I silently cursed my shifter half for not being able to recognize the bond sooner.
“The veil’s magic,” I whispered. “It’s strange how familiar it feels.”
“Like waking up from a dream,” Fjorda answered, leaning over the front and closing his eyes, allowing the sparkling crystalline colors to dance across his face. “But not remembering the details.”
“Yes, that’s exactly it,” I said, arching my brow.
Fjorda kept his gaze toward the veil opening. “Not much longer now.”
Suddenly, the air cleared around us as the crystallized layer disappeared, revealing a wide-open sea with nothing behind us. I retracted my arm, gently cradling the key in my palm as the orb began to crumble and vanish into specks of dust. The winding winds circled around me, almost as if they were alive, carrying the final remains of the fallen serpent king and whisking it away across the vast open waters to lands unknown, finally freeing him.
Perhaps now, the basilisk would find peace. I hoped that it would.
“Well, it seems that was a one-way key.”
“The dagger,” I said, twirling my hands in the wind, ensuring every last speck of the basilisk was freely floating away. “The dagger of the alpha can cut through anything, and since it is the third key to these trials, the magic of the blade will be able to part the way through and allow us to return.”
“Clever.” Fjorda clicked his tongue.
“Indeed. Now comes the more difficult task of obtaining it.”
“Should be simple enough?”
I turned and glowered at Fjorda. “Sure, right.” I scoffed.
“Isn’t it, though?”
I raised a brow at him and laughed under my breath.
“What?” Fjorda replied, shrugging his shoulders. “You’re trying to save Valdor. The wilt has likely spread to the mainland and through Solace by now. Surely, your alpha will relinquish the dagger?”
“It’s more than that.” I paused, dread pooling in my stomach. “It’s the structure and hierarchy of our people. Our culture. To carry that weapon signifies more than just the title of alpha. It means you are sworn to protect the pack with your life, to guard it with your final breath in this world. To carry the dagger means you are bound to your people, and they to you.”
I knew in my heart that the alpha, whoever it would be, would not release the dagger willingly. It wasn’t in our nature.
“I will ask, but if the alpha denies my request, I’ll have to issue a formal challenge and win.”
“I see,” Fjorda answered, stroking his chin. “Then you best prepare yourself and refrain from sulking around my ship like you’ve been the past few days. It would be embarrassing if you showed up starved, half-dead with exhaustion, and had to challenge the strongest shifter in your lands.”
“True.”He had a valid point. I couldn’t deny that.“How long until we reach Solace?”
“Three days if the winds are in our favor,” Fjorda said with a grin. “Now, aren’t you glad I called for the oars?” He winked when his eyes found the mountain peak on my tunic. “I heard rumors through the harbor that you’ve been training in Silver Meadows.”
“I have,” I answered, my mind fondly thinking of Daxton and Gunnar. A half-smile dared to cross my face, even though I didn’t believe I deserved to feel that spark of happiness.
“Then my advice…” Fjorda clasped a hand on my shoulder. “Win your challenge, Champion.” And with that, the captain pushed off the railing and took his leave.
I smiled as he turned away, thanking him for lighting a fire under my ass.
I had work to do.
Chapter Seven
Daxton Aegaeon
On my first night in prison, Anjani laughed when she presented me with the iron collar. “Now, be a goodpetlike your mate, and try to behave.”
Anjani Duran, Seamus’s second in command, was a wicked and sadistic creature who was as lethal as she was alluring. The haunting Duran green eyes, the exact same shade Seamus held, were full of destruction and menace. The female prided herself on being able to extract anything from those in hercare.
