A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Six

“K eep trying, Spitfire,” Daxton encouraged. “You were able to form a barrier with your magic when Seamus was invading your mind. Try to focus like that again and create a shield around yourself. It will help protect you from other forms of magic and detection.”

“But that was instinct,” I murmured. “I wasn’t thinking. I was just… reacting.”

Daxton propped himself on his elbow and cocked his eyebrow at me. “It doesn’t mean you give up. Try again.”

“How?” When he didn’t reply, I grunted in frustration at his stubborn silence. “Fine, I’ll try it again.”

“There she is,” he said with a saccharine grin that I knew I could never be angry at for long.

Dax and I awoke well before dawn, and although we hadn’t left my bed, we were still relentlessly working on accessing my magic. He told me that all I had to do was will my magic to perform a new task. My powers should adapt and change if I was stubborn enough to see it through. Easier said than done.

My magic thrummed through me, trickling along my middle like a babbling brook, where my animal’s presence always seemed to spring from. Luckily, the task of summoning my magic was not difficult, and Dax said that this was the trickiest part. Well, for him it was anyway. I just couldn’t seem to figure out the connection of pulling from my well and altering the intent of it. Shifters were not trained to manipulate their magic like this, but I had to adapt. If I wanted to survive in the Inner Kingdom, I had to equip myself the best I could.

My will. My will , I repeated, and suddenly, it clicked.

Alphas utilized magic with their command, and lucky for me, I had some experience in that. With a new spark of determination, I called upon my power, imagining it coating my skin, creating a protective bubble around me that mimicked a shield of armor.

Daxton reached up and gently stroked the hair along my brow, allowing his finger to caress my neck as his lips followed suit. My eyes rolled back in my head, loving the feeling of his touch, longing for him to continue what we started last night.

He unexpectedly pulled away, and I snapped my eyes open to see his cocky grin. “You did it, Spitfire.”

“What, really?” I sprang up with the biggest grin on my face as the sheet I was holding freely fell to my waist. Daxton’s eyes widened, and I could see the hunger of arousal shine as his eyes roamed over me. I quickly remembered that I was naked and reached down to cover myself.

“Don’t,” he said, reaching out to pull me on top of him. “I’m very much enjoying this morning’s view.”

I straddled Daxton’s hips, planting my hands on his firm chest, before running my finger through his tangled mop of silver and black hair. “Are you, now?” I teased as I bent lower to whisper in his ear. “It’s hard to tell when you conceal your scent. You know … Shifters love utilizing our sense of smell. It heightens everything for us. ”

His grin widened enough for his dimple to make an appearance. “Very well then.” Once his scent hit me, my body melted on top of his. I couldn’t—wouldn’t—resist the pull toward Daxton. The drive to be near him was practically instinctual. I followed his lead and lowered my barrier next., watching his eyes spark with lust as he recognized the change.

“You wicked… breathtakingly beautiful female,” he growled as he captured my mouth with his. Our kiss deepening as—

“Knock, Knock.” The sound of Castor’s voice put a halt to our kiss as he banged on the frame of my door. “I hate to interrupt, but we’re leaving for Aelius within the hour.”

Daxton grunted and tried to ignore his brother as I shifted my hips over the top of his hardened shaft. “You’re not helping,” he whispered to me as I giggled, and he nibbled on my ear.

“Says who?” I whispered as I turned to nip at his bottom lip. “This is all part of the fun.” I gently kissed his cheek, moving onto the base of his neck. Daxton tensed as I pressed my hardened nipples into his bare chest, creating the friction I craved from last night. He firmly grabbed my ass and caressed my backside, moving his hips in rhythm with mine. Gods, this was amazing, and I hadn’t even had my full taste of him yet.

“Daxton!” Adohan’s voice joined Castor’s.

Daxton growled with disdain this time as he held my hips firmly in his hands, halting my movements. “We’re coming.”

“Oh really?” Castor laughed half-heartedly. “Coming already?”

I chuckled and to my surprise, Daxton grinned as well .

