I woke feeling like shit. That was how I could describe it; the horrors of my night tore through my throat making it raw. As much as Nate tried to comfort me during my fitful sleep, it had not worked. It never did.
I groggily dressed in a simple garment of wool, a lilac colour with tight fitting sleeves. To me, the colour looked bland against my pale skin. I applied some makeup, wanting to hide the prominent circles and the hollowness of my cheeks. "You look nice today." I heard Nate muse as he lounged on the couch, eyeing me. I didn't believe those words, even if he did mean them.
Leaving my hair out I wandered over to him and sat in his lap, his arm encompassing my body. "I love you." He murmured as he kissed me softly, his hand moving up to cup my cheek. "I love you too." I replied as I pressed my forehead against his, my fingers tangling in the softness of his hair. "I'm sorry that I kept you up last night." I said, biting his bottom lip a little as his hand lazily moved up my leg under my skirt. "That's okay, Silvy. I'm sorry if I couldn't help you, it's so hard, you know?"
My breath hitched in my throat as I felt those devilish fingers circle around my core, I opened my legs a little to let more movement. "You shouldn't have gotten dressed, Silvy." His lips found my neck as I was laid back on the couch, his hand pressed against my undergarment, a satisfied growl made my skin crawl as he positioned himself between my legs. His free hand began to undo the lace on my bodice but I stopped him, "No, just touch me… Please." I whispered, he nodded as he went back to kissing my neck.
Maybe, maybe this release could ease the tension in my chest… To unwind it. I breathed harder as his fingers moved beneath my undergarment. His body tensed up as he dipped his fingers in me, I let out a long moan as he went right to his knuckles. "Silvy." His heavy voice turned me on so much, and I bucked my hips into his hand. 'More.' I mentally pleaded as his fingers began to move in and out, in time with my rocking hips. His thumb rubbed my aching nub, sending my body into a high and a released followed after it.
"That was very quick." He smirked as he moved down my body, holding my gaze. "You are quite needy this morning." He wiggled the two fingers in me and I let out a whine. He slowly turned his hand around, his fingers brushing against the walls; my breathing was laboured as I gripped the armrest of the couch, my nails digging into the fabric. "Please… Please…" I shuddered as he kissed the inside of my thigh, slowly, agonisingly slowly, moving down. "Please, what?" He tantalised, the tickle of his hot breath on my sex almost made me lose it.
"Please… I want your mouth… I want it on me." I squirmed as I softly cried out his name as he flexes his fingers. "Nate! Gods!" He chuckled as he lowered his head down, and when his tongue started to stroke my folds… It pulled me into a trance where I was nothing but a mess of flushed cheeks and moans of desire.
He worked on me so easily, so quickly, I didn't count a number of times I had climaxed. I looked down at him; his eyes were transfixed on my face, a hungry look in his eyes. I broke under his intense gaze as I arched my back, gripping his hair and holding him down on me as I cried out his name.
He stayed buried between my legs, waiting until my body finally released. Only then he pulled back, his fingers slipping out easily. I grabbed his wrist before he licked them; fervour was clearly expressed on his face as I sucked on his two fingers. "I love it when you do that, Silvy." He cupped my face as he kissed me roughly, pushing my lips apart with his tongue and dominated my own. I moaned lightly as I felt him ground against me, the hard bulge in his pants pressing on me.
But honestly, after what we just did… It still hadn't fully unwound me. I pushed him back gently by the shoulders and he braced both hands on either side of my head. "What's wrong?" He asked, frowning. "I-I don't want to do this… I can't." I stuttered, just the thought of it made me clamp up.
"Why not?" He became instantly annoyed, like always whenever I refused him. "I'm not going to hurt you." He added, leaning back down to kiss my neck. I stifled a moan but shoved him back again. "I said no. I don't feel ready yet." I grounded wiggling out from underneath him.
He held my hips in a strong grip and I froze. "Not ready? Since when does a girl say that?" There was a dark edge to his voice; worry began to rise in me. He took my chin so he could look at me, his thumb running over my lips. "I really want you, Viviana. I really do… I don't think I can handle this foreplay any longer…" I gulped as he pulled the strings from my bodice.
I didn't stop him.
He tugged down the neckline of my gown to expose my breasts; both his hands groped them and massaged them. I couldn't help but moan as my peaked nipples rubbed against his palms. "See, Viviana… You like this." His face had twisted into something I had not noticed before, a deep hunger that made my blood run cold.
Yet, I could not find the strength to fight him off. So I let him touch me, kiss my breasts. He started to unbuckle his pants, a groan vibrated off his lips as the pressure from the bulge was eased.
I only stared at the ceiling, hoping that this would go away-
The door slammed open, shaking the little items I had on various surfaces. Nishka strolled in, wearing simple pants and an oversized jumper with little sparkling sequins stitched in the woollen fabric. She stood just past the threshold, hands on hips and glaring at us. "Breakfast will go cold if you two do not come down." She grumbled, not fazed at the sight of me being semi-naked and Nate with his cock out. "We are in the middle of something." Nate snapped, giving her a death glare.
"Cool, lovely, wonderful. It can wait, hurry up." She turned on her heel and left the room without closing the door. I took that time to wiggle out from underneath him; he looked at me as if I had struck him. "One more time you do this, Nate. I will not hesitate to kick you in the balls." I hastily fixed myself, tying up the strings and fixing my hair.
