Page 27 of A Trial of Fate

Magnus’s expression remained stoic, but Julia’s fumble with the spatula gave a window into what her mate was truly feeling on the inside. They could sense each other’s emotions through their mate bond, similar to how we could feel our animals. Although Julia was not as skilled at masking her emotions as Magnus.

“What did you do while you were with them?”

I held up a finger and wagged it from side to side. “Wait, it’s my turn. What help are the High Fae asking for?”

This time, Magnus tried to answer, but he couldn’t. “I-I can’t answer that, Skylar.”

I knew he wanted to, but this clearly wasn’t a choice for him. It dawned on me that the alpha must have given a gag order for this particular piece of information. “What can you tell me?”

He tapped his fingers on the tabletop, thinking about what details he could share with me. “I can tell you that tonight, everything will come to light. This is something Alistar wants to address with all of us himself. It is not my place to overstep his command.”

Dammit. I knew it.

“Well, this game is over then,” I announced as I finished dicing the final potato. With Magnus unable to answer my questions, I was notobligated to answer any of his. “But I’ll give you a bonus just because I love you.” I bent over, batting my eyes playfully at Magnus, who gave me an unimpressed look that made me chuckle on the inside. “I went to heal the male I shot with the iron-tipped arrow. I felt horrible about almost killing him and wanted to make sure he was all right.”

“And you healed him?” Julia asked.

“I did,” I said with a firm nod.

I left out the fact that I already knew the High Fae were here because of the wilt. I knew everything I had asked Magnus. I just wanted to make sure they were aware of it as well. I also chose to leave out the details I learned about Daxton. His power and strength were unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I didn’t know what it meant, but I knew they were important.

Julia finished preparing the meal, and the four of us ate like ravaged, starving beasts. There was no scrap to spare. If there was one thing shifters did well, that was eating. I cleaned my plate and grabbed the bag I left by the doorway the other day.

Scanning through the contents, I stopped as my fingers grasped the soft fabric of Gilen’s shirt. I glanced around to see if anyone had followed me or was watching what I was doing. To my surprise, I was alone for the moment, so I lifted the fabric to my nose and inhaled a deep, steady breath. The salty sea air was sweet and wild. I waited to see if my animal would have any reaction, but she remained calm and content. I didn’t know what I was expecting, to be honest. I placed the tan tunic back in the sack and counted the books inside.

“Oh no.” One of the books was missing.

I must have left it on the green sand beach. I hated the thought of that book weathered and destroyed by the waves and sand. I had to retrieve it before the gathering tonight.

“Magnus, Julia,” I hollered. “I have to go back to the beach and retrieve a book I left behind.”

Magnus peeked his head around the corner. “You have to be at the alpha’s before the full moon gathering tonight, Skylar. That is not an option.” I could sense a wave of power coming through his words… It wasn’t a command, but, instead, a stern parental warning.

“I know… I know,” I reassured him. “Trust me. I have questions, and if you are telling me that tonight I am going to get my answers, you bet your ass I’ll be there on time. Even early if I can help it!”

Neera giggled near the sink as she helped Julia with the dishes. I didn’t wait for Magnus to remind me again about the gathering and dashed out of the house with my bag strapped to my back.

I took off at a slow jog. Most of the day had passed, but there was still plenty of time to return from the beach before the moon was high in the sky.

The trail to the green sand beach was one of my favorites. I loved how the specks of green were subtly scattered along the tanned pathway, hinting at the treasure hidden in the nearby cove. I slowed my jog and began to walk, allowing the fresh sea breeze to cool my brow and fill my spirits with a sense of freedom.

I loved the feel of the wind and the beauty of the sky. The openness of the world above, with no shackles holding you down, was a dream. My animal stirred inside me, enjoying the feel of the breeze across my skin. I knew she craved the wind, too.

I approached the cliffside leading down to the beach, and without giving it a second thought, I began the descent to my sanctuary below. Landing firmly in the olivine particles, I stood in awe of what I saw. It wasn’t until I scaled the final drop that I even noticedhim.

How washehere?

Daxton, High Prince of Silver Meadows, was casually wading in the waters along the shore of the green sand beach—my beach. This wasmyhidden sanctuary. How in the gods’ names did he even know this place was here? It wasn’t a location that many knew of or even cared to venture to.

I licked my lips and fidgeted with the strap on my bag while ducking behind a divot along the cliff. What would I even say? What should I do? Should I just walk up and say hello with an awkward wave?

Glancing around the corner, I watched him closely. He appeared to be deep in thought, allowing the water to guide his footsteps as he walked with his back toward me. He was barefoot, wading in and out of the rolling waves, with his dark gray pants rolled up to his knees. The black shirt he wore was casual, but it still had a trace of elegance with silver threading along the neckline and the center. It was open at the top, revealing a hint of his muscular physique underneath that I had to admit I remembered a little too fondly.

The breeze swept past me, and I inhaled his sweetened scent of pine and cold. I continued to watch him, unable to or maybe notwanting to turn away. He was mesmerizing and not just because of his magic or strength—it was more than that. It was the way he made me feel in his presence that intrigued me the most. Like me, Daxton was… different.

I watched as he reached the end of the shoreline near the surrounding cliff and abruptly turned around to continue walking toward my hideaway. He clasped his arms behind his back as a smug, amused expression appeared across his face. He blinked slowly, allowing his gray eyes to soften, and I could have sworn a grin slid onto his hardened exterior. The dimple on his right cheek appeared, and my stomach erupted with the feeling of butterflies.

“Hello,Spitfire,” he announced, his husky voice echoing along the cliffs.

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