A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Nineteen

G roaning, I tried to move my body, but shooting pain along my arm and the back of my head forced me to stop. At least I’m still alive , I thought. Pain meant I wasn’t dead, which was a fucking miracle.

“Spitfire?”The concern in Daxton’s voice was enough to make my heart shatter into a million little pieces. Without even opening my eyes, I knew who it was. I knew … he would be waiting at my bedside.

“Alive … Somehow,” I grunted, slowly shifting toward Daxton’s voice. “And thankfully mending. Even though it feels like my body’s seen better days.”

“Thank the Mother and Father above.”

“I know, I know. I’m impressive.” I kept my eyes shut as another wave of pain rolled through my body.

I heard Daxton’s half-hearted chuckle of amusement and knew he was shaking his head. “How fortunate that the Gods made shifters as tough as nails. I doubt many High Fae, and definitely far fewer humans, would’ve survived tumbling halfway down the mountainside as you did.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I murmured, followed by Daxton’s chuckle that teetered on the side of laughter. “ High Fae might have the upper hand with magic and good looks, but shifters are built for strength and durability.” I forced myself to smile, adjusting my shoulders and gritting through the pain, remembering I had been through much worse than this.

My eyes fluttered open to see Daxton leaning over me in a spacious room that I had spent little to no time in at all while I was here. The open window to my left looked across the wild mountain pines that separated the Summit from the training grounds. The sweet fragrance of the forest mingled with the crisp air of the fast-approaching winter season.

“I knew you would eventually appreciate a room with one of the better views,” Dax said softly, resting his hand on my knee atop the blanket. He knew the essence of nature had a calming, healing effect on me that settled the aches in my bones.

I couldn’t help smiling. Daxton remembered how, in the healing quarters in Solace, I wanted—no, needed—to feel connected to nature within the confines of the walls.

My bed was remarkably soft, with silk sheets paired with a down-feathered blanket that made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. The room’s walls were accented with darker gray colors along the window side and lighter shades on the others. Silver swirls mimicking the cold mountain winds whirled along the high vaulted ceilings. Directly ahead of me, near the door leading to the washroom, was a painting of Mount Meja with the hanging valley below its summit highlighted in the orange and yellow rays of the sunrise.

“Glad you found me,” I said with a half-cracked smile as I looked at Daxton, trying to ease the worry pinched between his brows .

Despite his calm demeanor, Daxton’s posture was tense. Dark circles of exhaustion formed under his hardened eyes. His lips pressed into a thin line. He was barely holding himself together.

“I will always find you, Spitfire,” he answered, sensing my need for his touch or perhaps fulfilling his own. He reached for my uninjured hand, cradling it before threading my fingers with his. “We will always find each other.”

A familiar sense of tranquility settled into my chest. I could feel my animal stirring and flooding me with magic that united me and Dax through an invisible tether. The connection I had with him was frighteningly beautiful and all-consuming at the same time. Gods, Mother, and Father help me. I had fallen so hard for him it was a wonder how I hadn’t recognized it sooner.

His lips brushed the back of my hand, sending a pulse of heat along my flesh and melting my core. Hooded eyes blinked upward to meet mine before he stood and walked to the large double doors, opening them to speak out into the hall.

Maybe, just maybe , he was falling for me, too?

“She’s awake,” Daxton said into the hallway.

Without waiting for a further invitation, Gunnar came rushing in with Idris, Adohan, and Zola following suit.

“What were you thinking, Skylar?” Gunnar practically shouted at me as he came barreling toward the right side of my bed. “H-have you gone insane? Did the trial of the mind really fuck with you that much, and it’s only now catching up?”

Idris promptly marched up behind Gunnar and gave him a firm smack on the back of the head. “Sometimes it’s best for you to not speak, Gunnar. ”

“You shouldn’t be walking around,” I cautioned Idris, “or I guess waddling is perhaps a more accurate description of what you’re doing.”

She waved me off. “Don’t try to change the subject, Skylar. Besides, do you really think Adohan would let me walk anywhere? Overprotective males,” she groaned. “He was holding me in his arms outside the door like a frail female or infant! I had to threaten to burn his hair off in his sleep if he didn’t let me walk across the room. And don’t even think I’m done with you yet, either.”

