Page 5 of A Trial of War
“I know, but I feel horrible for the mess I’ve made. I swear I’ve burned through the bedding at least ten times in the few days since we’ve returned. Our room has burn marks along the ceiling and floor!”
My mate shrugged. “I needed to redecorate.”
“Daxton,” I said with a laugh.
“Trust me, it’s worth it,” Daxton said with a sultry grin. “Come here, I don’t care if the world burns as long as I have you.”
Daxton’s kiss momentarily erased my fears, carrying me away on a cloud of bliss. I melted, eager to continue what we started, when my stomach dropped, and an unnerving sensation trickled from the crown of my head to the balls of my feet.
I froze. Eyes wide as I stepped back from my mate.
“Daxton,” I rasped. “Something is wrong.”
Knock, knock, knock.
“Sky? Dax?” a voice sounded from the opposite side of our door.
“Shaw?” I called out. “What are you doing here? I thought you were scouting the western areas for our people—”
“Daxton, Skylar.” Castor’s voice sounded next, causing us both to tense. “Please dismount from whatever position you are attempting before you burn the Summit to a crisp. You need to see this.”
Daxton’s expression turned cold. “What is it?” he asked, crossing the room toward the door.
“It’s Rhea,” Shaw answered.
Immediately, I leaped off the table, frantically running toward the door as Daxton swung it open.
“Solace is underattack.”
Chapter Two
Skylar Cathal
“Gunnar!” Daxton said as we raced down the Summit steps.
“I’m here,” Gunnar answered, sprinting from the landing to meet us. “Is there word from the mainland?” he asked, looking to me, with Shaw and Castor close behind us.
I paused at Daxton’s side. “Yes.”
“Are the warriors ready?” Daxton asked.
Gunnar smiled, his eyes churning with a hunger for war and blood. “To protect our lands and people? Always. Until our hearts cease to beat, and our lungs can no longer hold breath.”
Daxton gave his general a nod of approval, placing a hand on his shoulder. “To war.”
“To war.” Gunnar grasped the nape of his king’s neck as their brows met in a moment of silence. “Thank the gods, too,” he said, releasing Daxton. “I was beginning to fear we’d scared the evil bitch away and she was too afraid to fight.”
“She has no idea what’s coming for her,” I said.
My phoenix swelled inside me with power, fire crackling along my fingers.
“Good,” Gunnar said, with a nod of approval. “I’m glad we have your firepower behind us.”
Castor came to his brother’s side, sighing before running a hand through his silver hair. “Don’t fan her flames indoors if you can help it. We don’t need her destroying the Summit.”
A deep growl emanated from Shaw as his eyes narrowed at Castor.
“Gods be damned,” Castor huffed, taking a step away from Shaw. “You shifters are far too emotional. I can’t get through a single sentence without you growling or brooding.”
