I woke up the following morning curled up beside him once more and tugged down the hem of the t-shirt that had ridden up slightly overnight, showing my bare lower half. Light was streaming through the window and Azriel lay beside me, eyes closed. I smiled at the sight and kissed his cheek, ever so slightly.

His eyes opened. "Good morning," He murmured, his voice thick with sleep. A shadow brushed down my arm in a good morning too and I smiled. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a babe," I replied and he kissed the top of my head as he pulled me in closer.

"I could definitely get used to this."

"Me too, I missed this bed," I let out a content sigh and he raised an eyebrow.

"Only the bed?" He pretended to look offended.

"Lie down on my bed in my room and you'll see what I mean," I tapped his nose with my finger, "I might have missed waking up to you too. Maybe a little."

"A little? Perhaps I need to change your mind," His lips crashed to mine and my head spun at the kiss that seemed so claiming. His hand that held my waist slipped down to caress my bare butt and he moaned against my lips. Another hand lazily stroked my stomach and then lower and lower and I laid beside him, letting him send me spiralling over the edge again.

—-

When I'd caught my breath, my eyes widened and I sat up.

"What?" He asked, concerned, the smile on his lips gone.

"Training," I replied, "We must be so late."

"It's cancelled," he said with a laugh, "We all had a late night working, Cassian thought it only fair." He pulled me back towards him and I rested against his chest. "Which means we've still got hours to do whatever you want before our date."

"Dinner?" I asked and he smiled.

"And music," he brushed his fingers against my arm as I held his other hand. "We've hours before that though so we can do whatever you'd like… read, play chess, stay in bed…"

"I'm actually pretty hungry," I replied. My appetite had finally caught up with me.

"Then I'll go and get breakfast," he got out of bed and I watched him throw on some trousers before heading out of the bedroom. I used the time he was gone to relieve myself and smooth down my hair and the bedroom opened again just as I slipped back into bed. He carried a tray in one hand, pastries and fruit sat on it, as well as a teapot and two cups. He placed it on the bed and sat across from me, cross-legged.

I tucked in almost straight away, as if ravenous, and although he didn't say anything, humour shone in his eyes. He walked into the bathroom and I heard him turn the taps on the bath before he came back into the bedroom. He glanced over at his desk, seeing the half-written letter there.

"That's not how you found out, is it?" He asked, sheepishly.

"No," I told him. "I just managed to piece it all together." I didn't add the information about the awkward dinner conversation with Cassian and Nesta. "I guess a part of me wondered but… I just thought it couldn't be true." He gave a nod of understanding and I stood up. I needed to go and retrieve my priestess robes from Nesta's room so that I didn't have to walk into the library in that dress. As if the house listened once more, three dresses, a jumper and some leggings landed at the foot of the bed, alongside the book I was reading and several pieces of lingerie, no longer hidden in a satchel to maintain my dignity.

I raised my eyes to the ceiling and shook my head, the fireplace flickering in amusement in response.

Azriel watched me with a smile dancing on his lips and then he opened up his armoire, where there was already space for my clothes, hung them up, and I disappeared in the bathroom.

I could live in the bath, I realised, as I sank into it, the scents of the bubbles floating around me. I picked up the book beside the bath and sighed as the candles flickered. Nobody was going to ask me to hurry this time and the thought was wonderful.

—-

When I'd dressed and Azriel had gone to use the bathroom himself, I decided I'd find the kitchen and make myself some more of whatever that wonderful tea was. Barefoot for a change, I headed upstairs, my hair still damp. Nesta was sprawling across the sofa, her head on Cassian's lap and they both looked at me , grinning ear to ear.

"Good morning to you too," I murmured, turning away and hiding my blush.

"Afternoon," Nesta corrected, "morning was a couple of hours ago."

I glanced around, trying to get my bearings. There were still doors in the house that led to mystery locations. "Where's the kitchen?" I turned back to face them and they still grinned at me.

"Second on the right," Cassian replied.

"You're both terrifying," I told them, heading through the door. It was a big kitchen with marble countertops, a huge oven and many doors leading to various cupboards. After a few attempts, I found the teas and became distracted as I smelt each one until I found what I was looking for. I put the water on the stove and waited.