“Smart,” I stated, catching Adohan’s eyes. He gave me a half-smirk in reply because while Idris continued scolding me for another minute, he caught the intent of my compliment.

Daxton moved to sit in the chair to my left, his back toward the open window. He carefully watched the room and patiently waited for the others to have their moment.

“I’m guessing I was unconscious for at least a day or so?”

Daxton nodded.

“Yes! That’s another fucking trick I didn’t know about you shifters,” Gunnar cursed, looking around the room. “After Dax caught you in mid-fall and teleported you to the Summit, I ran as fast as I could to make sure you were not dead. When you still weren’t awake that evening … or the next morning, I was a mess.” Gunnar slumped onto the bed, folding to lay at my feet. “I had no clue how he,” Gunnar said, gesturing at Daxton, “was so gods-damned calm!”

“The injuries she sustained would not have been enough to kill her. I’ve sensed her near death’s door once before, and she was far from that state. She was sleeping off her injuries so her body could quickly heal them,” Daxton answered.

The stiffness in his jaw suggested that Daxton might have known I would survive, but he was not as calm about it as he appeared to everyone else. “Also … panicking does not help a situation.”

“I was not panicking,” Gunnar rebutted in a flat tone, sitting up and crossing his arms with a scowl. “I’m the general of the Silver Meadows armies. I do not … panic.”

“Once you understood she was just healing… yes, I agree. You were not panicking then, but before that…” Zola said, stepping out from the shadows. Her black leathers molded to her strong, petite frame, exposing the midnight shadow marks along the dark brown skin of her exposed arms and throat. “Well, that’s a different story.”

“How long?” Time was a plague on my life. I had to know how much was wasted on this mishap.

“One full day has passed since your incident ,” Zola answered. Her dark eyes narrowed on the word incident, and I got a strange feeling that something else was beginning to brew.

I nodded. “Then we have only four more weeks until I enter the second trial. How’s the research coming?”

Adohan stood at the foot of my bed, his long red and brown braided hair falling over his shoulder as he leaned forward. He flashed me a confident, beaming smile that contrasted against his dark skin. “Impressive that you’ve only just awakened from a fall to your death, and your focus has not faltered.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It can be, but I realize, coming from me, it usually isn’t intended as such. I don’t hand out praise as easily as most.” He gave me a wink, his hazel eyes shining with humorous glee as he walked to his mate’s side and kissed her braided hair. “You, my love, are still the most impressive being in this world.”

I heard—actually heard —Gunnar roll his eyes this time. “So, I have to ask… Why did you jump off the top of the mountain, Skylar?”

Daxton had moved to hand me a glass of water, which I managed to finish just as Gunnar asked me his question. “I didn’t jump off the mountain,” I said, handing Daxton the empty glass for a refill.

“Yes … Yes, you did.” Gunnar’s brows furrowed together. “I turned at the last second and watched you jump onto nothing.”

“There was a ledge beneath me,” I countered, leaning forward and sitting upright, determined to make my point.

“What do you mean?” Daxton asked, handing me another full glass of water.

“I heard something below us along the rocks,” I answered, taking a sip. “My animal heightened my senses, and I could tell by Gunnar’s position he hadn’t heard anything, so I went to investigate. I intended to jump onto the lower ledge, but when I did it…” I stopped, not wanting to sound crazy, but there was no other way to really say it. “It just disappeared.”

“Disappeared,” Zola repeated slowly, glancing at Daxton with hatred burning in her dark, ominous eyes. “My high prince… I…”

“Anjani.” Daxton clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth, gripping the back of the chair near the window so tight the leather snapped under his fingers as ice flowed along the legs and onto the floor .

“The female has a death wish.” Daxton abruptly turned and faced Zola. “I sent you to track and find her.” His tone was low and deathly firm.

Adohan placed himself between Daxton and Idris while Gunnar immediately stood at attention on my other side.

“I tracked her outside the border lines leading to Aelius. She crossed along the river three days ago.”

“And obviously, she has retraced her route and returned.” This time, his voice carried the rage hidden beneath the facade of the Silver Shadow now standing in the room. “It’s disappointing that Anjani has outwitted my spymaster.”

