Page 20 of A Trial of Fate

To be honest, I was in awe of their caring nature paired with iron-clad nerves of steel. I enjoyed helping people, and this was a unique way to honor my mother’s memory by using my magic to strengthen my pack. It was a gift I cherished and never took for granted.

The lanterns inside the healing room were still lit, so I cautiously opened the door and crept inside. Glancing around the room, there was scattered evidence of its use earlier this evening. I could already hear Latte’s roaring threats of death and dismemberment at the mess left behind. Bloodstained clothes and a dirty wash bowl were just a few indications of the High Fae’s presence here tonight. Inhaling a deep breath, I could smell his unique aroma of pine and fresh, cold mountain air, reminding me of an early spring day full of life and hopes of a bountiful summer ahead. It was definitely fresh; theywere here not too long ago.

“Well, they must’ve gone to the guest wing on the third floor near the eastern tower.”

I followed the winding stone staircase all the way up to the third floor and stepped out into the open hallway. It was late—or early, however you wanted to look at it—and this area of the house was deathly silent. Only the thundering rain could be heard in the quiet of the night. I knew the main residents in the rest of the house were wide awake downstairs, but up here, it was deadly calm and often vacant. I wandered along the corridor, trusting my shifter senses to guide me, trying to be extra careful not to make a sound. The scent of pine and snow drifted past me, and I eagerly followed the trail, my animal nudging me toward the end of the hallway.

I didn’t know how to describe it, but my animal seemed almosteager.

I assumed the guilt of almost killing him was weighing heavily on us both—wanting to right our wrong. Shooting and almost killing a high prince, who would have been welcomed as an honored guest in our lands, was not one of my finest moments.

Stopping at the last door on the third floor, the scent trail ended. He was definitely inside. It surprised me that he was in here, though. Rhea and I often slept here when we didn’t have the energy to return home or wanted to get a night away to hang out with our friends. It wasn’t very large or grand, not very fitting for a high prince of fae royalty in my mind.

I reached up to lightly knock on the wooden door frame, but the handle turned on its own before I could close my fist.

“For a shifter, you’re not as light on your feet as I would have expected.” It was the handsome silver-haired High Fae male standing in the door frame.

I tried to conceal the look of shock from my expression and mustered my courage to speak. “I’m here to help…”

“Yes,Spitfire,” he said with an amused tone in his voice and a half-cocked grin. “He said you were coming… and as annoying as he may be at times, here you are. Right on schedule.” His eyes traced over me from head to toe like he was examining a piece of meat, and I managed to give him a warning scowl as his eyes finally wandered back up to mine.

“He?” I asked, but I already knew the answer. Silver Shadow.

The silver-haired male stepped aside and graciously invited me in while continuing to glance me over, disregarding my earlier warning.I growled as I brushed past him and inhaled a deep breath, drawing in his scent for the first time. His smell was wilder than that of Silver Shadow’s. The faint aroma of fresh cold air was there but also a sweet, rich flavor that reminded me of spice or a glass of fine red wine. The similarities in their scent only confirmed my suspicion that they were kin. They clearly lived in similar locations but possibly led different lifestyles.

“Don’t even think about it,” I warned.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, love. I value my life, but you can’t blame me for admiring beauty. Nothing compared to my own, but still, I must admit it is refreshing.”

“Enough,” a deep, snarling voice boomed.

I noticed the silver-haired fae’s coy grin fade, and his posture immediately straightened. My eyes wandered toward the open window on the far side of the room, finding none other than Silver Shadow.

He sat in the chair next to a raging fire in the mantle, flames dancing across his fair-colored skin, highlighting the hard yet comely contours of his face. His wavy, silver black-streaked hair was loose, falling just below his bearded jaw, with stray pieces draping across his face. He didn’t bother turning his head as I approached. Instead, he seemed indifferent to my presence, which I hated to admit annoyed me—and my animal—to no end.

To anyone else, Silver Shadow embodied a persona that defined him asdeathly terrifying. Even in this seated position with his hard stone-like stare and stoic expression, he was a formidable warrior few would even approach.

But I saw this as a challenge and refused to sulk away in fear. Instead, I bucked up my chin, steadied myself, and walked toward him.

“You’re dripping water all over the floor,” he said, keeping his gaze fixed on the world outside the window. His deep, electrifying voice vibrated my senses, sending a chilling feeling along my spine before encircling my chest.Fuck. Talk about intimidating.

I glanced down at the water pooling beneath my feet from my wet clothing. “Obviously—it’s raining outside. Does the rain fall sideways or something in your alluring Inner Kingdom, and people don’t get soaking wet?”

He cocked his head in my direction with his eyes narrowed as he silently looked me over from head to toe. His gaze lingered far longer than I had anticipated, almost like he was sizing me up.

“What?” I spat at him with a little more fire than I had intended.

“The rain helps dilute your scent,” Silver Shadow said. “I imagine the alpha’s son would be displeased if he knew you did not follow his command…again.” He raised his dark brows at me as he turned his head back toward the fire, revealing a smug, amused look that told me he knew there was a dance of dominance between Gilen and me.

“Okay, someone is apparently very observant—good to note.” I steadied my shaking limbs and stepped forward. “How is the wound?” I dared to ask.

“Tolerable for now.” His voice was rough and rich, laced with a deep-seated pain that I couldn’t help but notice hiding behind his mask of indifference. “The healer did what she could, but due to the iron tip of your arrow, it will take longer to heal.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I said as I boldly moved to his side.

A breeze whipped through the window, circling around him before flying directly toward me. The fresh mountain breeze tingled my senses, giving me a feeling of comfort and tranquility, with a bit of wildness that stirred the animal in my chest. It spiraled around me before darting back outside the window next to Silver Shadow.

I watched as he tensed, inhaling deeply and closing his eyes tight while resting his head back against the chair.

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