“He’s jealous. But, you do need to get dressed.” Daxton looked me over, his lingering eyes burning with hunger to continue what we started. “And please, be quick about it. Or else—” he coughed to clear his throat. “I’m a patient male, but you’re testing every ounce of my willpower.” He paused and leaned in closer.

“Or else what?” I grinned.

“Or else I’ll have to devour that sweet pussy of yours and have you screaming my name over and over again.”

“Are you trying to convince me to get dressed?” I asked. “Because you aren’t doing a very good job of it.”

“Never,” Daxton said with a twinkle in his eye. “But for now… Unfortunately, yes, I’m asking you to get dressed.”

“Fine,” I huffed as I lightly kissed his lips. I could tell from his reluctance to pull away that he wanted this to continue just as much as I did.

“Also, conceal your scent,” Daxton added, and like the good student I always was, I obliged. “It’ll help.”

I could tell he didn’t truly believe it would, and it made me purr with delight, knowing I had the same effect on him as he did on me.

Wrapping the sheet around me and gathering my clothes, I moved toward the washroom. Pausing at the screen, I turned around and winked at him with a sly smirk, and Daxton returned my playful smile with one of his own, making my heart flutter.

“How are we traveling to Aelius?” I asked stepping to the other side of the divide. I heard something drop to the floor, and I noticed the flower hairpin that the merchant had given me yesterday in my pile of clothes.

“Idris didn’t tell you?” Daxton hollered, still resting comfortably on the bed by the sound of it .

“No,” I said as I reached out and placed the flower hairpin on the counter. I splashed water on my face to cool down and dabbed it dry with a towel.

“Then I’m not going to ruin the surprise.”

I peeked around the corner of the screen as he flashed me a beaming grin. “Please?”

He shook his head. “Hurry along, Spitfire. The longer you take to get ready, the longer you have to wait to find out.”

I narrowed my eyes, to try and intimidate him into answering me, but it didn’t work.

“Fine,” I cursed under my breath as I returned to the washroom to finish getting ready.

I found new undergarments and fresh travel clothes neatly folded in the corner near the screen. Like magic, they appeared out of nowhere, and I knew Dax had summoned them for me. I playfully wondered if he could magically remove clothing just as easily as he could summon it.

“Remember… don’t drop your barrier,” Daxton called out, and I immediately refocused on concealing my scent with my magic.

I pulled on my leather pants paired with a fitted long-sleeve tunic and corset, which was surprisingly comfortable. I tucked my hairpin into a pocket next to my chest, making sure it was secure for the journey to Aelius. There was a thick cloak lying next to the stool, and I hesitated before picking it up.

“Isn’t it a little hot to be wearing this?” I asked as I held up the cloak and walked out of the washroom. Then, as I turned the corner, I was met with a sight that took my breath away.

Daxton was leaning against the doorframe, patiently waiting for me to return with his shirt casually flung over his shoulder. It only took him a second to notice me gawking at him, but when he did, a serene smile curled at the side of his luscious lips. Desire flooded through me like water bursting through a river dam.

I couldn’t help it, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted too anymore. Daxton tilted his head, holding out a hand to encourage me to cross the distance separating us.

Gods, was this real? Did last night actually happen? I wasn’t just imagining this all in my head, right?

I strolled across the room toward Daxton, linking my hand with his and leaning into his open arms. With his free hand grasping my waist, I looped my other arm behind his head as he tucked our linked fingers toward his chest. He might have a dozen fancy titles and nicknames, but my personal favorite was Dax .

“Your riding leathers fit you perfectly,” Daxton said as he caressed the smooth leather along my outer thighs, admiring my curves in a way that made me feel treasured.

“So, we’re riding! Ah-ha!” I grinned wildly, discovering a clue as to how we were traveling to Aelius.

Daxton huffed a laugh and bent to kiss me, practically lifting me off my feet with the touch of his lips on mine. “I named you well, my Spitfire.”

The lock on the door suddenly turned, and our secluded retreat from the outside world came crashing down. The door swung open with Adohan and Castor impatiently waiting on the other side.

