-Celaena-
"Sorry," she said again, and the door shut behind her. She made it two steps down the hall before she had to stop and lean against the stone, rubbing at her face. Stupid. Stupid to even care what he did outside of training, do you think he might consider sharing personal information with her, even if it was only that he was retiring to his rooms early. It hurt, the more than she wanted to admit.
She was about to drag her self to her room with the door flung open down the hall and Rowan stormed out, practically glowing with ir. But just seeing the living Ness written all over him had her writing that reckless, stupid edge again, and clinging to the anger was easier than embracing the quiet darkness that wanted to pull her down, down, down. Before he could start shouting, she asked, " do you do it for the money?"
A flicker of teeth. " One, it's none of your business. And two, I would never stoop so low." The look he gave her told her exactly what he thought of her profession.
" You know, it might be better if you just slapped me instead."
" Instead of what?"
" Instead of reminding me again and again how rutting Worthless an awful in cowardly I am. Believe me, I can do the job well enough on my own. So just hit me, because I'm worthless and awful and cowardly I am. Believe me, I can do the job well enough on my own. So just hit me, because I'm damned tired of treating insults. And you know what? You didn't even bother to tell me that you'd be unavailable. If you had said something, I never would've said something, I never would've come. I'm sorry I did. But you just let me downstairs."
saying those last words made a sharp, quick panic rise in her, in aching pain that had her throat closing. " You left me," she repeated. Maybe it was out of blind terror at the abyss opening up again around her but she whispered, " I have no one left. No one."
She hadn't realized how much she meant it, how much she needed it not to be true, until now.
His features remains impassive, turning vicious, even, as he said, " There is nothing that I can give you. Nothing that I want to give you. You are not owed an explanation for what I do outside of training. I don't car there is nothing that I can give you. Nothing that I want to give you. You are not owed an explanation for what I do outside of training. I don't care what you have been through or what you want to do with your life. The sooner you can sort out your whining and self-pity, the sooner I can be rid of you. You are nothing to me, and I do not care."
She staggered back, but before she could turn to go, a light flared between them, and engulfed her.
-Feyre-
The Court of Dreams.
The people who knew that there was a price, and one worth paying, for that dream. The bastard-born warriors, the Illyrian half breed, the monster trapped in a beautiful body, the dreamer born into a court of nightmares… and the huntress with an artist's soul.
And perhaps because it was the most vulnerable thing he said to me, perhaps it was the burning in my eyes, but I walked to where he stood over the little bar. I didn't look at him as I took the decanter of amber liquid and poured myself a knuckles length, then refilled his.
but I met his stair as I cleaned my glass against his, the crystal ring and clear and bright over the crashing sea far below, and said, " To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys."
He picked up his class, he picked up his glass, his gaze is so piercing that I wondered why I had bothered blushing at all for Tarquin.
Rhys clinked his glass against mine. " The stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered."
As we tilted our heads to drink, a blinding light flooded the room.
- Bryce-
" And guess who did my nails and got to chatting about the terrible loss of her rich-ass boyfriend?"
He ran his hands through his hair, looking so disbelieving that she chuckled. He snarled, " Stop with the fucking questions and just tell me, Quinlan."
She examined her gorgeous new nails. " Terzian's girlfriend didn't know anything about who might have wanted to murder him. She said the 33rd did vaguely question her, but that was it. So I told her that I'd lost someone, too." It was an effort to keep her voice study as the memory of that bloody apartment flashed. " She asked me who, I told her, and she looked so shocked-" She was cut off in the middle of explaining her findings by a light blinding her, and then she fell.
-Rowan-
He landed on his ass with a thud. The light, where did it come from? Shit- where was Aelin? He heard groans coming from across the room, more that just Aelin alone could make. He gradually opened his eyes, letting them adjust to the new lighting, and immediately jumped into a fighting stance.
Where the fuck is he?
At least forty other beings- mostly fae- were on the ground around him, looking about as confused as he. Midnight eyes found his from across the room, and Rowan once again found himself questioning his sanity.
