Grimalkin galloped ahead of Sally that followed her path with her head tucked down to enhance her speed.   Determination on her face replacing the tears that threatened to overwhelm her.  She held James in her arms as he jostled on the horse each movement paining her afraid of how it affected him.  They only stopped briefly to water the horses and rest a bit.  They had succeeded in escaping the vicinity of the Kobalos camps but she feared being hunted down nevertheless.  

Grimalkin hoped Tom and the Spook had been successful in acquiring aide for their cause.  She felt drained and exhausted and she realized Sally must be too so she stopped again before they all collapsed.  She immediately laid James down gently on the cold ground and gave him some water.  Sally laid out traps for rabbits as Grimalkin busied herself building a fire.  The three of them warmed themselves by the fire waiting for their dinner to cook.  Before feeding herself, Grimalkin patiently fed her lover cooing at him to encourage him to eat.  It was difficult cause he was so weak but he managed to eat a little bit.  

"I love you James, please try to eat for me," she said.  "Please don't give up."  She cradled him and caressed his head and stared at the puncture marks on his neck that had barely started to heal.  His skin was so pale from loss of blood he was nearly translucent. James stared blankly at her his mind hovering between consciousness.  He was shaking from the cold or shock, she didn't know.  She laid down next to him holding him in her arms to warm him.  Grimalkin wondered again how Hoseok had died from the small wounds he had received from James.  It must be something else.  It was as if he had been poisoned by James' blood.

"Sally, come, we can warm ourselves better closer together."

They managed to sleep a bit before the bitter cold of twilight woke them, the fire nearly out. They got ready to head out again as Sally helped Grimalkin pull James up on the horse.  They continued on only stopping briefly for necessities.  It was a long and arduous journey even on horseback.  Finally, on the familiar road heading to Chippenden, they spotted Tom and the Spook. Tom's eyes big with worry and surprise when he spotted Grimalkin holding his brother on the horse. 

"What happened?"  Tom cried seeing the state of his brother.

"The Kobalos prince nearly drained him of blood and for some reason, it cost him his life."

"So what Mam said is true, our blood is poisonous to vampires!" Tom exclaimed.

"How?" Grimalkin asked.

"Mam's blood was passed on to us.  She is an old god," Tom said looking to the Spook for answers but he just looked as frustrated as Tom felt. "She told us once her blood is powerful and can kill vampires."

"I see," she exclaimed.

"Let's get him home.  Follow me.  Alice will know what to do."

Laying James down on the comfortable bed Grimalkin tucked him in not leaving his side.  Tom peaked in the room and gestured for her to come but she didn't move.  

"Grimalkin," Tom said softly, "we need to speak to you."  

She looked up at him, "I'm not leaving his side," Grimalkin retorted.  She leaned forward and pressed her lips against James in a warm kiss.

Tom took a deep breath understanding her concern.  "Sally, can you watch James for a few minutes?"

"Sure," Sally agreed.

Grimalkin tore herself away from him and followed Tom out of the room.

"Sally has told us what she knows but I wanted to tell you what's going on."

Grimalkin nodded her head impatient to get back to James.

"The army is going to attack the Kobalos soon.  Alice has informed me that the witch clans have united and are on our side, well, in any case, against the Kobalos.  They will also help in the attack.  We need you too.  You are our best fighter and I would consider it an honor to fight or die at your side."

Grimalkin looked in his eyes and slowly responded.  "Tom I can't...  It's my fault he came for me. I can't leave him in his last hours... "  Her voice trailed off not wanting to say it.

"We are a strong lot.  Son's of a god.  He may make it yet.  Don't despair, my friend.  It says a lot about you, your loyalty to him and myself is admirable.  I'm counting on you to fight by my side.  I'm not giving up on my brother either."

The Spook stepped up and spoke, "I'm honored to fight by your side. I'm sorry I doubted you but I'll have you know Tom and James never did doubt you.

"Thank you, but I don't think I can go on."

"You're exhausted. Rest now. Lay down with James. Alice is making something for him. Her aunt was a healer and taught her."

"I feel so helpless. I could do nothing to stop Hoseok.  My magic didn't work on him. There is so much we still don't know about the Kobalos.  We might succeed to drive back or kill those that came south, but his father is the king, and by Hoseok's account, he got there by being the strongest and most ruthless," she explained

"Will his father come after you?" Tom asked.

"I don't think he knows about me but Hoseok's brothers may tell him.  Hoseok couldn't trust his brothers or me."  Her voice broke in sadness.

"Did you care for him?"  Tom asked in surprise.

"I did but I cared for James no less."

"I'm sorry,"  Tom said.