“Gilen’s doing the best he can,” Alistar said with a crease in his brow as they joined us. “He’s not here at the moment,” he said, looking at me. “I suggested he fly to the eastern border to help with the patrol. Some space will do him good.”
“A wise decision,” Magnus answered.
I gave my uncle a nod as I finished my first helping of stew and looked at Wren’s cart to see if there was more. To my delight, she was already ladling another helping just for me.
“It’s different.” Alistar paused, his gaze cautiously wandering toward me before returning to Magnus. “Skylar could’ve killed Gilen. But thankfully, our newest alpha has a compassionate heart and spared him.”
“I’ve been told,” Magnus answered, finishing his bowl. Leaning back, he scratched his beard, a clear sign that he was agitated or possibly worried. Magnus sighed as he set his bowl on the side table, his shoulders tense andhis brow furrowed. “I can’t remain silent on this, Sky. It worries me that you spared his life in the challenge.”
“I stand by my decision,” I replied coldly, my shoulders straightening at the tone of my uncle’s words. “We’ll need Gilen in the battles to come.”
To my surprise, on our journey home, I learned that Magnus did not agree with my decision to spare Gilen’s life and accept his submission.
“There’s a reason why a challenge results in—” Magnus began.
“He submitted,” I cut in, my tone firm with an authority that would not be questioned. “I felt Gilen link with me, along with every other pack member that night.”
“He did,” Alistar added, defending his son. “I witnessed it.”
Magnus kept his gaze set firmly on me, bordering on a challenge. Right now, this was the last thing I needed. But this was also why I chose Magnus to oversee the pack in my absence. His loyalty to Solace and the people within it was ironclad. However, the responsibility of protecting our pack now rested on my shoulders.
Magnus dropped his stare, his thoughts swirling around him like the frigid winter winds.
“Gilen won’t cause an uprising,” Talon said. “He wouldn’t do that to Skylar. Not after everything that’s happened.”
I internally sighed, thankful for Talon’s attempt to keep the peace.
“Except,” Shaw added, lounging in the chaise by the window, “that’s exactly what Magnus is getting at.”
I focused my attention on Shaw, who was staring off into the forest outside the window, seeing his concern mimic my uncle’s.
“Are you worried?” I asked. “About Gilen trying to retake the pack in my absence?”
“He wouldn’t do it while you are away,” Shaw answered. “That’s not what I’m worried about.”
“Then what?”
“He’s smart, but his pride is also wounded,” Shaw began. “Thankfully, that’ll take time to heal. Once he recovers, however…”
“I see,” I said, absently reaching for the dagger strapped at my hip. My fingers traced the cold steel in light circles, sensing a comforting pull of magic from the blade.
“My son wouldn’t do that,” Alistar announced with confidence. “Skylar’s power is undeniable as our alpha. It is the shifter way. Gilen would never break our customs or laws when it comes to that.”
I silently agreed, knowing Gilen was the rule follower, always had been. But were Shaw’s and Magnus’s concerns valid? Could this be his breaking point?
“I’ll watch over Gilen,” Alistar said. “And ensure he doesn’t step out of line.”
“He’s stronger than you,” Shaw countered. “How will you tame him if he tries anything while Skylar is away?”
Good question.
“He’s stillmyson. We are all each other has.”
And there it was.
I nodded in understanding.
“I’ll help,” Rhea said, leaning forward so her forearms rested on her thighs. “I’ll keep an eye on Gilen and make sure he doesn’t start anything or get any fucked-up ideas in his head.”
