In the afternoon, whilst we awaited Mor, Rhys and Amren's return, I let the two Illyrians know that I had cabin fever and would be going for a walk.
I was eager also to keep busy rather than sit waiting at the house.
They reluctantly agreed, on the condition they accompany me, should I get fatigued.
The wound was healing well now, scabbing over already.
The wind was cooling off, the smell of pine filling my senses as we walked under the canopies.
Cassian whined, provoking Azriel in an argument regarding who was best at hand to hand combat, whilst we walked through the woods.
When I grew sick of the back and forth arguing, I chimed in,
"I would best you both." The conversation stopped and the pair stared at me incredulous.
"I have magic and you don't." I teased back.
Azriel scoffed.
"Keep your magic. We have brute strength and power." Cassian tilted his chin arrogantly, his siphons flaring once.
"Irrelevant. Magic is stronger. I would be more scared of me than yous two. Right Az? "
I pushed his arm playfully but he didn't move an inch. I forgot how heavy they were.
"Oh yes, terrified Feyre." He said smugly. I chuckled at his arrogant side sneaking through.
"I could use my water wolves to eat my enemies, so watch out next time you provoke me Cassian."
He laughed.
"Hey, you've gotta be nice to your big body guards." Cassian taunted, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
I watched his wings swaying as he walked with each step.
They were so large. I don't know how the Illyrians lifted them all the time.
"I'd do better under attack anyway."
Cassian raised an eyebrow, in challenge.
"Your wings are such a broad target, you'd easily go down first."
I explained.
"They're not the only broad thing about Illyrians." Cassian smirked.
I smacked his arm.
Azriel chuckled next to me.
"Come on you walked right into that one." Cassian laughed so contagiously i couldn't help but chuckle.
Something in the air changed, humour seeping from Cassian's face.
The wind rustled the trees and the hairs on my arms suddenly stood up. Something was wrong.
My smile dropped from my face instantly.
Azriel slowed his footsteps, shadows dancing around his shoulders faster.
"What-" I started.
My breath hitched as the scent hit me.
Azriel stepped protectively in front of us both, his truth teller in his hand. Cassian stepped close to me, his siphons glowing.
The blonde hair stepped into view as a snarl erupted from Azriel's chest.
Tamlin's expression was pure fury. No speck of the man I once fell for. Just pure animalistic rage.
"Feyre." He lengthened his claws as Cassian stepped forward on instinct, the two Illyrians almost shielding me from his view.
Cassian growled.
"Leave now or you will die where you stand."
Tamlin mustered a dark chuckle and I struggled to not recoil as his eyes burned into mine, dismissing Cassian.
"You ruined my court, so I feel it's only fair I attempt the same. Or, or I could hurt you, that would also make me feel better."
Azriel lunged forward, blade in hand but Cassian's arm shot out to his chest.
He obliged, collecting himself, twisting the blade in his hand once.
"I will gut you." Azriel said, cold as death.
I shivered. Anger was pulsing through me and I leaned into it, grateful for the clarity it brought over the fear that lingered in Tamlin's presence. He wouldn't dare touch my court, my family, or I'd kill him myself.
"Leave Tamlin, and I'll spare your life." My voice was strong.
He paced to the side, Cassian and Azriel's eyes locked onto his every step like a predator.
"Look who's such a tough guy now." He taunted.
"Yes, it's amazing what some free will does to someone." I spat back.
It cut him, his face contorting with rage.
"Get out." I snarled, stepping forward.
"You deserve the ruin you inflicted on me, you traitorous bitch."
Azriel stiffened at my side.
"Stop whining like a child, Tamlin. You made your bed."
Cassian lifted his chin in pride at my words.
" I bet you're so happy with your little family now, Feyre. Well how about this." He rubbed his chin. "How about I kill your big bats." He glowered a deathly glare at the Illyrians.
That did it, the composure I held snapped as I saw red.
"I'll kill you." I charged forward, magic at my fingertips, ready to drown him-
Cassian's hand shot out at lightning speed, gripping my arm. He turned to me, a disciplinary instruction to stay behind him in his eyes.
Azriel shifted closer in front of me.
"Aw didn't like that I threatened your pets?"
Using my free hand, I fired, faster than he could react. A wave of fire and wind knocked him off feet, but he staggered, gaining his balance.
I charged forward, but Cassian still held my arm in his vice grip.
"Stay behind me." Cassian said low, reading my face before he felt my bodyoblige.
The two Illyrians stood in front of me, no opportunity for me to pass. I made a mentally note to yell at them later.
"I will kill you. This is your last warning to leave alive." I growled my tone unwavering.
Tamlin smirked darkly.
"I could dispose of your bats and then torture you," Tamlin paced as Cassian snarled an ungodly sound.
" and that'll leave me to lure in your precious mate."
Azriel scoffed darkly in challenge, a silent taunt to get through him first.
My heart was pounding at his threat to my family.
I tried to breathe through my rage, but taking one more look at his taunting gaze, my control snapped.
I charged again as his taunting smirk deepened.
Cassian's arm shot out, gripping both shoulders, Azriel tensing at the front of us both.
I fought against his hold.
"No." He ordered, keeping me back. I scowled at him.
"Let me pass." I wanted to drown Tamlin where he stood.
Cassian's eyes hardened, his hand shoulder down my shoulder, still restraining.
"You aren't going near him." He growled close to my ear.
The restraint on Azriel suddenly expired.
One moment he was stood in front of us, rigid and protective, the next he had winnowed.
Tamlins gasp of pain filled the air as Azriel's blade pierced his back.
He dropped to his knees as red blood spilled from his wound.
A second later, Azriel was back in front of us, shielding defending.
"Next time you threaten her, you die." Azriel growled, the truth teller dripping red in his hand.
I gaped at the Shadowsinger.
Tamlins expression was clean from any smirk as he scrambled to his feet and winnowed.
I sighed in release, Cassian dropping his hand from my shoulder.
Azriel sheathed the truth teller, his face hard.
I gripped his elbow and his shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Are you okay?" I asked him.
His brow furrowed in confusion.
"I should be asking you that."
I smiled slightly.
I turned to Cassian, a small scowl on my face.
He smacked his lips.
"I wasn't going to let you near that animal." His tone lacked any humour.
I opened my mouth to retort, but Azriel spoke.
"We'll kill him next time Feyre. And do it slowly. " I shivered at the promise in his tone."