“You’ll need this,” Castor taunted, extending his hand with Daxton’s cloak and a new shirt hanging from his fingertips. “Remember, this isn’t the nudist shifter colony of Solace. You’re expected to be clothed when you’re around others outside your bed chamber. ”

Daxton grunted with discontent as he released his hold on me, donned his shirt, and pulled his cloak over his shoulders.

“I see you taught her to mask her scent, at least,” Castor snipped. “That’s a relief because I can only imagine that I would be able to smell you all over her, brother. You might want to try and do the same before anyone else confirms what’s already suspected.”

Daxton shielded his scent, unable to stop the grin that curved at the side of his mouth as he winked at me. “In a mood today already, Castor?”

“Hardly,” Castor answered as he crossed his arms and slouched against the wall.

“We’ve all had the pleasure of his unpleasant company this morning, and it still hasn’t improved despite my efforts,” Adohan said.

There was something different about Castor, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. He wasn’t his normal chipper self, and a mild mockery from him about what he and Adohan had clearly interrupted this morning was off-putting.

“Everything all right with you, Castor?” I asked with genuine concern.

“I’m fine,” he muttered as he waved away my worries and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Zola already left with the fallen female.”

Daxton nodded. “Good. I instructed her to depart before us so she could slip away without anyone knowing.”

Castor pursed his lips. “You couldn’t have told me that?”

Daxton paused and sighed, scratching the back of his head, “I-I didn’t think about it, Castor. I’m sorry. Zola is returning to Silver Meadows. You’ll see her again soon. ”

Castor grunted and looked off toward the open walkway. “You know how difficult it is, Dax. Of all people… you should know better.” Castor closed his eyes and stepped away from us. “I need a minute.”

Daxton grasped his brother’s shoulder before he left and met his gaze. I could see Daxton was conflicted about the decision, but I was unsure about how it affected Castor. Dax nodded to his brother in silent understanding. “We’ll meet you at the stables.”

Adohan gave Castor a pat on the back while I was left standing there with my hands on my hips, clueless as to what was going on. Nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed to get under Castor’s skin. What the hell was going on with him? Daxton tilted his head for me to follow them.

“But—” I started to protest.

“I’ll be fine, Skylar,” Castor said, pausing before rounding the corner. “I’ll be along in a moment. That’ll give Dax and Adohan a chance to explain the ruse you and I will be orchestrating once we arrive in Aelius.”

“Wait… ruse? What ruse?” I repeated, narrowing my brows as Daxton and Adohan began walking in the other direction. I dashed after them and sprang in front of Dax, stopping him in his tracks by poking him square in the chest. “All right. Time to talk. We were up all morning practicing my shielding, and you didn’t think to mention a ruse ?”

Adohan held back a sneering laugh, trying not to seem overly amused. “I never thought I would see the day Silver Shadow would allow someone to stop him with the might of a single poke.”

Dax grunted in annoyance and narrowed his eyes at the Crimson City high prince. “I believe Idris is already impatiently waiting on you, my friend. Don’t you have somewhere else to be? ”

“Low blow, Daxton. Low… blow.” Adohan scowled but managed to flash me a confident grin as he passed us by.

I turned back to Dax and gave him a look, which meant I was serious and that nothing he could do was going to make it go away this time. “What is Castor talking about, and what parts do he and I have to play?”

I didn’t like this one bit.

“Talk.” I poked him again.

“All right, all right.” Dax grasped my wrist and pulled me to his side. We continued walking together through the halls with his arm draped around me. “You’ll arrive alongside Castor today, and tonight … you’ll attend the ball as his companion. You two will create the illusion that you are a pair.”

“ What? ” I exclaimed as I cocked my brow at him. “That—What? Why?”

“It’s to protect you,” Dax said swiftly in defense.

“Protect me? From what?” I was already entering the 100 percent failure rate trials. My life was already hanging dangerously in the balance. What more did he have to protect me from? Then it dawned on me. “Queen Minaeve?” Daxton’s nod was all the answer I needed.

After what I learned last night, I felt sick speaking her name out loud. I’d disliked her before, and after hearing everything she did to Daxton and the other royals—let alone her people—I despised her even more.

