Page 77 of A Trial of Fate

“I see,” I answered. “So thewilthas a magical presence that destroys and possibly absorbs the life energy of Valdor. It is taking the life of our world and making it into something new.”

Daxton’s brows shot upward. “Impressive. Yes, that is exactly right.”

I gave him a smug grin over my shoulder. “Not too shabby for a shifter-human half-breed, eh?”

Daxton genuinely smiled once more, making my insides flutter. “Not at all.” He waved his hand, and a sheet of ice appeared over the heated rocks, creating an even thicker layer of steam.

“So, in addition to magically being in one place and then another, you have ice magic?”

“A gift from our father,” Daxton answered as the steam rolled over his body, releasing the tension of his thick muscles. “Castor is able to manipulate it, but he cannot create it like I can.”

“Your parents must be very proud.”

“I-I imagine… or hope they would be.”

I immediately recognized the hesitation in his voice. It was the same tone I used when I spoke about my parents. High Fae were an immortal species, but from how he answered me, I imagined his parents had made the crossing to the afterlife—just like mine.

“Have you read any more of the books from the list I made for you?” I asked. “I was glad to see you enjoyed the trilogy I recommended. It truly is my favorite, and I must admit you were correct about my favorite parts. I like a strong heroine who is able to step in and save the hero from time to time.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Daxton replied, his thick shoulders relaxing. “I admit I haven’t been able to tear myself away from my recent project of studying your people’s history, however.”

“What have you been learning or researching?” I asked.

“Customs mostly. I’m trying to learn all I can about shifters and humans to help train you for the trials to come. I haven’t done this in the past, and I wondered if there was any advantage or disadvantage to the trials we simply missed with the other champions. The first you must face alone, but we don’t know how we could help, or if we can with the others.”

I was touched that Daxton not only acknowledged my dual lineage but also the fact that he was researching them both. Sometimes, I felt that my human heritage was often forgotten or ignored.

“But none of our older texts even mention the trials or are older than the war of races.”

“Correct, which is odd to me,” Daxton said.

“It must have been an alpha command to not write or speak of the trials, but my question is, why?” I asked running my hands in the water. “Also, why is it the same for the human records?”

“A very good question,” Daxton added. “I assume it was to protect the pack, or the humans might not have kept much of a record when they traveled to Valdor. Worry and fear can spread faster than a disease. Imagine if you lived in fear your whole life anticipating our arrival.”

“Or we could have been preparing for it,” I countered.

I allowed my mind to drift into a different reality where we knew of the trials, the wilt… if all of this was common knowledge. Would another have volunteered if they trained for this? Would I be more prepared if I knew this was my fate?

“Indeed. That’s a positive way to look at it.” Daxton stood up from the bench and walked across toward the doorway. “I’m afraid I need to return to check on Castor. This has been enjoyable, though. Thank you for the company.”

“I wasn’t the one initiating an absence between us,” I murmured as I spun to look at the wall, splashing water outside the tub. At first, he didn’t say anything, but I could tell my words had landed a subconscious blow.

“It was needed,” was all he said in response. I could hear him grab his pants, but he didn’t seem in a hurry to put them on. “No peeking,” Daxton taunted in a deep sing-song voice.

Oh. My. Gods. With utter embarrassment, I buried my face in my hands, sinking into the water. I could hear his amused chuckle as he turned the handle to open the door.

“Wait!” I yelled.

Daxton stopped, and I could feel his gaze burning into the back of my head. “Yes, Spitfire?”

“Will you help train me?” I asked. “Will you teach me to be strong enough to survive the trials and win?” He didn’t say anything at first. The male was so damn quiet and still I thought he might have left.

“You already have all the strength you will need to win, Skylar.” His voice was firm, unwavering. “But yes. Of course I will help train you. I will teach you how to become a weapon so you no longer have to live in fear of one being used against you ever again.”

“And strong enough to never let anyone use me either,” I added. The memory of what Gilen said to me last night flashed into my mind.

“Or used as one,” Daxton repeated. “I promise I will teach you all I know.”

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