The days were slipping away, and with each passing hour, the weight of the impending battle pressed heavier on Lyja's chest. Five days. That's all they had before the witches made their move. Five days before New Orleans became a battlefield.

She needed to get her head on straight.

Right now, that meant focusing on something tangible—magic.

The church was quiet when she arrived, the scent of burning sage filling the air. Davina was already there, hunched over her grimoire with a deep-set frown.

"Please tell me you've figured out something useful," Lyja said, stepping inside.

Davina looked up, rubbing her temple. "Useful? Maybe. Easy? Not so much."

Lyja groaned. "Of course not."

Davina gestured to the map spread out on the table, arcane symbols drawn over certain locations in red ink. "We've been focusing on the witches as the enemy, but their real strength isn't in their numbers—it's in their connection to the ley lines running through the city. It's what makes them so powerful."

Lyja leaned over, tracing the symbols with her fingers. "So we cut them off."

Davina nodded. "Exactly. If we can disrupt their access to the ley lines, we weaken them before they even arrive."

Lyja exhaled sharply. "That's great, but it also means we have to place these counter-spells all over the city. And I'm guessing they won't be easy to maintain."

Davina bit her lip. "They require a lot of power. We're going to have to reinforce them constantly."

Lyja straightened. "Then we do it. We don't have a choice."

Before Davina could respond, the church doors swung open, and Klaus strode inside, his usual smirk in place. "Ah, I love a good strategy meeting," he said, sauntering toward them.

Davina scowled. "Did you ever learn how to knock?"

Klaus grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"

Lyja sighed, crossing her arms. "What do you want, Klaus?"

His smirk faded just slightly. "I heard about your little plan to cut off the witches' power." He glanced at the map. "Not a bad idea, but you'll need protection while you're out there setting those spells."

Davina narrowed her eyes. "And let me guess—you're volunteering?"

Klaus smirked. "Of course. But not alone. Marcel will send his people as well."

Lyja tensed at the mention of Marcel's name.

Klaus noticed. "Ah, has our dear Marcel been playing the hero again?"

Lyja shot him a look. "Not now, Klaus."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "As you wish."

Davina huffed, clearly over the theatrics. "Fine. We need the backup anyway."

Klaus clapped his hands together. "Splendid. I'll make sure my vampires are stationed at key points. Meanwhile, you two focus on your magic."

Lyja frowned. "And what are you going to do?"

Klaus smirked. "Oh, love, don't you worry about me. I have my own preparations to make."

Preparing for Battle

For the next two days, Lyja and Davina worked tirelessly, placing spells along the ley lines, reinforcing barriers, and weaving enchantments to disrupt the witches' power. It was exhausting, but the weight of what was coming kept them moving.

And, as promised, both Marcel and Klaus made sure they were protected.

Marcel's vampires watched from the rooftops, moving like shadows, while Klaus's own forces took more direct positions, standing guard at key points in the Quarter.

Lyja did her best to avoid both men.

Not an easy task.

Marcel found her near the docks, just as she was finishing up another spell. "You look exhausted," he said, leaning against the railing.

Lyja scoffed, wiping sweat from her brow. "Thanks. That's exactly what every girl wants to hear."

Marcel chuckled, but there was an edge of concern in his voice. "I mean it, Lyja. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

She sighed, looking out over the water. "What choice do I have?"

Marcel hesitated, then stepped closer. "You don't have to do it alone."

She turned to face him, something unreadable in his eyes. "Marcel—"

Before she could finish, Klaus's voice cut through the air.

"Ah, here you are."

Lyja closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before turning around.

Klaus strolled toward them, his usual amused expression in place. "I was beginning to wonder if Marcel had whisked you away for another of his inspiring speeches."

Marcel sighed, shaking his head. "And here we go."

Lyja groaned. "Do not start right now."

Klaus smirked but didn't push. Instead, he turned serious, his gaze locking onto hers. "I came to tell you that our spies confirmed it. The witches will be here in two days."

Lyja's stomach dropped.

Two days.

Everything they had been working toward, everything they had been trying to prevent—it was almost here.

Marcel tensed beside her. "Then we finish the defenses tonight."

Klaus nodded. "And then, love, we get ready for war."

Lyja exhaled slowly.

Two days.

No more time for distractions.

No more time for hesitation.

She had a city to protect.

And a choice to make.