"Uh huh. Sure you will. The next time we do this you won't be able to do it, you'll be writhing underneath me from the pleasure." I held his gaze, keeping my face neutral but hard. But internally? I was screaming.
I turned on my heel and left my room, not caring whether he came down to breakfast or not.
I preferred he didn't.
Breakfast had turned out awkward, especially what had happened yesterday with Azariah's outburst. She sat at the very end of the table, her eyes down and ignoring everyone. Devyn was the only one really greeting the others.
"You look a little bit shaken up." Rahuel pulled me out from my daze; I had been just pushing my food around my plate. "Sorry?" I looked at him, "Ah, just had a restless night. Nothing more." I couldn't meet his eyes.
"Like always." Azariah coldly snickered down the table. I was in no mood to snap back at her, so I ignored her. "More nightmares?" Rahuel asked softly. I gave a small nod as I started to force myself to eat. The food tasted bland in my mouth. "Have you tried any tonics or anything?" Another shake of my head.
"I'll look around then, there must be something out there to help you sleep." Rahuel took a sip at his goblet. "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine." I didn't need it, I didn't want it. It wasn't going to help anyways.
"But-" I slammed my hand on the table, startling Nishka and Aida from their conversation. "No. I don't want it." Shadows licked my arms and my shoulders, always appearing when I was pushed. Rahuel nodded a little, sitting back in his chair without further questions.
'Good.' I thought as I went back to eating. I savoured the silence at the table, save for the fire that crackled at the far end of the room. Sunlight came through the high glass windows that lined the wall in front of me; it overlooked the front garden of the estate and the waking city of Velaris. In the distance, I could see the ocean glittering beneath the rising sun.
"Today seems like a nice day to fly, don't you think Silvy?" Nate's voice got me worked up a little and I sat up quickly, he settled beside me and kissed my cheek. "I guess, yeah? Want to fly later?" I asked, giving him a bright smile. "No, you ain't flying later. We are going to go out tonight, a new place has opened up near the cliffs and tonight is their opening night." Nishka said, again sneering at Nate who looked miffed.
"I want to spend some time with Silvy, I just got back from the camps after three months of being gone. At least give us tonight to fly." Nate lightly demanded, his hand covering my own. "Oh, hooray for you. But she has not been out during that time, she stayed cooped up in the house. You have no right to speak for her, Viviana?" All eyes on me and I wanted to just slip under the table and hide.
I pursed my lips as I looked at my best friend and my lover. "You don't like big crowds, remember? You have a panic attack when you are stuffed in a room. With me, we can be free in the sky." He smiled so lovingly; it always worked for me to submit to him. But something else told me to join my friends at the club, so I found myself saying, "I'm going with Nishka, you can come if you want if you are so concerned." I almost missed that deadly flash in his eyes, a small part of me regretted my decision but the other half felt a little rebellious.
"Alright, I'll go with you. But don't blame me if you do end up having a fit." Nishka beamed and clapped her hands. "Great! Tonight will be so fun!" Just then, Vhen and Ereus appeared in their seats, shadows curling off them as they became solid. The twins looked around, their cat-like eyes glinting, "Morning." They both said in sync. "What is this excitement I feel?" Vhen asked with a smug smile. "Tonight we are going out, all of us." Nishka nodded excitedly.
"To the new place?" Ereus picked up. "Mhmm." Nishka replied with a mouth full of food. "Count me and Devyn out." Azariah grimaced a disgusted look on her face. "I wasn't even asking you anyways." Nishka bit at her. Azariah opened her mouth to retort but closed it as a cool air filled the room.
The silverware became covered with frost, just as Raella walked in. She was a bit taller than an average twenty-year-old; she had a beautiful love heart shape face, her skin pale almost white. Her eyes were like frost as well as her hair, which was literally like icicles. She looked very tired and unhappy.
"Another night of partying?" Vhen chided, his lips upturned into a disgusted frown. "Shut it. Shut up all of you." She scolded at us, plopping herself down in front of him. Vhen made a face at her and they began to bicker instantly. 'What a bothersome pair.' I sighed silently as I cleaned my mouth and stood. "Anyways, I need to head off. Brea needs my help with the shop, I'll see you later today." Rahuel gave me a gentle smile, but his eyes told me another thing.
Coming to the foyer, my maid was waiting with my heavy overcoat. The young woman, who was in her early twenties and had sea green scales that covered her entire body, her hair was like seagrass and had shells stuck to it. She helped me with the coat before doing the buttons up near my wings.
I gave thanks to her as I slipped on my gloves and left the house, heading down the stairs and to the main road. The estate was positioned high up on a hill in a quieter area, as per requested by me. I admired the colourful city, my Fae hearing picked up the many voices that floated up from the four squares, or Palaces as they were called, that made Velaris famous.
We had to head to the southern side of the Sidra River, where the Rainbow of Velaris was and where my shop I shared with Brea was at. Though I took my time walking, my arm locked around Nate's.
"Why do you want to go?" He asked as we stopped at the edge of the River. "Hm?" I looked over at him, getting lost at something I spotted across from me. "Why do you want to go to a place where drunkards dwell?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "Why not? Something different, no? Besides, the time you were gone…" I didn't wish to think about that time, I had been alone and upset at his departure. "Nishka wants me to go, she will hassle me to the ends of the earth. So if I go tonight, she'll stop bothering me." I moved to him and took his hands, lacing my fingers in his before I held them up before us.
