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.”
“Good. Thank you,” I said.
“Thank you, Champion,” Fjorda answered with a nod of his head as we approached the Opal.
A long rope ladder was draped over the side, and I reached up and began the climb to the top of the railing. I swung my leg over and landed on the deck, with Fjorda following close behind.
“We set sail for Niamh Bay!” Fjorda announced to his crew. “The champion has won the final trial. The Heart of Valdor is all but ours! Our world is on the brink of freedom!”
Cheers erupted amongst the crew of High Fae, followed by a booming horn blasting across the seas. The long white sails were released from their ties, and the wind filled the sheets, carrying the ship out to the open sea.
“Oh, by the way,” Fjorda said, “it seems you’re not the only shifter sailing with us on the journey this time around.” He tilted his head toward the opposite side of the deck.
“I see,” I said. “Thanks.”
The captain gave me a nod as he turned to oversee his crew.
I smiled as I marched across the decking, leaning over the railing as we gazed across the disappearing landscape.
The scars along his arms gleamed in the rays of the setting sun.
His hazel eyes were set firmly on the shoreline as his black hair stirred in the winds.
Turning to look at him, a familiar magic churned in the air, like a key turning in a lock, and something just clicked.
“Alpha.” Shaw’s deep voice boomed over the splash and spray from the churning waters below.
“Beta,” I replied.