The fine hairs along my arms and neck rose as the swirling powers of the two lords crackled throughout the room. Surprise and apprehension plastered Lucien's features, and I had to bite down on a laugh as his eyes flitted uneasily from Tamlin to Rhysand and back again with comical exaggeration.

No one spoke as I rose and walked towards Rhysand.

"High Lord of The Night Court. I would firstly like to wish congratulations upon you." I smiled tightly, as I nodded a bow to him. I could not help but feel the oddest desire to step in front of Tamlin, diverting the burning look Rhysand was giving him.

His sparkling purple eyes assessed me, sweeping from my head to bare feet in one fluid motion, and I could understand why Feyre had become entranced within them. I could also understand why creatures fled in his wake.

"Who are you" he clipped out, his own features tight and unmoving.

"Watch your tone with her Rhysand." Tamlin's warning snarl shivered down my spine.

"It's alright Tamlin. This is a jarring surprise to Rhysand is all, I am sure." I gestured for Tamlin to stand down as I turned back to face Rhysand, still smiling sweetly. Though he said nothing, I saw the muscle ticking in his jaw.

"My name is Celeste, and I was the one who summoned you both here.-I shot a quick glance over to the still uneasy Lucien- I wanted you to be able to speak to Tamlin before the summit of the High Lord's- which I am sure you have already set a date and location for." I cocked my head to the side, as I allowed him to see the golden power glimmering deep within my eyes.

His own eyes widened reflexively, his nostrils flaring as he assessed my scent. In the smallest of movements, he stepped back. This did not go unnoticed by either Lucien or Tamlin.

"What are you?" he whispered, voice low and dangerous suddenly, but I transformed my features back into a sweet innocent mask. This was the second time within a few days I had made another High Lord recoil.

Chuckling lightly, I simply shook my head. "You already know the answers which ask for Rhysand."

Lucien gaped, and I heard Tamlin's gruff chuckle sound from behind me at Rhysand's pale face.

"Anyways, Tamlin has been returned to his Court as I have promised to you Lucien. He also would like to speak to you if you wish it." I glanced meaningfully over to his still figure.

"I am sure he has many things he would like to speak about to you both, so I will make my departure now." I bowed once more and made to exit the room but Tamlin interjected, telling me he wished for me to remain. I stopped silently at the door, mere feet from Lucien and waited for him to speak.

"I heard it all. From the moment we arrived." Rhysand cut in coldly, eyes trailing hesitantly away from me to glance back at Tamlin's shaking figure.

The entire room seemed to be deprived of air as he stepped forward towards Tamlin. My body innately tensed, ready to spring between the two glaring males if need be. I could see the tightness of Tamlin's shoulders, and the clench of his fists and I knew he felt the thrumming adrenaline that coursed through my body as well.

Out the corner of my eye, Lucien's hand rested over the jeweled hilt of the sword he had strapped to his waist, and we knew it was mere seconds before the room was to erupt.

"After all of these years, it had plagued me to never understand why you led them to my mother and sister Tamlin. I wondered what possible atrocity I could have committed to illicit what was done to my family. I too, viewed you as a brother in arms. It cut me to the core with hatred for you after the friendship we had built. But now…I finally understand. I did not know the role you were forced to play that night, nor the reason, but I see now you were trying to protect your mother. I do not know if I can completely forgive you, but I am relieved to finally know why, and I-I thank you for that." He finished and I could see the determination it took for him to utter those last words.

The silence that followed his statement was deafening.

Tamlin's face crumpled as he blinked back the tears that threatened to fall again. "I do not deserve your forgiveness…but I am glad to finally speak the atrocities of that night out loud. I have carried that horrible memory with me for many moons." He shuddered.

"I am grateful that I could provide that clarity for you. I-I did not know how to deal with my own anger, and my pride did not allow me to reach out to you. The only thing I could do was to hate you. I could blame you for what had happened to my own mother, what role I had been forced into. It…it was just easier than what I thought was appearing weak. I did not want to play that role as I was already a jested Lord in the eyes of all Courts. I cannot believe how foolish and ignorant I had been." Tamlin sighed.

