I limped back into the townhouse as Cassian snickered.
Azriel's flying lessons had been going well but my fear of falling had me tensing up and panicking the second I stuck a glide, causing me to plummet to the ground. Azriel was incredibly patient and helpful, catching me most of the time but equally allowing me to tumble on the landing. Thankfully, lessons were only around the 10 feet height from the ground, enough to be uncomfortable but unlikely to be hurt. Well except my pride.
I'd suggested starting higher up may force me to commit to the flight without panicking and letting gravity take me, but Azriel had just stared at me and raised an eyebrow.
"How's it going, Feyre?" Cassian chuckled, sipping from a wine, his legs sprawled lazily on the chair across from him.
Azriel entered behind me, sitting a few seats down at the table.
"She's doing very well. Progressing quickly." Azriel said coolly reaching for his own glass. I smiled in appreciation of his defence.
Cassian smirked.
"Maybe if you try much higher up, you won't be so committed to hitting the ground." He sipped from his wine teasingly as his eyebrows raised.
I glared at him, sitting heavily into the chair.
"Don't encourage her with bad ideas." Azriel said, his voice light.
I enjoyed the time with Azriel. He was always quiet so it was nice to get to know him better. His patient and warm character behind the threatening shadow exterior. I rested my head back in the chair. My body was exhausted from Cassian's workouts and Azriel's flying. Every muscle ached through my back and core.
"Feyre, can you pass the wine?" Cassian asked, his expression abnormally serious for him. My eyes narrowed briefly. I sighed and groaned as I used my arms to push my body up, my quads screaming in pain.
Azriel punched Cassian's arm as I handed him the wine. Cassian's hard expression collapsed into a fit of laughter.
"You asshole." I muttered to him as I staggered back to the chair.
Cassian still snorted, collecting himself.
"I'm sorry that was just too fun to watch."
I picked up an apple and tossed it at his head as I chuckled. He caught it narrowly in between his laughter. Azriel rolled his eyes, then turned to me.
"You'll get him back." He winked at me. I smirked in response and nodded.
"Karma's a bitch, Cassian." I muttered, adjusting my legs in the chair and stifling another groan.
He chuckled in response, biting into the apple.
"Ooh I'm scared."
I huffed and fell back deeper into the chair.
"You'll have to carry me upstairs at this rate."
The two Illyrians chuckled as I closed my eyes briefly.
Mor barged in, wearing her usually beautiful attire. A long gown that glittered. I suddenly felt self conscious, still in my workout gear.
"Mor, it's just dinner why must you put so much effort in." Cassian stood up.
"Oh I woke up like this." She winked at him as he rolled his eyes.
"Come, dinner will be served soon. Maybe you dirty people can wash up first. Rhys will be back shortly." She wrinkled her nose and turned to leave.
Azriel stood up also, heading to the door. I stayed in my chair, hesitating moving a sore muscle, my head still resting on the back of the chair.
Cassian hesitated and turned to me as Azriel walked ahead.
"Aww does poor Feyre need some help?" He smirked cheekily and walked over to me. I folded one of my crossed legs back to the floor and winced.
"No, I don't need your-"
Cassian scooped down, lifting me under the knees and behind my back easily into his arms.
"Cassian!" I exclaimed in shock, noticing Azriel hesitating and walking back in the room momentarily to see what the cause of my yelling was, before carrying on.
Cassian chuckled as he walked upstairs with me in his arms. I wrapped my arm around his neck.
"Put me down you prick." I laughed as hit his chest with my free hand.
"Anything for my High Lady." He said cheekily, his face taunting and mischievous.
He approached my door.
"Okay put me down." I said firmly, my eyes narrowing at his expression.
He walked to the bed and dumped me roughly onto it as I tumbled once. He laughed at my angry expression, before sprinting from the room, likely to avoid any missiles I would aim at him to get him back.
I laid there for a while before getting dressed, the warm bath easing my sore muscles.
Rhys attended dinner after his day away and we spent the evening together as a family. The night was warm and pleasant as we drank wine and listened to music.
Lucien returned and sat at his usual end of the table, at least three seats from the closest person. He ignored Mor's teasing and a part of me felt bad for him. He had just returned from the Spring Court and I was eager to speak to him. Rhys had informed me about Tamlin's condition and I knew Lucien would be suffering for that.
Rhys, Mor and Amren went inside to get more wine and clear dishes as I leaned outside on the railing with Cassian and Azriel, enjoying the night air.
I leaned over the railing, looking down at the drop.
Cassian raised an eyebrow.
"If I jumped from here, who would catch me quickest ? Who's a faster flyer?" I taunted, sipping my wine as the Illyrians smirked at each other.
"Me." They both said in unison as I laughed at the ego contest.
