Chapter 12

The heavy rains continued for a couple days more before stopping. It was impossible for Azriel to visit at the time, but I began to grow anxious when I didn't see him even after the weather turned clear.

I caught myself waiting, looking outside my windows as I continued with my day. It was an agony, and I didn't know what else to do. Had he given up? Was he wounded? I grew more worried, and after a week passed by with no sign of him, I decided to visit Velaris in person and check.

The following morning, I woke up early to have a quick breakfast and then pack an overnight bag. I was in the middle of washing the dishes when there was a knock on the front door.

Abandoning my task, I ran to the foyer, drying my hands with a dishcloth and anticipating Azriel's face.

My face fell when I saw Rhysand, Cassian, and my father framed by the open doorway. I immediately schooled my expression, mentally chastising myself for being so excited. They were wearing somber expression as I led them to the living room. I felt my heart thumping in panic as I asked them for refreshments and they declined. What could possibly have happened that they came all the way here instead of Azriel?

We all sat down, and I couldn't stop bouncing my knee as Rhys and Cassian took in the villa.

My father was the first to speak. "Azriel's taken ill."

I couldn't stop the concerning expression that plainly showed only face. I was in love with Azriel, after all. "Is he wounded?"

He shook his head. "It's a fever, headache and stomachache. He should've been healed by now. But—"

Rhys took the rest of the explanation. "But he's not eating or drinking anything. Any medicine that your father tries to give him he rejects it. He's become delirious, confined to bed and keeps saying your name all the time. Everyone of us have tried coaxing him to have something. He's just to listening. We don't know what to do."

Cassian's voice had lost its usual liveliness. "We know that he has hurt you. But please, I beg you, come back and treat him. Save our brother. He'll really die from a simple fever at this rate."

I swallowed, my eyes filling with tears. Our mating bond had a weak pulse, and now I knew the reason. Azriel…

I had been hurt, but I wasn't heartless. And maybe, it was now the time to move on and let him in.

"Bring him here, I'll nurse him back to health."

Relief was visible on their faces, Rhys and Cassian engulfed me in a group hug before immediately taking off to winnow their brother here. Father lingered back, and he gave me instructions on the medicine and food to prepare after which he too, had to leave. He had patients waiting in the city.

He left after he engulfed me in another hug and told me that he loved me.

I took a few moments to steady myself. Then I started on the preparations as per the instructions, anticipating Azriel's arrival.

My mate's arrival. The words put a smile only face, despite it all.

•~᯽~•

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