Zola clenched her hands into fists as her head tilted downward in shame. Shadowed hints of rage and guilt curled around her narrowed eyes and pinched brow. “It will not happen again.”

“No, it will not,” Daxton answered, stepping forward and staring her down with ice in his storm-gray eyes. “Because I am going with you. Prepare yourself… We are going hunting.”

Within minutes, Daxton and Zola gathered various weapons and donned black and silver armor, looking like they were heading onto the front lines of a battlefield. I sat on the bed silently, watching the wrath in Daxton’s expression consume his every thought and movement. The Silver Shadow was amongst us now, and I knew Anjani had no hope of outrunning him.

“Leave us for a moment,” Daxton commanded.

Zola held a cold, expressionless stare, readying herself for what lay ahead. She silently gave me a curt nod before departing in her shadows and jumping out of the room.

“We’ll see you in the library tonight, Skylar.” Idris hugged me once more before Adohan scooped her up in his arms. “Adohan and I have a list of theories, and we want to run them by you if you’re up for it.”

“We’ll have enough to keep you busy while you finish healing,” Adohan added.

“I’ll be strong enough to make it down there tonight,” I said. “I can already feel my wounds mending—healing perks of being a shifter. If I had full access to my animal, I would already be out of this bed.”

Adohan paused on his way to the hallway. “Anjani will have her spies with her. She never travels alone, Daxton. You won’t have a simple fight on your hands. Shall I come with you?”

“I’m aware of Anjani’s strengths, Adohan, but I would never ask you to come with your mate and child in this condition. Zola and I are more than capable of handling Anjani. Her powers are no match for mine while we are in my kingdom.”

“Glad to see your ego is still in check, my friend.” Adohan gave Daxton a long, hard stare, eventually nodding his head, accepting Dax’s decision, and taking his leave with Idris secured in his arms.

“Gunnar,” Daxton called.

“Yes, High Prince.”

“I’m placing you in charge of overseeing Skylar’s safety while I’m away. Don’t leave the Summit until we return, and above all else, protect her and guard her as if she were me.”

Gunnar raised his brows in surprise, glancing at me before returning to Daxton. “Understood, High Prince.” He turned in my direction. “Let me know when you wish to go to the library or anything else you need, Skylar. I’ll be outside until Daxton leaves.”

“Thank you, Gunnar.” I watched him depart, giving Daxton a shallow bow before closing the door behind him .

“I don’t know when I’ll be able to return,” Daxton whispered, standing by the door in his black and silver battle armor, perfectly molded to his broad, muscular frame. Even in his armor, I could see the perfect dips and valleys of his strong arms as they flexed in angst.

Valencia, his magical silver blade, was strapped across his back with daggers sheathed at his hips and a small sword attached to his right side. When he turned his shoulders to face me, my eyes traced over every inch of him, leaving nothing to chance and memorizing every feature of the male standing before me that carried my heart wherever he ventured. The three silver peaks on his shoulder shone in the dimming sunlight from the window across the way, perfectly matching the silver that streaked across his midnight hair.

To anyone else in the world, he looked fucking terrifying, but the menacing warrior standing before me ignited a spark in my very soul. Blasting me with rolling waves of desire that flushed through every inch of my body. He was a challenge that I very much wanted to master.

“Don’t look at me like that, Spitfire.”

“Like what?” I asked, swallowing heavily.

“Like I should be removing my armor, instead of putting it on.” He marched over toward my bedside, sitting next to me, careful not to brush against the healing wounds on my arm. “I cannot let this threat to your life go unchallenged, Skylar. It’s not in me to forgive this kind of attack on my house and in my lands. I just can’t…”

“I’m not asking you to,” I said with unwavering clarity. His half-smile gave me a rush of encouragement. “Do what you must, and then hurry back home. Back to … me.” I silently cursed at my own cowardice. Failing to te ll him that he needed to return because… because I was in love with him . And the thought of continuing without him terrified me more than the trials themselves.

His hard eyes softened momentarily as he reached to cup my cheek, leaning in to gently steal a soft kiss before pressing his lips to my brow and whispering, “I will always find you, Spitfire. Always.”

