Chapter Thirty-Five
Skylar Cathal
Before leaving to meet the ship, I gave Magnus instructions regarding our people.
“I want the other Satellite packs to relocate to Solace. We have to assess our strengths to properly defend ourselves. We’re stronger together than we are apart, and right now, we must regroup.”
I had a sinking feeling that when I unlocked the Heart of Valdor, the humans would launch a full-scale attack on our people.
“I agree,” Magnus said. “Our numbers are nothing compared to that of the human population, but—”
“But we’re growing in power and magic the further I progress through the trials.
Becoming a legitimate threat in their eyes,” I replied, recalling Minaeve and Gilen meeting while I was recovering from the hunters’ capture.
“I believe the mages can sense this and are advising King Taran to make a stand and attack.”
“The human king is scared.”
“As he should be,” I replied with a spark of my power rising to the surface. “I want to do all I can to prevent a war from happening, but—”
“But we’ll be ready if our hand is forced,” Magnus finished.
“Exactly. I believe the High Fae will also come to our aid.”
“Hard to deny the champion any favor after you save their homeland.”
“Indeed,” I said.
“I’ll help keep watch on the human forces gathering south of the trading post,” Neera added, joining us near the doorway of the alpha’s estate. “In my doe form, I can easily sneak between the brush and watch without being seen.”
“It’s dangerous work patrolling the borders like that, Neera,” Magnus warned.
“I know,” Neera said. “But it’s the least I can do to help. I am more than capable of doing this. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines and not contributing.”
I nodded in agreement, proud of my cousin’s bravery. “I agree, Neera.”
Saying my goodbyes once more to Neera and Magnus damn near broke me. My heart ached as I watched them leave the manor.
Refusing to allow my tears to fall, I steadied myself to read the letter Castor gave me before leaving Silver Meadows. Rhea and Talon joined me on the opposing side of the room, quietly waiting to see if they could help in any way.
I began unfolding the note from Daxton when another folded piece of paper tumbled free, humming with a strange sense of magic. I recognized it as the enchanted parchment Castor and Daxton used to communicate within the Inner Kingdom, along with Castor’s elegant handwriting.
Skylar,
How does fried roc taste?
-Castor
I laughed aloud, showing Rhea and Talon the letter before the ink magically disappeared.
“So, you write a message, and it’ll appear on the other half?” Talon asked. “It’s that simple?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Simple but brilliant.”
“What’re you going to write back?” Rhea asked as I located a writing utensil.
Castor,
The feathers get stuck in your teeth. I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m coming back—be ready.
-Skylar
I lifted my pen and waited for the ink to dry.
“Nothing’s happening…” Rhea’s voice trailed off as the ink disappeared. “Wow! That’s amazing! Let me try.”
“Rhea,” I scolded. “It’s not a toy.”
“Well, it’s flashy like one, and it does cool tricks. Try to argue against that.”
“Rhea…”
“Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”
“Good.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “’Cause I’m leaving this with you.”
“What, me?” she questioned, arching her brow. “Why?”
“I trust you,” I said, carefully folding the parchment and placing it in her hands.
“Castor has the other half of this. Any message you write on here will go to him, and then he will be able to relay it to me.” I grasped her hands, holding them tight.
I had missed her company more than words could express over these past few months.
“You’re the best one to keep this safe, and I know you’ll be the first to warn me if something is amiss while I’m away. ”
“Bet your ass I will.” She grinned, giving me a big hug, followed by Talon wrapping his long arms around us both and squeezing until it was hard to breathe.
Once again, I stood on the familiar olivine crystallized shores of the green sand beach. And, once again, I had to say goodbye.
The Opal docked just beyond the cliffs, waiting outside the outer rim of the ancient volcano’s caldera.
Captain Fjorda himself rowed a small boat onto the shoreline to ferry me aboard. The one I took to shore likely drifted off. His beaming smile was contagious as he came ashore.
“It’s about time,” he said as he leaped out of the boat and scooped me into a giant spinning hug. “Don’t you dare tell Silver Shadow I hugged you.” He chuckled, setting me down on the sand.
“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.