Cassian punched Azriel's his arm roughly.
"I'm faster." Azriel said teasingly, leaning on the railing next to me.
Cassian's response was halted by the awkward presence of Lucien entering.
The red head approached me, his eyes stern and accusing. My heart increased and I could feel Azriel next to me tense up.
Cassian sighed deeply, sipping his wine and walking away a few paces to give us space. To my surprise, Azriel did not move his position leaning casually on the railing next to me.
Lucien seemed to stare at him in annoyance, before diverting his attention back to me.
"How was the Spring Court?" I said apprehensively, not sure how to bring up the elephant in the room.
Lucien's eyes narrowed.
"Don't play dumb, Feyre. You did a great job." Lucien said his voice rough.
I felt Cassian pretend to be interested in something in the distance.
Azriel's shadows danced around his shoulders, his eyes darting side to side, analysing Lucien.
I took a deep breath.
"I know Tamlin is, not doing well. I'm sorry. " I said low, a small prang of pity in my stomach.
Lucien stepped forward, his eyes not even acknowledging anyone else in the room.
"You should be happy that you single handedly broke down his court, even his sentries abandoned him." Lucien glowered in anger.
Azriel shifted his position, sitting upright on the railing beside me.
"That was the goal." Cassian huffed, pride in his tone. Azriel lifted his chin slightly in agreement, now standing upright.
Lucien's eyes darkened.
I stepped closer to him, my eyes soft.
"Lucien, war was coming. I had to do what was necessary." I could feel the two Illyrians eyes burning and analysing the few feet between Lucien and I, Azriel tense beside me.
Lucien's expression turned to fury.
"You little manipulator."
He stepped forward once as I struggled not to recoil at his height and threat, even feet apart.
Azriel lunged quicker than his shadows, his body suddenly positioned in front of me, his hand wrapped firmly around Lucien's throat.
"That's close enough." The shadowsinger spat the words, his expression lethal, his muscles tense. Cassian moved closer as Lucien spluttered a few times, before the hand was released.
Lucien gasped and rubbed his neck as Azriel stayed positioned in front of me, one hand low as if ready to shield me.
Lucien glared into the Shadowsingers eyes as I saw his fear at the threat, before he turned to storm off.
"Never liked him." Cassian sighed, breaking the tension in the air.
Azriel still stood in place, his eyes staring at the exit that Lucien had just left.
Rhys and the others appeared at the entrance of the balcony.
He raised an eyebrow at me but I just nodded in reassurance.
I gripped the scarred hand in front of me and squeezed gently.
Azriel broke his stance, turning to me and letting go of my hand, his eyes softening.
"Sorry, Feyre." He said, his tone unashamed.
I smiled.
"No, thank you." He nodded once before gravitating over to Mor and Amren.
Protective of his High Lady. I won't argue with that.
Rhys sent through the bond to me as he patted Azriel on the shoulder once, before walking over to us. Cassian joined as we all relaxed, the music increasing in volume thanks to Amren.
"Az knows how to start a party. Though I wish there was more fists flying. That would have been fun to watch." Cassian muttered as he walked next to me. Rhys and I glared at him in muted annoyance.
"Protective Illyrians hey." I winked at him.
Cassian leaned on the railing.
"Oh you have no idea."
Rhys chuckled.
"I would have murdered him on the spot. Azriel did well." Rhys said darkly, his tone serious. I shook my head as he placed his hand around my waist.
I relaxed a little as I saw Azriel drinking his wine again and listening to Mor's chatter, his body relaxed. I was so lucky to have my family. Wholly undeserving.
I slept soundly that night as morning approached. Rhys had diplomatic business with Mor and Amren tomorrow so it would just be Azriel and Cassian around.
Especially after Azriel's help last night, I really wanted to impress him with some flying progression today. To prove myself as strong and mighty as my family. I wouldn't let my fear of falling prevent my progress any longer. Fear was an old part of me.
I got up early, changing into my leggings and black jacket. I grabbed a long rope, slinging it over my shoulder.
Cassian was off for the morning over training Illyrians and Azriel was likely training by himself nearby. I would use the time wisely to get some flying practice on my own before our lesson.
I needed no audience to really be comfortable with failing. At least few times I could try and stick a longer glide without panicking and crumbling to the ground. Once I could hold a glide for a minute, I could progress. That's what Azriel had said yesterday.
I trudged through the woods, climbing upwards along the nearby river, the sun gleaming. I shivered at the temperature, moving my legs faster. The wind was cold and the sky grey making the gushing river look more threatening than beautiful today.
I pushed my legs faster, walking up the much larger cliff face that overhung the river below.
Approaching the top, I gazed over the sheer rock drop and admired the force of the water below, churning and slamming as the river rock dipped and changed down hill. I gulped, my palms sweaty.
