Daxton’s eyes moved to Gunnar. “Gunnar. Your strength is unmatched, not only in battle, but in your heart. You carry others when they can’t carry themselves. I would not march into battle with anyone else at my side.”
“You flatter me, High King,” Gunnar said, lifting his cup full of wine before taking a sip. “But we all know who the spitfire is around here.” He peered around Daxton to give me a wink.
I laughed, shaking my head at him with a sarcastic reply. “You mean me?”
Gunnar grinned. “And now you have the firepower to back it up.”
“You know what,” I said, threading my arm into Daxton’s. “I believe your most underrated skill is your charm.If you show your true colors to the right female, who knows what the gods have in store for you.”
Gunnar feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “I’ll have you know, my charm is a weapon I’m excellent at utilizing. I just haven’t dared try it on you, my queen.”
“And for good reason,” Daxton added.
“Cheers!” Gunnar said, raising his cup.
“Castor,” Daxton said to the room, and my chest tightened, feeling his emotions flow into me.
The now High Prince of Silver Meadows rose from his lounging position in a chair near the entrance, with Nyssa standing quietly at his side. I watched, my heart tightening as Daxton released me and crossed the space to his brother. There was something almost sacred in the way they moved toward each other, a history of battles fought side by side, secrets shared, and loyalty tested in ways only they would see.
“Castor, my brother, my forever loyal companion.” Daxton’s voice wavered slightly as his silver gaze locked onto Castor’s.
Across the crowded room, a silent exchange of emotions passed between them. When their arms met in a firm embrace, the room seemed to hold its breath. Even the laughter and chatter faded to the background, leaving only the quiet intensity of their connection.
“I’ve relied on you more than anyone will ever know,” Daxton said in a low balanced voice. “Your silver tongue has gotten us out of more problems than it’s caused—thank the gods—and I’m forever grateful to have you in my life.”
Castor’s lips twitched, a mixture of pride and humility in his expression. My chest ached at the sight of it—the raw honesty and vulnerability shown between the brothers.
Daxton turned his attention to Nyssa. He lowered his head in a small, respectful bow, and I caught the sincerity in his silver gaze. “And you,” he said softly, “thank you, Nyssa, for keeping my brother in check. For being exactly what he and the people of Silver Meadows needed. Your loyalty, your heart… doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Nyssa’s lips curved in the tiniest smile, and her eyes shone with quiet pride. I felt warmth bloom in my chest as I watched her receive the gratitude she so deserved.
A swell of love and admiration for Daxton flowed through me, not simply for the male who was my mate, but the leader, the brother, the protector. It was in the quiet, profound moments like this that I understood what we were all fighting for: not titles, not power, not even victory, but the people who made it all worth the struggle.
Magnus shifted beside me, ruffling my hair like he did when I was a youngling, and I swatted his hand away with a laugh.
“Magnus,” I groaned, with light humor.
Magnus chuckled before pulling me into an all-consuming hug. “You did well, Skylar. I’m proud of you.”
Hearing my uncle say those words brought tears to my eyes all over again. After everything we’d been through—the trials, the challenge, and even losing Julia—I was gratefulhe still chose to be here with us, to stand with us in the final battle to save our world.
Shaw leaned against the hearth beside me, resting a hand lightly on my shoulder. “I’ll always have your back, Skylar,” he said, all-knowing hazel eyes locking with mine.
I smiled at him, gratitude mixing with affection, and gave his shoulder a playful squeeze. “I know, Shaw. You’re always there when I need you.”
Zola appeared beside Shaw, and for the briefest moment, her expression softened as she met his gaze.
“Tonight was perfect, Skylar,” she said quietly.
“A compliment? I’m shocked,” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t get used to it,” Zola replied with a wink.
I leaned in and whispered to Magnus, “She’s the silent, mysterious one who tries to keep her distance.” I gestured toward Zola and Shaw, who hadn’t been more than a breath apart all night. “I believe that something has finally settled between these two.”
Magnus squeezed my shoulder, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “The mate bond has a way of knowing exactly what you need.”
“Right,” I murmured, letting my gaze drift toward Neera and Seamus, watching them in their quiet, gentle way, and feeling that same warmth radiate between them from across the room.
