A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Two

T he bathhouse back in Solace had nothing , and I mean nothing, on the glorious luxury I experienced bathing in this oversized tub. Idris filled the massive pool with bubbles and added essential oils that seeped into my aching muscles, allowing me to relax for a moment without a care in the world. I loved the feeling of being clean, and even though I was rinsed off and changed while I slept, it was nothing compared to this.

“Enjoying yourself?” Idris chuckled as she called out from behind the screen.

“Gods above.” I sighed. “This is amazing.” I drifted below the water to scrub my hair. When I broke through the surface, Idris was holding out a white fluffy towel for me to dry off. “ Ahhh ,” I exhaled in blissful relaxation. “Can I live in here?”

Idris laughed. “No, unfortunately, that’s not an option. Your fingers will prune, and you’ll be reduced to nothing but mush. But I do have a surprise for you waiting in the bedroom,” she said as I washed off the soap remnants. “I believe I was able to size you up just right when Daxton carried you in three days ago. And lucky for you, our seamstresses in Crimson City add their own magical touch to the garments they make. They’re also wickedly fast. Case in point… your new clothes are ready.”

“Thank you. That’s extremely kind, but I’m not—”

“Hush,” she commanded, moving around the screen. “You shifters are all the same. Granted, you’re only the third one I’ve ever met, but the other two were just as clueless. Finery is lost on your kind, I know, I know. But… you deserve to indulge in what we can offer. It’s the very least we can do, so please allow us to do it.”

I blushed and sank a little further into the water. “All right, understood.”

Idris beamed a bright smile that stretched from ear to ear before leaving to give me some privacy. After exiting the tub, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, and to my surprise, I seemed well rested and not the least bit worn down. I dried my hair as best I could and wrapped the towel around my chest, tucking it firmly in place. Trying not to drip water everywhere, I quickly crossed the clean marble floor of the washroom and dashed back into the bedroom. When I emerged, I stopped in the doorway. My eyes widened with shock and awe.

Idris held her head high and her shoulders back with a prideful grin as she stood near the bedside. Lovingly stroking her pregnant belly, she lay one final garment atop the white sheets. Various dresses, casual attire, and new training clothing covered the width of the bed, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful they all were.

“Oh my… Gods,” I stammered. “Is this all for me?”

“Of course it is.” Idris cocked her hip to the side, her brows raised and her lips pinched as she continued to caress her stomach. “No other female in this house is tall enough to fit into these. And before you ask, I’m the only other one residing here, for now,” she said, smiling at her growing womb. “Some outfits are for your time here, others for travel, and the warmer layered garments are for any place south of our realm. And then there’s this…” Idris reached down and revealed one of the most breathtakingly beautiful deep midnight-purple gowns I had ever imagined—let alone seen.

It sparkled with silver beading that mimicked the splendor of the shimmering stars in the evening sky. The front was a deep V-cut that would stretch down to my navel with a sparkling sheer silver lining continuing over the top of my shoulders, making the gown translucent near my neck yet still covering portions of my back. The purple shade of the gown transformed from a lighter pigment to a deeper hue near the bottom that held silvery swirling stitching.

“Daxton gave the seamstress specific instructions for this gown himself,” Idris said with a satisfied grin. Her small, delicate nose scrunched along the sides as her smile grew.

“Dax had this made for me?” I was surprised and touched by his attention to the details he knew I would love. I blushed, realizing he specifically chose this color because he knew it was my favorite. He had listened. He’d remembered.

Idris nodded. “I believe he intended for you to wear this at the ball in Aelius.” I gave her a confused look, and she exhaled. “Forgive me. I’m sorry this is all new to you. The high queen hosts a ball the evening before the trials begin,” she said, rubbing her temple. “There’s some symbolic reason for this, but my mind is foggy from the pregnancy. Oh, good Gods above.” Idris groaned as she sat on the corner of the bed. “As the champion… you , my dear, will be the main attraction of the evening.”

