Chapter 15: Showtime
-Violet's POV

After two unbelievably long weeks, the night had finally arrived.

The full moon was glaring high up above, as Violet peered out the balcony of her cousin's old bedroom. The majority of the inner circle was packed into the small space in addition to Helion, Lucien, and Eris.

Elain, Nesta, and Amren had volunteered to remain in Velaris. Rhysand wanted Amren to keep Keir and his men out of trouble while the sisters stayed to watch over Nyx. Since no one knew how the evening was going to unfold, Rhys and Feyre felt it was best that their child was as far away as possible. Violet continued staring up at the night sky and her thoughts settled on the youngest Illyrian. Envy ravaged its way through her as she pictured his little wings in her mind.

She knew she shouldn't feel this way. It's not like it was the child's fault. Violet had been home three months and she hadn't found the strength to hold him yet. Every time she even looked at her nephew, she felt sick to her stomach. It was like living with a constant reminder of everything that was stolen from her. As much as she hated to admit it, Tamlin was right. She really was a heartless bitch. What type of person could possibly blame a baby for something they couldn't control? Violet wished she could just reach in and rip the despicable feeling from her chest.

This needed to end.

Tonight.

The female was shaken from her thoughts as a clanging noise slammed from behind her. She turned to see Cassian and Azriel hammering chains into the floor. After they finished their task, the shadowsinger leaned down and tugged on the restraints as hard as he could. They didn't move an inch. It wouldn't be long now.

Violet spotted Helion out of the corner of her eye throwing a bunch of ingredients in a large bowl. The smell permeating the tiny room was absolutely foul. It didn't nothing to quell the nausea that had settled in her gut. Violet just wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.

Lucien and her mate were standing on the other side of the room talking amongst themselves. Eris was doing his best to keep occupied, but Violet knew he was feeling uneasy by the way he clenched his jaw.

When she had originally told him about the ritual, Eris had been against it entirely. As much as he loved her, the male couldn't comprehend why she needed this. He tried to fight her on it at first, but once he saw the undeterred look on her face, he knew he had already lost.

Violet smiled to herself. Despite his reservations, Eris had still showed up to support her. In fact, a majority of the people in the room didn't necessarily agree with the risks she was taking. They were here regardless of their differing opinions, and that was all that mattered in the end.

"The mixture is done." Helion announced pouring the liquid into a cup. "The lot of you can head downstairs now. Once the ritual starts, no one can interfere, so I need you all to stay out until we're finished. However, I will need one of you to remain with me in case I need an extra pair of hands."

"Azriel." Violet blurted. "I want Az up here." Her mate rumbled from his spot near the fireplace. The flames were crackling in response. "Relax, Eris. I just don't trust any of you other idiots not to pull me out too soon if I start thrashing on the floor or something. This is going to be hard enough, and I would like it to go as smoothly as it can."

"Fine." He glowered. "I'll be downstairs if you need me." Eris departed quickly slamming the door.

Lucien shook his head at Violet who smirked back. "Why are you laughing? He's your mate."

"So? He's your brother."

"Exactly!" The fox glared. "What the hell do you expect me to do?"

"Just make sure he doesn't come back up here. I don't care how. Persuade him if you have to."

"Gods, I'm going to have to tie him up, aren't I?" Lucien groaned as he followed his brother down.

"I wager you a whole round of drinks that we'll have to hold Eris down within the first five minutes." Mor offered walking to the exit causing Cassian to laugh.

"Yeah, I'm not taking that bet." The general replied as they made their way down the hall.

Rhysand turned to look at Violet one final time. His eyes were swimming with uncertainty. "Last chance. You're sure you need to do this?"

"Yes, Rhys. This is what I want."

"Ok, then." Her brother laced his fingers with his mate's. "We'll see you on the other side little sister." The female nodded before Rhys and Feyre joined the group downstairs.

After the door was shut, Helion grabbed the bowl from the table and gestured for Violet to walk over to where the chains were bolted to the floor.

"Should I sit or stand?" She asked with a nervous laughter.

"It doesn't matter. Position yourself however you're most comfortable I suppose." He handed her the cup. "Now drink this. It's going to taste horrendous, but you need to make sure you finish the whole thing."

Without missing a beat, she tipped the glass back and choked down the thick sludge as quickly as possible trying not to gag. Helion wasn't exaggerating. The girl didn't think she had ever tasted something quite so revolting. Violet was immediately relieved when we she reached the bottom of the glass.

After disposing of the concoction, the high lord knelt down to attach the cuffs to her wrists when a thought suddenly struck her. "Can I ask you something Helion?"

"Of course, my dear."

"I know why I'm doing this, but why are you?" Violet wondered. "You and I weren't exactly close before I died, yet you took care of me for two years. Now you're doing all this. Why?"

"What can I say?" The male smiled genuinely. "I've always had a bit of a soft spot for your family. Plus, I can't think of anything I wouldn't do for the most gorgeous girl in The Night Court."

Violet's brows furrowed. "Didn't you sleep with my cousin?"

"Once or twice darling, only once or twice." He winked. "Since we're being so open, you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Why not?" She shook her wrist rattling the chain. "It's not like I have anything better to do."

Helion attached the last restraint before continuing. "Why haven't you told Eris?" Violet's eyes shot to his. "I'm assuming he doesn't know."

"What would be the point? He doesn't need to know what happened." She shrugged. "It would destroy him."

"This isn't something you have to carry yourself darling. No one should be alone in that aspect, and as much as I may loathe the little bastard… You need to tell him."

"I know." Violet sighed. "Let's just get through the night first, and then we can talk about tomorrow."

"Very well." Helion stood and grabbed the book from the table. "Before we begin, I'm going to remind you that this is not going to be pleasant. Once I've started, we cannot stop until the ritual is complete." He looked at Azriel. "No matter what you may see or hear, you must not disturb the process in any way. Do you understand?" The spymaster nodded his head in understanding. "Wonderful. Are you ready Violet?"

The female pulled on the chains once to test their strength. They seemed sturdy enough, so she took in a steadying breath. "Yeah, let's do this."

"Alright, then. Let us begin." Helion flipped through the book and started reading. "Quod perierat, invenietur. Quod furtum fuerit, restituetur. Vos appello, interregni spiritus. Anima eius transeat ad tempus praeteritum." A gust of wind blew through the balcony windows as he continued. "Scriptum est, haec potestas populi mei ius gerendi. Transeat, acum!" Helion snapped his book shut with one hand.

The fireplace burned brighter on the other side of the room, but Violet didn't feel any different. "Is that it?" She brought her arms up as much as the restraints would allow. "I'm not trying to criticize your stellar abilities or anything, but I think that spell might be a dud. I feel fine."

Helion dropped the book at his feet. "Violet..."

"What?"

"Good luck." The high lord gave her a sympathetic look and raised his hand up. "Confluvium."

Before Violet could ask him to elaborate, her body plummeted to the floor.