Page 6 of A Trial of the Heart

Idris paused and turned, giving the High Fae who called out her attention. “Yes, what is it?”

“Astro is asking for you.”

She rolled her eyes and scoffed, planting a palm to her face and shaking her head as creases formed between her brows. “Don’t tell me… He’s trying his hand at the red colt again?”

The High Fae nodded nervously, looking down at his feet. “He refuses to work with any of the others until he is broken.”

“Stubborn male, just like his father.” Idris huffed, walking past me in the direction we just came from. “Oh, Skylar, dear, keep heading toward the center. There is a large outdoor seating area in the heart of our home. You can’t miss it. Adohan, Daxton, and the others will be there. It’s our family sitting area where we host… well, everything.” I nodded, understanding the directions she was giving me. “Tell my mate I’ll join him shortly. I need to help our son Astro with his obsession project.”

“His project?” I murmured with a questioning look that Idris didn’t seem to notice. “All right got it. I’ll let Adohan know.”

“That’s the spirit, and don’t worry, I’ll introduce you to the herd soon. How else did you imagine we would arrive in Aelius in such a short time?” Her brown eyes softened as she squeezed my hand and departed with the other High Fae swiftly following behind her.

Herd and colt. Hmm, it sounded like she was describing a group of horses or something comparable to that. At least riding would be a faster and easier way to arrive in Aelius. I was worried that we would be running to get there in time.

I continued down the corridor, admiring the intricate carvings and different landscape portraits along the walls until I heard voices up ahead.

“Who knows, Dax?” If I had to guess, I wagered that it would be Adohan’s voice. I froze in the hallway, pressing my back against the wall and closing my eyes to try and concentrate on what they were saying.

“No one else.” That was unmistakably Daxton’s voice. No doubt there. My animal piqued her awareness inside me in response to hearing him, and I couldn’t help feeling a warming glow in my chest. “But there are moments when…” His voice trailed off for a second before returning once more. “I don’t know…”

“It’s obvious to anyone who has eyes to realize what’s going on,” Adohan said. “I must warn you, though, my friend… this needs to be handled delicately and with extreme caution. There’s so much at stake—”

“I know, Adohan. I know.” Daxton sighed heavily, and I could tell he was contemplating something. I just didn’t know what. “Is it even fair to add this burden? I can work through this… I don’t care what happens to me.”

“I scoff that you would even think of this as a burden, but then again… what about our lives is ever truly fair, Dax?” Adohan asked in a tone meant to comfort a friend in need. “I’ve seen you sacrifice everything for the sake of others for far too long. Trust me, this is not something you can turn away from or ignore.”

“I don’t want to turn away from it, Adohan,” Dax said with a firm confidence that left no room for doubt.

“Well, that’s a good place to start, then. Have you considered what may happen if…”

“There’s a plan already set in place regarding Minaeve. If I’m … If it comes to the choice—”

“You don’t have to say any more. I’m just glad you have thought of every possibility in this situation.”

“I just want Skylar to be safe,” Daxton said. “I know she can win the trials and unlock the Heart of Valdor, but it doesn’t mean I’m not worried for her safety.”

Well, that answered the “who” question. They were talking aboutme.

What was this burden that Dax and Adohan were referring to? I was sure I could handle any truth they needed to tell me, and I didn’t think it was fair that I was somehow being kept out of the loop with something this important.

“There’s nowhere safer than by your side, brother,” Castor’s sing-song voice chimed in.

Ugh, males.I groaned.Females are so much better at gossiping. They were missing key details, and I was beginning to run out of time. I couldn’t lurk in this hallway much longer without my presence being noticed.

“But she has to enter the trials alone—”

“Well, this first one, at least,” Adohan replied to Dax, and the room filled with an uncomfortable silence. “The others are still a mystery; we don’t know if we can aid the champion in the other trials. This first one will test you just as much as it challenges her.”

I couldn’t afford to wait much longer and risk having Idris reveal my eavesdropping.

Making my presence known, I cleared my throat and began descending the steps of the hall once more, making sure my treads made a little extra noise. As I rounded the corner, all three males turned their heads toward me as I entered.

A clear blue sky with wisps of white stream-like clouds shone through a skylight. Carved from the stone above us with a sheer white fabric canopy draped over the sitting area. It provided the comfort and protection of shade from the blistering sun above and allowed natural light to encompass the entire area. There was a shallow pool of red-stained water in the center that flowed around the outer edge of the opening. Strange green plants with thorns decorated the space with vines that sprouted an array of orange and yellow flowers. Couches lined the walls with different luxurious seating options near the center.

Castor was lounging comfortably in a chaise off to the side in the direct sunlight. An arm lazily draped over his eyes as he barely flicked his wrist, waving to greet me.

“Good morning, Skylar,” Castor mumbled. “I’m glad you decided to remain with the living and finally wake up. Have a nice cat nap?”

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