I gulped and bit my lower lip as I moved to inspect the other items of clothing. “Well, that sounds fun …” I wondered if Idris would catch my sarcastic tone.

Idris’s huff of a laugh in response gave me my answer. I was glad to see she had a sense of humor. From how she practically manhandled Daxton and her mate, Adohan, I concluded that she had a strong personality despite her size. In times of need, she was someone you wanted on your side.

“Daxton said as much,” Idris added, looking through the various outfits laid out in front of us. “He mentioned you wouldn’t be thrilled about it, which is why I imagine you haven’t heard about it yet. But this gown…” She paused to run her finger over the fine decadent designs in the midnight-purple fabric. “This is one of our tailor’s best works, and that is saying something. When he showed this to me, I punched Adohan and demanded why, in over three hundred years of being mated together, he hadn’t commissioned a gown like this for me.”

“I didn’t mean to cause trouble—”

“Come on, Skylar,” Idris said with a playful tone. “It’s perfect timing! This baby he planted in my belly will only grow, and I need new dresses to accommodate the later months of my pregnancy.”

“How far along are you?”

“Eight months if you can believe it—with only four more to go. High Fae babies take a full year to grow and mature in the womb. I’m envious of shifters and even humans with shorter gestation periods. Near the ten-month mark,” she said, leaning onto the bedding, “I’m going to be ready to pop, and Adohan, unfortunately, will be taking the brunt of my frustrations. But at least this time, there is only one, and not two.”

“Your twin sons Finn and Astro, right?” I asked as I slipped on my new undergarments.

“Daxton told us Castor was teaching you about the dynamics of the different courts. Great memory.” She held up a long, flowing slitted skirt paired with shorts and a sheer long-sleeve top. “Yes, thank the Mother, she only blessed us with one this time. The birth of our twins nearly split me in two. The trauma I endured is why this little one took so long to join us.” She smiled as she affectionately hugged her belly. “I pray the babe is female. Someone needs to help me navigate this crazy house with three males constantly running amok.”

I slipped on the skirt and pulled the shirt over my head. “This is surprisingly comfortable,” I said. I could get used to dressing up if it felt like this.

“The fabric is lightweight and will protect your fair skin from the intense sun rays. No offense,” Idris teased in a humorous laugh, “but your light complexion would burn to a crisp in only one afternoon.”

“It definitely would,” I said. “Thanks for thinking of that. I’ve been sunburned a few times during the hot summer months back home, and I would prefer not to have that happen again.”

It wasn’t one of the fondest memories from my childhood. The blisters alone kept me up all night for days, and nothing I could do would cool my boiling skin.

“Now for your hair.” Idris motioned for me to sit at a nearby vanity as she moved around, assessing the state of my tangled mop of brown and gold. “Would you let me braid it?”

“Sure,” I said, and she immediately got to work .

Idris quickly took strands near one side of my face and braided them tightly against my head, flowing toward the back where multiple strands ended together. The other side flowed freely down past my shoulders, isolating different pieces and mixing them into the style on the opposing side.

“There. How does that look?”

I gazed into the mirror and turned my head, examining her fast handiwork. I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s beautiful.”

“Don’t underestimate the little things, Skylar.” Idris squeezed my shoulders, giving me a kind smile. “Celebrate the small gifts we’re allowed to give ourselves. Don’t forget it’s not truly living if you only strive to survive.”

Her words resonated deep within my middle, and my animal gave me the same warm, comforting feeling I had with Captain Fjorda. I knew she was telling me that Idris was someone we could trust.

“Sound advice,” I said in agreement.

“All right, now let’s get a move on.” Idris took my hand and led me out the room. “The others will be waiting for us.”