"But she knows you cannot handle a big crowd, you shouldn't let her boss you into it." He pulled me gently into his arms; I rested my hands on his chest. "Oh well, at least you will be there." Moving my hands up to cup the back of his neck I pulled him down so I could kiss him. I was straight away pressed against his body; our kiss was heated and deep as his wing came around a little to shield us from prying eyes.
"There is an Inn not too far from here if you two need it." A silky voice caused me to jumped back from Nate. There, stood the High Lord and High Lady of the Night Court. They had saved me from a horrible fate and gave me a new life here. Feyre glowered and pinched Rhys' arm, and tsked at him. "Rhys, don't be like that." Feyre huffed and he only grinned. "What? I'm only giving them a place of privacy." He kissed her temple softly, making her blush slightly.
Nate grasped his outstretched arm and shook it, while I hugged Feyre. She wore a silk and wool gown of Deep Ocean blue. Lace covered her chest up to her throat. Whenever she moved, the gown shimmered a little. "Hello." I said smiling widely. "How are you?" I asked her as we all began to walk, Nate and Rhys behind us chatting about the Illyrian camps.
"I've been fine, thank you. I've been preparing a party." She held out an invitation to me. "Oh! Yes, the winter solstice is coming up, that's right." I took the piece of folded paper, it smelt like citruses. "Vhen had mentioned it to us yesterday." I added.
"What? I told him not to say anything." She shook her head, her golden brown hair shiny in the sunlight. "You know him, he can never hold his tongue." She laughed lightly, "True. Though, I have to admit, I didn't want a party. Not a big one like Mor had planned out." She bit her bottom lip, looking ahead. "She talk you into this?" I asked as we turned into a cafe, I had time to grab a quick drink.
"Mhmm, she pestered me all month until I gave in. Rhys even joined in." She gave a disapproving shake of her head as Rhys sneered. We sat outside in the sunlight; Nate helped me with my coat before he took his seat. Though the small chairs were not built for our wings, so we both moved uncomfortably. Rhys was getting smacked around, Feyre laughing uncontrollably.
"Oh dear," I placed a hand over my mouth as I laughed lightly, the two males arguing. They only stopped as a Fae woman, who had nothing but ivy leaves covering her personal parts, came over and took our orders. Once she left to prepare them, Feyre turned to me. "I didn't ask how you have been. It's been a large gap since the last I saw you. You look… different now."
"I do? I guess a year of not seeing each other can make a difference." I pinched the tips of my fingers a little nervously. During the year we had seen each other briefly, at parties but we never sat down and talked like now. She cocked her head to the side a little, as if she was assessing me. A slight frown creased her face, "I doubt so. You've changed quite a bit, physically mostly." Feyre was a good observer, more than good and it made my skin crawl. "Matured, then. I have grown a little in size." I looked at my chest then at her. Being just a little over fifty years old, it was very young for Fae kind.
But it didn't convince her; she stared at me as if she was seeing right into my soul. And I felt her in the folds of my complex thoughts and shoved her out. She jolted in her seat as I glared at her, fuming. "Don't do that." I said in a shaky tone, the boys had fallen quiet and Rhys looked alarmed. "Your walls are down," she said softly, her expression gentle. "If you need help, Viviana, you can-"
"I don't!" I said all too loudly, some people glancing at us and I instantly shied down. "I… I don't need help. I'm fine." I repeated in a small voice, my head bowed. My shadows rose from underneath the table, slipping between my fingers and up my arms a little. Feyre reached out to place her hand over mine, I wanted to move it away but instead I slowly calmed down. The shadows melting into the fabric, I knew it was Feyre's doing.
She removed her hand and I managed to look up at her. "Viviana, why haven't you said anything? You've been suffering the past few years with this… I could help you. Especially Azriel, he can teach you how to master your shadows." I stayed silent as our orders came, taking my tea, drinking it and setting it back down before I replied, "I know that but I don't want it. I have no use for it." I bristled, pushing that calming hand she had on my mind, out.
"That's understandable but if you keep leaving it, untamed and free… It can become independent and take over you. You are no ordinary Shadowsinger, Viviana. There is something more wild in your blood, and it's affecting your abilities." I looked over at Nate, he was unreadable but I knew he had brought their attention to me even if I said I didn't want them to be involved.
"Don't blame him," Rhys had noticed the anger in my eyes, "He's only doing this because he cares for you." Nate nodded in agreement. Those masks dropped and worry now existed. "You had almost knocked me out cold yesterday. And you didn't… look yourself."
"You might need siphons to keep it contained." Rhys noted. "But that's gifted only to Illyrian males." I said staring at my hands, trying to visualise the stones atop them. "Not in my case, in the recent centuries, I have found a small amount of women who are in need of the siphons. You are part of that; you might very well need more than two. Maybe as many as Azriel and Cassian." The two most powerful Illyrians to ever live, they both had several of the stones.
I became a little weary at the thought of having siphons, and the idea I was in level with the spymaster and the commander… it thrilled me. "You should be," Rhys started to smile, I quickly yanked up those walls and he laughed. "Just like Feyre when she figured out how to block me. Quick but to late." I puffed out my cheeks, but he continued on, "You should be honoured to have such power, Viviana. Think of what you can do. Not only you could defend and fight, but also you can become an inspiration to other women. I still struggle now to get the other camps to train the girls."
