The females were getting better, even after a few days off. It was a week later and we were training an hour earlier than usual in the hope we'd get more covered. The females had happily agreed, much to my relief. I'd definitely noticed an improvement in their speed and technique these days and many were getting stronger too. It was the perfect distraction, a good way to occupy my time. I stood up straighter, aware that we had attracted an audience. Male warriors and Lord Devlon stood, watching us, arms crossed.

I called out the orders, one-by-one, and in perfect synchronization, the female warriors moved.

"Great work!" I told them, "You're excused." The females collected their belongings and headed off as I made my way over to the target range. Their aims were getting better too, particularly those specializing in knife throwing and archery. A few had even reached the bullseye on the target. I twirled a knife and then through it at the dummy target. It hit its mark, the heart and I smiled.

"The females seem to be enjoying their sessions," Lord Devlon had approached me, as I'd expected he might, his usual right-hand warriors flanking him.

"They do," I agreed, "And I would say they are progressing well."

"They would need to take the blood rite, of course, as would you. To become a true warrior."

There was unpleasantness in his words and I remember that the Inner Circle disliked him.

"I'm not sure your test is relevant." I asked, throwing two knives at once. One hit the target's head, the other the crotch. Two of Devlon's warriors flinched. "Surely a warrior proves themselves by showing honor in battle." His upper lip curled and he snarled but it was a snarl I returned. "Do not threaten me, Lord Devlon."

His eyes narrowed, "Do not think that I am not aware where you have come from, Lady Mayar. I knew your father well and I'd recognize his technique anywhere." He lowered his voice, "Do not forget that I have allowed you to seek haven here. How quick that could change." I didn't miss the threat in his voice as he stalked off, his men in tow.

"Bastard," I hissed under my breath, moving to remove my blades. Strapping them back onto my leg, I launched myself into the sky, aware and not caring that Devlon's men were still watching me.

I could smell food when I got back to my house and my stomach growled. I'd not eaten since breakfast and now I was regretting it. "One hell of a thief, cooking for me before stealing my belongings," I called out to be greeted by a soft chuckle. I walked into the kitchen doorway where Azriel was stood beside Nuala, reading whilst she cooked the dinner. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I thought I'd pop by on my way back from the Steppes."

"The Steppes?"

"Why don't you have a bath and put on something more comfortable?" He suggested and I remembered I was still fully armed and in my leathers. I nodded and headed to the bathroom with fresh clothes. I loved this bath. It was huge, unlike the small tub I'd used at Emerie's place. What I loved more was that it had already been filled and smelt divine thanks to whatever scents Azriel had brought with him from Velaris.

Clean and smelling great, and in fresh clothes, I headed to the dining room, where Azriel was just setting the table. Nuala had already vanished, but the food she'd left behind was exactly what I needed after a long day.

"Steppes?" I prompted as the shadowsinger, tucked into his food across from me. "Spying?"

He gave a nod, "Seeing what Ironcrest has been up to. Not much, it would seem."

"They'll strike again." I frowned as did he.

"They will," He agreed, "It's just a case of when and where. We're afraid to just go in and take them all out as we doubt it's the whole of the camp feeling this way and if they had more followers…"

"It would cause a war."

"Exactly."

We finished our dinner in silence and I didn't argue when he insisted on washing up. My body was aching. I'd flown quite a distance after the training that morning and then I'd pushed myself with chores. All a distraction, I reminded myself, because I had missed him. I perched myself on the kitchen counter and watched as the muscles in his back and arms moved through his shirt as he washed the dishes. He was a God, just like I'd thought when I'd first seen him, and I very much enjoyed looking at him. My body heated up and he turned around, as if feeling my stare, just like I had felt his on Calanmai. A smile when he caught me staring. I grabbed myself a glass of water, drinking it as I made my way into the living room and sat myself on the sofa, spreading out my wings.

"You've been out flying today," He guessed as he came in to join me.

"Possibly may have overdone it," I said, rolling my shoulders.

"May I?" He asked and I turned around so that he could check them over. He didn't touch them but I felt his gaze and could picture him scanning the wings, every inch, for harm.

"It's more my back and shoulders," I explained. "I was pissed, I got carried away."

"Pissed at what?"

"Devlon."

"Ah," He replied. "What's he done this time?" His hands started to massage my neck and bare shoulders and I released a sigh.