We entered the vast hallway that seemed more like a balcony. The opening on one side overlooked Crimson City below us, while the tanned wall to my right held natural ivy-like vines intertwining in a beautiful natural design. Their home was built on a raised hill or plateau, with the city expanding around all sides below. The rustle and bustle below were the opposite of the peaceful quiet of Solace and the surrounding forest. This place thrived and behaved like I imagined the human kingdom would. Detached from nature yet still alive in its own unique way .

I admired the differences between our two cultures as I took in the beauty of all the life surrounding us. We walked until a corner forced us to turn right and follow a narrower corridor toward the center of their home.

“It’s a giant square,” Idris said. “You can’t get lost, and if you do, then I’d worry about your mental capacity.”

“Lady Idris!” a call came from behind us. “Lady Idris!”

We stopped and turned toward the High Fae running down the hallway. I found it interesting that he didn’t refer to Idris as princess even though she was the mate of High Prince Adohan.

Idris paused and turned, giving the High Fae who called out her attention. “Yes, what is it?”

“Astro is asking for you.”

She rolled her eyes and scoffed, planting a palm to her face and shaking her head as creases formed between her brows. “Don’t tell me… He’s trying his hand at the red colt again?”

The High Fae nodded nervously, looking down at his feet. “He refuses to work with any of the others until he is broken.”

“Stubborn male, just like his father.” Idris huffed, walking past me in the direction we just came from. “Oh, Skylar, dear, keep heading toward the center. There is a large outdoor seating area in the heart of our home. You can’t miss it. Adohan, Daxton, and the others will be there. It’s our family sitting area where we host… well, everything.” I nodded, understanding the directions she was giving me. “Tell my mate I’ll join him shortly. I need to help our son Astro with his obsession project. ”

“His project?” I murmured with a questioning look that Idris didn’t seem to notice. “All right got it. I’ll let Adohan know.”

“That’s the spirit, and don’t worry, I’ll introduce you to the herd soon. How else did you imagine we would arrive in Aelius in such a short time?” Her brown eyes softened as she squeezed my hand and departed with the other High Fae swiftly following behind her.

Herd and colt. Hmm, it sounded like she was describing a group of horses or something comparable to that. At least riding would be a faster and easier way to arrive in Aelius. I was worried that we would be running to get there in time.

I continued down the corridor, admiring the intricate carvings and different landscape portraits along the walls until I heard voices up ahead.

“Who knows, Dax?” If I had to guess, I wagered that it would be Adohan’s voice. I froze in the hallway, pressing my back against the wall and closing my eyes to try and concentrate on what they were saying.

“No one else.” That was unmistakably Daxton’s voice. No doubt there. My animal piqued her awareness inside me in response to hearing him, and I couldn’t help feeling a warming glow in my chest. “But there are moments when…” His voice trailed off for a second before returning once more. “I don’t know…”

“It’s obvious to anyone who has eyes to realize what’s going on,” Adohan said. “I must warn you, though, my friend… this needs to be handled delicately and with extreme caution. There’s so much at stake—”

“I know, Adohan. I know.” Daxton sighed heavily, and I could tell he was contemplating something. I just didn’t know what. “Is it even fair to add this burden? I can work through this… I don’t care what happens to me. ”

“I scoff that you would even think of this as a burden, but then again… what about our lives is ever truly fair, Dax?” Adohan asked in a tone meant to comfort a friend in need. “I’ve seen you sacrifice everything for the sake of others for far too long. Trust me, this is not something you can turn away from or ignore.”

“I don’t want to turn away from it, Adohan,” Dax said with a firm confidence that left no room for doubt.

“Well, that’s a good place to start, then. Have you considered what may happen if…”

“There’s a plan already set in place regarding Minaeve. If I’m … If it comes to the choice—”

“You don’t have to say any more. I’m just glad you have thought of every possibility in this situation.”

“I just want Skylar to be safe,” Daxton said. “I know she can win the trials and unlock the Heart of Valdor, but it doesn’t mean I’m not worried for her safety.”

Well, that answered the “who” question. They were talking about me .

