Page 99 of A Trial of Fate

“The dark one,” I exclaimed. “No. I could never give that one up, even though I still don’t know how you convinced me to buy it. I’ve never even worn it…” I shyly admitted. “It’s hanging on the back of my closet door.”

“Perfect!” Rhea raced over and found it tucked safely away under a long cloak. “You’re wearing this. And don’t even try arguing.”

“What? No, I …”

“Why not,Skylar?” Rhea smiled, holding the midnight-black dress. “Put it on.”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes. Dual slits ended at my thighs, and it managed to hug my high hips at just the right place. The high-waisted dress had a plunging neckline that almost reached down to my navel. I could count on one hand the number of times I had worn anything close to this. Come to think of it, I had no idea when I had last worn a dress. I bent to attach a dagger to my upper thigh but struggled withthe tie on the back of the dress.

“Can you help me finish dressing, please, Rhea?

“Sure thing? Why—” Rhea stopped as I turned my back to her. “Oh gods… Sky.”

“Don’t,” I said firmly. “I can’t right now, Rhea.” I realized she had not seen the fifteen scars on my back from Blade’s whip. I knew what they looked like, butI was healing. A little bit more each day, I realized that instead of being afraid of these marks, I should find strength in them. Strength in knowing that I survived and did not give in.

“Just tie the back for me, please.” Rhea silently nodded and overlapped the shoulder straps so my scars were covered. “Thank you.”

She smiled at me, but I could still see the pain in her eyes. “There. Now give us a spin.” I twirled, allowing the slits on each leg to fan out the long flowing gown. “Now that’s a dress for a special occasion. I believe you are presentable now.”

“Well, good, ’cause it’s all I’ve got.”

Rhea laughed, looping her arm through mine. “That and a dagger, apparently.”

“Never go anywhere without it nowadays. Shaw’s advice.”

Rhea nodded in understanding. “Well, let’s go. I can’t wait to see Talon’s face when we come down with time to spare.”

I could hear everyone gathering outside, and I wouldn’t have thought twice if they started eating without us. I wanted them to have a carefree evening full of laughter and good memories. And to be honest, I needed it, too. Magnus and Julia arranged a long rectangular table near the edge of Neera’s garden, with various oil lanterns strung between the trees. A large grass clearing along the back of the house would later be filled with music and other members of our pack joining the party. The house looked absolutely perfect. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

Rhea made us stop by the kitchen to retrieve my second glass of wine before joining the others outside. “Here… you’re gonna need this.”

“Damn right I will.” I was already feeling the effects of the first glass, so I knew I needed to take this one a little slower. However, something told me I would need a touch of liquid courage this evening.

Stepping out into the yard, I took in the sight of everyone casually seated at the outdoor dining table. Magnus and Julia sattogether, talking with Talon, who had an empty seat next to him reserved for his mate. On the other side of the empty chair, Castor casually lounged back with an already half-empty glass of wine, conversing with Shaw. Neera sat across from Magnus with an empty chair that I knew was reserved for me, and on the other side was none other than Daxton.

The second Rhea and I stepped into view, I watched as Daxton turned, his attention centered solely on me. His focus was unwavering, similar to being unable to look away from a beautiful sunrise or the wildflowers in full bloom. He held the same awe-struck look on his face that he did earlier this morning, and I couldn’t help but tilt my head and give him an inquisitive curve of my lips. He blinked, smiled, and moved his chair back to stand at the table. The others stopped their own conversations as their heads turned to Rhea and me.

“It took you long enough,” Neera chirped. “We’re all starving!” Everyone laughed and took their seats once Rhea and I joined the group in our respective places.

“Don’t wait for us,” I answered, gesturing to the meal sprawled out in front of them. “The food will get cold, and I won’t be responsible for anything less than delicious.” It didn’t take much convincing for my family to happily oblige to my request. Immediately, Talon dug into the platter with Shaw anxiously following suit. I helped myself to a serving as well and enjoyed every single morsel.

“This… This is truly something,” Daxton complimented, turning to me. “It rivals any meal I have had in over five hundred years.”

“Thank you. It’s fun cooking and preparing meals for special occasions like this. Baking tends to be my go-to when I am mad or frustrated, though. Something sweet always seems to help make the day better.”

“Wait. Wait… Five hundred… years?” Talon’s jaw practically dropped onto the table.

“Yes,” Daxton answered.

“Okay, I have to ask… how oldareyou two?”

“Talon,” I seethed, giving him a weary look.

“It’s fine,” Daxton answered, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Castor was very young when the great war divided our people. He wasn’t old enough to take up arms to defend our lands, but I was old enough to lead a section of our warriors in battle.”

“Ya, we read about it,” Neera added. I cast her a glare, warning her not to embarrass us.

“Really?” Daxton asked as he glanced my way with a coy grin. “Did you discover anything interesting?”

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