Page 119 of A Trial of War
A familiar horn bellowed across the valley, and along the river that flowed through the White Fang Mountain itself was a white ship cast amongst the shadows.
Fjorda.
I smiled to myself, knowing that the water nymphs were waiting beneath the surface to call them into a watery grave. Fjorda wasn’t fighting alone.
“Castor!” Zola’s voice called me to attention. “On your left!”
I spun, caught the blade aimed at my center, and shoved the attacker back with a surge of frost that exploded into the air like a winter storm.
I exhaled a long, steadying breath as I drew on my premonition magic, staying one step ahead of the enemy.
“Where the fuck are you, Daxton!” I cursed, lifting my swords and plunging back into the storm.
And then, as if the gods themselves were listening, a familiar lick of heat skimmed across my back.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Skylar Cathal
(During the Battle)
Daxton’s magic trickled over my skin, and the world disappeared in an instant. Castor’s foul curses vanished as my mate teleported us away from the fight.
Like a rubber band snapping into place, my body jolted as we materialized beneath the palace of Aelius.
“Gods above.” Seamus gasped, springing to his feet. “What are you two doing here?”
He looked us up and down, noting the blood, sweat, and dirt caked on our bodies.
“I said… what the fuck are you two doing here?” Seamus snapped. “Is Neera—”
“Neera is alive,” Daxton cut in. “You would feel it through the bond if she weren’t.”
I paid Seamus no mind, much to his agitation, and turned to Daxton. “I need to go in alone.”
My mate’s eyes widened, his jaw flexing as he fought to keep his rage at bay. “No.”
“I need to go in alone,” I repeated.
“Go?” Seamus, free of his chains, asked, stepping to my side and glancing toward the Labyrinth. “Oh, gods. You can’t be serious, Skylar.”
Oh, but I was.
“I’m not asking your permission, Daxton.”
Daxton’s eyes hardened, his body going tense as he held my stare.
“You saw the fallen. The portals. Who knows what else Minaeve will conjure on that battlefield? This is the only way.”
Daxton remained silent, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Daxton… please.” I looked into his eyes, praying he would bend for me.“I need you with me on this.”
Daxton’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. For a moment, I thought he’d refuse and drag me out of here kicking and screaming. But then, ever so slowly, his shoulders dropped, and he nodded once before stepping aside.
This single gesture proved once more how much he trusted me, how much he loved and supported me.
Gods, I didn’t deserve him as my mate.