Why the fuck is Lorcan Salvetere in this room with a bunch of weird fae?
He scanned the room once more, taking in more details as the initial shock started fading. The room was large- easily the size of Maeve's throne room- and covered in tapestry from floor to ceiling. The cloth depicted men and women-fae and human-in different scenes he could only guess spanned back centuries by the worn look of the woven fabric. He could make out a few pictures- a stag, a fae holding both a sword and knife, a male being crowned with stars- while others left him baffled. Windows filled the entire East wall, people leaning back against their frames. There was no exit- no way of entry either. So again, How the fuck did he get here?
He next turned his gaze to to the denizens of the room. To his right, still unconscious fae lay on the floor- different skin and clothing- a few stirring here or there. To his left- wait, are those wings?
Three males stood to his left, all sporting bat-like wings, and rough riding leathers- the kind he only used for a truly grewsome mission. Next to them, three fae females and two human women still dozed with whatever had pulled them into the slumber in the first place. The two humans looked identical -most likely sisters- but something unsettled him as he took in the other females. One had black hair, the light making small waves in the locks. Her body was small- almost a dwarf size- and her eye popped open to meet his. Silver- yet other. Something roiled beneath her skin. Rowan didn't want to find out what exactly was prowling inside of her. The female beside her wore a red dress, a slit traveling up the side all the way to her thigh, with blonde hair falling into almost perfect ringlets. And the last, looked almost exactly like the humans. The same golden brown hair and body structure, but she looked as if she hadn't had a meal in weeks.
Just how Aelin looked when he found her drunk on that roof.
She was broken and called out for him, and he'd said she was nothing to him. He didn't have anyone left either. They were on the same boat, about to sink, and he told her he didn't care. Shit. He had to find Aelin. He needed to make this right.
In front of him, Lorcan stood and prowled over to where Rowan was sitting- dodging bodies in the process. He scanned the room around them, assessing every being in the room. When he got in front of Rowan, he turned away, and sat down to his right. Lorcan's magic rippled, and Rowan fought the shudder that ran down his spine.
"Where the fuck are we?" A female voice sounded from across the room, and Rowan jumped. That was Aelin's voice. His eyes locked on the female that had spoken, but it wasn't Aelin. It was a red headed fae, in the strangest clothes, now talking to a male to her right. Who is she, and where the fuck is Aelin?
-Chaol-
One moment he was in a meeting with Rollo, planning the king's escort for his trip to Morath, the next he was waking up with a sore ass. He heard people whispering, but couldn't make out the exact words spoken- still to drunk with sleep. He sat up, wondering why he had waken on a strange carpet floor, and immediately grabbed his sword. The room was filled with other people- most of them …fae. He thought fae had gone extinct of this continent, besides Celaena- Aelin. How did almost fifty wound up in a room together?
A groan sounded to his right, one he knew well. "Dorian?"
Chaol looked at his friend, his cheek to the ground and dark brown hair plastered over his face. One of Dorian's saffire eyes opened at the sound of his name.
"Chaol?" He sat up, clutching his head, "What are you doing in my bedroom? Wait- Why was I sleeping on the floor?" The Prince asked confusion written over his features.
Chaol almost face-palmed. "Dorian, look around."
Dorian, who had before been looking only at the carpet on which he woke, scanned the room and jolted upright.
"Where the fuck are we?" He whispered, aware of all the fae ears in the room.
"Where the fuck are we?" Sounded from across the room, a female voice ringing out above the whispers.
A moment later, a beeping sound echoed and the room went deadly quiet.
"I'm glad you asked, Bryce." A male voice rang out, though no one in the room had spoken. "You have been brought here to save the worlds." Chaol's head swivled trying to find the man speaking. "It would be best if everyone introduced themselves before I explain what shall happen. State your name- yes, you must state your official title. That includes you Aelin-"
Celeana is here?
