“Even in death?” she asked.
“Just your whispered word from before…” I paused, steadying myself. “…will be my beacon and strength, forever guiding me toward hope of a brighter tomorrow and a new beginning.”
She stilled, her chest for a moment caught in suspension,and then she signed, “Your words were my light, Castor.”
The world seemed to stop. The unspoken threads woven between us now glimmered when they were once unseen.
“Sleep, Nyssa,” I said, opening my arm in an invitation for her to lean on my chest. “I’ll keep you safe. Your nightmares will not dare invade your dreams while I’m with you.”
To my elation, she granted me a half-smile and molded herself into my frame. The feel of her soft skin and slender curves under my palm ignited my desire. I used every ounce of strength I could because she was worth the wait.
She was wortheverything.
“Sleep.” I dared to kiss the crown of her midnight hair.
I felt her nuzzle further into my embrace, and I just about lost all my senses. I clutched her tightly, shifting so she could move closer, closing my eyes, and basking in the feel of her body atop mine.
Soon, Nyssa’s rhythmic breaths indicated she had fallen asleep, and I cherished this tranquil moment tucked beneath the stars, knowing this memory would be one I would carry with me for the rest of my days, however long they lasted.
I gazed at the moon overhead as my thoughts traveled to all those under its same light. My heart ached for my brother and Skylar, knowing their sacrifices to save our world were immeasurable, hoping that everything we planned and worked for would be enough to save them.
Tosave us all.
Chapter Twenty
Skylar Cathal
Moonlight skittered across the worn cobblestone path, laced with patches of soil and weeds interwoven between the stones.
Stars twinkled overhead as wisps of clouds wandered within the cold winter winds. The frigid air filled my lungs. The comforting scent of the surrounding forest soothed my inner turmoil.
My footsteps felt heavy as I silently marched through the center of town, my animal on high alert. I didn’t know if it was a combination of the grief I was forced to swallow from the loss of Julia, knowledge of Magnus’s absence, or if it centered around my mate.
But regardless of my own sorrows, I had a trial to complete.
I turned north, away from the main streets, with my friends and cousin at my heels. The worn dirt path veering off to the side was familiar, but there was no denying that this time was different.
Winter was well underway, with a sting of cold lingering in the air that curled around my warm breath. Meanwhile, Solace remained uncharacteristically quiet.
News of Istar and King Taran’s forces approaching meant there was little chance of a diplomatic solution on the horizon. And I knew Gilen would not back down from this threat. As a new alpha, he would see this as a way to prove himself, to solidify his claim by fighting to protect and defend our people, just like the alphas of our past. Like Alistar, like my father. I just hoped he and countless others wouldn’t have to die in the process.
Shifters held an advantage over humans, but there was one problem with that advantage: humans outnumbered us. There were likely ten human soldiers for every shifter, and numbers often won a war.
As the alpha’s manor came into view, I admired the sturdy structure framed by decorative gray and white stone. The weathered ivy vines snaking up from the bottom, with overgrown hedges encircling the complex, gave it a rustic beauty as if nature intertwined around the structure itself.
“You faced off against a mage on the last attack?” Shaw asked Talon.
“Yeah,” Talon answered. “I never really understood what kind of magic they had until I had to fight one.”
I couldn’t help but slow my steps to listen in, noticing Neera and Rhea doing the same.
“They can somehow manipulate the energy and even the elements around them,” Talon said, swirling his wrists and exaggerating by fidgeting his fingers.
“What happened with the mage you fought?” Shaw asked.
“Besides bleeding?” Talon smirked as his brother gave him a look. “All right, fine. Details… I know, I know. You want the details.” Talon sighed. “The one I fought the other night made a shield of raw energy before trapping me on the ground. It felt like a cage.”
I glanced at Rhea. Her eyes narrowed as she listened closely to her mate’s story.