I secured the rope around a nearby tree and my waist once for good measure. I planned to practice my glide from this much higher point. If I failed, at least the rope would catch me, so that I could climb back up the rock face and start again. The river below didn't look too deadly. At least Azriel's words about being unbreakable as fae were echoing in my mind, pushing the fear of the drop below.
I pushed my wings out, wincing at the muscle ache. My toes edged on the ledge as I repeated Azriel's promise of how unbreakable I now was in my new body. I took a deep breath and jumped from the ledge, my wings wide.
I stretched my core and back and pushed my wings out, gasping at the strength of the wind I had not factored in. I pushed against it as it threatened to spin me out of control. I held the position, not daring to look down and only flying as far as the rope would allow, holding the glide for 30 seconds.
My muscles started to fail and my wings drooped. I slowly turned in a circle, using the gust to propel me back to the rock ledge.
I laughed out loud in victory and pride. A perfect glide. Hopefully I could show Azriel and not stuff it up later this morning.
Confidence soared through me. I pulled the rope around my waist, ensuring it still secure. I ran a a few steps and propelled into the air.
I held the glide again, my wings wide. My muscles screamed much more in protest, getting sore and fatigued quickly this time. The wind hit against me in all directions as I fought to keep my posture, allowing the tug of the rope to guide me.
I flew forward more, feeling the rope on full stretch, mild panic rising in my chest as I felt my back and core burning. My confidence dropped with the pain as I wasn't sure I'd be able to turn around as well as before.
I looked down at the drop and the churning grey river below, the sky casting a shadow over the landscape. Another gust of wind hit me as I pulled forward, the rope tightening at the tension around my waist.
My muscles screamed in fatigue.
I heard an almighty snap as I felt the tension on the rope slacken. I whipped my head behind me as the broken rope snapped towards me with the elastic stretch I had created.
I shouted in exasperation as the rope flung around my shoulders, pinning my wings. I screamed as I fell, my wings disappearing as my magic fatigued, spinning through the freezing air.
The rope spun with the gravity, hooking around both my arms and torso tightly. I gasped as I plummeted into the freezing river, the cold knocking any air in my chest straight out.
Panic rose in my chest as I sank deep, my arms pinned to my sides, the rope tight. I couldn't tell where the end of the rope was, all I could focus on was working out which way was up. I kicked furiously with my feet, swimming upwards.
I broke the surface with a gasp, desperately gobbling air down. The strength of the current was terrifying as my body was picked up and thrown into hard rock as the river dropped. My shoulders ached at the blow as I struggled to stay afloat with no arms free. I fought against the rope as another bend approached. Water forced down my lungs.
"Help!" I rasped as a sharp drop off in the water approached. I gathered a half breath before I was falling again.
I felt my head hit something hard as stars danced in my vision, my body slackening as I plunged into the deeper river, the air whooshing from my lungs.
I stayed relaxed, conscious but dazed as my head pounded. I looked up at the surface above, my body slack as I tried to will away the dizziness that consumed my head, my arms still pinned against my side. My lungs burned as I looked up at the distance to the surface, my muscles frozen. I felt oddly calm, my head swirling. I couldn't think.
The sun dancing on the water surface broke as a shadow pierced through the churning surface. I felt arms beneath my knees and back momentarily. My eyes widened and I spluttered, as freezing cold wind rattled through me, whipping against my skin. The swirling water became hard surface against my side and I felt strong hands push my body onto my left shoulder. I coughed heavily as water poured from my mouth, a hand hitting me firmly and repeatedly between my shoulder blades.
"Feyre!" The voice was male, strained and filled with deep worry. Familiar.
My head throbbed and my thoughts felt scrambled. I felt my arms fall free to the ground as the ropes were pulled off of me.
I focussed on deep breaths, pulling freezing air between my lips.
"Feyre!" A firm hand gripped my chin and tilted my face slightly upwards, the texture rough. Scarred.
Azriel's face was that of pure panic. His eyes wide and pleading, then darting around the environment scanning for threats, before meeting my gaze again. I felt him looking over my body for injuries.
My thoughts steadied. I coughed again. My eyes focussed clearly.
"Azriel." I rasped.
Relief flooded over his face, so quickly I almost noticed tears.
"Thank the Cauldron." He sighed, scooping a hand under my neck and slowly bringing me into a seated position. I leaned heavily against his arm, my head spinning.
"Does anywhere hurt?" He held my body upright, his free hand roughly grabbing along my arms and legs, scanning my face for reaction. I shook my head and shivered, my muscles convulsing against the cold wind.
"How, how did you-" I coughed again as he rubbed my back in reflex.
