Page 76 of A Trial of Two Worlds
I glanced at Shaw and then at Magnus with a half-smirk. Rhea was the perfect solution to this potential issue.
“I almost feel sorry for Gilen now,” I said, giving Rhea a wink. “I assume Talon will be with you?”
Talon nodded. Even though he was not chosen as Gilen’s beta, it was evident that he still held their friendship in high regard. He would be able to help Gilen, while Rhea would ensure he didn’t start something I would have to finish.
I reached out to Talon’s mind, gently brushing against it.“I’m trusting you with this. Keep the peace as best you can. But—”
“If he begins threatening your position as alpha, I’ll do what I must,”Talon answered.
I gave him a firm nod, returning my attention to the others. “This is a good plan. Knowing that all of you are watching over Gilen while I’m gone helps put my mind at ease.”
Alistar turned his lips inward, the look of disappointment flashing across his face.
“You have anything else you wish to say, Alistar?” I asked with an even tone. One I had heard him use countless times in my youth when addressing us from a place of authority.
“No, Alpha,” he replied. “I understand your reasoning.”
“This is not a reflection on you, Alistar,” I said.
His eyes softened. “I understand, and I thank you for your reassurance. When will you leave?”
The question hung in the air as wordless seconds ticked by like hours, silently swirling around all of us like it had a life of its own.
“As soon as I can.”
I didn’t want to leave my pack, but I had to in order to protect them.
Glancing down, I opened my hand to see the opal tattoo on my palm. Bringing it to my lips, I whispered, “Captain Fjorda of theOpal. I call upon your ship to ferry me back across the open sea. I call upon your aid in my final task of the trials.”
A loud horn blasted and echoed across the lands, the ship and its captain hearing my call.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Skylar Cathal
Before leaving to meet the ship, I gave Magnus instructions regarding our people.
“I want the other Satellite packs to relocate to Solace. We have to assess our strengths to properly defend ourselves. We’re stronger together than we are apart, and right now, we must regroup.”
I had a sinking feeling that when I unlocked the Heart of Valdor, the humans would launch a full-scale attack on our people.
“I agree,” Magnus said. “Our numbers are nothing compared to that of the human population, but—”
“But we’re growing in power and magic the further I progress through the trials. Becoming a legitimate threat in their eyes,” I replied, recalling Minaeve and Gilen meeting while I was recovering from the hunters’ capture. “I believe the mages can sense this and are advising King Taran to make a stand and attack.”
“The human king is scared.”
“As he should be,” I replied with a spark of my power rising to the surface. “I want to do all I can to prevent a war fromhappening, but—”
“But we’ll be ready if our hand is forced,” Magnus finished.
“Exactly. I believe the High Fae will also come to our aid.”
“Hard to deny the champion any favor after you save their homeland.”
“Indeed,” I said.
“I’ll help keep watch on the human forces gathering south of the trading post,” Neera added, joining us near the doorway of the alpha’s estate. “In my doe form, I can easily sneak between the brush and watch without being seen.”
