Page 87 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“I know,” I cut in, fidgeting with my hands. “An alliance with the High Fae is obtainable. I know Silver Meadows will welcome our pack, and I believe Crimson City will as well.”
“But is the best solution to abandon our homeland?”
“The solution is to ferry our people to safety,” I said. “There’s no point staking claim to a land if the people inhabiting it are slaughtered trying to defend it.” I slammed my fist into the deck as Shaw quieted, listening intently. “There are only a few thousand of us left. That’s it, Shaw!” I exclaimed, rising to my feet to stand above him. “That’s not enough to fend off the tens of thousands of soldiers King Taran has at his disposal, along with his hunters and mages.”
“Go on,” Shaw said.
“And not all of us are warriors. Not everyone will be able to fight on the front lines.” Shaw nodded as I continued. “Shifters once called the Inner Kingdom home… It’s time for our people to return. If war with the humans unfolds and they unleash a full-scale attack, we may have no other choice but to retreat or die.”
“Some may choose to fight and die for Solace, Sky.”
“I’m aware.” I sighed. “That’s what frightens me the most. The stubborn pride of our people will end up killing them faster than the wilt.”
“Will you—”
“I’m prepared to enforce an alpha command if I must,” I said with a firm stare.
Shaw nodded. “Good. It might just come to that.”
“I hope it doesn’t.”
We were silent for a long while, with the evening sky blackening against the setting sun. We tirelessly worked through different strategies for defenses and attacks until I settled on this alternative plan.
“You won’t have much pushback from me with this idea,” Shaw said. “I agree with the logic of it.”
“What?” I cocked my head at him. “Now you tell me? This whole time, I thought you were against this idea from the start.”
“It’s my job to make sure you’re confident in your decisions for our pack, Sky.” He gave me a half-smirk as he crossed his arms at his chest. “I’ve been on the front lines with Talon and Rhea, fighting against only a fractionof King Taran’s forces, and you’re right. We don’t have the numbers to take on the humans alone.”
“So, I’m not crazy.”
“Now, don’t get ahead of yourself.” Shaw laughed. “I didn’t say that.”
I scowled at my beta. “Really?”
“Crazy can be a good thing.” He winked. “Keeps everyone around you on their toes.”
“I strive to entertain,” I said with a melodramatic bow that made Shaw laugh.
“What performance did I miss?” Fjorda asked, joining us on the deck.
“Nothing,” I answered. “Just some pack business.”
“Very well,” Fjorda answered. “I’ve come to inform you that I sent word to Crimson City about our impending arrival.”
“Perfect,” I said with a grin. “Also, you have impeccable timing… because you’re just the male I wanted to see.”
Fjorda paused and gave me a skeptical look. “Why am I now nervous?”
Shaw chuckled, stretching his arms and rising to his feet. “It’s her crazy streak. Thankfully, it comes in handy more often than not.”
“Anyways, I have a favor to ask, Fjorda,” I said in a more serious tone.
He tilted his head, curiosity spiraling in his alluring emerald stare. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Good. ’Cause I’m hoping you’re just as wild as the sea and possibly daring enough to pullthis off.”
Chapter Forty-Two
