Auriela

My palms grew clammy as the High Lord looked me over. His forest green eyes seemed to smolder as they caressed every inch they laid upon. I had never felt so laid bare, and yet in that moment, I felt a soft tug. Like he had tied a knot in my belly and pulled me closer. He asked my name and every word was a sensual purr. My body responded, and I flushed with embarrassment. Could the others tell? What was this? I shook my head and replied, "Aurelia, High Lord." I gave him a half smile and tried but failed to hide my body's betrayal as the thin fabric of my dress pulled at the tightness in my breasts. I willed my body to calm but to no avail. He smiled at me again his grin turned almost feral as he looked me over once more. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Aurelia," he returned and dragged his eyes to meet mine once more. A whirl of light and stars speckled my vision and all at once my mind was heavy and light, dark and brightened.

My body relaxed in his gaze as we said nothing. Allowing our bodies to feel the full capacity of what was truly happening. He's my…mate. I thought as a wave of fear and something I didn't quite understand overwhelmed me. Was that love? Adoration? I didn't know. As a child, I had been denied the normalcy of affection by my parents. They didn't live long enough to truly show me anything but the inside of a sparring ring. I gave him a half smile out of confusion and understanding. My mate. I thought again and a slight tug at that invisible string had me moving closer. I willed my feet to stop, but they continued on their path. It wasn't until a voice broke through the drumming in my ears that I halted only a few feet from him.

"Aurelia…" Feyre's words interjected my thoughts softly. A beckoning tone in her voice. She knew. She had seen it all through me. In my delirium, I had let my mental shields falter, and who knows what I had been screaming at her. I shook my head and met her eyes. Her brows creased, but she smiled with understanding. She spoke to me mind to mind, Are you alright? I…felt you…and your…bond. I nodded and confusion contorted my face again. My eyes spun back to the High Lord. I took in every inch of him. My heart swelled at the very sight of him. The way his eyes had turned so soft. His posture had changed to a relaxed and poised stance. His lips set into a doting smile, all just for me. His golden hair blowing in the breeze as it carried the scent of roses, and heavy woods. His scent. It filled my senses and made everything brighter.

I flushed crimson as he stepped closer eyeing me for approval. I didn't move. My heart quickened, and my body tensed. Not in fear of what he might do, but fear of what I did not understand. I opened my mouth to speak, but Cassian blurted, "Lay a hand on her, and I'll make sure your balls are displayed in MY study." He accentuated the two words with a certain malice that confusion again overcame me. A firm hand clasped my shoulder. Cassian stood behind me pulling me toward the entryway from which we came. "I don't care what you felt Auri. He is not the one for you." His tone was reserved, cold. The voice he saved for intimidating his enemies. I looked back over my shoulder at him once more. His beautiful emerald eyes lined with silver as if he was in pain at the sight of me leaving. I gave him a soft look before the doors to the entryway slammed shut. "Why?" the words came out harsher than I had anticipated. Cassian froze and spun on his heel. "That is not my story to tell." He ran his hand down his face in frustration and sighed. "He's done…terrible things." The words hit me like a fist to the gut. I paused and whispered, "What sort of things?" Cassian merely shook his head before stating, "Not my story. Ask Rhys. He will be thrilled to hear that you've found your mate in a…" He stopped himself and frowned his voice taking on a certain edge that had a shiver crawling down my spine as he said, "Auri, just stay away from him." He stepped closer and held my gaze placing either hand on my shoulders. "Promise me you will stay away until you talk to Rhys." I frowned, but nodded to him in agreement, even if the simple gesture stung like a hot blade to my skin.

"Good." He murmured and smiled his playful smile, it did not reach his eyes. "You had better fly ahead of us to the house of wind. We will catch up with you in a moment." I opened my mouth to protest, but Cassian was already through the double doors leading to the foyer. I sighed heavily and quickly reran what had just happened. My mate. The inner voice cooed at me, and my heart thudded wildly in my chest in response. I turned my head to the window. The brisk wind rustled the lilac gossamer curtains on either side and tickled my wings. I flared them softly as I stepped closer to the edge. One step over and I was falling. My mind cleared and the scent of sea and citrus filled the air. I opened my wings to their full capacity and I was one with the wind. It carried me across the sky is a smooth glide. The clouds caressed the tender flesh of the membranes. I cataloged the city skyline as I neared Velaris. The beauty of it sending a smile to lips and a squeeze to my heart. Home. My mind purred as my smiled softened.