What was this burden that Dax and Adohan were referring to? I was sure I could handle any truth they needed to tell me, and I didn’t think it was fair that I was somehow being kept out of the loop with something this important.

“There’s nowhere safer than by your side, brother,” Castor’s sing-song voice chimed in.

Ugh, males. I groaned. Females are so much better at gossiping . They were missing key details, and I was beginning to run out of time. I couldn’t lurk in this hallway much longer without my presence being noticed.

“But she has to enter the trials alone— ”

“Well, this first one, at least,” Adohan replied to Dax, and the room filled with an uncomfortable silence. “The others are still a mystery; we don’t know if we can aid the champion in the other trials. This first one will test you just as much as it challenges her.”

I couldn’t afford to wait much longer and risk having Idris reveal my eavesdropping.

Making my presence known, I cleared my throat and began descending the steps of the hall once more, making sure my treads made a little extra noise. As I rounded the corner, all three males turned their heads toward me as I entered.

A clear blue sky with wisps of white stream-like clouds shone through a skylight. Carved from the stone above us with a sheer white fabric canopy draped over the sitting area. It provided the comfort and protection of shade from the blistering sun above and allowed natural light to encompass the entire area. There was a shallow pool of red-stained water in the center that flowed around the outer edge of the opening. Strange green plants with thorns decorated the space with vines that sprouted an array of orange and yellow flowers. Couches lined the walls with different luxurious seating options near the center.

Castor was lounging comfortably in a chaise off to the side in the direct sunlight. An arm lazily draped over his eyes as he barely flicked his wrist, waving to greet me.

“Good morning, Skylar,” Castor mumbled. “I’m glad you decided to remain with the living and finally wake up. Have a nice cat nap?”

Yup, Castor was back to his usual self. I rolled my eyes at him and stepped over the trickling crimson water that encircled the space .

“How and why… is this water red?” I asked, looking toward Adohan. I did my best not to glance at Daxton. He would be able to read me like an open book, and my private eavesdropping would quickly become public knowledge.

“We’re in Crimson City, are we not?” Adohan beamed and stood to offer me a seat between the lounging lazy Castor and my Silver Shadow, Daxton. I accepted his offer and tried my best to relax as I sat down.

“The red clay beds and sandstone that help shape our landscape influence the coloring of this infamous treasure of ours,” the high prince said, pride beaming in his hazel eyes. “The minerals collected by this river are said to revitalize your spirits, and many choose to bathe in the red waters to help rejuvenate themselves.”

“Does it actually work?” I asked.

“Look for yourself.” Adohan hummed as he motioned toward his frame. “This is the face of beauty and wonder, while Castor, on the other hand…” He then flicked his wrist in Castor’s direction on the chaise. “Is cold and off-putting like his ice and snow.” His expression morphed into a beaming grin that contrasted stunningly against his darkened skin tone.

“Ha!” Castor laughed, still covering his face with his arm. “Good one, Adohan. It’s nice to see your sense of humor hasn’t dried up in this blasted hot box you call home.”

“Is he wrong, though, Cas?” Daxton raised his brows as he glanced back at his brother. “You’ve been known to be a bit frigid at times. Especially when it concerns the morning after you’ve bedded a female. ”

I couldn’t help chuckling lightly at Daxton’s comment. Even he was joining in on teasing Castor, who, more often than not, deserved it.

“The two of you can shove off,” Castor murmured while he held up his middle fingers to both of them.

“Good to see Castor’s still in high spirits,” a sharp feminine voice sounded from behind the shadows.

I jumped up, but Dax was there in an instant, his hand caressing my back, trying to help calm my nerves.

“It’s all right,” Dax said evenly. “That’s Zola.”

“Zola?” I repeated as I turned to the shadows cast along the corner of the room. I regained my composure as I returned to my seat.

“When did the Shadow Stalker get here?” Castor groaned as he turned over onto his stomach.