The door opened and Nesta slipped in, "Nice night?"

Baiting me, "Yes."

"Did you-"

I shook my head, "It might take some time."

She gave a nod of understanding, and opened another cupboard. She passed me some kind of biscuit with spices in and I devoured it quickly. "There's lots of great treats in here," she said, "Welcome to the secret club."

I slipped back to the library that afternoon, tidying away some books that I had left on a desk a few floors down. I dropped by Merrill's room and she glanced up from the research she was doing.

"The Shadowsinger's mate, then," She said in greeting and I raised my eyebrows. "I can scent it," She explained, "An interesting turn of events."

My cheeks flushed and I placed a book down on her desk, "I've not found anything on my family," I told her. "If you find anything…"

"Then I'll let you know," She said and I gave a grateful nod. "Shadowsinger's mate or not, I expect you in the library tomorrow afternoon," Her voice was firm and I found myself smiling. "And it's probably for the best that you don't bring any distractions with you."

I laughed softly, leaving her office and heading down to my living quarters. My room felt colder than the House upstairs and so much smaller. Emptier. My satchel sat on the chest that contained all of my belongings and I picked it up. Did I just stay with Azriel now? I didn't know what the protocol was. I grabbed my comb and a few more changes of clothes anyway, as well as my Valkyrie leathers and then headed into the corridor.

Clotho stood at the end of the hallway with Deidre and Ananke. The three glanced my way, spotting my belongings.

Deidre grinned, "Are you and the Shadowsinger together?" I blushed and nodded. "I knew it," She said to Ananke.

Clotho handed me a piece of paper. Your room is always here for you, whatever you choose, Gwyneth.

I bowed my head to her, "Thank you. I'll see you all tomorrow."

—-

I chose a teal-coloured dress for dinner that night. The cap sleeves and floaty fabric were ideal when it was definitely getting warmer outside and I wore a simple chain belt made up of moons and stars around my waist. It felt like the polar opposite to the outfit I'd worn at the Court of Nightmares just the previous night. I stepped out of Azriel's bedroom to find him already changed. I watched him for a moment from the doorway. He sat on the armchair by the fire, a cup of something in one hand and a book in the other. He wore black trousers, black boots and a black shirt with a lace-up detail across the chest, the sleeves rolled up because of the warm air. After a few minutes of reading and sipping his drink, he looked up and he smiled at me, putting down the book and cup and standing to his feet.

"You look beautiful," He said and I felt the blush on my cheeks.

"Thank you, so do you," I told him and he took one of my hands, gently kissing it.

"Are you ready?"

I nodded, "Yes."

The idea of going into Velaris still made me nervous, as did going anywhere unfamiliar, but excitement bubbled inside me as Azriel flew us over the city. The days were getting longer now and it was still light below us as I watched the fae on the streets like small insects. Azriel landed us in a square surrounded by restaurants and I inhaled the smell of the different cuisines as I glanced around. The square was cobblestone with small alleys going in different directions, presumably to different establishments. Some were cafes, others were bars and taverns. In the middle of the square was a large fountain, decorated with marble fish. The area was busy as residents moved in and out of the restaurants and bars, preparing for their dinner. A few looked our way with smiles or in surprise as the Shadowsinger held my hand. I let him lead us along an alleyway, decorated with lanterns hanging overhead, until we reached a little courtyard. The tables and chairs were mostly outside, tucked under a large willow tree and candles flickered as a centrepiece on each table.

A small fae female greeted us and led us to a table in the corner, next to a small pond. She gave each of us a menu before leaving us to it.

"This is pretty," I told him.

"It's one of Rhys' favourite places for us all to come," He replied. "It's the most calm out of them all."

I gave a nod and looked at the menu, "What's good?"

"All of it," He laughed softly, "We can get a few of the smaller plates and share them if you'd like?"

"Okay," I nodded. The waitress returned and he ordered our food and some wine for us to share. "Is this place expensive?" I asked when she was gone.

"It's reasonable," Azriel replied, "But it wouldn't matter if it was." He shrugged.

"My pay for the training in Windhaven is ridiculous," I told him. "So I can imagine you're paid generously too."

"I have a lot saved up," He said, "When my friends were spending the first few centuries at Rita's gambling and drinking, I was saving my money." He shrugged, "What's wrong with your pay anyway?"