'Become an inspiration… Is that possible?' I thought with awe. "I won't push you on this, but, I would recommend you to consider it at least." Rhys did not push me on anything, nor did Feyre. They knew what I had gone through, they did not pity me but empathise and that's what drew me to them. Yet I always felt like I took advantage of that and kept to myself most of the time, which was why I had not wanted them to be involved.
"Okay. I can do that." I said, feeling jittery with glee. "Good, you know where to go, the doors will always be open." Rhys mused before he stood. I followed suit as we milled out in front of the cafe. "Well, I hope you have a good day. I'll see you at Feyre's birthday party." A low groan came from her as Rhys swept her in his arms, his wings appearing. When he looked at her, my heart clenched at the sight, oh how full of adoration and love lit the High Lords face.
Nate placed an arm around my shoulder and tugged me close, I loosely placed an arm around his hip. In two beats, Rhys took off with his mate, the wind causing my dress to flutter around me. I watched, as they became a speck in the cloudless sky, slowly moving back to the mountain peak where the House of Wind stood proudly.
"I thought that would've gone worse." Nate seemed a bit disappointed but I didn't mull over it long, I was cross that he had gone behind my back, and got them to convince me, "I don't remember asking you to call them." I shrugged off his arm and faced him, crossing my arms over my chest. "No you did not. But, you kicked my ass. No one has ever done so. Not even the Lords at the camp have brought me to near unconsciousness. You did with a simple shove of your hand." He held my stubborn gaze, matching it.
"That was because I used magic." He gestured wildly at me, "You just proved your point!' I rolled my eyes and let my arms hang by my sides. "Viviana… Just, think about it. That's all I'm asking." Staring up at the mountain that loomed over Velaris, I thought over Rhys' words. "I'll think about it. Now, I need to go. Brea is going to murder me." He pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply, I returned it by wrapping my arms around his neck.
"See you tonight I guess." I peppered his lips with soft kisses before I pulled away, I waved at him as he took off into the sky to go and do some private business. I hurried down the River, taking shortcuts and finally reaching the Rainbow. An abundance of Fae milled about, some clothed some not. Many had an assortment of horns, fur, scales, some tall or short or a bit of both so to speak.
This was why I had fallen in love with Velaris. No one ever looked at me like I was some freak. I knew all Fae could smell the difference that radiated off me… But, no one at all minded my presence. A few Fae that I walked by grinned and greeted me with a joyful 'morning' or a wave. Some even went as far as hugging me, smothering me in fur.
I politely said goodbye before I reached the small art shop, Brea's and Vivie's Wonders written in pretty writing above it. The paned window that jutted out a little had brushes and small artworks displayed, as well as my little carvings. I stepped up three small stairs before pushing open the floral painted door, bells ringing as i entered the shop.
The walls were lined with her art pieces and my own, tables neatly decorated with art supplies. Everything had an air of perfection with a bit of chaos. Behind the counter, sat Brea. She had come from the Autumn Court, her parents had… Left her as a baby in the forest, because of a deformity; she was blind. A Fae that lived in the Autumn Court had raised her and taught her how to move and defend herself. She remembers very well, and never forgets anything you tell her.
"You're late." She huffed, not looking up from whatever she was doing behind the counter. "I know, I'm sorry. I ran into Rhys and Feyre." I replied as I came to her. She was sorting out new brushes. Brea had her brown hair up in a bun, the red streaks stood out in this type of style. Her amber eyes stood out against her honey coloured skin as well as her many freckles that dusted her rosy cheeks.
"How was that?" She asked as I sat down next to her, helping her with the sorting. "Went okay. We are invited to Feyre's party though." I said. "So I've heard. I guess we should go shopping soon, then." She replied softly, her movement never faltering. "I guess so. But I was just going to use one of my own gowns, just dress it up a little." A sigh came from her, before she shook her head. "Like always. You should get Nate to buy you something. At least a new piece of jewellery. I overheard at the docks that a new shipment of opals had come in, some in the most vivid colours."
"Eh," I shrugged a little, "I don't really want him to spend money on something I won't ever use again." Having riches didn't really appeal to me, as much as I loved sparkly items… It just seemed tedious and not worth it. "And? So what? In the future you may need it again. Velaris offers so much beautiful things, stuff you won't encounter at other Courts." Brea had stopped her sorting to look at me, "But if you don't want Nate to spend his money, then why don't you spend it on yourself? I pay you enough, don't I?" I nodded. "Then? What do you do with the money?"
"I give it to Azariah and pay the treatment for Devyn's legs." I replied, still sorting the brushes. "Okay, I understand. I don't want to seem rude or anything but you should get Azariah to find a job at least. She is old enough to be somewhat independent of herself." Brea was right but spending most of my lifetime caring for them… it became a habit for me to just keep them safe and well. "Even so, don't you save anything? A few coins?" This time I stopped, turning the brush in my hand.
"I don't have anything at all, I use it all on my siblings." Which was why Azariah's wardrobe was full of the most expensive gowns and jewellery. "Viviana…" Brea trailed off, concern laced her tone. "Can we not talk about this? I just want to finish this off." There goes the small happiness I had.