“She’s been here the entire time, Castor.” Dax shook his head and sighed, placing his head in the palm of his hand, looking exhausted. “You clearly need some rest, brother.”

Castor lifted his arm and glared at Daxton. “Pot calling the kettle black again, brother?”

Gods above. Even I could see how worn down and exhausted Castor was from the dark circles that enveloped his eyes. Dax told me he was working with the fallen I had healed, and it was clear that neither of them had acquired much sleep since our time in the wilt.

“I’ll take this as my cue then.” Castor flung his arm to the side and slouched over his bent knees before pushing himself to stand. “I’ll go check on her.”

“Her?” I asked as Dax moved closer to me on the cushioned couch. The heat I felt radiating from his body ironically sent chills across my skin.

“The fallen High Fae you healed,” Daxton said in a whisper .

Oh, that her. This was going to be an interesting meeting indeed.

Daxton’s arm lightly brushed against my thigh and settled on my knee. My core tightened as I crossed my legs to try and alleviate the tension I felt pulling me toward him. I was still mildly upset about his comment earlier in my room, along with the unknown topic of their conversation I had overheard just moments ago.

“This is her, then?” Zola asked from the corner as she scanned over me with cunning dark brown, almost black oval eyes.

I tilted my head to the side, watching Zola step into the sunlight for the first time, unveiling herself from the shadows. At first glance, she had the typical stunning beauty of any High Fae, but when I took a closer look, I could sense something different about her. Her dark, tawny skin was marked with wisps of black ink extending along her arms and exposed neck, reminding me of tiger stripes. I imagined the markings traced along her back as well, possibly covering the rest of her trimmed muscular frame. Someone could assume that she was thin or frail, but then they would be sorely mistaken. Zola was average height with a thinner build, yes. But I could see that below the black leathers she wore, hidden strength lay underneath her thin frame. Zola flipped her long black braid over her square shoulder as she approached Dax and me.

Dax met Zola’s gaze and nodded, his left hand still gently resting on my knee as she approached us. He squeezed it before releasing his hold on me, brushing his hand along my back to encourage me to greet Zola.

“Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Sky.” I stood and held out my hand. Zola seemed skeptical at first, but she eventually reciprocated and accepted my greeting. The second her skin touched mine, it felt like a burning flame engulfed our flesh, causing both of us to gasp and release one another instantly.

“What… What was that?” I exclaimed, examining my hand for any burn marks.

Zola looked just as confused as I did for a moment but then quickly regained her composure. “Hold out your hand again,” she said in a firm tone, narrowing her dark brows.

“I’d rather not,” I said as Daxton arose to stand at my side. “No offense, but that wasn’t pleasant.”

Zola didn’t seem amused with my response as her lips pressed into a firm, thin line. “Give me your hand again,” she said, her gaze not once wavering. Her dark, ominous eyes were all-consuming, firm, and demanding. I doubted few beings alive today would refuse one of her commands.

I hesitated, contemplating whether I should follow her lead. My animal didn’t give any alarm inside my head, and with Daxton protectively standing beside me, I knew I would be safe. In the end, it was the spark of curiosity inside of me that turned into a blaze, and I reached out my hand to meet hers.

The same burning sensation ran along my skin, but it quickly dwindled into a simmer until, finally… there was nothing. Zola grabbed my other hand to test her theory further, but strangely, there was nothing.

“Interesting,” she murmured. “It must be my magic reacting to yours. I’ve never encountered a response like that. Including the previous four shifters that came before you.”

“Me either…” I said. “Glad I’m not the only one.”

“Your magic has a different effect with mine as well, Spitfire,” Daxton said .

Zola looked to Dax and then me again as he guided me back to our seats on the couch. Zola shifted around to my other side and took a seat next to me. She glanced at Daxton and then flashed me a half-grin that I believed was meant to comfort me, but in reality, it was slightly terrifying.

