It didn't take long to lose the others. Romeo called his second-in-command to distract them while we diverted. We were heading to my uncle's, hoping he would help.

"In front of that restaurant," I told Romeo, and he parked immediately.

"Are you ready?" he asked. I nodded, scanning for my uncle. Spotting him, I opened the car door.

"Stay here. That green hair will draw too much attention," I told Romeo. He scoffed.

"No way, Clara. I'm not letting you face the lion's den alone," he said, exiting the car.

I sighed, deciding not to argue; we were short on time. We entered the restaurant. My uncle smiled when he saw me, but his expression soured upon seeing Romeo.

"I thought you'd be alone," he said as I approached.

"He drove me," I explained, sitting down.

"I'll get us drinks," Romeo said, walking away. All eyes followed him; he clearly enjoyed the attention.

"He's not a wolf," my uncle remarked, drawing my attention. "This war affects everyone. All beings must join forces, including humans. Sebastian has Damon, Uncle. Damon sacrificed himself to save me, but I won't watch that monster destroy everyone. You must join us. If he wins, we're all dead."

"How can an immortal being be defeated?" he asked.

Romeo returned with the drinks. "We might not defeat him, but if we inflict excruciating, unbearable pain—pain that would make him kill himself—he'll die," he explained, placing a drink before me. I thanked him as he sat.

"So you need my help to create this weapon?" my uncle asked. I nodded. "Yes, but we also need your help fighting the Lycans. They're among the strongest supernatural beings. Defeating them will require everyone, especially now that Damon's gone." He hummed but remained silent.

Romeo shrugged. If our arguments failed, we were at a loss.

"Your bump's gotten bigger," Romeo observed. I nodded, rubbing my stomach. My clothes and shoes no longer fit.

"Joining this fight while pregnant isn't advisable, Clara," he said.

"I won't leave their father. He matters most, and if he dies, I don't know what I'll do. I'm fighting for them, for a world without fear. We need to go, reach the others, and save Damon. I hope you'll join us, Uncle," I said, standing.

"Even if I wanted to, the council wouldn't readily side with supernaturals. I'll try to convince them, but I can't guarantee anything," he replied. I nodded faintly.

"Goodbye, Uncle. We attack the Lycans in two days. I hope to see you there," I said, leaving.

"Do you think he'll come?" Romeo asked as we reached the car.

"I hope so," I replied. He started the car, and we drove off. His second-in-command reported that Luca and the others were nearby, along with other Alphas, warriors, and supernatural beings.

We arrived around midnight. Seeing Delilah and the others, I wept. The car stopped, and Delilah ran to embrace me.

"I'm so glad you're okay," I whispered, hugging her tightly.

"Same here. You shouldn't be here, Clara," she said, pulling away.

"Did you think I'd let you fight without me? This involves us all," I said. She sighed.

"Let's go inside before you catch cold. Everyone's worried," she said, leading me through the gates.

Luca greeted me, though he also disapproved of my presence, but knew he couldn't dissuade me. Damon's parents and others welcomed me warmly.

Later, everyone retired to their rooms; they'd been waiting for me.

Luca walked me to my room. "During the fight with Sebastian, we noted he always covered his abdomen, suggesting a weakness. That's where everyone's aiming. The support is encouraging; we might actually defeat him."

I doubted his abdomen was his weakness; why make it so obvious?

"How's Damon?" I asked, pausing at my door.

"Don't worry too much. That's what he'd want," Luca said.

"I can't help but worry. He called this morning, and though he sounded fine, I sensed he wasn't," I said. Surprise flickered in his eyes; he likely wondered how Damon called me.

"We need to save him, Luca. We need to save him quickly."