Page 37 of A Trial of Fate

“Yes,” I said as a piercing scream of Gilen’s roc tore through the sky.

Gliding swiftly through the air, Gilen landed in the grass forcing himself between Minaeve and me. The roc flashed its massive talons and snapped its beak toward the queen, forcing her to step back. Ashimmering green tint floated around the legendary creature’s massive wingspan, and in a flash, Gilen shifted back into his human form. He stared down the fae queen, his fearsome eyes glowing with anger.

“You will not take her,” he growled, grasping his discarded pants from the grass and pulling them up his thick thighs.

“It’s all right, Gilen,” I said, rushing to his side to try and calm him. I tried to turn him to face me, but he was immovable. He wouldn’t even look at me. His attention and rage were solely directed at the queen.

“Gilen,” I pleaded, seeing his shoulder slightly turn in my direction.

“Get behind me, Skylar.” His voice was rough, thrumming with his new dominating strength that seeped into my body.

“No, Gilen,” I answered this time with a rush of my own power.

Gilen’s eyes snapped to me and widened, his brows raised in surprise at my power and outright refusal to follow his command. He grabbed my arm and forced me to stand behind him. I fought to push him off me, but with his shift tonight, there was no way I would be able to out-muscle him.

“Let me go,” I grunted. “Now!”

“Silence,” he sneered. “There’s no fucking way I’m letting you do this, Skylar. I will not lose you.”

That statement alone was enough to make me stop fighting him. “Why are you doing this, Gilen? She chose Neera… Neera! I have to go.”

He turned so I could finally see his face as he spoke to me. “Do you honestly still not know how I feel about you, Skylar? Do you not understand why I can’t let you go? Is it not obvious what I intend to do once the morning sun breaks free from this darkened night?”

“I…” I shuddered and swallowed loudly as my hands began to tremble and shake. “Gilen… am I your mate?”

Before he could answer, Minaeve’s voice interjected our conversation. “The shifter has made her choice. You must allow me to mark her as the champion.”

Gilen spun his head around to turn his attention back to Minaeve. “You will not touch her.”

The fae queen laughed and flashed us an unnerving grin that made my skin crawl. “You are brave, future alpha of the Solace pack.But I’m afraid your bravery cannot release her from her promise. She has made her choice, and the decision is final.”

Gilen let go of my arm and stood up straight with his shoulders rolled back and his head held high. “You will not touch her,” Gilen repeated, staring at the high queen.

In a flash, Daxton and Castor appeared at their queen’s side. She tilted her head to acknowledge their supportive presence but waved her hand, calling off any threat of confrontation. “We are here to ask for help. This shifter female has offered herself for the trials. Only she can speak to what her own actions will be.”

“She will not be going,” Gilen growled, answering for me. “Pick someone else.”

Hell no!

I did not like this one bit. I would not be silenced and pushed aside like a damsel needing rescue by some overbearing male. I appreciated the protection Gilen was trying to give me, but no one, not even my potential mate, would silence my voice. I had the right to choose how I wanted to live my life. I knew Gilen was scared for me, but I would not allow someone else in our pack to take my place. This was my task, and I would see it done.

“No!” I announced with absolute clarity. “Iwill travel to the Inner Kingdom.Iwill face the trials for the Heart of Valdor.” I marched out past Gilen.

“Skylar,” he growled, but I ignored him. Determined to stand my ground, I moved before he could grab me again.

“Stop it, Gilen,” I demanded. “I’m not some piece of property you can command or order around. I am going to do this. I will not only face the trials, but I intend for this to never happen again.” I then turned to Queen Minaeve. “I’m ready. I will go with you. Take me.”

I heard Gilen begin to argue behind me, but Alistar’s other region sub-alphas grabbed him and forced him to stay back. I hated that this was hurting him, but my mind was not changing. I was ready to do this for everyone I loved and everyone in Valdor.

Off in the distance, I could hear Neera’s uncontrollable cries from the other side of the meadow. Glancing in her direction, I could see Julia cradling Neera in her arms with tears flowing down their faces. I couldn’t bear to look at them. Their heartbreak tore at my chest as tears welled in my eyes. Magnus stood behind them, and his forest-green gaze locked with mine. I watched him take a deep breath, holdinghis wife and crying daughter close to his chest. A single tear dropped from his face, landing silently in the grass.

Regret.

That was what he was feeling. What I knew most of our elders undoubtedly were also feeling. Regret that they could not take my place. That a young shifter who had never known their animal form had to do this.

I bucked my chin up, refusing to break down and crumble under my family’s sorrow. Seeing Rhea would make this a thousand times worse, and a part of me was glad she was not here.

Queen Minaeve held out her hand and beckoned me to approach.

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