"Okay." She simply said. I had intended to tell her what I found out but I didn't feel it, another day, so it seems.
"I knew my clothes would fit you," Nishka grinned as she turned me around so I could look at myself in the body length mirror. The high waist skirt was stunning; it was of metallic blue and looked like it captured the night sky. Two slits ran on either side, exposing my legs. With it, was a black top that came off my shoulder, revealing the freckles I had on my shoulders. It came to my wrists and showed off a lot of my midriff. The only thing I did not like was how prominent my collarbones had come to be.
I wore a crystal ear cuff on both my ears. I had a half up half down hairstyle, same crystals held up my hair. Light kohl was added and some foundation to hide the paleness of my face. "Are you sure you have nothing else to hide this?" I pinched my stomach, grimacing at the amount of skin I grabbed. Nishka batted my hand away, "Nope. You look fine, like a Goddess." She hugged me tightly.
"Says you." I looked her up and down. She wore a single long piece of light purple chiffon that went around her neck and just covered her breasts before crisscrossing behind her. She wore low waist pants made of the same material but puffed out at her ankles. Her hair was pulled back and sat high on her head; only two curls framed the side of her face that had some sparkly material woven in. She also added some glitter underneath her eyes.
She snorted as she shoved some flats in my hands and I slipped them on. "Yeah, yeah. You are the one with the glittery wings." Once my shoes were on she took my arm and dragged me out of my room. "You will make jaw drops."
Quite literally as we came to the foyer. The boys, especially Nate, were all taken aback at my entrance. Nate wore black pants and a tunic that was earthy brown; the edgings were of gold material. Whenever he moved, there was an illusion on the material, making little swirling shapes. He had left it undone at the top, to expose that tanned and inked chest of his.
"By the Cauldron." He whispered as I came right to him, I grinned. "How did you get convinced to wear this?" He slipped an arm around me, his fingers tickled my sides. "I kind of put a blindfold on her…" Nishka feigned innocent, placing her fingers just under her bottom lip and shifting on either foot.
"I like it, looks good on you." 'Yes, because it shows the parts you want to put your mouth on.' I thought peeved. Looking at the others, the boys had dressed similarly; Rahuel was in a light blue tunic with silver embellishments depicting shells. A belt made entirely of pearls sat at his waist. While Vhen and Ereus wore what I had seen them in yesterday. 'Lazy.' I thought.
"Splendid." Vhen and Ereus nodded, giving me snarky grins. "I'd say dazzling actually." Rahuel gave me one of his kind smiles. I rolled my eyes at everyone, "Don't be so sentimental."
"It's true, Viv." Raella came down the stairs behind us. She had chosen an extremely revealing piece. Two strips of deep red silk came down from her neck and covered just her breasts and her lower regions with a metal belt with a single ruby in the middle. It was the only thing that kept the material from flying everywhere.
"Okay." I didn't believe them. "Enough chatting, our carriages are waiting." Nishka clapped and herded us out. Brea had come down as well; she took my arm pulling me aside.
"Be safe, okay?" She gave me a gentle hug; she never once had gone out and always stayed home. "I will don't worry." I patted her back as she let go. "Just, take extra care. And don't be shy if someone asks you to dance."
"Good luck to them, they have to go through Nate if they want to get near me." I pressed my lips together, perturb at what Nate would do if another male came near me. "Why did you even invite him?" She asked lowly, she always had her suspicions of Nate. I wondered how much she knew about him. "I don't know, he wasn't pleased at the time so I thought if he came along it would ease him," I admitted that much.
"He won't let you out of his sight, you know that, right?" I nodded; he'd be the baby to my hip tonight. "If he gets a bit handsy, I'll tell him." I hugged her again, she didn't seem too happy at the idea but ushered me out.
"Have fun." She called as I got into the front carriage; the boys had gotten in the second one. Finally, the carriage took off.
I didn't expect the building to be literally hanging off the edge, as the name stated, 'On Edge'. It was a three levelled building and was massive. Balconies surrounded the whole building, with the top one that hung off the side quite far. I could see High Fae and other Fae kind milling about and dancing to the thundering music. It was a bit of a walk up the steep hill, faelights along the winding pathway. Many wore garments and many choose to be just in their own skin. Nate was eyeing some so I punched him in the shoulder, I gave him a pointed look and he muttered something under his breath.
Standing atop the stairs was Aida; she had gone ahead to secure us a booth in the top level. Aida wore tight fitting pants made of bright red leather and a single band of material across her chest. Unlike us girls with our hair out, she pulled hers into a very tight bun, not a single strand left out.
Quick greetings she said, "Come, come, we need claim our place." We followed her in, and I instantly wanted out once I entered. 'So many bodies.' I thought as we trudged through, the dance floor was packed. I doubt anyone in the middle could've escaped that prison.
Nate had held my arm to steady me, "Tell me and we can leave." He said closely to my ear, I shook my head as we weaved through the pillars that held the mezzanine above. There was a large chandelier that hung lowly above the dancing people, the faelights were all sorts of colours, and casting splashes of it across the room. The two top levels were open in the middle so you could peer down at the main floor.
The third level was a bit more tamed, people still danced but it wasn't tightly packed in. Low tables and chairs were strewn about, filled with Fae sitting in laps and laughing.
