Madja carefully wrapped my wings before sitting down beside me. "I was able to heal most of the damage, but in order for it to heal fully it needs time. You can't fly or do vigorous exercise for at least a month."

I nodded, "Ok then, so I'll go back to the fight and take it easy. It'll be fine."

She let out a soft sigh, "No Rhysand, you can't do that. If it doesn't have the proper time to heal you may never fly again."

Something in my chest stopped at that. A flash of desperate fear. "What?"

"You can't go back."

I looked down at my hands, at the rough calluses that overtook them. What would I do if I couldn't fly? But… how could I just sit around and do nothing while everyone else was off fighting in the war… I don't know if Jurian is dead or not, but I bet the humans are starting to think he is. The war might end soon, sooner than I thought.

But if my wings were ruined… "Fine. I'll stay here and heal."

She gave me a soft smile and patted my knee, "Your mother and sister will be here soon to take you home."

vVv

I looked out the window, watching Velaris in the evening light, and thought about all the soldiers I had seen Amarantha kill. Their only crime was daring to defy her, yet I was the only one left. Guilt surrounded me like a heavy blanket, and I couldn't stop the small sob that made its way out of me. Why had I survived when so many of my soldiers- my friends haven't?

I sat there, shaking softly, the golden glow of the sun going blurry as my eyes grew more wet. A rapid thumping came from down the hall, and I knew my sister and mother were coming. Quickly, I wiped my eyes and steeled myself. I could not afford to be weak in front of my sister. At ten years old, she was still innocent, still didn't understand the real cost of war.

Adrianna practically hurled herself onto my lap and threw her arms around me, burying her face into my chest. Her raven hair splayed out over her wings, which whacked me in the face. "Rhys! You're home!"

I smiled down at her, squeezing just as hard, "I've missed you so much."

"Don't sit on him right now honey, Rhys is probably tired."

Adrianna looked up at me, her hazel eyes gleaming, but stayed put while smirking slightly. I let out a soft chuckle and looked towards my mother, her dark honey hair practically glowing in the sunlight, and she smiled warmly at me. Carefully, I put Adrianna down and stood before quickly striding towards her and putting my arms around her, breathing in her scent. My back roared in protest; mother above, even walking a mere couple feet hurt.

"Mother," I whispered, shutting my eyes.

Her wings wrapped around us, and the world seemed to melt away. I opened my eyes and looked at her closely. Her hazel eyes seemed so sympathetic, and I couldn't help but look away. "Hey, look at me Rhys," she said softly, cupping my face in her hand, "I know it was hard, but you're home now."

"She's still out there. She still hasn't paid for what she's done."

"I know honey, I know. She'll get what she deserves one day. All you have to do is wait."

"I- I'm just so tired mom."

She didn't say anything, all she did was pull me in closer and hold me tight.

vVv

News of the war trickled in slowly, and the days I spent at the moonstone palace with my mother and sister were hard to bear. I could barely walk around without a constant grimace on my face, and despite needing to heal I pushed myself hard. Yes, I was happy to be home, but I felt as if I shouldn't be here while everyone else was out and fighting. Were Azriel and Cassian okay, or were they just two more names on the long list of casualties?

One night, while trying to fall asleep, I couldn't take not knowing anything anymore. Shutting my eyes, I concentrated and reached out into the night.

'Father.'

Silence for a couple moments, then, 'What do you want, Rhysand?'

I ground my teeth at the absolute disdain in his voice, but kept my thoughts even and clear minded, 'I need to know what's going on. I can't stay in the dark about the war anymore.'

'Why should I tell you? For all I know you spilled your guts to Amarantha.'

'I didn't. All my men died yet I still didn't say anything. Please father, I'm sorry I got caught. I'm sorry I wasn't strategic enough. It will never happen again.'

I hated myself. I hated him. I hated how I had to beg to know crucial information. One day I would neither beg or bow to no one, I-

'The humans have rallied over Jurian's death.'

My mouth dropped, and I scrambled to collect myself before answering. 'Jurian's dead?'

'Yes. Amarantha killed him when we invaded her camp.'

