Page 3 of A Trial of War
The male was broken. An empty shell drifting closer to oblivion, swallowed by a slow decay of defeat that I had never witnessed before.
What in the gods’ names is happening here?
“What is the meaning of this?” I said to the room. “Guards! Guards!”
“Stand down,” my father said. “We shall hear what they have to say.”
“What?” I arched my brow, turning toward my father in disbelief.
“Wewillhear what they have to say,” he repeated, his tone unwavering.
The tension in the room thickened, heavy and suffocating. Shadows sprang to life from the former High Fae queen, and a cold dread gripped my heart.
I feared for the safety of my kingdom.
My people.
A piece of me feared forallof Valdor.
Chapter One
Skylar Cathal
A piece of my heart ached to feel the crystallized olivine sands and bury my toes in the rolling surf. To have the warm ocean breeze skitter across my shoulders and transport me to a world that was safe and warm.
But that was a lifetime ago.
“I’m sorry, Daxton,” I said in an even tone, welcoming the cool breeze from the open door to our terrace overlooking Silver Meadows. “But I don’t agree.”
“I don’t agree with every suggestion you’ve presented, either, Skylar. But we must wait for—”
“My people don’t have time to wait, Dax!” I slammed my fist against the table, chest heaving. “Rhea informed us yesterday of Fjorda’s arrival, but their departure isn’t progressing as quickly as we hoped.” I was worried about the safety of my pack. “It’s been two weeks since Minaeve stole the Heart. Two weeks since—”
“Since I lost you.” Daxton’s voice was low and rough.
I froze in place, the weight of his sorrow flooding our bond at the memory.
Slowly, he rose to his feet, palms splayed on the table dividing us. “Trust. Me. I’m aware.”
Drawing a steadying breath, I rounded the table and reached for Daxton’s hand, needing his touch as much as he needed mine. He pulled me into his arms without hesitation. I pressed my face into the hollow of his neck, seeking solace in the quiet strength of his embrace.
“I know what you endured that day was beyond measure, Spitfire. But understand that my world ended that night. My greatest fear came to light when I was forced to watch you die.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist, offering him a silent comfort, giving space for Dax to find his voice.
“Watching your light burn out, hearing your screams—” His breath hitched as he clutched me tighter, the tremor of his voice revealing the true depth of his pain. “Then, holding you in my arms as your chest refused to rise. Itdestroyedme.”
I moved to cup his face, staring into bright silver eyes, gleaming with untested wells of magic. “I’m here,” I whispered, kissing the hidden dimple on his cheek.
“These past few days, I’ve stayed awake some nights and watched you sleep just to make sure you’re real.” He stroked my cheek, leaning to kiss my brow. “That you haven’t left me.”
“Watching me sleep, huh?” I asked with a chuckle, trying to break the tension. Isn’t that a little on the overprotective side?”
“You have no idea how much I’m holding back and trying to give you space.”
And he had no idea how much I loved him for that fact.
Daxton was supportive, but each time I flew away in my phoenix form to practice flying or just stretch my wings, I felt his fear. I never stayed away long.