"Also state which country and world you hail from. There are three here. Midgard, Erilea, and Prythian. Then for the memes, name a fun fact about yourselves. And don't try to lie, we know the truth about everyone of you. After introductions, I can inform you of why we've gathered here." Another beep, then silence.
A male, wearing a black suit, walked forward. "I guess I'll start. My name is Rhysand, Highlord of the Night Court. I hail from Prythian, and I have no idea what 'memes' is."
-Third person-
After Rhys introduced himself the atmosphere gentled. The Night Court lined up around him and started their introductions as well.
"Cassian, General of the Night Cort Armies, Prythian. I like summer?" He said as a sort of question, following Rhys's lead of not giving any vital information away. What else was he supposed to say?
"Feyre Acheron, Night Court Emissary to the Human Realms, Prythian. I like to paint." She said in a carefree manner, smiling. First impressions matter, she said to herself.
Azriel stood to her side, "Azriel, Spymaster of the Night Court, Prythian. I'm a Shadow Singer." He spoke, barely loud enough for the humans in the room to pick up.
"Mor, Third to the High Lord of the NIght Court, Prythian. I like wine." She said, earning some chuckles from around the room.
"Amren, Second to the High Lord of the Night Court, Prythian." She said, and turned to Nesta, who had stood, joining the Night Court entourage.
"Nesta Acheron, Prythian. I like to read?" She said like Cassian, phrasing it as more of a question.
Elain joined her. "Elain Acheron, Prythian. I garden."
The Night Court finished their introductions, and Feyre looked back at her sisters. Why are they here?
Lucien came out of a group of people he didnt knoow, but they didnt seem to know each other either, so he didnt really care. "Lucien Vanserra, Emissary of the Spring Court, Prythian."
Bryce spoke next. "Bryce Quinlan. Midgard." She looked at Hunt next to her. "Your turn."
Another beep sounded before he could start. This time, a female voice spoke, "We forgot to tell you, also name your species. And yes Bryce, you have to give a fun fact." Another beep, signaling the end of the announcement. Bryce cursed under her breath.
"Half-fae. I have a pet chimera."
Hunt chuckled, "Hunt Athalar, Umbra Mortis, one of the Fallen. Midgard. Angel. I like sunball."
Ruhn stood beside his sister, "Ruhn Danaan, Starborn Prince and heir to the Valbaran fae, Midgard, fae. I also like sunball."
Lehabah floated up to Bryce's shoulder. The firesprite whispered into her ear, "Do I have to do this too?" Bryce looked at her small friend, "I'm pretty sure you do." Lehabah sighed.
"Lehabah, descendent of Queen Ranthia Drahl, Midgard, firesprite, I love Fangs and Bangs."
Everyone from Midgard snorted, and Bryce doubled over in laughter. "The first thing you choose to say in front of a room full of strange people, is that you love soap opera porn." Bryce snorted. "You really are special."
Flynn stood to the other side of Ruhn, "Flynn —, Midgard, fae. I also like sunball."
Bryce snorted, "Is that all anyone can talk about? Sunball?" Hunt poked her in the side.
"Declann Emmett, Midgard, fae. I like computers." Bryce pointed to Dec, "At least he can give something original."
Ithan snarled at Bryce, "Ithan Holstrom, Midgard, wolf shifter." She was fucking someone in the bathroom while his brother was murdered. She could rot in Hel.
A beep sounded throughout the room, and chairs, couches, and beanbags appeared around the walls of the room. The male voice came over the speaker again, "If you've introduced yourself, you can sit. Everyone else can do so after they also introduce themselves. By the way, no fighting ,please, until you go to your separate chambers for the night." Ending beep.
The Night Court and people from Midgard sat down.
"Well, I guess it's my turn." Aelin sighed, "Aelin Ashryver Galathiunys, Rightful Queen of Terrasen, King of Adarlan's Champion. Also known as Celeana Sardothien. Erilea, half fae, and I like the color green." Gasps rang across the room, but Aedion doubled over laughing.