“Zola!” Idris’s cheerful voice announced her arrival as she openly flung herself across the room and into the Shadow Jumper’s arms.

“Good to see you, Idris,” Zola grunted, and I saw the hard exterior of the warrior soften to embrace a trusted friend. It was remarkable to witness Idris bring out this side of Zola, and to be honest, it helped me relax a little more in her presence. There was more to this spymaster than her hardened exterior and mask of shadows—just like Daxton.

“You didn’t come find me first when you arrived?” Idris asked. “I’m hurt. Truly hurt.”

Zola shook her head and rolled her eyes. “This wasn’t just a social call, Idris, and you know it.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Idris said. “When my closest friend comes into my realm, I expect an audience.” Her attention swept toward Daxton, and she raised a suspicious brow at him.

“ Whose kingdom?” Adohan asked. Idris waved her hand, ignoring her mate.

“Glare all you want, Idris. But when I summon my spymaster, she reports to me first. You know this, so don’t try and intimidate me or Zola with that look of yours. It won’t work— this time .”

Idris cocked a grin that stretched across her face. “Very well. This time.”

Then, a younger High Fae male entered the room .

“Astro,” Idris said with a smile. The male nodded to his mother in greeting.

Astro’s eyes were darker like Idris’s, and he lacked facial hair on his chin, but he was the spitting image of Adohan. Astro’s hair mimicked his father’s with long brown dreadlocks, almost black at the roots, that slowly changed into red along the bottom.

Adohan glanced toward his son with a questioning look. “Finn is right behind me, Father,” Astro said. “I stressed the urgency in the message, just like you asked. He replied right away that he was returning.”

Right on cue, another male, physically identical to his brother, joined us. The only difference between the two High Fae males was how they styled and possibly dyed their hair. Finn’s hair, which had a deep red color like their mother’s, was shaved on one side with the other side folded over and draped to his pointed ear.

“I’m not late, am I?” Finn panted, glancing toward his father. “I swear I came back as soon as Astro sent word to me.”

“I’m aware, Finn,” Adohan said, greeting his other son with a nod. “Am I not in the center of our kingdom for this exact purpose? I know what is happening at all times inside and around my borders.”

“Really, Adohan?” Idris asked. “Are you trying to sound like an arrogant know-it-all just because we have company or what?”

“Only because I know how much it pleases you, my love,” Adohan’s eyes softened as his wife— no, excuse me, his mate —joined him.

Idris smiled happily, curling into Adohan’s side and molding her body into the perfect puzzle piece meant only for him. They shared a short yet passionate kiss before turning their attention back to the group.

Their bond was truly different, and I was beginning to understand why Castor corrected me back on the ship. There was a deeper soul connection with a High Fae mate bond, just like shifters. It reminded me of Magnus and Julia— then of Rhea and Talon. I smiled to myself, knowing that regardless of the differences between shifters and High Fae, the mate bond rang true.

My animal stirred once again in my chest, and I finally gave in to her pestering and turned to look at Dax.

“I can trust them,” I said in a hushed whisper. “I can trust everyone gathered here with us.” I knew because the same comforting warmth was present in my center.

He gave me one of his warm, charismatic smiles that made the floor drop from under me. His square jaw shifted to the side as his dimple appeared in his bearded cheek.

“Everyone here has earned my trust. I’m glad you feel the same.” The way he smiled at me made me want to throw away every fear I was holding on to and take a leap of faith in his strong, steadfast arms.

“Good to see you up and about, Uncle Dax,” one of the twins announced as he approached us. “Hi, I’m Astro,” he said, turning his attention toward me.

“Nice to meet you, Astro,” I said with a kind smile.

“And this is my twin brother, Finn.” He motioned to the male standing just a few paces behind him.

Dax gave me an encouraging push, and I stood to greet them. Astro extended his hand first, followed closely by Finn. They each grasped one of mine and quickly kissed the backs, giving me a slight bow.

