Chapter 12

Recalled Home

It was a week before Starfall and Holly nearly lived in the library. She did come up for dinner with the Inner Circle when Azriel was gone and did some training with Cassian. Mor had stayed with her for a month after she arrived. Holly wasn't meeting any of her spies and her father was getting more and more angry. Thinking she failed in her mission.

Holly came into the House of Wind. She had been summoned back by Rhys. Azriel just landed on the balcony as Holly came into the dining area. They both stopped when they saw each other. Azriel hadn't seen her since she disappeared into the library and didn't miss the hurt look on her face along with the purple bruises under her eyes. Holly turned away from him and went down the hall. Azriel looked after her with an unreadable expression. Cassian was glaring at him from the table. Cassian had spent two hours in a fist fight with Azriel after he got back after telling Holly he was not worthy of her. He was slowly starting to regret it now that he was starting to block bad memories out. Mor and Amren were worse.

Holly knocked on Rhys's door and stepped in. Rhy stood at the window looking out. Holly was in black plants and a blue sweater. Her long hair was braided into a crown on top of her head. She lost some wait but not as bad as she was when she arrived. Rhys turned to look at her. She was leaning against the door, looking like she wanted to escape already. Rhys had sensed Azriel arrival and figured the two ran into each other.

"I got word from you father." Rhys said. The color drained from Holly's face. Mor promised to keep her secret about who her father truely is till Holly told the others.

"What did he want?" Holly asked. Anger was in Rhys's eyes. Holly knew it wasn't towards her. Mor and Cassian had come in with Amren and Holly moved out of the way and approached the desk. Mor frowned seeing her friend look so sad.

"He doesn't want you to stay any longer and requests that you come home." Rhys said. Mor sucked in a breath. "It's up to you if you want to go back."

"I want to go back to Hybern." Silence filled the room. "I can't... I can't be here with him." Holly whispered. Cassian looked at the girl in shock. "I'm sorry. I'm happy you gave me chances here then I got back home." Holly turned towards the door. Mor was glaring at Rhys.

"Stay for the week." Rhys said. Holly turned. "Starfall is next week and you only get to see it at the Night Court. You should least get to experience that. I'll let your father know."

"I would like that." Holly said. Holly stopped at the door as she went to leave. "Don't tell Azriel about this, please." A tear slid down her check as Holly quickly left.

"Why would you let her go back?" Mor said, storming up to her cousin, tears in her eyes.

"The girl rather deal with physical pain then heartbreak." Amren said. Rhys nodded and Cassian cursed. "You send her back, we will never see her again."

"I know." Rhys said.

"Do something. Please. Don't let her go back." Mor said, nearly in tears.

"It's not my decision and up to me." Rhy said.

"What do you mean?" Mor asked.

"It's up to Azriel now." Cassian said with a sigh. Rhys nodded.

"You have a week to see if you can get those two to talk without telling him she's leaving." Rhys ordered. The friends agreed. Holly stood on the balcony, looking out to Velaris. The wind was still cold. Holly ran her hand along the railing.

"Let's go dress shopping." Holly turned to Mor, who strode towards her. "You need a dress for Starfall and I'll buy us lunch." Holly smiled.

"I can take you both to the streets." Cassian offered.

"I would like that." Holly said. Cassian wrapped both girls in his arms and Holly saw Amren heading over to Azriel, who was watching them. Hazel met those mis match ones and his eyes widen when he saw tears in her eyes when there wasn't any there before she met with Rhys. A meeting he wasn't invited to and he wondered why. Cassian took off to the skies.

Mor and Holly strolled through the streets. People waved and greeted them. Mor and Holly greeted them back. Holly had a smile on her face, a real one. She loved this city.

They arrived at Mor's favorite shop for dresses. Holly ran her hands down the dresses.

"I really don't want you to go." Mor said as she looked at her favorite section. Holly hummed in response. Mor looked at her.

"I know. I'm sorry, Mor." Holly said. Mor came over with a beautiful blue dress. It was almost the same color as Azriel's siphons. It was long sleeve and looked like it would hang off her shoulders and the bodice was modest witha flower like pattern. It was beautiful.

"I think this is what you should wear." Mor said with a smile. Holly smiled.

"Will you tell me what Star Fall is?" Holly asked as they walked to the townhouse that night after shopping and spending the day in the Rainbow district at the popular theater.

"You'll have to wait till Starfall. I don't want to spoil the surprise. You'll love it." Mor promised. Holly wondered if Starfall will be more special when the night is over.

AN: I feel so bad for Holly. Don't worry. Next chapter will be better. Till next time