Page 20 of A Trial of War
Through our research, Shaw and I discovered that a phoenix could conjure flames so intense they could destroy anything in its path—the eternal flame. Hotter than dragon fire, its heat held no rival.
Adohan was eager to put this theory to the test, but I hesitated at the thought of summoning it, uncomfortable with so much power.
Rhett cleared his throat, drawing our attention. “Aelius is ready with its navy to defend the borders closest to the human lands. With our forces combined with Captain Fjorda and the water nymphs, we have the seas under control.”
That was a relief.
“Shifters can lend their strength along the shorelines and protect the border,” Rhea said with confidence.
“Many of us can move unseen, even in the chaos,” Neera added, her tone unwavering.
My heart swelled with pride at her conviction.
I gave her a half-smile. “I agree. Neera, you’ll organize a scouting party to help keep watch and report any threats. But I don’t want you behind enemy lines.”
“Sky—”
“No, Neera.” I cut in, sharper than intended. “You’re learning. But for now, I want Zola to take the lead on any spy work beyond our borders.”
Neera bit the inside of her cheek, eyes blazing, but she held her tongue.
“Alright, let’s revisit the main concern here, shall we?” Castor drawled. “Are we going to answer this invitation and venture to the human realms? The humans are—”
I rose from the table. “Before you finish that, Castor, need I remind you that I’m also part human?”
Silence engulfed the room.
“Minaeve and her twin did unspeakable things to our people. However,” I paused, drawing on the love my parents held. The kindness my mother must have shown the shifters to have earned my father’s claiming mark. “Not all of them are evil.”
“The humans alive today did not know of Minaeve’s plan,” Daxton said, sensing my inner turmoil. “Those alive during that time have passed on.”
“We don’t know what the current king believes, or what Minaeve and Istar have planned,” I added.
Magnus abruptly stood from his seat. “They’ve hunted us, Skylar. On the king’s orders—foryears. Your father, my brother, died at the hands of his men. Julia died…”
My heart ached at the depth of pain reflected in my uncle’s eyes. It nearly broke me. “I know, but—”
“No, you don’t!” Magnus slammed his fist against the table. The crack of his anger echoed through the chamber as his magic flared.
Daxton stood beside me, his power radiating like a storm about to break. His tone was lethal when he spoke, “Sit down, Magnus.”
“I understand more than most what sacrifices have been made.” I reached out, placing a steadying hand on Daxton’s arm, reminding him there was no threat. “I gave my life to unlock and heal our world. And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure others don’t have to meet that same fate. That no one else will have to leave their homes, kiss their children and partners goodbye, and watch their blood soak the soil we’re fighting to control.”
I met my uncle’s stare, unflinching and burning with my inner fire. I was the alpha.
“I know,” I said once more, in a quieter tone. “But I’d like to attempt peace before we engage in an all-out war.”
This could be either the wisest decision of my life or one that destroyed us all.
“At the very least,” Castor said, breaking the silence, “we can learn what forces the humans command and how many we’re up against.”
“He has a point,”Daxton said to me.
“I know. Did you tell him to say that at the meeting?”
Daxton’s mouth curved, the faintest hint of mischief breaking through his otherwise stony expression. “No.”
“Daxton?”
