Page 131 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“Not the first time I’ve heard that. Come on, we’d better keep up with Sky and Dax.”
Glancing ahead, I could see Skylar gliding across skewed boulders with Daxton only steps behind her, their focus fixated on what looked to be a clearing five miles or so down the trail. Sweat coated our brows as our breathing became labored from the exertion, but the look of determination never left our champion’s face.
“Stop here,” Daxton announced, turning toward me and Shaw.
My breath heaved as I reached for my canteen. I relished in the clean, rejuvenating water that coated my cracked throat. My legs were taxed from the hours racing through the wilt, but I was still ready for more. I offered the canteen to the shifter male at my side, who accepted the offer and finished the remaining contents as he leaned against the trunk of a barren tree just off the green pathway.
My attention drifted to Skylar, who stood with her back toward us, her eyes locked on the loomingvolcano in the distance. The setting sun kissed her face as it dared to dip below the horizon.
“From here?” Skylar asked Daxton. “Is this far enough?”
“Yes,” Daxton answered.
Thank theGods above.
Chapter Sixty-Six
Skylar Cathal
Thira.
“This way,” I announced as the four of us re-materialized.
The setting sun behind the volcano painted the sky in glorious crimson with kisses of pink and orange. The magnificent spectacle that birthed the Inner Kingdom towered over us as the ground beneath our feet trembled.
As if the dark magic of the wilt sensed our arrival, a veil of fog trickled in from all sides, blinding our approach toward the entrance.
The smell of sulfur coated my nose, the uncomfortable stench twisting my senses and growing stronger the closer we marched toward the base. I tilted my head skyward, scanning the mixture of heavy clouds covering a vast blanket of twinkling stars and searching for any threat from an attack above.
Nothing. As if the night had swept through the area and quieted the land. It was unnerving that we hadn’t encountered any creatures of the wilt.
Be ready,I told myself as my feet glided across the jagged rocks and fallen boulders encased by the blinding mists.Be willing.
The others followed my lead in deafening silence, blanketed by the baritone rumbles of the active volcano. The tension in our group mimicked the thickening fog surrounding the base, making it impossible to see farther than a body length ahead. But I wasn’t following the route to the Heart of Valdor with my eyes. I was following the pulsing magic that trickled across my champion mark, pulling me toward the stone that would heal our world.
“Stay close,” I called out as I came to a stop. “Don’t get lost in this fog.”
Daxton paused beside me, Shaw only a few paces behind, with Castor lingering farther back. I halted our party to make sure he was still with us.
“Don’t stop on my account.” Castor chuckled as he rejoined our group.
I could feel Daxton’s stare over my shoulder as he glared at his brother.
“I’m just admiring this delightful scenery,” Castor said in a false sincerity.
“I’m not planning on losing anyone here today,” I said.
“I’m touched.” Castor winked as he placed a hand on his chest with a cocky grin.
I shook my head, trying to hide a half-hearted smile at his remark. Gods, I needed Castor here, even though I wish I didn’t.
“How are you navigating through this mist, Sky?” Shaw asked, his eyes scanning our surroundings. His animal helped him analyze every sight, sound, smell, and change he detected.
I took a moment to admire Shaw and how much he’d grown in these past months, becoming the brave and powerful leader that I was honored to call my beta. Shaw was a worthy male who deserved happiness and to find peace within himself after fighting for so long.
“The Heart is calling to me,” I said. “I’m following the pull of its magic through my mark.”
“It’s calling to a worthy champion,” Daxton whispered, placing a protective hand on my shoulder.
