Page 11 of A Trial of War
I nudged them both toward the shoreline.“I know. They are annoyingly good at killing. Come on, let’s go.”
Chapter Four
Shaw Black
Zola was off on her own, but the calm warmth emanating from the bond indicated she was safe. I thanked the gods for that peace of mind as I shifted into my human form, racing to help our people onto the awaiting ships.
“Hurry, come on! This way,” I said, standing knee deep in the waves as shifters, young and old, hurried onto the waiting rowboat.
“This one’s full. Go!” Pushing with all my might, I sent the boat off, only to have another take its place as more of my pack filled the empty seats.
Rhea and Talon shifted, helping organize and protect the final gathering of our pack waiting to board the ships.
Magnus charged through the surf to join us. “This should be the last of them,” he said, catching his breath.
“Good,” I said, reaching out to Skylar.“How’s it going over there?”
“Peachy,”she snapped.“But we’ve made a dent at least. They’re retreating. We’ll meet you at the shoreline soon. Gilen is flying the perimeter to see if we missed anyone.”
“Skylar is on her way to us,” I relayed to the group as I walked across the beach toward the shade of the trees.
Talon raised a brow, tugging at the edge of my base layer with a grin. “So, what’s with the fancy get-up? It’scute…”
I groaned, smacking his hand away. “It’s High Fae-crafted armor. Stays on when I shift.”
“Impressive,” Magnus said, stepping closer. “How does it hold up in battle?”
“It’s saved my ass more than once. More is being forged in the Inner Kingdom as we speak.” I paused, sensing her presence.
“The tailors in Crimson City have a magical touch indeed,” Zola said from the shadows.
“What the crap!” Rhea screeched, stumbling back as she shifted into her wolf form in a blur of fur and snapping teeth.
Without thinking, I stepped between her and Zola, magic rising instinctively. My voice was low but firm. “Back down, Rhea. She’s with me.”
Rhea stilled. Her ears pinned flat against her head as she bared her teeth.
A primal growl rose from my chest. “She’s mine, Rhea!”
The wolf’s eyes narrowed as she assessed Zola with a predator’s caution, tilting her nose to sniff the air.
“Rhea.” Talon stepped in, reaching through their bond to calm his mate.
Rhea growled, shifting onto two legs. “What kind of creepy magic does this one have?”
“I live among the shadows, young one,” Zola said, stepping to my side with unshakable calm. “And though you seem to be his friend, rest assured, if you were to attack, you’d regret it.”
Talon stiffened, fists clenching at his side.
Great… Just what I needed.
“Enough,” Magnus stepped in, his tone sharp. “Talon, take Rhea back and—”
“Who’s this?”
My jaw tightened as I recognized her voice. “Neera—” I turned, facing the female I once thought I’d claim. “This is Zola. She’s the spymaster of Silver Meadows, and she’s… Well, she’s my mate.”
To my surprise, Zola remained silent at my claim, and I couldn’t help the flutter in my stomach or the upward curve of my mouth.
