Page 8 of A Trial of Two Worlds
Lifting my hand, I opened it to say, “Captain Fjorda of theOpal. I call upon your ship to ferry me across the seas and back. I call upon your aid in my final task of the trials.”
Like magic, a loud horn blasted through the library’s silence, echoing over Silver Meadows from the harbor to the east of the city.
“TheOpal, it appears has answered your call,” Gunnarsaid.
Chapter Three
Skylar Cathal
The city was frantic, and yet, I had never felt so calm.
Determination guided my footsteps as Castor escorted me through Silver Meadows and toward the harbor. The others would not be coming with us to say goodbye. It would be too difficult if they all came with me.
As we walked, I admired how resilient Silver Meadows was. The people were diligently repairing the damage caused by fires and the soldiers who had ravaged their homes. Even the children were lending a helping hand, caring for the wounded, or assisting the adults with various small tasks to rebuild their proud city.
Buckets of water were carried from the sea and the tranquil green river to cool the burning embers of the buildings that were left standing. The wounded were gathered near the archives tower for treatment, which thankfully was left untouched.
Not even Minaeve would threaten the guarded history of their people.
As Castor led me through the city, however, all eyes and busy hands paused to watch us pass through.There were whispers back and forth, and I would be lying if I weren’t afraid of what messages they might carry. Did the people blame me for all of this? For Daxton’s imprisonment… For their home and families being destroyed?
As the harbor came into view, a familiar face stepped into our path.
“Stand aside,” Castor said in a warning tone.
Despite a direct order from his prince, the male refused to move.
“We have something to say.”
“You realize we’re on a tight schedule, and more time wasted means—”
“I know,” he cut in, hazel eyes highlighting contrasting whispers of silver that streaked his brown hair hanging just below his jawline. “We all know this, my prince.” He paused, his gaze turning toward me. “I do not mean any disrespect, but I come here as the voice of your people.Sheneeds to hear this.”
I would always remember his face: the face of the High Fae cadet who helped carry Daxton into our rooms in Aelius. The male who fell from the Gauntlet and lived. Lived, because I was there in time to save him.
“Reece,” I answered, placing a hand on Castor’s shoulder, silently signaling to him that this was all right. We could spare this moment. “What do you have to say?”
“Be quick,” Castor mumbled, the lines on his forehead creasing with unease.
Reece was not a Silver Meadows warrior, but it was evident that he still fought to protect his people, and I’d be damned if I didn’t admire him for the strength of his heart. His fine clothing was torn, pieces of his shirt burned away from combating the flames, yet still, he carried a graceful, poised demeanor. One worthy of royalty himself.
Reece stepped closer, tilting his chin in my direction as his nostrils flared and his eyes widened. “It’s true,” he whispered.
“Careful,” Castor said with a hard edge to his tone.
“It… It all makes perfect sense,” he said, threading his fingers through his smoke residue hair. “You’re the mate of our high prince.”
“Yes,” I answered, warmth spreading through my heart. “Daxton is my mate.”
Reece dropped to his knee before me, bowing his head. “What I came to tell you rings true regardless of this fact.” He paused, others around us stopping to watch with eyes and hearts full of wonder. “You have our gratitude, Skylar Cathal. We openly thank you for all you have done.”
“Thank me?” I stammered. “Your city was burning, and…”
“Yes,” Reece answered, raising his head. “Are you familiar with the concept of wildfires?”
“Well, yes,” I answered, skeptical about where this was going.
“Nature has a way of cleansing the land and beginning anew. A delicate balance of life and death.” His expression softened with kindness beaming from his smile. “But this cannot happen until the earth is burned and given a chance to start over. This is our chance. Silver Meadows is eternally loyal to our high prince. And…” Reece paused, rising to his feet. “We follow you, Champion. Our hope of rebirth and a new beginning.”