"He wants me and the other females to take the blood rite."

"No," Azriel's answer was almost a low growl and his hands paused on my upper back.

"That's what I told him," I replied. "No way in hell am I risking their lives like that."

"Good," His voice was softer again as were his hands. I had no idea what kind of balm or oil he was massaging into my skin but it felt wonderful. "That's all I can reach without…"

Ah. I caught on and blushed. "That's great, thank you." I folded my wings and turned back to face him. His fingers brushed over my rosy cheeks and he kissed me, softly. I'd missed it, I realized. The warmth, the closeness, the tingling sensation. I let myself sink into his embrace and he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. It suddenly felt warmer in the house and I was surprised when Azriel broke the kiss, wrapping his arms around me instead, pulling me so that my head rested on his chest.

He'd stayed over. We'd fallen asleep on my comfortable bed and he'd held me all night. I'd slept wonderfully.

"Did I see a certain Illyrian warrior leaving your house this morning?" Lina asked as we walked towards the training ring the following morning.

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"You're a terrible liar," She laughed and nudged me with her soldier. "So what really happened in Velaris?"

I'd not spoken about it, had kept it to myself purely for selfish reasons and because I didn't want to gossip. But then… That word drifted into my mind again and I wondered if Lina could offer some advice.

"The Inner Circle are lovely," I told her, honestly. "There was a Calanmai feast with amazing food and dancing… and the dress I wore was beautiful… and then the following day Azriel kissed me."

"Knew it," She whispered. "You've seen different since you came back."

I fiddled with my braid, "I'm not sure how to explain it… I mean it was my first kiss," She gawped but I ignored it. "I've always felt drawn to him," I admitted. "And then whenever we touch, I feel like my skin is buzzing and the kiss… well…" I had no words and my cheeks flushed as she studied me.

"Perhaps he's your mate," She offered. "I mean, I can't speak from experience, but that doesn't sound normal to me. It sounds like something… more. And I've seen the way he watches you. It's intense. I can't explain it… You need to talk to him."

"This isn't something I can just bring up over the dinner table," I said pointedly.

"Well, I suppose it is," She shrugged, "Don't you just have to offer them food if you're willing to accept it?" She was right, I realized. It was the slip-up comment I'd made previously. "When is he next back?"

"I'm not sure," I admitted, "He had some business to attend to."

"Then I suppose all you can do is wait and see what happened."

I waited. Two weeks, three times and not a sign. Every time I headed home for the evening, I'd hope to see him sitting there or a bath waiting for me or the smell of dinner drifting through the air. It was a waiting game. Was he my mate? Wasn't he? Was I just falling head over heels with some warrior I could never truly have? I was a nervous fool, that's what I been turned into. So I worked harder. More time training, more time practicing my own technique.

Lord Devlon and his warriors were spectators of our training more and more. Most days they'd be gone before we finished and at times I wondered if I'd imagined their presence. But I was sure they were watching us. Waiting for a slip up or a challenge.

"A word," He said one morning. Not an offer, not a suggestion, a command. And as the Lord of the camp, I had to report to him.

I followed him to what I assumed was his office. A messy wooden hut with paperwork and a large table with a map on it. I spotted the names of the other camps and my stomach twisted at the site of Thornhill crossed out. We were no longer players in that game.

"You may go," Devlon said to the two guards flanking him and they headed outside. "A seat?" He offered, sitting himself in an armchair. The other armchair was tattered, old, but I sat on it anyway. "Still making good progress, I see."

"Indeed."

"The Blood Rite will be in two weeks," He said, "I would like to invite you to take part."

"Have we not already had this discussion, Lord Devlon?"

"Every bit your father's daughter," His smile was feline, "Which is why I have an offer for you."

I folded my arms, "I'm not sure I particularly feel like making a bargain with you."

But he ignored me, continuing, "If you take the blood rite, then I will never ask your females to do the same." The words hung in the air a moment before he continued. "I will make you commander of the first all-female Illyrian legion and no females will be subject to such rite. Ever again."

I swallowed. It was quite the offer.

One day, baby girl, you're going to change the world.

I mulled it over in my mind. One female warrior's sacrifice for all the others. It was dangerous, deadly. Many would die. And I may have to do the killing. But then… But then the females had the right to fight.

"You have a deal."