“But why? Why do I need to be protected against her?” I still didn’t understand, and I needed him to elaborate on his reasoning.

Daxton stopped and gave me a soft half-smile as he reached to push a strand of hair out of my eyes. His hand lingered on my cheek as I leaned into his calloused palm. I reveled in the roughness of his hands when they touched my skin. He wasn’t just some highbrow royal with a title. He had fought and earned everything he had in this life, and it made me admire him more for it.

“Do you really have to ask that question, Spitfire?”

I could assume that Daxton’s own emotions mirrored everything I was feeling, but I had been burned by that blind belief before. I didn’t want that to happen again. “Why?” I asked.

“If Minaeve discovers that I’ve grown fond of another … she’ll use you to manipulate me or worse, threaten to harm you. Champion or not.” Daxton’s brows pinched together. “At the end of the day, all she cares about is her crown and power. Anything that stands in her way she cuts down without a second thought. I don’t want to test the limits of her self-control. My feelings for you threaten her hold over me and Silver Meadows. I won’t forgive myself if I’m the reason anything happens to you.”

Feelings for me?

“Do you believe she would have me killed if she found out?” I didn’t necessarily want to ask the question, but I couldn’t help it. I needed to know everything before entering the Aelius court.

“She would try,” Dax growled. “And she would fail. But I don’t want to take unnecessary risks if we don’t have to. Regardless of what happens to me, you will not be touched or harmed.”

I squeezed his hand, demanding his attention. “You mean besides the trials?”

He sighed as the corner of his mouth curved to the side and he gave me a nod. “Once you defeat the first trial and we are out of Aelius, we can drop the ruse. Silver Meadows will be the safest place for you inside the Inner Kingdom. ”

“So, you’re fond of me, huh?” I asked with a coy grin. It wasn’t a full disclosure of his feelings, but I would take what I could.

He arched his brow and bent to kiss my cheek. “ Very fond of you, actually.”

All right, he added the very , which was helpful. I would accept it for now, but if and when I survived the trials, I’d ask him again, and perhaps I’d have my own answer as well.

“What’re you scheming?” Dax speculated.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I always want to know what you’re thinking, Spitfire.” He inhaled a deep breath near the base of my neck. “Your progress with your magic is remarkable. I imagine it’s because you already had experience utilizing your healing powers.” His lips brushed against my skin, causing my knees to wobble. “Sadly, though, I think it’s backfiring for me. I can’t pinpoint exactly what you’re feeling when your barrier is up.”

“Sucks, doesn’t it?” I taunted as I playfully turned my head to stick out my tongue.

“Careful,” Dax warned. “You remember what my tongue can do.” I blushed and bit my lower lip. I knew exactly what it could do. “Then again,” he said in a rasped voice, “I’m beginning to understand your subtle quirks and hints. I don’t think you’ll be able to deceive me for long.” He shifted closer to me as I looked up into his luminous eyes.

I saw his desire threatening to break through the shield of self-control he kept as a facade for the rest of the world—but not with me. He was opening up and sharing who he was.

“I could argue the same thing,” I said. Dax grinned softly as I reached up to pull on the base of his neck, longing for his kiss. “Dax,” I said, tensing, “I’m entering the trials tomorrow and—”

“Shhhh.” Dax steadied my nerves as he wrapped his arms around me. “Everything will be all right. We came up with this ruse because we believe you will succeed. I’m planning to see you enter and come out of the trials alive. In fact, I’ve already wagered gold coins in favor of you doing so.”

“Against whom?”

“No one in particular.”

“Do I get half the trove?” Daxton chuckled as he bent his brow to mine. “It’s only fair, as I’m doing most of the work.”

“It’s only fair,” he repeated.

“All right then,” I said, swallowing my fear and lifting my chin with the confidence that Dax instilled in me. “Let’s go.”

“Good,” he said, hesitating to release his hold on me. “We better hurry along before the others come looking for us.”

“So, why Castor?” I questioned as we continued walking along the open walkway, the hot morning air slowly becoming sticky and thick.

