Page 105 of A Trial of Fate

“Skylar—”

In a flash, we were standing in the clearing, and the next, I was alone with Daxton at the front entrance to my family home. Daxton didn’t say anything, and I didn’t feel the need to explain anything either. Neither of us moved away from the other as I leaned my heavy head onto his shoulder. To my surprise, he didn’t turn me away. Instead, he wrapped his other arm around me, holding me up just in case I wasn’t able to stand any longer on my own. We remained on the front steps for a long time, leaning into one another and embracing each other’s comfort. My animal was calm in Daxton’s presence, granting me waves of confidence and strength that I didn’t feel with anyone else.

Daxton shifted his hold on me, and I tilted my head upward to meet his gaze. His hand gently stroked my face, cupping my chin in his rough, calloused hand. “Are you all right, Spitfire?”

“That is a multilayered question.” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “But yes. For now, I’m all right.”

“Would you like to return to the festivities? I believe there are some still dancing.”

“Did anyone notice I was gone?” I asked.

“Of course,” he answered, never once taking his eyes off me. “But with the amount of wine drained from the barrels this evening, it was assumed you just went to sleep.”

“You didn’t think that.”

“No.”

“How did you know where to find me, Daxton? How did you know I was in trouble?”

He smiled at me, and the butterflies in my stomach began doing backflips while flying. “Because… I will always find you.”

I narrowed my eyes at him before rolling them and sighing a huff of a laugh, wrapping my arms securely around his waist. I didn’t want him to leave. “Because we will always find each other?” And it was then that I knew—Gods be damned, even against my better judgment—I knew I was beginning to have feelings for him beyond just friendship.

“Glad you are starting to catch on,” Daxton answered with a saccharine smile, exposing the dimple on the side of his face.

What I wouldn’t give to kiss those dimples. To stroke my hands over his body and taste every inch of him. Desire pooled in my middle, with a deep-seated hunger to reach up and bring his lips crashing down against mine. My chest felt heavy, and my inhibitions began to waver from all the wine. Daxton’s eyes softened, and he reached up to brush back the hair along my shoulder. His touch lingered against the nape of my neck, and I could have sworn I felt him begin to lean down toward me. Opening his mouth, he was about to whisper something when a sound cut through the silence of the night.

“Ssskyyyllar,” Rhea’s drunken voice boomed across the way.

I released my grasp around Dax’s middle and backed away shyly. He gave me a toothless grin, mouthing the word,Tomorrow.There was a silver flash, and he was gone.

Rhea stumbled, turning the corner of the house, but Talon caught her before she crashed to the ground. I could tell she had enjoyed herself a bit more than usual.

“You got her?” I asked Talon. “Need a wagon or a wheelbarrow for a ride?”

“That wasss… meant for me, right?” Rhea countered. “Because I’m going to take my mate home and ride…”

Talon quickly covered Rhea’s mouth with a kiss to stop her from continuing. “Okay, my love. That’s enough for tonight. I’mtakingyouhome.”

“Yesss!” Rhea exclaimed as Talon scooped her up into his arms. “Takemehome while Skylar takes home that fucking terrifying six-foot-four High Fae with a body that was made for her to s—” Her words trailed off as her head relaxed against Talon’s chest. I immediately covered my face in embarrassment, hearing her snores already booming.

“Oh. My. Gods!” I cursed, my palm covering my face, utterly mortified. “She’sluckyshe’s already asleep, and Daxton is gone.”

“When do you leave?” Talon asked, shaking his head and kissing Rhea’s brow.

“Dawn, which I know is only a few hours away. Please promise to meet me before I leave?”

“If we missed you leaving, Rhea would never let me hear the end of it. I intend to live a long life with her, and I would prefer it to be a happy one.”

“I agree. See you then.” I winked and waved good night.

Magnus, Julia, and Neera were already fast asleep, and much to my surprise, Shaw was sleeping soundly on the chair in the corner of our living room. I imagine Daxton grabbed Castor and magically whisked him back to their ship or wherever they were staying for the next few hours. I stumbled up to my room, exhausted and longing for a few moments of sleep before I stepped onto a ship and sailed awayfrom my home.

Chapter Twenty-Three

The darkness was overwhelming.

I was bound and gagged with no other soul in sight. I couldn’t move my limbs. The weight of iron chains dug into my flesh, blocking any magic from aiding my escape. But that wasn’t the worst part about being locked in this dark prison. It was the mind-numbing, deafening silence. How did I get here again? Who was coming for me this time?

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