The lighting was dulled to almost darkness, but the glowing faelights emitted off a golden hue. My sight kicked in and I was able to distinguish each face. I let my eyes slide over to the other side and I had come to a dead stop. A male, no more than in his mid-twenties. I could tell he was High Fae for the exquisite clothing he wore. The long sleeved tunic was the colour of rain clouds, and the metallic look was of the ivory stitching that covered it all. The gold belt sat at his waist, there was little stones pressed into it.
The male had paused, his drink held to his lips as he stared right back at me. Our gazes met and a sudden… What? I could not describe what it was but something had set in place in my soul. Like a missing piece had emerged from staring at him and made its home. And that small thing felt like embers waiting to be brought alive, a mental touch of it seemed to make it grow.
Someone touched my shoulder and I jumped out of the trance and looked at Nate, he fumed. "Don't do that again." He grabbed my arm and pulled me to the booth my friends sat. I was still in a bit of a daze and looked back where I saw the stranger, he wasn't there.
I craned my neck but I couldn't catch a glimpse of him, too many people had obscured my view. I still kept peering around, trying to be subtle about it as I was yanked down in Nate's lap.
"Viviana, what are you looking at?" Nate touched my chin and turned my attention to him. "Oh, nothing." I smiled tightly but kissed him softly so he couldn't question me further. His shoulders relaxed as his arms moved around my waist, tugging me closer.
"Ugh! Stop it you two! I came here to dance, not watch you two make out." Nishka rolled her eyes as she wiggled her way out of the booth, Rahuel who was sitting beside her watched. She took another swig of her drink and held out her hand to me, "Come on." Tipsy Fae stumbled behind her and I tightened my arms around Nate's neck, shaking my head quickly.
"I uh, might skip it… If that's okay." Nishka shrugged and looked at Aida who began to stand, "Your loss." Nishka hooked her arm around Aida's before they skipped away, knowing Rahuel he would go and watch over them. And he did, he stood and left the booth without a word.
It left Nate and myself, Vhen, Ereus and Raella had already mingled. "So much for having fun." Nate murmured next to my ear, pressing his lips to my neck as his hands once again slithered up my bare legs. I shuddered a little, tilting my head to the side so he could have more space to work. "Why don't we escape somewhere private? Does the idea of my head between your legs turn you on?"
'Sex, sex, sex. That's all he thinks about.' I grabbed his hand and stopped it before it could reach any higher. "Why don't we enjoy the night without having to kiss and lick each other?" Nate raised his eyebrows, sitting back. His finger gently caressed my lower back, making me sit up straighter. "Hm? Someone's a little on edge tonight." his hand found its spot again high up on my thigh, I moved to make myself comfy on his lap.
"Can we go at least a day without doing that? I just… I just want to be held by you…" There was a flash of animosity in his eyes but it went away just as quick as it came. He grinned lopsidedly and removed his hand from my thigh, "Of course, Silvy. Anything you wish." I settled down in his arms, resting my head on his shoulder.
I didn't know how long we were like that for but he shifted and I sat up. "Want me to get you a drink?" He asked. I did feel a little dehydrated, as it was quite stuffy in here. "Okay, anything sweet." I said as I got off his lap. "You're sweet enough." He kissed my cheek and I blushed lightly at his comment. 'He never usually compliments me like that.' I thought as my heart gave a small leap.
He was swallowed up instantly in the crowd and I snuggled back into the booth, I let my shadows emerge and listened to the many conversations around me. Most were boring, bland topics, some were incoherent and lewd voices so I backed out immediately. I made a face as I fiddled with the silky material that made my skirt; I started to have regrets coming here. What in Mothers name made me wish to come to such a… compact place? The more I looked around, the jittery I became. Especially when I saw a few eyes on me, sensing the fervour spill from the Fae males.
I needed out. Right now. My heart was beating too fast and I- Three men stepped in the way, so I was trapped in the booth. I collapsed backwards, trying to press myself as hard as I could into the booth. "What an exquisite thing, hm?" They were no older than twenty-five, the left one that spoke had light chestnut hair cut short to the nape of his neck and his eyes were a light brown, streaks of amber from the pupil. The middle one, who smirked as if he was eyeing a feast, had eyes of metal grey that matched the ever-shifting hair that grew to his shoulders. Little horns that curved upwards protruded from his temples. There was also a long scaled tail flicked with eagerness behind him, barbed with some kind of liquid that was leaking from it.
"Aye, she's so… delectable. I'd love to taste her, I can smell how delicious she is." The last one, a shiver ran down my spine when I saw those eyes. Black, endless, pits with a single white slit that acted like a pupil of some sort. His skin was greyish blue as if he was in the water for too long. His hands were webbed and clawed, I could see the veins in the thin skin between each finger, and it was green almost.
"May we sit down?" The first mused, but they started to slide in before I could even answer. I started to freak out, my shadows coiling around my arms creating a layer of what looked like overlapping scales.
I recognised what the armour was, and something in me snapped and it overtook my body. It felt like the other morning when I woke from my nightmare, but this time… I did not know what was different. It seemed I had a grip on it. I was suddenly moving forward and did a front flip over the table before those hands could reach me then I was on my feet and spun to face the three Fae males.