He didn't talk after that, and I knew if I tried my efforts would be futile. Based on that information everyone would be home soon. Sighing, I reached for my bedside table and wrote two notes before stretching my mind out to find Cassian and Azriel. Both sleeping, both probably bone tired. It didn't matter, not as I made those notes disappear. They would find their way to them.

vVv

I picked at the food on my plate, not truly hungry. Adrianna gave me a sideways glance, a mischievous grin on her face. Finally, I raised an eyebrow at her and said, "What?"

Her mouth popped open, as if she didn't expect being caught, but she quickly masked her shock. "Nothing," she drawled.

Oh, she definitely knew something. "Tell me."

"No, there's nothing to know. I'm just bored," she said, taking a bite of her stew.

I rolled my eyes, "You're not always home. You go to lessons and go shopping with mother."

"And?"

"And I know there's something going on, and being 'bored' isn't a good enough cover for whatever scheme you're cooking up. Might as well tell me now instead of having to deal with me all day."

She played with a strand of her hair, "Maybe I like dealing with you all day."

I let out a laugh, she was good at diverting attention, that was for sure. When I opened my mouth to say something though, she jumped out of her seat and began to run towards the door. I spun in my seat, ignoring the throbbing pain that shot down my back, and-

Cassian and Azriel stood in the doorway, looking weary but alive. I lurched to my feet… and stumbled backwards into my chair again. I didn't feel my ass hit the seat though, not when all I could do was gape at them.

We stood there for a second, staring at each other, but then my brothers surged towards me. I forced myself to stand again, and when Cassian barreled into me I fell. Barking a curse, I threw my arms around him and hugged as tightly as I could, not wanting to let go.

"If you guys want me to leave I can," Azriel drawled from above us.

I let go of Cassian and grabbed the hem of Azriel's shirt. "C'mere you ass," I said, huffing out a laugh.

He smirked at me but dropped down with us, and then we were all hugging and laughing and crying. We had made it.

After what seemed like only a few moments, they hauled me to my feet and helped me stand.

"What now?" I asked, feeling no shame for the first time in weeks.

"Az told me something about the cabin…"

vVv

Before we had left, Mother said Father would be returning home with more information about the treaty tonight, and that I should be expecting some kind of letter in the next week. I nodded, kissing her and Adrianna goodbye.

The wind roared violently, and snowflakes kept getting stuck to my eyelashes. I wanted to walk there on my own, but my brothers wouldn't let me. I tried to help any way I could, but my feet wouldn't corroporate. Finally, we got inside the wards, and the air instantly grew warmer.

Three days later, a letter appeared on the kitchen table. We all recognized my mother's scrawl on the outside. Slowly, I reached for it and began to read.

"My beloved Rhys, your father has returned from the war. He didn't want to tell you the news due to what happened before you were brought home. I disagreed. As a future High Lord you should know what's going on in the world. I don't know the full details, but I will tell you what I do.

The humans have won the war, and slavery is now eradicated throughout Prytian. A wall is being placed in order to separate us from them, to 'heal the trauma between us.' If anything, that'll divide us even more. The world is changing, Rhys, and I'm not sure if it's for the better or worse yet.

Hybern agreed to everything in the treaty without complaint, except for one thing. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Amarantha remains free. Hybern demanded a pardon, and the High Lords agreed. I'm truly sorry, Rhys.

If I learn anything else, I'll make sure to get the information to you. Both Adrianna and I wish you the best. I love you, my beautiful son. Tell Cassian and Azriel that I love them too..

Love, Mother

I didn't notice the letter crumple in my hands, not as a primal rage filled me. "What is it, Rhys?" Cassian asked.

I saw tendrils of shadows collect around my shoulders, and then Azriel murmured something to Cassian. They both went deathly silent. The fury seemed to overtake me. That woman had killed so many of my men and tortured me while taunting me the whole time. She-

My glass slammed into the wall before I thought about doing it.

I watched the contents drip down the wall, trying to calm down. I had to calm down. Azriel's hand touched my shoulder, and he softly said, "There is a time and place for anger. The best revenge is the one you bide your time for."

Still, that didn't stop me from howling at the stars that night.

A/N- I liked the first chapter better, but this is fine. I also love the name I chose for Rhys's sister, so I have decided to name her that anytime I write about her. *Excited!* I think there's only one chapter left though so enjoy!