Page 90 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“You’re right.” Shaw smacked the railing with a nod. “Ifyoumanaged to find yours, mine must be just around the corner.”
“Ha-ha-ha.” I bumped his shoulder.
“You’ll find your mate, Shaw.”
“I know.”He winked, forcing a smile.
Shaw turned his attention toward the shoreline, taking in the sight of the Inner Kingdom for the first time. His eyes widened as I sheathed the dagger at my hip, understanding the look of dread on his face all too well.
“Even the sand is black,” Shaw whispered.
“It is,” I answered. “Hard to see, isn’t it?”
“That can’t happen to Solace. That just can’t—”
“It won’t, Shaw.”I reached out to calm his panther’s anxiety spilling over into him. His eyes snapped to meet mine, and I drew a deep breath.“It won’t happen.I swear I will do everything in my power to prevent this. I’m ready. I’m willing.”I said to my beta, my dear friend.
Refusing to allow my nerves take control I grounded myself in the knowledge that once the Heart was unleashed, everyone I loved would be safe. Our world would be free.
Shaw nodded.“Only you can.”
“Fate has guided me to unite our two worlds and bring Valdor together again.”
“I count myself lucky to be on this journey with you, Alpha.”
I smiled at Shaw, thankful to have him with me, for his friendship and unflinching support.
“Let’s go find Fjorda and figure out how we’re getting onto the mainland,” I said. “TheOpalis too recognizable, and I fear the queen will have spies watching and waiting.”
“She’ll know you’ve completed the third trial, right?” Shaw asked.
“Yes,” I said as we approached the ship’s wheel. “And Daxton should have the scroll and be somewhere safe right now.”
“Can you feel the bond or his magic now that we’re inside the veil?”
I paused, “It’s weak, almost like a whisper. Easy to overlook if I wasn’t trying to search for it,” I said, biting my lip. “And that fact alone terrifies me. Daxton was in the prison cells beneath Aelius... I know she drained hismagic, tortured him—” I couldn’t finish the thought, let alone the words.
Shaw placed a hand on my shoulder. “Easy.”
“I know he’s alive,” I whispered, tears threatening to fall from my eyes.
“If he’s your mate, I have no doubt.”
“And then,” I said, straightening my shoulders, “when I find him and make sure he’s in one piece, I’m going to kill him for keeping this wholeplana secret from me.”
“There she is.” Shaw laughed. “Come on, let’s find CaptainFjorda.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Skylar Cathal
“On second thought, I’m not a fan of this plan,” Shaw said in a shaky voice as he peered over the side of the ship.
“Why?” Fjorda asked with a raised brow. “Afraid of gettin’ wet, kitty-cat?”
Shaw’s deep growl rumbled the decking beneath our feet. “No.”
“The water nymphs… You do realize they eat anyone they take under the waves?Iwas almost killed by them after the first trial.”
