“I want this,” I said. “From the moment I saw you holding Ember, I’ve prayed that one day we would have a family together, Daxton.”
“Then we shall have it.”
“Well, it’s about time you two showed up.” Castor’s arms were crossed as he impatiently tapped his foot on the dock, gulls soaring and cawing overhead. “The boat’s been ready for over an hour.”
“Apologies, brother,” Daxton said as we approached the waiting ship. “I’m sure you managed just fine without us.”
“Don’t try that flattery trick on me…brother. I’m not in the mood.”
I arched a brow as the salty sea air tickled my senses. Thankful we were able to teleport to the Summit and change into our travel clothes before arriving at the docks. “And why’s that, Cas?”
He threw his hands up. “Do you think it’s easy trying to get everything in order?”
I glanced at Daxton, catching the knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as we listened to Castor’s rant.
“No, enlighten me,” Daxton said with an exaggerated drawl.
I covered my mouth, trying to hide my laugh.
“There are a million and one things to do.” Castor sighed. “And once one problem is solved, another shows up. Then another. Andanother, and—”
Nyssa drifted to Castor’s side, giving him a soft smile before signing, “You did well, love. Everything is as it should be.”
The tension melted from Castor’s shoulders at her touch. “With your help, yes. Thank you,” he said, bending to kiss her brow.
“Everyone is ready?” I asked, glancing around the deck to find my family nearby.
Magnus would remain behind to train with Gunnar and the other shifter and fae warriors. Despite my wishes during the council meeting, Neera would sail with Zola on a second ship to scout the shifter lands for any survivors and gather intelligence on human defenses. It was decided last night, after her spirited conversation with Magnus at the reception, that I was happy not to be a part of.
I worried for Neera, but I also admired her confidence. In my heart, I realized that I couldn’t shield her from this war, no matter how much I wanted to.
That left Talon and Rhea with us, along with Castor and Nyssa. They were our chosen representatives of the High Fae and shifters for the meeting with the human king.
Rhett and Adohan both offered to sail with us, but Daxton advised against it. If something were to happen, we needed strong leaders in the Inner Kingdom.
Waiting on the harbor deck, I sensed Shaw before I saw him and turned to find him on the shoreline with Zola. Their voices were hushed, brows drawn tight. Zola curled an arm around his neck, and their foreheads pressed together in a silent, aching exchange.
Tension radiated from my beta through the pack bond. I sensed his internal conflict as if it were my own.
“Shaw,”I called out, my voice gentle but firm.“Go with Zola and Neera.”
He stiffened, head turning sharply in my direction.“You’re out of your mind if you think—”
“I’ll have Rhea and Talon with me,”I cut in.“You’re needed elsewhere.”
“But Sky—”
“Do I need to make this an order?”I asked, leveling him with a look.“Or can you accept that asking my beta to relay sensitive information about our enemies is just as vital as this meeting with the human king?”
His jaw clenched before it loosened.“You’re right.”
“Say that again.”I flashed him a knowing grin.
He let out a short laugh.“Don’t push it.”
Zola glanced between us, eyes narrowing like she was preparing to argue, until Shaw turned to her. He cupped her cheek, and her expression softened with his attention on her. Shaw gave her a hint of a smile before bending to whisper a message only for her to hear.
“Thank you, Skylar,”he said, glancing back at me.
