A year and a half had passed since I saw that woman walk willingly from her home and cross the Wall with that beast. What was strange to me was that the family that remained moved into a large estate just days after, as if the reality of their poverty had ended abruptly. They have lived in quiet luxury ever since.
I stood at the tree line behind the estate, giving the small family one final glance to ensure no darkness had come to their doorstep, before I picked up my pack and dropped the illusion over my wings.
"By the Cauldron… Selsina?"
I recognized the smooth voice, and the cedar scent but my hand went to my dagger, nonetheless. I turned to face Azriel, who looked at me with an astonished look on his face. I retreated a step when he took one closer. "What are you doing here Az?" I asked, my tone indifferent, giving him the impression that I couldn't give two shits. Internally my mind was reeling from the fact that it's been centuries since I have seen him, and that it would get back to him that I was alive.
"W-What am I doing here?" he raised his hands as my wings unfurled "Selsina" his voice was gentle as always, like a cool summer night "How are you alive?"
I fold my arms, "Doesn't matter that I am. It seems like you all have been fine with thinking I was dead, so just keep this between us. Okay?"
His brows lower and anger sparks in his hazel eyes, making the orange in them stand out. "You are insane if you think that. Rhysand and your father slaughtered the High Lord and his family for what they did."
The golden furred beast that smelled of spring came to the front of my mind. "I guess they missed one. I saw a High Fae visit here over a year ago, he took some girl as payment for the Treaty."
"That was Tamlin, he.." he pauses, "He killed your father the day after the bodies were found."
My heart dropped to my stomach. 'Wait.. He said they were both there.'
"What about Rhysand?"
Azriel notes the emotion in my voice but doesn't comment on it. "He's alive.. and he is here."
The moment he said it I launched myself skyward, my bag falling from my hands. 'Get away from him, do what you have to.' The words echoed frantically in my mind as I pushed my wings hard.
It was no use as Azriel was on me within a blink. He tackled me midair, his arms and shadows wrapping around me tightly. "I don't understand. Why are you running? Rhysand will be relieved to see you." We hovered as our wings beat in time to avoid colliding.
My breath quickened as the panic gripped my lungs. I reached for my power and began singing.
"Sel?"
His confusion-filled words made me raise my gaze and I watched in horror as the tendrils of shadows twitched erratically near his head as if they were striking the notes away before they could reach him.
I hide my face again and stop my song as the tears I thought I had lost roll down my face. "Please Azriel.. I have never asked anything of you. But I ask this: do not tell my brother. I am unable to face him after what happened."
The tension in his arms softened and he ran a hand through my dark hair until he was cupping my head to his shoulder. "I am sorry Selsina, but to keep this from him would be like losing you all over again. You need to understand that there is nothing your brother wants more than to have you alive and by his side again. He would be so proud to see how strong you've become. I almost didn't recognize you until I caught your scent."
My body relaxed as I sagged against him. I never realized how tired I was, but after centuries of always being on edge I got used to the feeling. "Okay."
He kept a close eye as we glided down to the estate. "Why are you here anyway?" I ask when we land.
The front door opens and a wide-eyed Cassian step out of the doorway. I bristle under his gaze, the tip of my boot kicking the snow on the ground "Are you going to say any-"
My words were cut off when the large Illyrian picked me up, his ironclad arms squeezing the air from my lungs and popping my back. "You little shit.." he whispered roughly, "You were alive all this time? Where were you? Why did you stay away?" He puts me down and holds me roughly by my shoulders.
Behind me, Azriel takes a step closer to him "Easy."
Cassian gives them a firm squeeze before stepping aside. "He's inside."
Good thing I didn't eat anything, otherwise it would be all over Cass' boots.
Would he still recognize me? I was just a child the last time he saw me. What if Azriel was wrong and Rhysand won't want to see me? I took a step back before a warm hand on the small of my back stopped me from taking another.
"Look at me." the shadowsinger whispered, his warm breath caressing my neck in the cold evening air. I hesitate to lift my gaze but when I do, something warms in my chest at the gentleness in his eyes.
"Whatever you are thinking right now, that is just your fear talking. I saw how Rhys would treat you, you were the light of his life. I remember seeing how overjoyed he was when he told us your mother was pregnant." a smile rises to his handsome face "He would talk about everything he wanted to teach you, how he hoped you would have abilities similar to him. And he was right, remember your song from earlier? If your brother didn't have the abilities he had, I would have been susceptible to your ability."
"Wait, what song?" Cassian asked. I explain how I use my power to fuse with my vocal cords and how the song can have two effects; to lull into a deep sleep, or to rupture the ear drums. He whistles "Damn, that's an effective ability."
His presence makes my heart lodge in my throat. I look over Cassian's shoulder and meet the violet eyes of my own.
"Rhysand."