They were… They were entangled by my shadows, their arms pinned to their sides and it looked like I was choking them. They stared at me with utter fear; even the nearby Fae seemed to back up away from me. Power surged through my veins, fuelling that fear that had filled me. My arms had now become encased in the scale armour, just like the spymaster and the commander usually wore.
Shadows pooled at my feet, connected to the ones around the men. 'Kill.' That one command in my head, a voice to far to understand or know its gender. 'Kill the monsters,' it crooned. I was totally unaware of my hand rising, the shadows moving up as well in time. 'That's it. Almost-'
It was all gone in a matter of seconds; the shadows seemed to run away. The men sat there fear struck before the stumbled out of the booth and were gone. I felt the cool, strong hands on my bare shoulders. I turned to see who it was, to see those hands and saw that horrible scarring. A deep, cobalt siphon sat atop his palm and was glowing a little.
Slowly, the spymaster turned me around and I met those lovely hazel eyes, calm but held lethalness to them. His face was shadowed in the dimness, "Come." His single command, I couldn't tell whether he was mad or not. So I followed him to the balcony that leant over the cliff. It was all open above but it was still very warm. 'What magic can do…' I thought as Azriel found a quiet corner, people seemed to move away.
He turned to me; I could see shadows rippling off that leather and scale armour. Though he looked harmless, without all the belts strapped to him and the weapons. But I knew that he did not need weapons, those siphons were the weapons.
"What was that?" He asked me bluntly, his face, so elegant and beautifully crafted, unreadable. "What was what? What just happened there? That… That I do not know." It was an honest reply, I had no idea what the hell I did but it felt satisfying.
'Satisfaction of someone dying by your hand.' I set my jaw tightly, memories wanting to rise up but I shoved them as hard as I could. 'No, not now.' I thought as Azriel continued to assess me like I was something stuck up on a podium. A small flame of anger in those glowing embers started. "Yet, you did it anyways." He said, his eyes ever so flicking to behind me then rested on me again.
"I guess it was just the panic I felt, I had nowhere else to go. I was literally trapped between those men…" I cupped my hand in front of me. Azriel placed a hand on my shoulder, a gentle squeeze as if he somewhat understood my situation. "You almost did a good job. If I had not come… Those men would be dead." He released my shoulder.
"Have you considered Rhys' recommendation?" He asked, there was a slight keenness to his tone. Just like Rhys was, both of them wanted me to train. But, again, my choice, Rhys said he would not push me. "I have, but I still need a few more days to consider it. It's just… A bit, how can I say… Big news, I guess. I want to have the right mindset before I jump into this." Azriel nodded, his black hair being lifted by the phantom wind. "Of course, just be careful." A slight tug at the corner of his lips before he walked past me, standing off to the side of the threshold inside the building was Morrigan. She looked at Azriel with such adoration as he pulled her close.
His smile was tender when he gazed at her, so longingly… I looked away, feeling like I was intruding on something intimate. Jealousy welled up in me, but I pushed it back as I stalked back inside. As I neared the booth, I realised it was now taken. I paused then looked around.
I was alone. I couldn't see Nate, or even know where he had gone off. I went over to the balustrade and peered down, maybe if I could spot my friends from up here… I did, I saw Nishka and Aida dancing. Though, they were somewhat packed between people near the edge. With what had happened I needed to be near someone, and looking for Nate wasn't an option.
I worked up my cool to head down, my heart starting to beat harder as I walked down. I kept to the wall as I tried to dodge the drunk Faeries, trying to keep those many shaped and coloured hands away from me.
I kept to the wall once I reached the first level, being at the top didn't seem so bad but here… Cauldron, I was starting to panic at the amount of bodies so close to me. I was being jostled around as I weaved through, I felt drinks being spilt on my legs and arms but paid no attention. 'Just get to Nishka, then this will go away.' I thought as I decided to cut right through the dance floor.
Oh, how much did I regret doing that. It was too much, too many people, to close… My head felt like it was going to explode; the music became merely an echo to my ears. Everything started to slow down and close in around me, my chest was tight as all my senses became muddled and confused.
Hands. All over my body. Touching me. Feeling me. I wanted to run, but I couldn't. I was trapped like a bird in a cage, my wings were being tugged and a sharp pain shot down my back as a feather was plucked. I turned to see that same male with the black eyes, holding the glittering feather to his nose.
"Delicious." I heard him say, it was more in my head, as his stitched up lips did not move. I didn't even notice that beforehand. With his webbed hand, he gripped my arm, "I wish to punish you, but you are too sweet to harm. Maybe I should punish you in other ways…" He mused.
I tried to shake him off but it was like my body wasn't letting me. As if I was trapped in my own skin and unable to control my limbs. The faerie pulled me closer; the coldness from him was a mixture of this strange pleasure and bliss. But it felt wrong. I stared at him, the background and the people around us seemed to melt and merge into one. "Don't be afraid, little princess. At least I'll be better than he will ever be to you-" But the faerie did not finish his line for he looked mortified.
His eyes widened as if he saw something. Then I felt it, heat rippled down my arms and the embers became alive. The faerie cried out and exploded in black dust that coated my arms and my face.
Yet, with the fire on my arms, no one seemed to notice at all. No one glanced my way as the dancing continued. I felt like fainting, I started to fall but arms wrapped around me and pulled me back to my feet.
