Page 12 of Spirit Trials

“Less talking and more working.”

I shake my head at the infuriating man. “You know, I think I’m done. I’m going to head back upstairs.”

“You’re not done.”

I laugh as I walk away. “Unless you’re going to force thisweak, smallperson, I’m heading upstairs.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Watch me,” I return.

“You won’t survive if I don’t train you.”

I turn around, irritated at his dramatics. “What are you talking about?”

He stalks towards me, and I see the danger flashing in his eyes. I don’t take a step back or turn away. I know never to turn my back on a dangerous predator, and that’s exactly how he feelsright now. I lift my chin when he gets close. “You will be entering the spirit trials two weeks from tomorrow.”

I stare at him. “What are you talking about?”

He returns my stare for a moment “I need to show you something.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Show me.”

It’s not a minute later that Lox joins us. He’s oddly serious, and that worries me. I eye the two of them, wondering what in the world this is all about. “So, what’s this about some trial?”

Lox turns to Rysden. “You couldn’t get her out of it?”

“Do you think we’d be doing this if I could?” Rysden asks in a terse voice. Lox’s lips tighten.

“What are the spirit trials? And why am I entering them?” I demand, wanting answers.

“Lox is going to show you his spirit animal,” Rysden says.Thatgets my attention.

“His what?” I question.

“Just watch.” That’s from Rysden.

Lox’s eyes flick to me. “Ready?” he asks with a grin.

I stare at Lox, waiting for something to happen. When it doesn’t, I turn back to Rysden. “What is—”

“Watch.” Rysden cuts me off.

I turn back to Lox and go still. Standing next to Lox is a huge, beautiful, translucent wolf. I don’t move a muscle. One beat of silence passes. Then two. “What is that?” I finally whisper.

“It’s his spirit wolf.”

I turn to Rysden and cross my arms. “I want to know everything. Now.”

“This is the Wolf Kingdom. Everybody that lives here has a spirit wolf,” Rysden begins.

I wouldn’t take him seriously; except I’m staring at this...spirit creature. I blow out a shaky breath and stare in awe. I can’t tear my eyes away from the beautiful, translucent wolf nextto Lox. He looks alive, but he’s not fully corporal. Yet he moves just like a wolf out in the wild. “He’s beautiful,” I whisper.

“Every person in our kingdom has a wolf spirit animal,” Rysden says in a low voice. “Our spirit wolf is connected to us, and we can pull from their strengths. Having a wolf spirit animal gives us enhanced strength, stamina, and vision. We can swim and run longer distances. Our sense of smell is incredibly good. We’re stronger and more powerful, and we’re connected. Through our mental link, we can alert others up to several miles away.”

I stare at the two of them. “So, you’re what? Stronger than regular people?” They both nod. I squint at the two of them, trying to piece this together. “But I traveled with you.”

Rysden pins me with a look. “Show her,” he tells Lox without looking away from me.