He released me, and then, in my next breath, he teleported away.

Five days came and went without a word from Daxton or Zola.

Worry couldn’t begin to describe the falling pit of despair in my stomach. I tried focusing on identifying the creature in the second trial, but my mind wandered to Daxton. Needing to know if he was safe and when he would return. His absence was necessary, but it also made me miss him in ways that I had only read about in my stories.

Cursing myself for the words I should have said… I love you, Daxton Aegaeon.

The reality of it had hit me like a ton of bricks in the trial of the mind, even though I knew I had been falling for him long before that. The moment I first saw Daxton in the meadow, I was drawn to him in a way I had never experienced before. And through our time together, through the darkest, most terrifying moments of my life, he was my light. He was my constant strength, encouraging me never to give up and reminding me that I was never alone. The depth of our connection was so strong that I found myself questioning if I had ever truly loved anyone before him.

And now, he was in danger. Risking his life and his kingdom to avenge a threat made against me, and I couldn’t even muster the courage to tell him how I felt before he left. I was a fucking idiot… a coward.

Each day, Idris and Adohan ventured between the Summit and the ancient archives that were in the center of Silver Meadows. The lead scribe pulled ancient scrolls for them to read, but they wouldn’t allow the scrolls to leave their tower. Meticulously caring for the parchment was a task they didn’t take lightly.

Do you want Daxton to skin me alive when he returns home? Gunnar said when I asked about going to the archives tower myself. Much to my surprise and his, I didn’t push the matter further. His well-being wasn’t the only thing keeping me outside the archives tower.

“Nyssa is doing well,” Idris informed me when she and Adohan returned one evening. She knew I was curious about how the fallen High Fae was faring in her new role amongst the scribes.

Castor, before leaving for the Southern Sea Cliffs,told me that she was petrified when I healed her in the wilt, with no memory of who or what she was. In her dreams, however, flashes of her life as a fallen plagued her thoughts, tearing her from sleep with silent screams of terror and regret.

Before leaving, Castor suggested I give her time and space to find herself before seeing me again. How could I not oblige her simple request? I couldn’t imagine what she had been through. No one really could. My heart went out to her, and the least I could do was respect her wishes. I might have saved her from the magic of the wilt, but she was somewhat lost in this life as well.

The scribes in the archives had taken her under their wing, and she was able to find work that steadied her shaking nerves while aiding her broken memories. I was happy to hear Nyssa was adjusting to a new life here in Silver Meadows and finding her place when she had been lost for the Gods only knew how many years.

“The lead scribes are teaching her how to shelf and care for the oldest scrolls in their collection, and when she is not working,” Idris added, “Nyssa is searching through different arcs of history, trying to find a link or spark of a memory.”

“I’m glad she seems to be finding her niche.” I smiled, moving from the couch and onto the loveseat so Idris and Adohan could take my place.

Hours seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, just like every night since Daxton and Zola’s departure. The four of us spent our days burying our heads into different folklore, mythical creatures, and countless journals, trying to identify the creature of the second trial.

“I know… It’s a dragon!” Idris declared from a reclined position on the couch. Her feet were atop the armrest while her head was cradled in Adohan’s lap, a book flayed open across her ever-growing belly.

Our group had moved our research sessions to the open sitting area outside the library that held large soft couches, a roaring fireplace, and direct access to the glorious kitchens in the Summit. I claimed I needed a change of scenery, and Gunnar, who watched over me like I was a newborn baby, agreed, stating the library was boring on more than one occasion. I resisted the urge to throw a book at his head for such an insult… just barely.

“Dragons prefer open skies, not sea cliffs and narrow caves.” Gunnar laughed as he bent backward to glance at Idris. “That was not your best guess. I assume you’re planning to chalk that one up to the pregnancy brain females get once they are in this stage? ”

Idris gave Gunnar a death glare, while Adohan smirked. The high prince threw a small fireball at the back of Gunnar’s head, making him jump and practically yelp while slapping the flames into submission.

“You deserved that one,” I said, my smile hidden behind an open textbook about the history of fae folklore.

“Okay, sure … but maybe not the two before that crisped my favorite shirt.” Gunnar frowned at his burned clothing.

