Page 12 of A Trial of the Heart

Zola stopped admiring the jeweled necklace for a moment, and I could tell I had her undivided attention as she tilted her head to the side. “And?”

“I begged for anyone to help stop my shift. I prayed silently to the Gods… to anyone listening to help me stop it. I remember the burning of my magic inside me—I thought I was going to burst into a ball of literal flames due to resisting the call of the alpha and the pull from the full moon.”

“Shifters are naturally more powerful with the influence of certain astrological events, like a full moon,”Zola said, exposing the depths of her knowledge concerning my kind. “What helped you ultimately stop your shift?”

“I felt…” It finally dawned on me what magic helped me in the meadow. I cursed at myself for being so blind and not realizing it before. It was Daxton’s magic that helped bring me back. “Ice tamed the roaring flames from tearing me apart.”

Zola nodded and gave me a genuine half-grin. “Then what happened?” It was like she was leading me to discover my own truths. Clever…

I smiled, knowing Shaw would’ve done the exact same thing if he’d been here with me.

“I heard the high queen speak to me. She warned me how the trials would test my mind, body, and soul. That no others have been successful or have been found worthy to unlock the Heart of Valdor.”

“And what makes you think that you are worthy?” Zola calmly asked.

“I—I don’t.”

The reality of that truth hit me square in the chest. I didn’t believe I was worthy of anything, not yet anyway. Maybe these trials were a test for me just as much as it was for Valdor.

Zola turned, spinning the necklaces over in her dark, tanned palm. “You don’t?”

“I don’t believe I should be idolized or placed on a pedestal for merely stepping in to lend aid when it was asked for. That’s something any decent person should be expected to do. I came here… I volunteered because I was willing and able to do so. If, in the end, I can save the lives of those I love regardless of my own outcome, I will happily accept that as my fate.”

“You’re willing to put your life at risk to save all of our lives as well?”

I could read between the lines of her question. I knew she was asking aboutallof Valdor. I could say no. I could say I was doing this forjustmy people, but in my heart, I knew I wasn’t. Even though I didn’t know many humans or even fae, I believed in respecting all life. We should all be allowed to have the chance to make our world better. Everyone deserved that opportunity, regardless of who they were.

“I am. I’m willing to do this for—everyone.”

Zola gave me a full, cunning grin at my reply. “You, indeed, are different. Not many creatures in this world would think in the way you do. You’remore, it seems, compared to the other four champions I have met.” She paused, looking around for the shopkeeper before continuing. “I do believe, however, that you’ve entered the trials to answer more than just a calling of your own. I believe you’ll determine the outcomes of not just your fate but all those in Valdor.” Zola chuckled deeply. “Fate is a fickle bitch. Welcome to the game.”

The bell chime signaled the door to the shop opening, and Idris entered frantically, waving a makeshift fan made of parchment. “Thank the Gods!” she declared. “The sun is finally beginning to set. I love you, Mother, but the heat of your love is sometimes just too much.”

Zola and I both looked at each other and shared a small chuckle at Idris as she found a seat in the corner near a display. The hard exterior of the Shadow Jumper was still present, but I was able to see a glimmer of vulnerability that hadn’t existed moments ago.

“You need to choose something,” Zola instructed Idris.

“I don’t need Adohan’s heart to stop beating before the trials begin, Z. I love my mate, and I intend tomock and adore him for a long time to come… Or at least until his child is born, that is.”

“It’s my treat,” Zola said to Idris, then glanced at me. “You need something as well.”

“What?” I exclaimed. “I don’t have any money.”

“Daxton has paid me generously over these past few months, and he’s also asked me to find something special just for you, Skylar.”

“Really?” I stammered. “I-I don’t know. This all seems too much. I’ve never dreamed of owning, let alone seeing, beautiful pieces of jewelry like this.” Zola and Idris glanced at each other with mischievous grins, exchanging unspoken words. “What?” I demanded.

“Nothing!” Idris said.

I narrowed my eyes. She had to be hands down one of the worst liars I had ever seen in my entire life. “Idris.”

“You deserve something for the ball tomorrow,” Zola added as she stepped between us. “Daxton insisted.”

“Yes.” Idris immediately jumped to her swollen feet and ran her hand along my long-flowing hair. “With the ball tomorrow, you’ll need something that highlights your natural beauty. Take a look over here.” Idris motioned to the far side of the store. “I think a beautiful hairpin would give you just the right touch!”

“And it wouldn’t likely break,” I added.

Both stopped and looked at me with a confused stare. I lightly laughed to myself as I pushed past them to examine the beautiful variety of combs and hair accessories.

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