He gestured a side nod to the shadows that swarmed around his shoulders. I sighed, breathing delicious air again, my muscles convulsing with the cold. He pulled me closer, his wings shielding me from the wind.
"What happened?" He demanded, his voice strained, his muscles tense and alert. He maintained a hand on my back.
I swallowed.
"I wanted to practice flying at a higher height, and I used the rope as back up in case I fell."
I avoided his gaze as his eyes darted side to side, processing. He huffed a breath of air.
I moved to get up as Azriel pulled me to my feet, letting go of my arms once he was sure I could stand.
I crossed my arms against the cold.
"You should have waited for me." He scolded, his voice strained.
I shivered again. He pursed his lips,his expression full of reprimand and worry.
He sighed.
"Feyre, no more flying without my protection." His eyes were a demand, signally no room for arguing.
"You could have been killed." His gaze softened, though his frown remained.
I nodded.
"Thank you." I said earnestly, his eyes still on my face. I stumbled a step as a wave of dizziness whirled in my ears.
Azriel gripped my elbow, steadying me.
"You do not ever need to thank me." He said warmly, shadows dancing around my shoulders.
I smiled and turned to walk down the sloped rock face.
"So, I'll go get some dry clothes on and be back for train-" my right foot slipped out from under me. Strong hands grabbed my arm, keeping me upright.
"No no." He turned me around to face him, keeping one hand firmly on my forearm, gripping my free arm with his other hand.
"You have a concussion and took a hell of a beating." He didn't loosen his grip, both supporting me upright and preventing my eye gaze from leaving his.
I opened my mouth to argue and my jaw chattered as the wind tore through again.
"And you are hypothermic. We need to get you warm and you will be resting all day." He said firmly, an order.
I frowned. I wasn't wasting a full day. His mouth pulled up very slightly.
"No-"
His cut me off, scoping me into his arms and winnowed us into the house.
"Go get warm." He gestured his head to my room down the hallway as I frowned at him playfully.
I breathed the warm steam of the bath in, washing the dried blood on my head off, the cut now healed. I felt stiff and sore and had a throbbing headache but I was just glad to be warm again. It felt like an eternity trying to get the heat to seep back through my bones.
I dressed slowly, ignoring the splitting headache as I pulled on my leggings and a jumper. I could do some sparring or something later maybe once my headache lifted. I rolled my shoulders and groaned at the soreness.
The house was quiet and peaceful. I walked to the kitchen, even my feet feeling bruised through my socks on the wood floor.
The front door slammed behind me.
Cassian's eyes were locked on me, his face stern. He walked fast towards me, his Illyrian leathers swishing at the movement.
"What the hell were you thinking?" He said low, his voice gruff, as he lifted a hand to gently hold my face for a brief second, my eyes meeting his.
I looked down, avoiding his gaze.
"I-"
"You cannot do reckless shit like that, Feyre." He paced a few steps, his boots loud on the wood floors. He was certainly intimidating in his warrior clothing, his shoulders broad under the leather and armour.
He took in my silence, and his frown softened. He closed the distance between us a few steps.
"I'm sorry, Cass." My voice trembled slightly.I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall.
He sighed.
"Please just don't do anything dangerous without one of us around please?" He tilted my chin to look at him, his eyes pleading.
I nodded.
He sighed in relief.
"You gave Azriel a heart attack today." He rubbed his forehead.
"And then me when he told me what happened."
I felt a small pang of guilt and also love at the family I suddenly now had, as undeserving as it felt for me to deserve them.
I placed my hands on his large arms.
"I'm sorry it won't happen again." I smiled at him, watching his expression ease into his more casual self.
"Though this doesn't mean I'm not still tougher than you, Cassian." I teased him, squeezing his arms.
He laughed once, cocking his head and rolling his eyes at me.
He turned to the front door as I walked in front, eager for some fresh air.
"So, we training now?" I asked him behind my shoulder.
"I'll give you two seconds to work that out." Cassian chuckled.
I frowned in confusion as I opened the door.
Azriel stood with his arms crossed, an eyebrow raised playfully.
My eyes widened in surprise followed by annoyance.
"Feyre, didn't I say you need to rest today?" His tone was taunting.
I sighed irritated as Cassian laughed behind me.
"No training." Cassian whispered in my ear as I slapped him away.
I watched the two Illyrians walk down the steps into the garden.
A thought occurred to me that suddenly had my heart pounding.
"Wait!"
They both turned around in surprise. I jogged down the steps, ignoring my pounding headache.
"Can we please please decided maybe not to bring up or think about what happened today around Rhys? Please." I begged with my hands together.
Cassian's smile stretched across his face and Azriel raised his eyebrows in amusement.
"Oh, you're on your own with that one, Feyre." Cassian said.