“If that was your favorite shirt, I need to enlighten you about your fashion sense and the basic finery you desperately need to try,” Idris said mockingly. “Your station alone should be able to afford you something nicer than that charred shirt.”

“It wasn’t charred before tonight,” Gunnar murmured. “And why am I the only one being lectured about fashion? Skylar is wearing a baggy shirt and stretchy pants. No comments to her attire?”

“I choose comfort. That’s my fashion.” I didn’t bother to look up from my book at his remark. After all, the new pants were mine. I had found them in the drawers of my room that I still didn’t really sleep in. But the shirt. Now, that didn’t technically belong to me.

I was aware the others could smell who it belonged to, but they politely didn’t say anything about it. I had found it in my room, actually, in the corner of the washroom, tucked behind the door. Daxton must have forgotten it when he stayed with me after my fall. I had been sleeping in it every night since he went hunting for Anjani.

“Never question a female’s attire after hours, Gunnar,” Adohan said with a half-smirk as he stroked his bearded chin. “You foolishly thought teasing my mate would go unnoticed or have no consequence? Think again.”

“Clearly,” Gunnar huffed, slouching against an array of pillows near the crackling fire in the mantle as Idris and I tried to muffle our laughter.

“Have we discussed a chimera yet?” Adohan asked, changing the topic back to our research. “The fire breathing, paired with a venomous tail and a lion’s head, fit many pieces of the riddle.”

“But not the crest or the fact that it is supposed to be a king, meaning the creature is likely a male… The chimera is female,” I answered, flipping the pages of my book that described the different fae creatures that were labeled deceased or mythical.

“Does it have to be male? What if…”Gunnar asked, quickly gaining our attention. “When you look at it, do you see your death, like in a third-person situation?” Our expressions turned to surprise as Gunnar’s shoulders dropped. “Don’t look at me like you’re shocked that I asked a decent question. It’s insulting. I’m more than just a handsome face and a strong sword.”

“But we are,” Idris mumbled, biting her lip to avoid snickering.

“Idris,” I began in a scolding tone. “He has a good idea. Let him run with it. Don’t let it die before it takes hold. Go on, Gunnar…”

“What about a banshee? Her scream is an omen of death, and she has white hair, so a crown?”

I leaned over my book and framed my chin with my finger to think on his suggestion. “Close and a good idea. But I still believe in my gut that this creature is a male. The king part of the riddle stands out.”

“Then I’m out.” Gunnar groaned in defeat and sprawled out backward with a book open on his face. “I can’t read anymore. A battle brief is one thing, but this, all this is…” He gestured widely to the massive collection of books we had spread around us. “Maddening!”

Idris and I rolled our eyes in unison, trying to hide our amusement at Gunnar’s outburst behind the open books in our hands.

“Can you recite the riddle from the beginning once more, Skylar?” Adohan asked, purposely cutting off Gunnar’s groans.

“To find the key that you seek, you must first defeat the beast.” I had written and thought about it so much I didn’t even have to look at the parchment I copied it down on anymore. “To look upon my white crest is to know true death. I’m the king of my world, and only my equal can dethrone me. In the waters, I hunt, and in the darkness, I wander … now released from my silver cage of slumber. Between the slickened rocks, I creep, feeding on the weak and the meek. The first key will show the way to anyone who dares to come and play. My bars are gone, and now I’m free, but only the champion can take the second key. Two cycles of the Father shall pass, and then I will forever be free at last.”

“All right… so what do we know?” Gunnar mumbled beneath the pages of the unfolded book still resting on his face.

It was moments like this that I missed Castor’s logic. He would have been extremely useful in this task.

“A lot, actually, considering we began with knowing absolutely nothing,” Idris said in a motherly yet scolding tone. It was enough to make Gunnar sit up and rejoin the group.

“First,” I said, holding one finger up. “The Southern Cliffs with silver veins running along the ocean edge is the lair of this beast that Castor is currently investigating. If he can enter, then that means, unlike the labyrinth… I could potentially have someone with me.” Although I had not shared with them that I was not in favor of that happening. “Second,” I pulled up another digit, “I have three weeks remaining before I enter. The clue about two cycles of the Father is two full phases of the moon.”

