Page 9 of A Trial of the Heart

“Good to see you up and about, Uncle Dax,” one of the twins announced as he approached us. “Hi, I’m Astro,” he said, turning his attention toward me.

“Nice to meet you, Astro,” I said with a kind smile.

“And this is my twin brother, Finn.” He motioned to the male standing just a few paces behind him.

Dax gave me an encouraging push, and I stood to greet them. Astro extended his hand first, followedclosely by Finn. They each grasped one of mine and quickly kissed the backs, giving me a slight bow.

“She’s hands down one of the more beautiful shifters, I imagine,” Finn said with a sly wink, matching his father’s charismatic charm and ego.

Astro quickly elbowed his brother in the side. “Only because she’s the only shifter you’ve ever seen.”

Adohan cleared his throat before speaking. “My sons are only forty-eight years old, Skylar. This is the first trial they have been alive to witness. Please excuse their rash remarks,” Adohan said with a hint of a warning coating his words. “At twenty-five, our magic settles, and our immortal aging begins. They may appear younger in their years, but they’re old enough to know better.”

“What?” Finn shrugged as he looked over my shoulder, connecting with Daxton’s stare.

The smug grin on Finn’s lips vanished and he blinked a few times to try and steady himself.

Astro chuckled. “You stepped in it now, Finn.”

Daxton placed a hand protectively on my shoulder. It was a little much, in my opinion, but after being in a shifter’s sleep for nearly four days, I would allow it. After all, I was hisward.

“All right… all right. Sorry.” The twins said, taking a few steps back with a slight bow and their palms facing forward. They acquired their seats on either side of their parents as I dared to glance at Daxton.

“She’s more than just a beautiful shifter that you two can gawk at,” Dax said with a deep, authoritative tone. “Skylar is the first champion toevervolunteer for the trials. Her actions and perseverance through everything she’s been through in these past months alone have instilled a sense of hope, once more, in the Inner Kingdom. The strength of her heart and herfighting spirit surpass any that have dared come before her. I trust that she will defeat the trials, and she will unlock the Heart of Valdor.I…believe in her.” Everyone in the room was silent for a moment, including me.

Daxton’s genuine declaration of his belief in me touched my heart. That warm feeling was spreading in my chest once again as I looked at him—really looked at him. Without a shadow of a doubt, I could see that he wholeheartedly believed every word he had just said. He trusted me with the fate of not only his life but that of his people and all of Valdor.

Zola was the first to speak. “If Daxton believes in her, then I do as well. Thank you, shifter, for inspiring hope once again in our people and my high prince.” She tilted her head to me and gave me an affirming nod of acceptance.

The others all nodded in agreement, and I blushed as Daxton brushed his thigh up against mine. A zap of his ice magic floated over my skin. My heart fluttered along with a gush of power from my animal. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t deny the spark and the feelings I had developed for Daxton—however, I knew I needed to be cautious with my heart. The unknowns were beginning to pile up, and I was afraid of being hurt again. The last thing I wanted to do was foolishly fall for another person who only sought to use me.

“Well, if the eldest one here agrees, then it must be true,” Castor said, announcing his return. He entered the area alone and leaned against the sandstone wall with a heavy, invisible weight resting on his shoulders.

“She’s resting—finally. I couldn’t bring myself to wake her. I’m—” He rubbed his sunken eyes before scratching at the nape of his neck, giving Daxton a pleading look.

“It’s fine, Cas,” Dax replied, sensing his brother’s silent request. “Why don’t you join her and rest?”

“Seriously?” Castor’s eyes widened as he sagged his shoulders, releasing all the pent-up tension in his body.

Dax nodded, his own shadows forming under his eyes.

Adohan agreed. “I can see the exhaustion on your face from here, Castor. And yours as well, Daxton.Bothof you should be resting before we leave for Aelius tomorrow morning. We will need you at your best before the high queen’s ball.”

My breath faltered as the timeline of this all hit me like a dive into an icy river.Silently, I forced the panic down in my throat and braced my hands on my knees, clenching my fists tightly against the fabric of my skirt.

There is no reason to panic, I told myself.I traveled here for this. I knew the trials were coming. Panic will only get me killed faster. Ground my fears… face them instead of running. It is all right to be afraid, but don’t give in to your fears.

I took deep breaths while conversations prolonged in a blur around me, allowing my panic to fade into fear and then finally acceptance.

“You know where to find me if you need me,” Castor said as he took his leave down the hall. I had missed the conversation leading to his departure entirely, but thankfully, it didn’t seem too important.

I turned to Dax, who I knew was watching me the entire time. He gave me a small grin followed by a slight nod, telling me he knew exactly what I was doing. His exhaustion, however, was no less than Castor’s. I boldly reached up and cupped his cheek in my palm, gently brushing the scruff along his jawline that was remarkably soft to my touch.

“You need to rest, Dax. I believe I can manage without you for half a day,” I teased.

Daxton leaned into my touch and locked his gray eyes on me for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh, allowing his shoulders to relax. He entwined his fingers in mine and kissed the back of my hand before reclining against the couch. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and finally allowed himself a moment to breathe.

“I have a perfect idea!” Idris sprang up from her mate’s arms with a beaming smile. Daxton’s eyes cracked open as Idris’s expression became almost giddy.

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