My arm was placed over his shoulders as he pulled me out of the hellhole. His arm was around my waist, holding me tightly to his body. The world tipped and turned as I was taken to somewhere I did not know where. Then I was seated down and a glass was placed in my hands before I was made to drink it.
I downed it as another glass of water was given to me and I finished it just as quick. The world around me seemed to settle and I was able to gather my thoughts and notice where I was.
I was still in the vicinity of the building; I could see it looming up high. Though high hedges lined the entire garden, and there were tables, chairs and couches placed here and there. Some had small fire pits in the middle. Above faelights were strung across the entire garden making a web-like look.
I was taken to the far back, nestled in an alcove of the hedges. There was also a firepit here, my legs warming up from it. "What happened back there?" I jumped back and turned to the voice that spoke to me. Eyes widening I stared at the male I had seen earlier in the night. The fire seemed to make his red hair look like, well, actual fire. It brought out the deep reds and oranges, it even made that tanned skin glow. The shadows that cast unevenly brought out the sharp angle features of his face. I almost didn't notice that scar that ran down from his brow to his jaw, as if someone had clawed him and yanked out his eye. Leaving a golden orb that moved with the remaining russet eye.
I didn't even know I was gawking at him when he started to smirk, "You seem okay, with that star struck expression I doubt I'm that bad looking." Ah, so he's that type of person. I shook my head to rid of the daze and that strange pull to him. I finally looked away, staring intensely at the flickering fire. "Are you okay, actually? You still look a bit pale." There was a kindness to his tone and I calmed my racing thoughts before I felt okay to look at him.
"I think so, yeah." I looked at my arms, but there was no dust on them. Nothing that traced back to the unknown faerie. "Viviana!" Nate's worried call made me stand quickly. I saw he was making his way right to me, and he did not look happy at all. But I still ran at him, flinging myself and hugging him tightly. His arms encompassed me; "I was looking for you everywhere. Azriel had found me and told me what had happened… Oh, I'm so sorry Silvy, I shouldn't have left you alone for that long." I looked up at him and smiled faintly. "That's okay, you're here now. That's all it matters." Nate kissed my forehead before he looked at the fiery haired male.
"What are you doing with her?" All emotion fell away from his tone as he stared down at the other High Fae. Tension spiked up, unease settled in my stomach as I looked between the two. "She was panicking on the dance floor, she was, how can I say it… Being grabbed by others. I saw she wasn't in the right state of mind and pulled her out of it before she could collapse." Swift and right to the point, but he had left out the encounter with the Fae that had taken its attention on me. Why?
"Okay, thank you. You can go now." There was deadliness to Nate's tone and the stranger stiffened up, his brows slightly coming together as a troubled look crossed his face. "Just doing my job." He looked at me, he… Looked very worried before he walked past. I watched his back, the braid that came to just mid-length of his back swayed as he disappeared among the Fae.
Then I gave Nate a pointed look. "Why must you be so aggressive?" I asked as he looked down at me, the hard look now softened. "I guess I'm just a bit protective that's all." He touched my cheek as I leant into it. "I want to go home," I said softly, I was tired and was sick of being here.
"The slow route or the quick route?" He asked, a smirk playing along his lips. "Quick, please. I want to bathe and sleep." He nodded once before he swept me into his arms, holding my wings tightly to my back as he jumped up, and those powerful Illyrian wings beating and taking us into the air. Fae cried out as the wind blew out the fires, some cursed at us.
He flew up high into the deep onyx sky; thousands of stars blinked and twinkled. And below… It was a sight to behold. Velaris had its own stars, the lights that lined the many streets like rivers of gold. The Palaces were lit up in explosions of colours, especially the Rainbow.
The City of Starlight.
It always took the breath out of me, and whenever I was like this, Nate deliberately flew longer, circling the city before he slowly descended down to the estate that sat atop the hill. A few Fae walked the streets but were not shaken by the landing of Nate. He did not set me down as he walked through the gates and into the house.
He took me to my room before he finally placed me on my feet. "I'll prepare your bath." He said, kissing my forehead again as he went into the adjoining bathroom. I stripped of the clothing, remembering to give it back to Nishka tomorrow. I took out my pins in my hair so it fell around my waist. I stretched my wings, glitter being thrown about as I groaned at the pleasurable feeling. I needed to fly soon, ease out the tightness in my back.
Naked, I walked into the bathroom, the steam that wafted from the sunken tub made me groan at the sight. It was huge, enough to fit wings. Especially Illyrian ones. Nate grinned at me, "Bath is ready." He was still dressed, I felt thankful as I was in no mood to play. Though his eyes looked me up and down, a slight worry at his lip as I walked past him, stepped up the one step and got right into the hot water. "Thank you," I said, sinking further down and sitting on the little seats that jutted out from the edge. "Anything for you." It seemed odd for Nate behaving like this, but I was somewhat pleased.
He left me alone, and I tended to myself. I spent at least an hour or so before I got out, dried myself and slipped into my floor length nightdress. These were much more comfortable than wearing the ones that came to knee length or less. Coming out, Nate had fallen asleep in the canopy bed; he even had started the fire while I was in the bath so the room was much toasty. He had pulled the curtains together and left my side open. I got under the covers and snuggled right against him, he mumbled something before he slung an arm over my body and held me there.
And for a first, no nightmares claimed me. It was like the waiting embers in me kept them at bay. Whatever it was, I sent a silent thank you to it.