Chapter 2

I woke up in the late morning to the sun shining on my face, I rolled over in bed to see a tray of fresh food was placed in the spot the dinner tray had been. I looked to it in longing but also having the urge to relive myself I tentatively swung my legs over the side of the bed and lowered my feet to the floor. I tested out the strength in my legs before slowly trying to stand on them leaning onto the side table for support. I made my way to the wall so I could lean onto it as I slowly made my way to the bathing room. I final made it to the toilet and I stared at the large bathing tub longing for a bath. I was washing my hands when a women appeared in the mirror behind me.

I shrieked and tried to whirl around but my shaky legs fell out from under me and I landed on my bottom with thud. Breathing deeply I realized she was a healer by her clothes. She gave me an apologetic look as she tried explaining wo she was. She must have remembered something when she pulled out a notepad and started scribbling. She handed it to me.

'hello my name is Moyra I am a healer in the court of nightmares. I was told you couldn't hear but I am here to examine your legs. I was told you spoke nicely so feel free to ask me any questions.' I gave her a small smile and I saw her look out to where the door was to the bedroom and call out to someone.

In a moment Azriel strode in and was by my side helping me stand from the floor. His touch was firm yet gentle as his scarred hands helped steady me one hand in mine and another around my waist. As he led me to the bed to be examined I noticed there was a female in the room she was tall though due to my stunted growth in this body from neglect nearly everyone was taller than I was. Azriel alone was at least a full foot taller than I was.

She was beautiful with honey brown hair and blue eyes, she was wearing black leather fighting gear that I used to see males at the camp I was supposed to be from wearing. She gave me a soft smile as Azriel helped me onto the bed and the healer came up to examine my legs.

My name is Feyre and I am high lady of the night court Rhysand whom you met last night is my mate. I am here to help translate for you. I jumped a little but was not taken so much by surprise this time I gave her a small unsure smile as the healer rolled up my pant legs to my knees and began assessing the frostbite on my legs and applied an ointment to them. She also applied it to my ears the tip pf my nose and to my fingers.

"thank you." I final said giving her a small smile and I cold see her lips move as I was sure she was giving me care instructions I assumed.

She says to apply the ointment twice a day until the discoloration goes away and to avoid and extremely hot water as it could cause more damage to the healing skin. It should only take a week for it to heal completely. She is however concerned about your body weight and general health. I sighed happy that my legs would heal up without any serious issues.

"thank you for all of your help, I will be very careful and apply the ointment as directed." I said feeling every word reverberating through my chest hoping it came out clearly. He healer gave me a small smile and nodded to me then she turned and bowed to Feyre before leaving.

So our inner circle has taken a vote and we have decided to take you into our home and as part of our inner circle. Feyre said into my mind giving me a small smile. Rhysand said he looked into your past and thinks you need a strong support system and you will end up playing a much larger role in… some of our lives. She finished that last part glancing at Azriel, I wondered what she meant but brushed it off I was too tired to try and translate that look.

We will leave soon Azriel will take you to our home in Velaris when we get there we will have our other healer Madja take a look at you. She gave me a soft smile before saying something to Azriel and leaving the room. Azriel then scribbled on his notepad again telling me we were leaving in ten minutes and he would be back for me, before he left my room.

Just as they had left a couple of shadows appeared in my room next to the large wardrobe. I froze not knowing what to think of the strange shadowy figures now pulling out a heavy cloak and a warm looking tunic with matching pants. They slowly came toward me holding out the clothing to me. I pulled on the tunic and pants along with a hat to cover my frostbit ears and some gloves. I looked down to my feet frowning a bit, I couldn't wear shoes over my bandages and painful skin. Buckling on the cloak still sitting on the bed trying to be gentle with my damaged skin when the two shadows disappeared and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Whirling around as quickly as I could on the bed with my feet as painful as they were I threw out my arm ready to try and strike my attacker. I thought I was swinging hard until a scarred hand caught my wrist with ease, and I looked up to see a surprised Azriel holding onto my arm. He grinned at me a second later and held us his notepad.

'I promise I knocked.' It read as his grin tuned sheepish.

"I'm sorry." I said dropping my hand down to my side. "I guess I'm just jumpy after all that time in the dark." I could feel my voice escaping my chest through my lips, my cheeks flushing a bit embarrassed at my attempt to protect myself and my utter lack of strength. Azriel started jotting down on his notepad.

'you have nothing to apologize for.' And as if reading something in my expression added to the note. 'we can work on your strength once you have healed and put on some weight.' He smiled gently at me and looked outside, he really was beautiful I took his image and I could see the fine features of his face. I felt that little glimmer again, a tightening in my gut I got only when I looked at him. He had finally realized I was staring and I turned away blushing.

He held out his arm to me as if silently telling me it was time to go. I glanced down frowning at my bandaged uncovered feet, oh well it would just be a short trip. I nodded and took his arm, he swept me up into his arms and walked us to the open balcony one arm under the back of my knees and one supporting my back. I felt a yelp leave my lips and I put one arm around the back of his neck and placed the other on his chest bracing myself for take off.

He bent his knees a bit before launching us off the balcony and into the snowy sky catching us smoothly on his graceful wings. I stared in awe of them and him and then to the world below us. Tears started forming in my eyes looking at what I had been missing out on, I was determined to get flying as soon as my body would allow. I couldn't stop the tears as I looked up at Azriels face, he smiled at me and I understood. He knew I needed to see this, knew I needed to feel what flying was like.

"I used to fly with my father." Was all I could get out, my given memories flashing to my mind. A smiling father teaching me how to fly, my mother on the ground cheering me on as I flapped my tiny wings. I think this version of me used to be loved, used to be happy. I glanced down at the trees down below us and then back up to Azriels face. He was looking forward and I followed his gaze when I noticed a glow of lights on the horizon getting larger. Squinting I finally noticed it was a city, a fairly large city surrounded by mountains with a glittering river flowing lazily through it.

I could feel Azriel talking as his voice reverberated through his chest and I looked up at him. My face must have said it all when he frowned and then slowly mouthed 'sorry'. I gave a small smile and glanced back at the city, we were getting closer and I could make out people moving though the streets carrying shopping bags and going in and out of shops. As we got closer I could see row of houses with lawns, children playing and couples conversing.

Azriel started slowing and easing us to the ground, we landed on a street in front of a townhouse with an iron gate.