Page 57 of A Trial of Two Worlds
Xander remained at his alpha’s side, his threatening growl echoing off the walls. “You’re choosing this path. You’re forcing Gilen’s hand in this.”
I held my head high and brought my shoulders back. “Or, I’m finally walking the path fate has destined me to find and embracing what and who I truly am.”
I felt Shaw’s approval first, his animal’s presence flowing through a foreign bond in waves of quiet support, followed by the others standing at my side.
“We shall see.” Gilen pushed open the window, leaped out, and shifted into his massive roc. Soaring high in the sky, his animal’s voice rang clear, calling out to his people to bear witness to the challenge that would take place tonight.
Tomychallenge as alpha of the Solacepack.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Skylar Cathal
The final rays of sunlight kissed the canopies and scattered along the peaks of the distant mountains to the northern reaches of our territory. The air held a bite of cold that would chill you to the bone.
I marched to the center of the training grounds with countless pairs of eyes set on watching my every movement. The grass crinkled underneath my feet with the night’s frost as the fog from my breath curled around my lips. My heart pounded inside my chest like the beating sounds of thunder in the sky.
“We’re with you,” Shaw said. “Don’t forget that.”
“I know,” I answered, keeping my mind focused.
I knew I wouldn’t enter this challenge alone. My animal stirred, preparing me for the fight ahead and fueling me with a serene sense of calm, telling me that this was the right choice.
“And what are we? Some sort of consolation prize or something?” Rhea asked, bumping Shaw’s shoulder. “Don’t forget who won a gold coin from you and Talon by betting on the right shifter from the start. I told you my girl would win.” Rhea winked, giving me a confident smile I couldn’t help but return.
“Where would I be without you, Rhea?” I teased.
“Yeah,” Talon added in a flirtatious tone, his eyes focused solely on his mate. “I remember that day on the cliffs, and I still stand by what I said.” We all looked at him, ready and waiting for his response. “I’d bericher.”
Simultaneously, we all broke out into a half-hearted laugh.
Shaw shook his head, running his fingers through his tangled mesh of hair. “Nicely done, brother.”
“I try.” Talon grinned, flashing a smile that caused his crooked nose to twist.
“Skylar?” Neera’s voice brought our laughter to a swift halt, her focus centered on me. “I-I’m not a fighter, a healer, or a high-standing member of this pack in power or strength. But I’m a Cathal.” Neera’s voice steadied as a warm hum of pride swelled within my chest. “Like you, I carry the honor of our family’s name and heritage. And you—” She paused, her eyes glowing with a swell of magic. “You’re my alpha, Skylar. I will forever follow you.”
Despite the commotion of the gathering shifters, the world fell silent. I gazed at my cousin in awe. I cupped her sweet face between my palms and leaned my forehead against hers.
“You honor me, sister—blood of my blood. The strength of your heart is worth the might of a thousand swords,” I said.
“Then take it. It’s yours,” Neera said as she placed her palm on my chest.
A rush of power emanated from her animal, reaching out to interact with my own. My soul blazed with the true magic of shifters. Of the strength woven within our pack that linked us to the land, our people, and our animals.
“Take what is rightfully yours, Sky,” Neera told me. “We are with you.”
Shaw came to my side next, placing a hand on my shoulder, his animal responding just as Neera’s did. I noticed a green shimmer of his magic floating over his skin as it drifted toward me. A silent, foreign exchange passed between us, our animals recognizing one another as family. Rhea and Talon quickly followed suit, their animals calling out and linking with mine in the same manner.
“I’ve always known you were meant to do this,” Rhea said with a smile. “Now prove it.”
“I will.”
The kinship I held with these four warmed my heart and mended the broken pieces of my soul. I would forever cherish their friendship and undying support.
“It’s time,” Shaw whispered to our group. “He’s here.”
I nodded as I adjusted the armor of Aegis, along with my bow, arrows, and blades strapped to my side.