“She’s hands down one of the more beautiful shifters, I imagine,” Finn said with a sly wink, matching his father’s charismatic charm and ego.

Astro quickly elbowed his brother in the side. “Only because she’s the only shifter you’ve ever seen.”

Adohan cleared his throat before speaking. “My sons are only forty-eight years old, Skylar. This is the first trial they have been alive to witness. Please excuse their rash remarks,” Adohan said with a hint of a warning coating his words. “At twenty-five, our magic settles, and our immortal aging begins. They may appear younger in their years, but they’re old enough to know better.”

“What?” Finn shrugged as he looked over my shoulder, connecting with Daxton’s stare.

The smug grin on Finn’s lips vanished and he blinked a few times to try and steady himself.

Astro chuckled. “You stepped in it now, Finn.”

Daxton placed a hand protectively on my shoulder. It was a little much, in my opinion, but after being in a shifter’s sleep for nearly four days, I would allow it. After all, I was his ward .

“All right… all right. Sorry.” The twins said, taking a few steps back with a slight bow and their palms facing forward. They acquired their seats on either side of their parents as I dared to glance at Daxton.

“She’s more than just a beautiful shifter that you two can gawk at,” Dax said with a deep, authoritative tone. “Skylar is the first champion to ever volunteer for the trials. Her actions and perseverance through everything she’s been through in these past months alone have instilled a sense of hope, once more, in the Inner Kingdom. The strength of her heart and her fighting spirit surpass any that have dared come before her. I trust that she will defeat the trials, and she will unlock the Heart of Valdor. I… believe in her.” Everyone in the room was silent for a moment, including me.

Daxton’s genuine declaration of his belief in me touched my heart. That warm feeling was spreading in my chest once again as I looked at him—really looked at him. Without a shadow of a doubt, I could see that he wholeheartedly believed every word he had just said. He trusted me with the fate of not only his life but that of his people and all of Valdor.

Zola was the first to speak. “If Daxton believes in her, then I do as well. Thank you, shifter, for inspiring hope once again in our people and my high prince.” She tilted her head to me and gave me an affirming nod of acceptance.

The others all nodded in agreement, and I blushed as Daxton brushed his thigh up against mine. A zap of his ice magic floated over my skin. My heart fluttered along with a gush of power from my animal. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t deny the spark and the feelings I had developed for Daxton—however, I knew I needed to be cautious with my heart. The unknowns were beginning to pile up, and I was afraid of being hurt again. The last thing I wanted to do was foolishly fall for another person who only sought to use me.

“Well, if the eldest one here agrees, then it must be true,” Castor said, announcing his return. He entered the area alone and leaned against the sandstone wall with a heavy, invisible weight resting on his shoulders.

“She’s resting—finally. I couldn’t bring myself to wake her. I’m—” He rubbed his sunken eyes before scratching at the nape of his neck, giving Daxton a pleading look .

“It’s fine, Cas,” Dax replied, sensing his brother’s silent request. “Why don’t you join her and rest?”

“Seriously?” Castor’s eyes widened as he sagged his shoulders, releasing all the pent-up tension in his body.

Dax nodded, his own shadows forming under his eyes.

Adohan agreed. “I can see the exhaustion on your face from here, Castor. And yours as well, Daxton. Both of you should be resting before we leave for Aelius tomorrow morning. We will need you at your best before the high queen’s ball.”

My breath faltered as the timeline of this all hit me like a dive into an icy river.Silently, I forced the panic down in my throat and braced my hands on my knees, clenching my fists tightly against the fabric of my skirt.

There is no reason to panic , I told myself. I traveled here for this. I knew the trials were coming. Panic will only get me killed faster. Ground my fears… face them instead of running. It is all right to be afraid, but don’t give in to your fears .

I took deep breaths while conversations prolonged in a blur around me, allowing my panic to fade into fear and then finally acceptance.