"I already have a job," I reminded him, "And I don't really need much… or I didn't until I started getting invited to parties and dates!"

"And I suppose you've never been shopping?"

I shook my head, "It's not really been a requirement for being a priestess or working in a library. Generally you just wear standard robes."

"Mor would say you're missing out on a female past-time," He said as the waitress returned with the wine. She poured each of us a glass and then left the remainder of the bottle on the table. "Thank you," He said to her and she nodded before leaving to serve another table. "It's okay to treat yourself though and to let others treat you." He clinked his glass against mine and we each took a sip of our wine. It was obviously a different brand to whatever was usually consumed in the house but it tasted delicious all the same.

"Maybe I'll let Nesta drag me to the Palace of Thread and Jewels some time," I mused, "I could buy myself a crown."

He laughed softly, "I wouldn't complain if you did."

The different dishes brought out for dinner sent my taste buds tingling and between them and the bread, I was pleasantly full by the time the bill came.

"I'll pay half," I offered, knowing I could definitely afford it. He wasn't the only one that had been saving money.

He shook his head at me, "Not happening, I'm afraid." And he went and spoke to the waitress, settling his bill. When he returned, he held a hand out to me. "Are you ready to go?"

I let him lead me out of the restaurant and back into the main square, which seemed to be busier now. A musician sat playing the lute by the fountain and I paused, watching and listening.

"Do you think you'll ever buy your own place?" I asked.

"I do own a property to the West of here," He replied, "But a… friend lives there and I gifted it to them."

"And now you're stuck with Cassian and Nesta."

He smiled, "Now we're stuck with Cassian and Nesta." He rolled his shoulders, adjusting his wings behind him, "I could buy us a home somewhere though if you'd like that. Somewhere nice on the edge of the city."

"When the time comes," I told him, "We buy it together." I raised an eyebrow, "And if you argue, we're staying put."

He laughed softly and flicked my nose, "I had no idea you were so demanding. Swords, armour and now insisting we split costs."

"We're equal, in every way," I said, squeezing his hand and he nodded. "Now I believe you promised me music."

He scooped me into his arms and leaped into the air. I let out a squeal at the speed this time and his chest rumbled as he laughed. We soared through the air and I knew where we were going before we'd even reached the location. He landed in his familiar alcove at the top of the amphitheatre and this time it wasn't empty. Visitors poured in and instruments were set up on the stage, ready to perform. I sat down and Azriel sat behind me, pulling me between his legs so I could rest my back against him.

The faelights below us dimmed and I watched as the musicians walked out onto the stage and took their places. The music started quiet and built up to a crescendo that drifted through me like the waves lapping against the sand. Goosebumps scattered across my skin at the sound and I watched in awe. When the song ended, the crowd applauded and I did too. The shadows watched over my shoulders too, I realised. The songs continued and Azriel held me against him as I watched, barely taking a breath. I'd never seen music like this before. It seemed to call to me.

"I'll be here waiting, hoping, praying that this light will guide you home," I sang softly, the words tumbling out of me as the musical notes seemed to dance around in the air in front of us. "When you're feeling lost, I'll leave my love hidden in the Sun for when the darkness comes."

A glow radiated from my skin as I hummed along to the music, the shadows twirling about in my breath. Tears brimmed in my eyes as emotion overwhelmed me and I turned around to see Azriel crying. I reached up and brushed the tears from his face.

"What's wrong?" I asked him and he gave a small smile.

"Nothing's wrong," He assured me, "Everything's… right." I returned the smile and he brushed my cheek. And then the heavens opened. The music continued as the rain fell hard and fast and Azriel moved a wing to shelter me. But instead I stood up and looked up at the rainclouds overhead. I laughed softly, feeling the rain on my face and Azriel glanced up at me through the rain with confusion.

"Dance with me," I said.

He moved to his feet in one swift motion, "Always."

And despite the heavy rain, despite our outfits becoming soaked, he held me in his arms and we danced until the songs were over, and even for a few moments after that, when there was no music left pouring through the amphitheatre. Eventually we stopped moving and Azriel stood, holding me against him.

"Take me home," I said and he smiled, before launching us into the sky.