Page 5 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“I’m the failsafe,” Zola announced as shadows swirled around her frame with a life of their own. “The queen cannot detect my magic, and she can’t siphon it away. A special adaptation thanks to my encounter with the wilt.”
The tip of the dagger in her left hand picked at the dirt under her fingernails, such sharp, deadly weapons wielded like nothing more than mere toothpicks. A reminder that Zola had seen and endured trials in her immortal life that I didn’t comprehend.
“I’ll shadow-jump inside the palace and extract Daxton and the scroll when the time is right.”
“And how will you know when the time is right?”
“I’ll know,” Zola said with absolute clarity. Almost looking bored at contemplating any further explanation.
“Zola will be able to visit Daxton in his cell,” Castor said, sitting upright. “Waiting in the shadows just like she always does. As disturbing as her magic is at times, it comes in handy more often than not.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Zola chuckled, rolling her neck.
“Do you have an ally in the Aelius court?” I asked, hoping there was more to this plan.
Zola arched her brow with a toothless grin. “Of course I do. But their identity is unknown, even to me. They’ve requested to stay anonymous to ensure their position in the palace remains secure and their life unthreatened.”
“With the vital information we’ve received this past century, Dax and I have agreed not to push our informant for their identity,” Castor said.
“Owl… is their call sign,” Zola said as she tapped her fingers along the blade of her dagger.
“Not my favorite, but it works.” Castor scoffed. “Owl has helped us ferry groups of people out of Aelius and warned us of the queen’s unexpected visits.”
“You trust Owl?” My mate’s life was not something I would put to chance.
“We do,” Castoranswered.
Chapter Two
Skylar Cathal
“Gunnar!” I called out, knowing he wasn’t far, despite being told to keep away.
The steps of the spiral staircase in the corner creaked under his weight as he ascended to the second floor. Dressed and ready for battle.
“Daxton trusts you to lead the Silver Meadows Warriors in his place, Gunnar. So, I’m asking what you think of this plan.”
“We are prepared for war,” the general replied, his long brown, silver-streaked hair braided back against his half-shaven head.
Lightweight, black-scaled battle armor adorned with silver accents highlighted his muscular frame with three silver mountains etched on his shoulder. His dark brown eyes gleamed with the anticipation of battle and blood. Twin axes were strapped to his back.
“For too long, we’ve lived in fear… ruled by it,” Gunnar announced with his shoulders back and chin held high. “When the wilt is eradicated, Silver Meadows will be ready to fight and break the chains of the self-proclaimed queen. And it’s all tied to you, Skylar Cathal.” Gunnar’s grin widened as he bent his knee. “The feisty shifter who bested the labyrinth, earned her victory in the Ice Gauntlet, and slayed the serpent king himself. The true mate of my high prince. A warrior in her own right.” He bowed his head. “I will raise my blades with your bow and proudly followyouand my high prince into battle.”
I straightened as Gunnar raised his head, meeting my gaze. The pride in his expression was unmistakable, leaving me momentarily speechless. A steadfast belief that made my chest tighten and swell with emotion.
I swallowed a shuddering breath, bracing myself. “If I cannot convince the current alpha to give me the dagger, I’ll have to declare a formal challenge.”
“Good thing I trained you myself then.” Gunnar grinned, rising to stand before me.
“Damn good thing,” I said, giving him a firm nod before looping my arms around his neck to hug him tightly. Pulling back, I glanced at his left arm, the one I sliced with his blade to force him to let me leave the protection of the Summit wards. “Let me heal you.”
“It’ll heal on its own. It’s not my first wound, nor will it be my last.”
I gave him a stern look, and Gunnar sighed, reluctantly removing his armband. I immediately lifted my palm to his cut, allowing my magic to stitch the final pieces together.
“Thanks,” Gunnar said with a sigh of relief.
“Didnoneof you listen to awordI said?” Idris’s voice echoed through the library. “Adohan, put me downright now. I have some bones to break and heads to smack some sense into.”