“You know where to find me if you need me,” Castor said as he took his leave down the hall. I had missed the conversation leading to his departure entirely, but thankfully, it didn’t seem too important.

I turned to Dax, who I knew was watching me the entire time. He gave me a small grin followed by a slight nod, telling me he knew exactly what I was doing. His exhaustion, however, was no less than Castor’s. I boldly reached up and cupped his cheek in my palm, gently brushing the scruff along his jawline that was remarkably soft to my touch .

“You need to rest, Dax. I believe I can manage without you for half a day,” I teased.

Daxton leaned into my touch and locked his gray eyes on me for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh, allowing his shoulders to relax. He entwined his fingers in mine and kissed the back of my hand before reclining against the couch. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and finally allowed himself a moment to breathe.

“I have a perfect idea!” Idris sprang up from her mate’s arms with a beaming smile. Daxton’s eyes cracked open as Idris’s expression became almost giddy.

“Uh-oh. Mom has that look in her eyes,” Astro muttered.

“Yeah, Dad’s funds are about to be emptied,” Finn snickered, and Idris shot them both a fiery stare that silenced their laughs.

Idris strode over to me and Zola, grabbing both our hands and pulling us to our feet. “We’re going shopping! I can’t tell you how many times it’s just me with all these overbearing males without any female company… And I don’t intend to waste a single second of it!”

“I don’t—” Zola started to protest, but Idris quickly cut her off.

“No. The fallen female is finally resting after keeping poor Castor worried and awake for the past four days straight. We know he won’t let anything happen to her with that premonition sight of his. It even works in his sleep,” Idris said. “Besides, you can’t move her until we leave in the morning anyways. It would be too suspicious.”

“That’s fair reasoning,” Daxton murmured. “Just a reminder, though, we’re the only souls alive that know what Skylar was able to do with the fallen, and it needs to stay that way. I don’t want to imagine what the queen would do with this knowledge.”

I was relieved to hear that the knowledge of what I did in the wilt would be kept a secret. This new twist was almost too much for me to comprehend on top of the first trial taking place only two days from now.

“And Zola…” Idris said, “I know Daxton has been paying you and Gunnar extra wages while he and Castor have been away. You have the money to splurge, and you know that Crimson City has the finest jewelry merchants in all the Inner Kingdom.”

The Shadow Jumper narrowed her eyes but shrugged and gave in to Idris’s plea. “You’ll need someone watching over you. I won’t allow any harm to come to my godchild you’re growing in there.” Zola didn’t outwardly smile, but her tone was softer when she mentioned the babe growing in Idris’s womb. “And why not add another gem to my collection if I find one special enough to come home with me.”

Adohan groaned and mumbled something under his breath, causing Daxton to burst into a booming laugh. “My love, don’t empty our entire savings today, please,” Adohan practically begged.

“Oh, hush,” Idris said, waving her hand to silence her mate. “I saw the gown Daxton had made for Skylar, by the way. Don’t make me add that to the tally!” She said it as a threat, but the look in her eyes said she was just teasing him. “And you…” Idris said, turning her attention to me.

I raised my brows with unease, not knowing what to expect next. “What about me?”

“Daxton told me all about your passion for reading along with creating and preparing different delectable meals in the kitchen. Did you know we have a plethora of book merchants and some of the finest herb and spice markets in all of Valdor? We can pick out anything you want to sample for the mind and the palate.”

Food and books. Well, I was sold.

The trip might actually be a perfect distraction, and if I was honest with myself, I was dying to experience the city. Viewing it from the balcony of my room just wasn’t enough to satisfy my curiosity. The thought of tasting the different spices and ingredients they had in the Inner Kingdom had my mind spinning with a variety of recipe ideas I wanted to try.

“All right, I’m in,” I said, and Idris squealed with excitement. She didn’t hesitate for the males to protest, instead leading us down the hallway and into Crimson City.