“Dax,” I said, turning to my mate. “Don’t fight Castor on this. Let him come with us.”
Daxton furrowed his brow at my request, grey eyes swirling, searching for an answer.
“I knew she was clever,” Castor snickered.
Daxton ignored him, his ever-watchful gaze never leaving mine. “You’re sure about this, Spitfire?”
“Yes,” I said, “trust me on this one.”
Castor sighed. “And here I thought you were finally granting me a compliment, or at the very least appreciating my unique skillsets and what they can bring to this final dalliance of the trials.”
“Don’t push it, Castor.” I sighed as I shook my head. “I believe we’ll need him, Dax. I know you don’t want to put anyone else in harm’s way, but—”
“I know.” Daxton’s shoulders heaved as he sighed heavily. “I see your point.”
“You see hers and not mine?” Castor clicked his tongue and rubbed his fingers across his brow. “Honestly, we are on the brink of war. Safe is a rapidly fleeting state of being.”
“True,” Daxton agreed. “Is everything else in order for you to leave with us, Cas?”
“It is,” Castor replied, his voice holding a twinge of annoyance.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes,” Castor said firmly, reaching back to stroke the pommels of his twin blades strapped across his back. “I don’t carry these around just for show, you know.”
“Gunnar,” Daxton commanded, “ready the warriors, break down the main camp, and make sure to station the healers’ quarters near the base of the rolling hills. I have a feeling we’ll soon be at war.”
“Yes, High Prince,” Gunnar said with a shallow bow. “Anything else?”
“Honor the three peaks on your chest,” Daxton said with a half-grin, placing his hand on his general’s shoulder. “Accomplish this, and freedom will finally be within our grasp.”
Gunnar stood tall, his features hardening, preparing for battle. “I’ll see it done.”
“I know you will,” Daxton said, giving Gunnar a firm nod before turning back to me. “I can’t risk teleporting us from camp, but once we are a safe distance inside the wilt, then I believe I can jump all of us to the base of the volcano.”
“All right, well,” I said with a gleam in my eye, “let’s not keep the Heart of Valdor waiting.”
Chapter Sixty-Three
Castor Aegaeon
As we marched through the camp, warriors paused, their actions a testament to the reverence they held not just for my brother but also for his mate, ourchampion.
Of course, there were a handful of nods my way. I couldn’t blame them. The pair ahead was undoubtedly at the lead of this endeavor. However, I knew it was impossible to overlook the stunning brilliance that followed in their wake—me.
Skylar walked beside Daxton, where she would reside in power and governing station within Silver Meadows once we were no longer under Minaeve’s control.
I don’t believe Dax had shared this idea with her yet, but I knew he intended to declare her as his equal regarding our realm’s ruling seat of power, breaking the mold and setting a new tone for the bright future ahead. Because of her, he dared to dream of a life beyond this day or the next. Dared to dream of a better tomorrow for all of us, and she was the key.
The fact that Skylar was the alpha of her pack sprinkled the idea with complexity, but it only added tothe unique nature of their mate bond. Once the bond was sealed, Daxton and Skylar would become a united force to rival the Mother and Father above. If I could predict the future beyond emanating threats of death, I would say that the Solace pack would soon reside inside Silver Meadows, with a potential war brewing with humans and Aelius alike.
The Gods truly had wicked minds when weaving fate’s design.
Glancing ahead, I couldn’t seem to pry my gaze from Skylar. Her shoulders were pushed back, her head held high—the power of an alpha queen radiating from every facet of her being. Despite her age, she had a sharp mind that I had helped mold, of course, but most of all, she was brave.
That bravery shone like a badge of honor, highlighted by the three mountain peaks on her shoulder. The newest addition was not missed by the watchful eyes of our gathered warriors, and thankfully, it appeared that they agreed with Daxton’s decision to award them to his mate.
A commanding aura glowed within Skylar. That blazing fire my brother fell in love with was beaming bright and true. Even with the midday sun shining in a cloudless sky overhead, she was the shining ray of light we were all drawn to.