I neared the House of Wind and banked left to land atop the smooth mountaintop. Even in the darkness, I saw him, standing atop the enormous building. Rhys stood with his hands in his pockets and stared up at the star-flecked sky. His face fixed in what looked to be concern or confusion or both. I pulled my wings back and swiftly landed in front of him. I laid my head into a bow, "Good evening, High Lord." He stared at me a moment longer lost in his thoughts, I shifted under the weight of his eyes. Even after all these years I still found him intimidating at times, he was gentle but protective. He cared for me like a brother would care for a sister, a feat that I would forever be grateful for. "The others will be on their way shortly." He nodded softly, "I know." He murmured, barely a whisper. I frowned and chewed the inside of my lip, "You know then…" I lowered my head and waited for his reprimand, but it never came. "Auri, walk with me. We have much to discuss, and I'm afraid not very much time to do so." His smile did not reach his eyes as he came to stand at my side, "I need to tell you a very important story about my mother, and sister." We walked together down the steps of the house toward the dining room, and in the whisper of the wind he to me a tale of betrayal, revenge, and a heavy sadness.

Tamlin

My breaths came quickly as I sized up the warrior before me. His eyes blazed with a protective glint and he stood as if ready to brawl. "Where is she?" I asked looking past him to the doors she had disappeared through. Cassian folded his arms but remained silent. "Please, Cassian. Where is she?" I willed my voice to a plea and relaxed my taut body. Given my…history with the Illyrians I knew this was going to be hard enough as it was, no need for me to be abrasive. I calmed the primal mating instincts and waited for his reply. Cassian rolled his eyes and shook his head before unfolding his arms. "I sent her ahead of us to the House of Wind. Rhys was waiting for her there." Cassian looked to Feyre and she gave a shallow nod as if in confirmation of his statement. She then turned her attention back to me and frowned slightly, "Tamlin…" She trailed my name with such concern as she continued, "She is fragile. A magnificently skilled warrior and worthy opponent in combat, but she is…" She paused and choked on a small sob. "She's trying to find her place in this world. It's been twenty years since she came to live in Velaris, and she still has not completely acclimated." Her frown deepened as she added, "Despite our efforts to include her." I frowned in return and whispered gently, "Perhaps she was missing something vital…" The words were vain, but I knew she of all people would understand.

Her eyes met mine and she sighed softly. "Please just give her time to process this. She's confused and she will need time to truly grasp the weight of it all." I stared at her for a moment silently debating if I had the strength to abide by her wishes. My eyes cut to Cassian who surveyed me through narrowed eyes. His lips a thin line. I winced under the weight of it and turned back to Feyre and nodded in agreement. "I will do whatever she needs of me." Feyre smiled softly and nodded, "Thank you." I shrugged my shoulders slightly and surveyed the two Illyrian males.

"So…I would assume by those looks I am taking the stairs?" A smile set in on my lips and I laughed a breathy laugh. Feyre rolled her eyes but returned my smile. The Illyrians relaxed slightly and shared a look between each other. The shadowsinger stepped forward and threw a thumb over his shoulder toward Cassian, "It's safe to say that I will be the one transporting you. I can't trust Cassian to not 'accidentally' drop you." I looked over his shoulder at the malicious grin spreading across Cassian's face. My throat went dry and I nodded in agreement. We prepared for flight, and my stomach twisted. Azriel had instructed me on what to do, and I had listened intently.

We took position on the veranda. One moment we were on the glimmering black marble floor, the next we launched into the sky. I closed my eyes and waited for it to be over. "Welcome to Velaris." The shadowsinger said as I opened my eyes. My jaw dropped as the skyline came into view. The city sparkled with a certain resilience. The starlight reflected in the wide spans of sea was breathtaking. From the north bits and pieces of colorful buildings peaked into view. My mouth hung open in the awe of it. The beauty of the ancient, secret city. We banked left and began to near a large flat topped mountain. Small windows and doors embellished the stone, where light glimmered behind them. The Illyrians shifted their wings and we began our decent right toward it. Before I knew it, we were landing. The wind whistling past us in the cool night. "Welcome to the House of Wind, Tamlin." Feyre said as she gestured to the calm city. The sound of footsteps on the nearby stairs interrupted the howling wind, and Rhys appeared before all of us. His face was calm, collected, but the smile he wore did not quite reach his eyes. "Welcome, Tamlin." He murmured as he motioned for us to descend the stairs. "Come now, we have many things to discuss." His words sent a shudder of guilt and pain through me. I nodded and countered his statement with, "Indeed we do."