"You just announced the most life-changing news, and all you have to say is that you like the color green?" He snorted, and stalked over to her. She turned to face him, and whimpered, "Aedion?"
"Hello, Fireheart."
Aelin ran into his arms, his body wrapping around hers perfectly. Tears ran down her face, soaking his shirt. "It's good to see you too cousin." He murmured into her hair, and squeezed her tighter.
Rowan stepped up to the left of the reunion, "Rowan Whitethorn, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, Erilea, Full fae."
Lorcan and the rest of the Cadre lined up to his left. "Lorcan Salvetere, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, half fae, Erilea."
"Fenrys Moonbeam, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, full fae, Erilea."
"Connall Moonbeam, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, full fae, Erilea."
"Gavriel, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, half fae, Erilea."
"Vaughn, Blood sworn to the Fae Queen Maeve, full fae, Erilea."
The cadre sat down. Dorian walked to Aelin's other side, the Wolf of the North and his Queen still embracing.
"Dorian Havillyard II, Crown Prince of Adarlan, human, Erilea. I also like to read." He said and made eye contact with Nesta who was sitting in a chair by herself. Chaol stood to his side.
"Chaol Westfall, Captain of the Royal Guard of Adarlan, human, Erilea. I'm good at pool."
Ruhn snorted from his seat on a beanbag, "We should play sometime, Captain." There was no way that stuck up Captain could beat him.
Sartaq rose from the floor, "Sartaq, Future Khagan of the Southern Continent, human, Erilea." He walked to sit beside Dorian, ad the pair exchanged small smiles out of politeness. Dorian was the only person he knew in the room full of strange people. He might as well be polite.
Manon stood, "Manon Blackbeak, heir to the Blackbeak witches. Witch, Erilea, I killed my first Crochan at sixteen." She announced, iron nails glistening with the blood of the goat she had just killed for Abraxsos.
Asterin stood behind her leader. "Asterin Blackbeak, Second to Manon Blackbeak, witch, Erilea." She said, but scanned her cousin from head to toe, nit fully paying attention to what she was saying.
"Vesta Blackbeak, Third to Manon Blackbeak, witch, Erilea."
Elide stood behind Manon, the witch holding an arm in front of her. "Elide Lochan, Heir of Peranth." Elide hesitated, remembering what Manon asked before the light appeared. Was she a witch? Or did she ally by herself? After a moment, she looked up, "Witch, Erilea."
Manon looked over her shoulder, giving her a feral grin.
Aedion finally released his cousin, wiping the tears from his own eyes, and spoke his own introduction, "Prince Aedion Ashryver of Terrasen, Wolf of the North, General of the Bane, half-fae, Erilea."
Lysandra kicked off the wall she had been leaning on, announcing herself, "Lysandra, shapeshifter, Erilea. I also like to read." She cut a small grin to the Prince and Nesta, then sat on the chair beside the other woman.
Nesryn sat beside Lysandra and kicked her feet onto the coffee table in front of them, that appeared with the couches, "Nesryn Faliq, human, Erilea."
Another beep over the speaker, "I guess that does it for intros." The male voice sighed, "My companions and I have gathered you here to read about the adventure of your future selves and children, to get some advice about what to do in a future war."
A long pause before he spoke again, "You are in what I like to call a Time Capsule 2.0. When you leave this room, you will forget everything that happened here, and return to the exact moment you left. While you are here, you are to read this book."
A leather-bound journal appeared in the middle of the room on a wooden pedestal.
"You will learn who your future partners are, and the relations you have with your peers while reading." A piece of parchment floated onto the book, "If you have any questions, please write them down, and we will answer them immediately. Please do not harm each other. It will give me a head-ache."
Another long pause, as if the speaker was indeed rubbing his temple from a migraine, "You will read a chapter each, in the order you introduced yourselves, just to make this easy. Good luck."
No one moved for a long minute, absorbing the new information.
Rhys broke the silence, calming his nerves, and grabbed the book off its pedestal. "I guess I'll start."