Dax held my hand as he led me outside the confines of Adohan and Idris’s home, meandering down the sandstone steps toward the stables. “Castor is known for his wandering eye and holds the reputation of stealing the hearts of young females. The ruse is that he has wooed you, and you are head over heels for him. That’s what others will believe and won’t question.”

“But I—” I shook my head. I didn’t think this was going to work. Hiding how I was feeling for Daxton seemed impossible .

“I also want him with you because, with his gift, he’ll be able to detect any threats toward you when I can’t be there.”

“I see.”

“It’ll be difficult for me as well, Skylar,” Daxton admitted as we continued toward the stables. He paused as he turned and looked up at me from below the steps. “I’ll have to force myself not to rush to your side when you enter a room. Your beauty and ferocity undoubtedly will draw the attention of everyone around you, and I’ll have to simply stand idly by and watch,” Dax said with remorse. “I won’t be able to smile as you catch me watching you out of the corner of your eye. I’ll have to refrain from laughing at your witty remarks or even admiring the beauty of your curious mind as you ask a million and one questions to everyone you meet.”

“Dax—”

He delicately brought my hand to his lips. “Whenever you see me tonight, please remember that I must become someone else. I won’t be—”

“Well, there you two are!” Idris bellowed, interrupting our conversation. “All right, we’re all set. Sky, I have the perfect mare for you to fly on. She’s already saddled, and your pack with your things is strapped to her back.”

“I—Wait, what? Did you say ‘mare’ and ‘fly’ in the same sentence?” I stammered for a moment.

“Of course!” Idris exclaimed. “Oh wait! I forgot to show you! Sorry, I hope you are all right with flying, cause that is the fastest way to get to Aelius.”

“Flying … on?”

“Pegasi, of course.”

My jaw practically dropped as Daxton wisely moved aside, allowing me to sprint around the corner to see the paddock of horses. No, excuse me— winged horses.

“I told you it was a good surprise,” Dax said as I stared in awe at the magnificent creatures that were prancing and kicking up dry dirt beneath their hooves.

“Oh, my Gods!” I exclaimed. “They’re magnificent, Idris!”

“My own herd,” she said, beaming with pride. “Didn’t think Adohan mated with a nobody, did you?” She winked. “My family has been caring for this pegasi herd for as long as I can remember. We’ve cared for and supplied Crimson City with these fearless mounts in battles for centuries.”

“All right, so we’re going to fly to Aelius then?”

“Yes!” Idris smiled as she walked over to a pair of black pegasi, holding the mare’s reins out for me to take. “This is Nisha. She’s one of the most graceful fliers I have, and I believe she’ll be the smoothest ride for you.”

“Well, hello there, Nisha,” I said to the pegasus, who bobbed her head in reply. “Can they understand me?” I whispered to Dax, who went to greet his own midnight-black stallion.

“Yes,” he answered. “They’re very intelligent creatures, and although they don’t speak like we do, they can communicate in other ways.”

I held out my hand so the mare could smell me, releasing my shield for a second before turning it back on again. She whined and flipped her ebony mane, snorting and pawing at the ground with her hooves. I noticed Idris stopped to observe what the pegasus was doing but didn’t intervene. I stood still, watching her pound the dry earth, kicking up dust before she released a loud, high-pitched sound that startled the rest of the pegasi in the paddock and the stables .

“What did you do, Spitfire?” Daxton asked as he tried to calm his own mount.

“I don’t know. I let her smell me. I lowered my barrier for a second; that was all, I swear.” Idris tried to calm her and Adohan’s colts while Castor rejoined us and quickly jogged over to try to stop his painted mare from flying off into the sky.

Then, all of a sudden, Nisha raised onto her hindquarters and crashed onto her powerful front legs, breathing heavily yet remaining utterly still. My animal awakened inside me, bringing forth a wave of magic that flowed like liquid heat in my blood. I knew my eyes were glowing with the amber haze as I boldly met the mare’s midnight-black stare. She snorted, gentler this time, and bent down onto her front legs. Lowering her head in a bow, she remained steady before me as the other surrounding pegasi did the same. Everyone stared at me with the same puzzled expression.