“It feeds, likely meaning a predator,” Adohan added.

“That’s the third,” I said with a triumphant grin. “The key opens the trial gates, and Castor is pinpointing exactly where this is.”

“All right,” Gunnar groaned. “The layout of the lair of the beast will help narrow it down further, but we are stuck on—”

“We’re stuck on the white crest, king, and death stare.” I had been researching spitting venom, venom bites, and all other ways something could kill you, but the only fable I read was about a stone-killing gaze from a woman with a head of snakes … And that didn’t fit the king clue. “Maybe this thing is so ugly that when you look at it, you die because it’s so hideous?”

The others looked at me and burst out laughing. I couldn’t help but follow. Our mental exhaustion was finally reaching a limit.

“What a trial,” Gunnar said through gasps of breath. “Could you bring a mirror, or have it look into a pool of water, and its reflection would kill itself?”

Silence followed.

“What?” Gunnar stammered. “What did I say?”

“You’re a genius!” I lunged over and tackled him to the ground with a giant hug. “Fucking brilliant!”

“Again, what did I say? And please tell Daxton it was you who jumped into my lap. Not the other way around. ”

“I could kiss you right now, Gunnar! It’s so simple I can’t believe we missed it. Your plan might just work!”

“Remember that you jumped onto me. Be very clear about that one, Skylar,” Gunnar repeated, inclining his head to the doorway.

I stilled, releasing Gunnar, sensing Daxton before he even entered the room. The scent of pine and cold mountain air tantalized my senses, bringing me a serene feeling of comfort and home. Every time he was near, it was like a piece of my soul returned that I didn’t know was missing.

“Daxton!” I practically shrieked with relief and joy.

Springing up from the floor, I leaped across Gunnar, who was still splayed out on the pillows, no longer caring about hiding my feelings, and blindly flew into Daxton’s open embrace. Immediately, his arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me off my feet with ease and holding on to me with every ounce of strength he had.

“You’re back.” I exhaled, nuzzling into the nape of his neck.

“Why do you smell like Gunnar?” he grumbled.

“I was lying in his lap just before you arrived.”

“What?” Daxton tensed, but I kept my hold firm around him.

“Calm down. You’re lucky I didn’t kiss him.”

“I’m not—”

“He figured out a defense against the beast I have to slay, Dax. A mirror! A mirror to reflect this creature’s stare of death. We may not know exactly what it is, but we have an idea for how to counter it.”

His sigh was heavy as his lips brushed against the brow of my head. “I missed you, Spitfire,” he whispered before squeezing me tightly once more, returning my feet to the ground. “I’ll warn you, prepare yourself.”

I pulled back, settling my feet against the carpet and creasing my brows together in confusion. “For?”

“What the fuck were you thinking, Daxton?” Zola yelled as she stormed into the sitting room from the shadows in the far corner.

Gods above. Her gifts were amazing but also terrifying. An important reminder of what she could wield.

“You are my high prince, and I will follow you to my death … but I will not remain idle and silent as you seal your own demise!” Zola’s face was pale, and her eyes wide with worry.

“I don’t regret my actions,” Daxton replied with a calm, collected stare, pulling me to his side. “She’s lucky to still be breathing.”

“You acted alone!” Zola roared, her hands splayed to the sides as she removed her daggers along her hips, slamming them onto the side table near Idris and Adohan. “There is no blood on my blades .”

“You were too slow.”

Zola’s dark eyes burned like cold embers of death and silent rage. “This…” Her voice dropped lower. “This should have been done by my hand. Not. Yours! ”

“Again… You were too slow,” Daxton said, not wavering under his spymaster’s glare.

Zola’s eyes narrowed as she marched across the room toward where Daxton stood with me at his side. “I jump in the shadows,” she growled. “Not the fucking sunlight, you stubborn male!” Daxton didn’t even flinch against Zola’s rage. He only tightened his grip on my hip as I placed my hand on the small of his back, silently supporting him as best I could .

“Careful how you address our high prince, Zola,” Gunnar warned, standing at attention now with his hand on the hilt of a long dagger, unafraid and ready to intervene if needed. I doubted many, if any really, had ever seen Zola in this state.

