Page 141 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“The fallen are also—”
Daxton’s head spun, his voice cold and distant as he addressed our spymaster. “What about the fallen? What is your report?”
“Somehave transitioned into their previous forms.”
“What?” Nyssa signed, stepping in front of Zola.
“High Fae, mostly. Some water nymphs, a handful of dryads… But not all chose to be saved. Some remain in their damned state.”
The coloring on Nyssa’s face dropped as she clutched her chest, shaking her head in disbelief. I felt a whirlwind of confusion spiraling through her as I reached out to try to lend her my support.
“When did Minaeve arrive?” Daxton asked, his eyes darkening as a wild flush of his magic caused my stomach to flip. “When?” he repeated.
“Moments after the wilt disappeared,” Zola answered, tilting her head. “Daxton, your eyes…”
The High Prince of Silver Meadows, not my brother, stared her down.
Zola stepped back. “How did they turn silver?”
How did I suddenly develop the ability to wield ice magic? Just a few unknowns to scatter into this wonderful setting.
Daxton ignored Zola’s question and turned his attention to my mate tucked at my side. “Nyssa.” Daxton’s ominous voice was laced with the promise of violence and death. “Watch over Skylar’s body.”
A body—that was all she was now. A lifeless shell of the bright and beaming essence she once was.
I swallowed heavily as Nyssa stepped forward, cradling Skylar’s head in her lap as she knelt to hold her. Daxton stilled, his hand caressing Skylar’s cheek one final time before he stood and turned his attention to the battlefield.
Silver Shadow’s menacing gaze locked into the heart of the clearing, his wrath and rage fueling his battle-hardened stare. He summoned Valencia, the silver blade shimmering with a life of its own, fueled by Daxton’s fury.
“I have a promise to keep,” Daxton said on an exhale of breath as he vanished.
I was stunned at the effortless speed of Daxton’s departure. Like me, his magic and abilities were amplified.
“Arm yourself with this,” Shaw said, handing Zola the shifter’s dagger. “I can’t fight or carry it while I’m in my panther form.”
“I’ll fight beside you,” Zola answered. “That way, it won’t leave your sight.” A silent understanding passed between them.
“I’ll find Daxton and make sure he doesn’t try anything foolish,” I said, ready to charge into battle, refusing to voice my deepest fears about his self-preservation.
“Go,” Nyssa signed with a firm nod. “Fight for tomorrow. Fight for the coming dawn and all those still to come.”
Shaw and Zola jumped away with her shadow magic, leaving Nyssa and me alone in the outcrop. I paused at Nyssa’s final words, thankful I held something precious to fight for and a reason to come out of this alive.
Chapter Seventy
Castor Aegaeon
Turning to descend from the outcrop, I reached into my pocket and withdrew the Heart of Valdor, tucking it safely away within the crevasse between the rocks.
It will be safer here.
Reclaiming my blades, I was ready and determined to fight for the days ahead—a future gifted to me by my friend.
Her death would not be in vain. I would keep my promise and bring my brother back from this. I would help carry the weight of his grief and ensure that he did not turn back from his promise to his mate. To fight for Valdor. To free our people and provide aid to safeguard the shifters across the sea.
Steel clashed against steel before it cleaved flesh and bone. The familiar feel of my swords slicing through my foes called to a darkness within me that was only satisfied with blood and death.
It was time for my darkness to be unleashed.