“Well, that’s a first,” Adohan commented to Idris.

“It must be her shifter half. The pegasi are led by a matriarchal society, but Nisha is still so young,” Idris added. “What animal are you, Sky?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe my animal is a horse, and that’s why they recognize me?” A spark of power ignited through my middle in response. “Or maybe not?”

“Well, they’re calm now,” Castor added. “We need to get going before Skylar riles them up again.”

I moved my hand against the soft velvet coat of Nisha’s shoulders, careful not to touch her delicate feathers. Swinging my foot into the saddle, I sat comfortably on my mare’s back as she spread her midnight wings, preparing to lift us into the sky .

“Ready?” Daxton asked as his stallion trotted beside my mare.

“Absolutely,” I answered as our mounts flapped their magnificent wings, running toward the fence and taking off to soar into the sky.

Crimson City was beautiful to behold from the air, just like it was from the ground. Adohan and Idris’s red square-painted home in the center of the city was perfectly framed by their people’s buildings and houses. It fanned outward for what seemed like miles on both sides, with the winding crimson river cutting through the various twists and turns of the streets, bringing water and life to their home. The main city center with all the shops Idris dragged Zola and me through was quiet in the early morning. Merchant owners were just beginning their day, with the fae lights flickering inside the buildings.

The vast desert covered with sagebrush and patches of smaller tree outcrops disappeared in a blur behind us. We flew in a streamlined pattern through the air with Idris leading the way, Castor and Daxton surrounding me in the middle, and Adohan bringing up the rear. The speed and grace of the winged horses were remarkable. They were ten times faster than traditional steeds that would run across the ground. These beautiful creatures never seemed to tire as they flew with the wild winds, changing course with the Inner Kingdom passing us below.

Idris pulled on her reigns, guiding her mount higher up into the sky as the rest of us followed suit, making our way through the clouds. “Why are we flying so high?” I asked to the wind.

“The wilt,” Adohan hollered back. “This mountain area divides Crimson City from Aelius, the most infected region of the Inner Kingdom. It has progressed in the last century with the new decay appearing near the coast where you first arrived.”

I glanced over my shoulder, toward the ground, and realized what Adohan was explaining. The map of the Inner Kingdom that Castor had drawn appeared in my mind, and I understood why flying was our safest route. From the northeastern tip, around the black sand beach, the wilt was encroaching on the borders of the town of Niamh. This was why Daxton teleported us directly across the bay so that we could avoid any dangers—that didn’t happen, of course. But it only proved that the wilt was indeed growing.

It was growing… and somehow, I could also heal it.

It had almost killed me, though. My magic was not a solution to curing the wilt itself. Not now anyways.

I secretly hoped I would at least get to see the fallen fae before leaving, but Zola had already begun her journey back to Silver Meadows before I had the chance. A part of me knew it was likely for the best. I didn’t even know what I would say or do when I saw her.

Castor had been watching over her, trying to find ways to communicate and help her in any way he could. They said she hadn’t spoken a word since she was healed, and really, could anyone blame her? Who knew how long the wilt’s magic infected her? Naturally, other questions came to mind as we flew amongst the clouds. Would my magic somehow flare to life in her presence? And the trials…

Oh Gods. The trials would begin tomorrow. It was one of those Hello, Sky, did you not realize this was happening? moments.

As we bobbed and weaved through the white puffs of fluffy air, my mare seemed to playfully kick at the clouds, almost like she was bouncing on top of them. “ I guess we all deserve a little fun, don’t we,” I said to her as I stroked the black velvety coat along her neck.

Gradually, a massive body of water appeared through the haze of clouds. “Sterlyn Lake,” Daxton called out.

“The home of the water nymphs, right?” I asked, recalling the short but important lesson about the different types of creatures that lived in the Inner Kingdom.

Castor’s pegasus came to my other side. “Yes. Nasty creatures, but they do have fascinating mating rituals that I encourage everyone to try for themselves.” He flashed a cocky smile.

There he was. The good old sultry, borderline inappropriate, overly confident Cas was back.

