“Can’t promise that,” I teased.
“Then I’ll make sure to seize the day.” He looked behind me at the gathering of shifters on the towering cliffs. “Alpha,” he said with a bow as he moved back to the rowboat. “When you’re ready.”
“I’m ready,” I said, following in his footsteps. He seemed surprised, but I had already said my goodbyes.
It was heartbreaking to say farewell to my friends and family again. But at least this time, they knew I was returning with the final key to the trials. That the wilt would be gone, and our world would soon be free. My mind drifted as Fjorda pushed the boat away from the beach.
It was difficult to explain, but I could feel the essence of my people floating with me along the gentle rolling waves. Regardless of where I ventured, I knew I would hold this connection to them, carrying them with me as their alpha.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Skylar Cathal
Fjorda pulled on the oars as we glided through the waves with barely a whisper of a breeze in the cove.
As the boat splashed into the swirling blues of the surrounding waters, I glanced at my tattoo with the alpha’s dagger clutched in my right hand.
Magically, following the same pattern as the others, the third star began to fill in. The final trial of the Heart of Valdor was complete with my departure from my pack lands. With the dagger, the third key to the trials, in my possession.
“So that’s it?” Fjorda asked as his lean muscles flexed to pull on the oars that propelled us through the surf. “That’s the final key?”
“It is.” I kept my eyes fixated on my tattoo.
“Now comes the hard part.”
“The hard part?” I repeated, tilting my head to the side and looking across at the captain.
“Now you have to find the Heart and unlock it. Any idea where it could be?”
“Not exactly,” I said, sheathing the dagger. “But I have a feeling I’ll know soon enough.”
As we ventured farther out into the alcove, I reached into my pocket and prepared myself to finally read my mate’s letter.
Daxton’s handwriting beamed in bold black lettering with my nickname written across the outer folds. I opened it and began to read:
Skylar,
As you read this, please know I hated keeping this secret from you. I will always do everything in my power to keep you safe, regardless of the outcome. My beautiful spitfire, whom I love with every beat of my heart and breath in my lungs.Again, I’m sorry for keeping this from you. I know you wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice yourself to keep me from returning here. However, this was the only way.
Remember—I will find you. We will always find each other.
Love, Daxton
“Daxton will be acquiring the Heart’s location soon enough,” I said. “It’s all a part of his plan… and the reason he allowed himself to be captured and imprisoned.”
Fjorda’s brow creased before arching wide with understanding. “The scroll?”
I nodded. “With the final star filling in on my arm,” I said, holding it out for him to see, “it’s also filled in on the scroll.”
“They’ll know you’re returning to the Inner Kingdom and celebrate your success—the queen believing that your victory ensures her own.”
“Exactly.”
“But you won’t be going to Aelius.” Fjorda grinned. “I might know some friends who can help sneak you ashore once we cross the veil.”
“I was hoping you did.”
“I’ll rendezvous with our correspondents within Crimson City and send word to our allies once we set sail.”