Lucien loosed a grating sigh of relief as well, pinching the bridge of his nose as the two males nodded their heads at each other in what seemed a peace offering.

"There are many things which I cannot forgive you for Tamlin" Rhysand's eyes darkened slightly-"but I am able to understand some of your actions better now. All these moons later, I honestly cannot believe everything The Mother has gifted me with. Things I would gladly lay my life down to protect." A small smile crept onto his face and I knew he was thinking of his son. "I believe you are on a better path to be the man I once knew Tamlin. You were fair, honest and loyal once upon a time, and now your people need that again. Despite my qualms with you, I am willing to work alongside you if that means protecting what I love and protecting the innocents within Prythian as well."

"I agree Rhysand. It is time for me to atone for my mistakes. There were many people affected by my selfish, uncontrolled actions and for that I would spend the rest of my days trying to mend what has been broken, if only it would replenish some of the harm I have caused." Tamlin stated, looking Rhysand squarely in his eyes.

I couldn't help the smile that crept over my face at their exchange. It did seem a peace offering, and maybe a little more was being laid out between the two males. I was glad they could finally discuss things civilly.

"I am not sure how Celeste has managed to elicit this change within you, but you do appear much better than the last times I have seen you" I could almost see a glimmer of happiness within his eyes and for some strange reason my stomach contracted again.

I myself could hardly believe the change in him, compared to mere hours ago. He had been shriveled, and unable to meet my eyes, uncertain where to step next. I was glad to see he did not avert his eyes from Rhysand. I knew the power and thrall Rhysand could exude, and I also knew how much that could easily intimidate people. Tamlin wasn't all where he needed to be of course, but something warmed within me to see him stand with pride and purpose.

"I do believe you may want to speak to your-Lucien" Rhysand cut in, stopping short on his choice of words as his eyes slide over to where Lucien still stood quietly at the door, face stern and unreadable.

"I shall make my departure now. The summit of the High Lords will be held in 3 days…at a private location within Velaris, to foster good will between all Courts." He stopped and our eyes made contact. Hesitation and what looked like frustration tinged the sparkling purple, and I could sense his apprehension at having Tamlin within his Court. Within reach of Feyre…and his son.

"That is not necessary, if you do not feel comfortable. We may converge at another location if need be." I replied quickly, reading the growing discomfort within the room.

"No. This shall be a step within the direction of peace and prosperity of the High Lords. Tamlin shall be welcomed."

I shot a quick glance at Tamlin who remained silent, his eyes were glassy, and I knew he more than likely thought of the encounter he was sure to have with Feyre.

"As long as Tamlin chooses to behave himself, and leave his claws at home, I think we shall all be fine." Lucien's voice drawled suddenly, breaking in the awkward silence; a cheeky smirk on his face.

I could see visible lines relax around Tamlin's nervous eyes as he chuckled, stepping forward briskly to tightly embrace the red-haired male.

As they carried on their overdue conversation, I motioned Rhysand to step out of the room with me.

"I thank you for being understanding. I see the tumultuous past you and Tamlin share, but it really is for the greater good for everyone to at least be on civil and peaceful terms. The war that we may have to fight will be nothing as what you have seen before. If it may be possible, will you allow me to your Court. It is time I speak to the sisters."

He gave me one of those appraising looks once more. "I do not know who you are Celeste, but something about you seems…as though you are familiar. You appear out of nowhere, bearing news and carrying information across the lands that no one knows of. Not even my spymaster" He mused; eyes quizzical as he took me in.

"Tamlin has been on a decline for months…years even and somehow you brought him not just back from the void, but into the real world. You then had the ability to silently summon me, breaking through my wards as though they were child's play." I could see a crease of concern creep over his perfect forehead. "I know not what to make of you."

