The screeching could be heard throughout Orynth, a hawk's cry of outrage. The citizens of the grand city dismissed it for an ordinary bird, but Aelin knew better. Rowan was out on watch, which usually meant socializing with other birds. She had only heard Rowan screech like that once, when another hawk tried to mate with him. She didn't attempt to aid him, Rowan could handle himself well enough. Hawk fights involving Rowan usually ended badly for the other side, so she was surprised to see bruises on his face when he stomped into their suite that evening.
"What in the rutting hell happened?" she exclaimed, looking up from her book. Rowan just glared at her before disappearing into the bathing chamber. When he emerged, a towel slung around his hips, she began her long string of questions. "Rowan, answer me. Now." He sighed, turning to face her. "I had a clean shot." he growled. "I was hunting mi-"
"You, were hunting mice!" Aelin giggled. "Lysandra stole my kill." he replied. It only made her laugh harder. "She knocked me to the ground."
"Face first?" she asked, still snickering. Rowan growled before disappearing into the closet.
"You're never going to hear the end of this." she said when he came out, now dressed. Rowan sat on the bed, not saying a word in return. "I would kiss you," she said, still smiling, "But I wouldn't want to hurt your little injuries further." his cuts were already knitting themselves back together when turned to her, do I look like I care? Rowan said silently. Brute. She replied before kissing him.