“What did you do, Daxton?” Adohan asked, rising from his seat. His eyes burned with the fires at his command, challenging the Silver Meadows high prince from across the room.

“I spared her life,” Daxton answered calmly.

“What did you … do?”

Without uttering another word, Daxton strode forward, leaving my side, and threw the black bag from his other hip onto the dark wood sitting table in the middle of the room. The top untied, and out rolled a severed delicate, fair-skinned hand with a golden ring holding an elegant emerald in the center. The cut was clean, performed in one smooth stroke that could not have been done by any other blade aside from Valencia. The still oozing blood staining the table meant it was severed from a living host. The crimson liquid shimmered against the crackling fire in the hearth.

“Fuck,” Gunnar cursed under his breath.

“This… This is Anjani’s hand,” Adohan said with a wide, gaping mouth. Fear threaded its way through his darkened expression.

My gaze shot toward Idris, who held her composure, but I could see the alarm widening in her eyes as she clutched her unborn baby. “Daxton, this is a direct act against Aelius. Seamus will see this as an attack.”

“Crimson City cannot afford a war with Aelius right now, Daxton,” Adohan said. “You know this … or do you not remember what we discussed only a handful of days ago? ”

“Silver Meadows is not asking you to march to war against Aelius.” Daxton strode to the center of the room, with all eyes narrowing on him. “This was my decision. My mercy.”

“ Mercy? ” Adohan stammered. “Do you understand the gravity of this? What Seamus will do to you with Minaeve’s backing?”

“I’m aware. And unlike Crimson City, Silver Meadows does not fear war. And unlike your sire, Adohan, we will no longer bow to tyranny and suffrage at the hands of self-proclaimed royals who treat us like puppets in a play. I’m done kneeling before a false queen. Silver Meadows will prepare for war when it comes to that. And we will be ready.”

“Ready and more than willing,” Gunnar added, bucking his chin and moving to stand by Daxton’s side. “Simply waiting for our high prince’s command.”

“And you choose now,” Adohan said, shaking his head. “Now… to do this?” Adohan yelled with fire curling across his skin, mimicking his internal rage. “Daxton, after everything, my friend, this … This could be your death sentence.”

“We will not allow our high prince to—” Daxton placed a silencing hand on his general’s shoulder.

“My hand was forced. I don’t regret my decision.”

Adohan fell silent for a moment, his mate reaching up through his blistering fires to grasp his shaking hand. “Let’s hope your decision does not condemn us all. You understand the consequences of your act then?”

“What consequences?” I asked, stepping into the circle of the High Fae.My heart thundered in my ears with concern for what this all meant for Daxton and Silver Meadows .

Idris spoke quietly. “Daxton has cut the hand of Seamus’s second, potentially hindering her ability to wield her particular magic of the mind.” Her voice was trembling at first, but then it steadied. “It is a direct attack against Aelius carried out by the High Prince of Silver Meadows.”

“Silver Meadows warriors are ready to answer their call,” Gunnar said.

“You may be bred to kill and fight,” Adohan sneered at Gunnar, “but even Daxton understands that there is more to war than wielding a sword.”

“Anjani’s unwelcomed presence here in my kingdom caused this,” Daxton growled. “She performed the first act of aggression. I was fair in my price. Allowing her to return home alive sent a warning to their kingdom.”

“And what warning might that be?” Adohan asked, crossing his arms. The band of gold adorned with rubies along his bicep glimmered as it caught the fading light from the fire in the mantle.

“That death is a quick mercy I shall not be granting them … if they endanger me or my people ever again.”

Daxton turned his gaze to me, and I could see the raging storm inside his eyes churn with an unyielding turbulence. For the first time since knowing him, he seemed unsure.

“The punishment, whatever Minaeve decides, shall be mine alone to carry. And no one else.”

“Daxton,” I pleaded, desperately wanting to comfort him and ease this burden in any way I could.

He shook his head. “No.”

In the next second, silver flashed in the room, and he was gone .

“Where did he go?” I stammered, looking around the room for someone to answer me. “We have to go after him.”

“Up for a stroll through the mountains?” Zola asked, and I nodded my head. “Good, because none of us are foolish enough to follow him in the mood he’s in right now.”