“Personal experience?” I asked into the whistling winds.

Castor grinned. “Skylar … it’s the only way to truly know.”

I caught Dax shaking his head, but there was a lightness to his gesture that made me relax. “Is anyone safe from that wide charismatic net you cast everywhere you go, Castor? Do you ever come up empty-handed?”

“Never!” He melodramatically gasped for effect. “I would never dream of denying the ladies of the courts—or anywhere—the pleasure of my company. I must admit, I do miss the lack of clothing from Solace, Skylar. It was so much easier to frolic in the brush or a nearby shop when there was literally nothing in the way. Gunnar would have a field day in your shifter lands.”

“Seriously, Castor?” I shook my head and couldn’t help but laugh. “You do realize when we shift into our animal forms, we have to undress or else we shred our clothing? There are piles of clothes stashed away in various hideaways near homes, trees, or bushes. ”

“I know.” And something told me he did. “It was quite the view in the meadow when all the ladies shifted, and then again when the alpha’s son was yelling at you with nothing but—”

“Enough,” Daxton bellowed at Castor, his jaw flexing at the mention of Gilen.

“One day,” I said to Castor, “I bet that’ll change for you. Mark my words … someday, someone will make your world stop, and you’ll be powerless to resist them.”

“ If that happens, Skylar—and that is a very big if —I would lay the world and all I had and am at my chosen’s feet—And I expect nothing less than perfection when it comes to understanding all the different ways I can please them. So, until that day arrives, I shall practice with any willing party.”

“Practice?” I arched my brows.

“Practice makes perfect,” Castor said as he kicked his pegasus to fly ahead.

“Castor is such a—” Honestly, there was no comparison when it came to Castor. He had a knack for blending in with whomever he was with while still being true to himself. It was impressive, to say the least.

“Castor is never shy,” Dax said as we continued to fly over the lake. “His bravery shines through in his self-confidence, and it’s one of the attributes I admire most about my brother. It’s also one of the reasons he attracts the attention of so many nightly or, in some cases, daily companions.”

“Not all females swoon over him,” I said.

Dax released a trivial, vibrating chuckle. “Oh really?” He steered his mount closer to Nisha. “What attributes do you find attractive then, Spitfire? ”

I glanced at Daxton and bravely decided to step on the cliff edge I had been teetering on since he pulled me from the waters on the green sand beach.

“I agree that Castor’s confidence is appeasing, but personally, I’m attracted to a different type of bravery.” I seemed to grasp Daxton’s attention as he tilted his head in my direction, carefully listening. “I admire a male brave enough to treat their female as their equal. Someone who values them as a true partner in every aspect of their life. A male of my choosing would validate and encourage me to make my own choices while supporting me on my journey of navigating them. A true leader who not only inspires greatness but shows it in every aspect of his life. Someone I can depend on. Someone I trust with all my heart, and that trusts me the same.”

I could feel my heart thundering inside my chest. I had no idea what I was doing or where I thought I was going with this, but there it was. Everything I said to Daxton was the Gods’ honest truth. The feelings I was beginning to have for this male were real, and it was terrifying to admit to myself—let alone begin to speak them out loud.

What if I was wrong to assume his fondness for me went beyond my role as champion? What if Dax didn’t feel the same way? What if I took this leap only to fall once again? And to top it off, what if I died tomorrow in the first trial?

I took a deep breath and dared to gaze at the male I believed I was beginning to fall for.

The way Dax looked at me just now made my world stop turning. There it was again, the glazed-over heart-melting look that swept me off my feet and warmed my middle. My animal stirred, emitting a gentle song inside my head. His gray eyes locked onto me with such wonder and hope.

“Have you had any luck finding a male that meets these unique qualifications?”Daxton asked.

“You know, they just don’t make them like that anymore. If you find one, please let me know. I’m kind of on a tight schedule, though, with the trials, possible death, and the world collapsing—but no rush.” I smiled as I watched him laugh at my joke.

“No pressure then,” he said.

“None whatsoever.” I winked as Dax flashed me a carefree smile that sparked a light of joy in my heart.