It's been three years since the day Sookie and I went shopping. The faery world hasn't retaliated yet, but I'm sure it's coming soon. I wish they'd just get it over with so I could get on with my life. The last few years has been nothing but training for war. If I'm not sparring with Michael, I'm sparring with Godric or Alcide. I've gotten stronger than I ever have been before. Sookie's even been training with us.

Since that one date, she and Eric have been practically inseparable. I knew they'd live happily ever after for each other. The Authority was keeping Russell Edgington at bay. Though I know he's working with Maab. I don't have proof-but I know. Call it a gut feeling.

Godric and I have been going around recruiting supes. We've done well. Dave's pack is supporting us. Sam and his girlfriend, Luna, have a small shifter pack that are also supporting us. We've amassed a small army in the meantime.

The faery realms are a bit more split. Kaelin's kingdom, obviously, supports us. My uncle Damek and aunt Seraphina both pledged their loyalties as well. Most of them have been driven out of the Otherworld. There have been tribes of fae popping up all over the human world, all allying themselves to our purpose. Sometimes I feel like the goddamn messiah. And other times I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Nothing much has changed.

I still tell political officials to deep throat cacti on a regular basis.

Debbie's cleaned herself up entirely. No more V. No more Cooter. She and Alcide have amended their relationship and she's apologized to me for the wrongs she's caused me. We're decent friends now.

"Little Optimist," Alcide knocked on the doorframe. I looked up from the file Roman and Salome had brought me, eager for the interruption. He looked grim. "They, uh, need you in the planning room."

I pushed myself away from my desk. We've been living in the facility the Authority lives in for the last year and a half. Most of our allies are here as well. Humans have largely decided to stay out of our squabbles. The government imposed sanctions on us. We all had to be registered supes like we were criminals.

"It sounds grim."

"Everything sounds grim," I replied with a shrug.

Alcide held the door open for me. The Authority and the vampire kings that have pledged allegiance to our cause were seated around the table. Eric had left the seat beside him empty for me.

"Good, we're all here now," Roman smiled. "A few of our faery friends in Mississippi have told us that Maab's forces have begun to come into our realm. It looks like this is it. Finish whatever preparations you have in your area or with your people. We'll head out tomorrow at dusk."

"Did we hear back from the witches?" I questioned. Salome shook her head.

"Most of them did not reply. The few that did will offer what aid that they can. Not all of the witches are actually magical. Some are just mortal," she replied. I ran my hand through my hair.

"Alright, it'll have to be enough."

"We've done as much as we can," Eric nodded at me. I returned the nod with a sigh. I hope it's enough.

Eric and Alcide walked with me down the hallway after the meeting.

"Do you think it's actually enough?" I asked them both. I didn't need a mirror to know I was worried.

"There's nothing else we can do at this point," Alcide shrugged. "Our pack's behind you. Dave said his pack will back you."

"Of course our pack is behind me, Dad's the packmaster now. Michael," I called. The archangel appeared out of thin air. "Do we have enough?"

"I can't tell any more," he admitted. "There are too many different paths that this could take. You've all changed the future so much." I was nervous. I knew Godric could feel it but that didn't stop me. Speak of the devil.

"Stop worrying," Godric greeted me with a kiss. I looked up at him with a pout. Worrying is what I do best. He sighed, slipping an arm around my waist and leading me away from the others. "I've spoken to a few covens in Shreveport and Dallas. They will help us. They think you're admirable, the way you just stand up to people. Some of them are glad to not live in the shadows any more."

"I'm worried."

"I know."

"People are going to die."

"They will. On both sides."

"What if," my eyes filled with tears. There were too many people I care about involved in this. Godric held my face in his hands, making my blue eyes connect with his emerald eyes.

"We will do our best. Worrying about it will only distract you. You also must stay safe." He pulled me close to him, wrapping his arms around me. I hugged him back, burying my face in his shoulder.