and watch him drain the life energy from one more woman while he whispers my name in their ear, I will go mad. There are so many people dead because he doesn't have me, and who knows how many more have suffered before he started to kill them for power. The incubi and succubi won't stop until he is gone, and I miss the sunshine... I miss sitting outside and feeling rain against my skin. I don't want this kind of life for Lilianna, trapped inside, and Javen's family is in this too. The inside of a cliffside is no place to raise a little boy. I am going, and I swear I will bury my blade into him, for my mother, Elizabeth, and all the others he has killed. And if it costs me my life... I will still be free from him."