I could understand his hesitation and his tinge of fear. I knew he meant what he said in laying down his life for his family. I also knew he had no qualms in eliminating threats against them as well. I myself was not expecting my silent summons to be met so hurriedly by either male. And in truth and fact, it was rather odd the change I did illicit within Tamlin so quickly when no one could bring him back before. It seemed as though my power was slowly coming back to me, and for this I was grateful. I needed to be at my full strength to face what was to come.

Looking him squarely in the face, I allowed my voice to ring clearly once more.

"I swear to you Rhysand, I am no threat to you, nor your family and inner circle. I wish to protect the people of these lands, regardless of Court or where they pledge their loyalty. I believe even the worst amongst these lands are redeemable if they truly want to be. I am willing to tell you more of myself of course, but I really must have the sisters present. It will all make more sense then."

He continued to look torn, but I could see the curiosity flaring within his purple eyes. "I will have to winnow you in, as I reinforced all my wards with double strength before leaving Velaris. Feyre, Nesta and Elain are in the library so we can go straight there. I am ready to depart when you are." He replied, his voice clipped and serious once more.

Hmm…a high lord unsure about me but trying to save face. I could understand that too.

I nodded thankfully; my smile soft as I looked at him. "Thank you, High Lord. If you shall give me but a minute to speak with Tamlin before we depart. I would like to say goodbye."

He shot me an odd look-that somehow brought heat to my face- but quickly composed his features as he nodded his assent, placing his hands in the pocket of his long black coat.

As I stepped back into the room, I took a silent moment to gaze at the two shining males as they were caught up in a bout of laughter at something or the other. As Lucien caught sight of me in the doorway, he gave me a low bow, a grateful smile on his face.

"Lady Celeste, I thought I would see the last of you in the Human Realms, but I see you are an extraordinary lady of your words."

I chuckled and clutched his hands, "Help your friend return to the world of the living Lucien. I have brought him back, but he is in desperate need of you. After everything we have endured, he found it acceptable to only serve me tea and cookies. I think I am overdue for a hard drink." I winked at him and he let out a howling laugh as Tamlin's face went red at my words.

I turned to look at Tamlin, eyes twinkling playful as I took in his embarrassed face. "I shall be leaving to report to the Night Court with Rhysand, but I wanted to say goodbye before I depart."

I could see something grow hollow in his eyes, and his face paled once more, but he forced on a smile that looked more like a grimace than anything else. "I do not know where to start in thanking you Celeste. For everything you have done for me in such a short space of time, it is really remarkable. I hope…I see you soon." He trailed off awkwardly as though he wanted to say more but stopped himself midway.

A sudden unexplained wave of sadness washed over me, and I could even feel the beginnings of a sob building within my chest. Lucien's appraising eyes were on me, but I forced a smile back on my own face. "We shall meet again, sooner rather than later. I just hope the next time we meet; you shall serve me something more burning than hot tea."

The words hung in the air awkwardly, and I stared in mortifying silence at Tamlin's shocked expression. His eyebrows almost rose to his hairline, and Lucien let out a low whistle, suddenly finding that moment to stroll over to gaze fixedly at book titles within the library shelves.

I blanched, rolling my eyes at my own double laced words. "That came out wrong" I chuckled, fighting the burning that rose once more to my face. "I meant, a drink. Next time I see you, I deserve a drink."

The low husky laugh he let out sent shivers along my back, and I could almost feel his fingers tracing lines along the base of my throat again.

"Yes, yes you do." He smiled, his crinkly eyes twinkling again.

He stepped forward hesitantly. "Well, I would not want to keep him waiting any longer." He murmured, but his voice grated as though he truly did not care if Rhysand became a statute in the hallway. Gently he raised my right hand and placed it to his own full lips. "Until we meet again, Celeste."

My body froze, nerves tingly as he gazed at me from under his long dark lashes. It only took the steel of a warrior to keep my knees from trembling. Holding my breath as to not inhale any more of his aromatic scent, I curtly nodded, forcing my face into a pleasant neutral mask.

"Until then." I replied, drawing my hand back as I made my way back to where Rhysand waited in the doorway.

I felt his burning eyes on my back, and I wondered if he knew what stirrings he caused in me.