Morning came and somehow I was even worse. Each breath was like sucking through a a straw, the congestion in my lungs burning. I skipped showering, just the effort of getting my leggings and jacket on having me debating laying in bed all day.

There was too much to do and with Rhys away, I needed to cross off a few things in town.

Sipping a coffee at the table, I willed away my aching muscles, letting the warm liquid sooth my burning throat.

I rubbed my eyes coughing again once.

A hand gripped my shoulder and I lifted my head up in surprise.

"Are you okay?" Cassian's eyes were filled with concern, no sign of his usual banter.

Azriel pulled up a chair across from me, his eyes mutually concerned.

I must have looked as bad as I felt.

I nodded.

"Yeah, fine." I didn't have the energy for any more words.

"You look fine."

Cassian said sarcastically, pulling a chair up next to Azriel.

The Shadowsinger stared, eyes flittering as he took in my condition.

"Are you staying at the house today?" He probed softly.

I stifled a cough, shaking my head.

"Few things to do in town before Rhys is back." I muttered, my voice raspy and exhausted. I took a wheeze in, noting the Illyrians wince slightly.

"You should stay here." Azriel suggested, sipping from his coffee.

"Too much to do."

Cassian rolled his eyes.

"Wouldn't make me a very helpful High Lady if I didn't finish a few town tasks."

Cassian tilted his head in disagreeance.

I pulled myself into standing, stifling a wince, ignoring their scrutiny.

"Don't be so stubborn just stay here today." He tried again, leaning back in his chair, eyebrows raised.

I raised my arm slowly, flipping him off before I headed to the door.

Azriels quiet chuckle filled the space as I left.

I walked through the town, each step feelings like a marathon as I struggled to coordinate a rasping breath with my leg muscles at the same time. I hurried through the paperwork of building approvals, glad to save Rhys some time. He did so much for this city. Our home.

It was his turn to relax a little more.

Enjoy the peace we had all fought so hard for.

After an hour or two of finalising the last few papers, the shop keepers bid me a grateful goodbye.

I was too exhausted to winnow back to the house, barely focussed on anything besides remember how to lift each foot high enough to not fall flat on my face.

The wind was cold and I scowled at the rustling pine trees ahead, coughs wracking through my chest in response as the cold air poured down my lungs. Even the town was reasonably quiet today, people avoiding the cool breeze.

I blinked away the dizziness, heading for the pine forest path back home, away from prying town eyes. I enjoyed the woods, the solitude.

A strange noise continued to interrupt the whooshing sound of the branches and I listened intently.

Only to realise it increased in volume as I walked.

I gasped, realising it was me.

The wheeze in my lungs was now very audible and I coughed again, hoping to clear it.

I pulled air through my lips with each step, feeling lightheaded.

My ears rang.

Leaning against a tree, i breathed heavily, my vision blurring at the corners.

Worry crept into my mind. I actually didn't think I'd make it home at this rate when all I wanted to do was lay on the floor.

Still, I wouldn't ask the others for help, likely busy with their own tasks.

I coughed into my elbow, sliding down the tree to rest on a lower branch as a seat.

A sat for a few seconds focusing on my chest muscles drawing breath in and out. Of course I would get this sick as Fae.

A soft thud echoed through the ground as a hand gently clasped my shoulder.

Azriel bent down, his hazel eyes filled with warm concern.

"Feyre." His brows pulled together in a frown, eyes flittering as he took in my slumped posture and ragged breathing.

"Keeping tabs on me, Shadowsinger?" I forced humour in my tone.

"You're my High Lady." Azriel half smiled. "Of course I keep tabs on you."

I smiled, the act itself a workout.

He frowned again, sliding his hand from my shoulder to my forearm, waiting for my consent to stand.

I took a breath in, letting him pull me upright with ease. He held my forearms, not trusting my steadiness in my feet.

I turned to reassure him before he could prompt, but he stooped low, an arm behind my knees as he pulled me into his chest.

I owned my mouth to protest but he shot me a smirk.

" I'm taking you to Madja."

My eyes widened.

"Hey, no-"Cold air encompassed us as he shot into the sky and I couldn't help but shudder into his chest for warmth.