"It has been reported that something strange is going on..." Rhysand swallowed, his violet eyes looked shadowed, and I felt true concern for the High Lord, he mumbled out the last part, but I heard it easily: "Under the Mountain."
My heart slowed, I'd been under the mountain, for as long as Rhys himself. I saw straight through his mask of mind-games. I knew exactly what he'd been up to, I noticed the distant look in his eyes every time he went in someone's head, I could see how much effort he put in to keep a cruel smirk on his face, I knew the moment Feyre had returned after her first trial with a healed arm, and the tattoo... it was him.
"I will go, see if there is anything or anyone I need to either dispatch, leave there, or bring to the Night Court-"
"Azriel will be coming with you, as we both know, he may have a better understanding of what to do with anyone you find. Or anything you find. Also, we cannot be too sure of what's there, it will most likely have a better outcome if you and Az have each other's backs. Do you understand, Shadowsinger?"
I stiffened, I hadn't realised Azriel had arrived, nor that he'd been told to come. "Yes, when are we expected to leave?" The Spymaster asked, his voice so deep I almost didn't hear. I turned slowly, Azriel was leaning against the wall closest to the door, his hazel eyes fixed on Rhysand.
"Today or tomorrow, you both decide... stay safe." Rhys said, true worry shone across his sharp face. "Thank you for your time, Lord Rhysand." I told him, "We'll investigate."
"I don't doubt that, Ciana. You two are dismissed." I nodded, stepping reluctantly away from Rhysand's desk, striding towards the door, I wrenched it open, and Az slipped out behind me, his arms folded.
I made my way to my room, kicking off my boots as I went through the door. I stalked to the drawers, pulling at the bottom two, which revealed daggers and other sharp weapons. "Really? I keep one under my pillow."
This time I wasn't surprised he was here, though my heart picked up speed, "Yeah, though I'd prefer to get my three hours of sleep, than have to worry about a blade sinking into my head, but you know, that's fine anyway."
"Are we departing today or tomorrow?" Azriel continued, changing the subject. I turned to face him. Of course he had his back to the wall, his brow raised at me. "I honestly don't care; we just need to get the job done." I told him, "Under the Mountain is never watched over, something dangerous could be there." Or worse, I let my eyes tell him.
Azriel read it in my face, and said, "Don't worry; it can't be that bad." I swallowed, I hated Under the Mountain. Amarantha had had some of the low-lives tortured down there, and that included me.
I shuddered, and immediately felt a steadying hand on my elbow. "Are you alright?" Az asked me, his face just inches from my own. I bit my lip, looking down. "Just worried for Rhys, is all." I lied, "He seemed very... weary."
"Rhysand has his moments. As does everyone in the circle, how was your morning?" He asked me, as though trying to reassure but always change subject. "It was quite nice, actually. I talked to Emmeline in her shop." I told him, "What about you? How's Cass and Nesta?"
"Who's Emmeline?" Azriel questioned, ignoring me, "I've never seen her on the lists of people in Velaris, so did you go further to see her?"
"No, she lives in Velaris, she's the one I bought that flower off for Elain." I confirmed, "How was Cassian and Nesta?"
Something in Az's eyes flickered at my reply, but he still said, "They're good. Cassian spared with me, while Nesta caught up with her two friends, Emerie and Gwyn." His face brightened at the mention of the last female, and something kindled in my gut. "That's nice." I said, though I'd turned back to the drawers, pulling out two twin blades, then a few small knives. I'd collect a sword from the training rack later.
"Cassian turned down the offer of sparing with me today, which was disappointing. I almost had nothing to do." I explained, "Elain was with her own friends, Rhys working, Feyre painting, and I guess you can figure out the rest." Azriel nodded, understanding lined his weak smile.
"I guess we can leave today." He murmured, patting me awkwardly on the shoulder, "I'm going to go collect some weapons of my own, I'll find a loaf of bread somewhere, and then we can go." I nodded, stepping away from the Shadowsinger as he ambled to the door, hands sliding into the pockets of his leathers.
I strapped my blades to my Illyrian belt, shoving back on my boots, hastily re-braiding my hair again before making my way back down the stairs of the estate. I felt a phantom poke against my shield. I dropped it, I'm going to guess by the fact I heard Az getting his things, that you're leaving now?
Yes, Rhysand. We'll be back as soon as it is finished. If something goes wrong I am pretty sure we can stay around the Winter Court and lie low. My voice sounded very dull in my mind, but Rhys still replied, Alright, just stay safe. Don't let Az think he is entirely in charge. I smirked, Yes, High Lord.
The conversation dropped, as did my smile as the Shadowsinger came sauntering towards me, a small bag hanging from his shoulder that no doubt held the bread. "I have a few gold marks with me, so if we need to buy anything, we can along the way. We cannot directly winnow into the mountain, so we'll have to fly there." I nodded, and Az drew one of the two swords he held, handing it to me, "I've already found that, so you don't need to take a pit-stop at the sparring platform."
"Thank you." I whispered quietly, rolling my shoulders. Wings flaring so slightly as I pulled open the french doors to the balmy breeze outside. "Let's go?" I asked, holding it open for my mate. Though, we never would be considered as mates, by the fact I know he has a distant yet loving relationship with Mor, has possible romances with both Elain and Gwyn, too.
I'm just another female in his life.
He chuckled as he passed me, "Time to start flying, Boo." I tried to ignore the way my cheeks heated, because it didn't matter, I was never going to be able to call Azriel mine.
We began to pick up our pace as we got outside, my wings stretching to the limit, and I slowly went into a run, then a sprint, letting my wings slowly angle themselves to glide me, before a mighty flap had me hanging in the air, Azriel beside me.
"Cia, just know; if you have to turn back at any moment, you can. But you'll be safer under the Winter Court's protection instead of flying back by yourself." I snorted, and Az's eyebrow raised in confusion of my reaction, "I'm not trusted by my companion?" I asked sarcastically. Azriel rolled his eyes, a tight-lipped smile etched onto his face.
"Safety of those close to me is one of my main priorities, Boo." Az said, and began making his was south, I trailed behind him, his scent smacking me blind in the face. Night-chilled mist and cedar; I tried not to breath it in too obviously.
A comfortable silence wrapped around us, and I allowed myself to slightly relax, the sun already descending downwards. How is it already night? I haven't even eaten today.
"What are you thinking about, Boo?" Az asked, craning his neck to look at me, dry amusement shone in those gorgeous hazel eyes. "The weather's nice." I mumbled, but Azriel's face hardened ever so slightly, "What are you actually thinking about, Ciana?"
I didn't mean to forget to feed myself, it was just out of habit. It seemed accidentally doing something harming to my body didn't result in breaking the bargain, because I already knew it wasn't gone- my index finger proved that with the smothering ink.
"Just wondering about what we may find Under the Mountain, is all." I murmured, "It has been long since forgotten to the front of faerie and Illyrian's minds, so I am quite curious." Az chuckled, "Don't be too keen to run off in there, Boo." I nodded silently, "Because I'll probably go made trying to get you back." Something sounded strained in his voice as he said that, Azriel's eyes were clouded. I was almost terrified he'd cry again. I didn't like seeing him cry, it wounded me mentally.
"Are you alright, Azzy?" I asked gently, "You don't look too good."
The Shadowsinger blinked, and his eyes returned to their earlier state. He raised an eyebrow at me, "Someone is worried about me, sounding like a mother hen."
"Likewise." I shot back, grinning, and we flew into the sunset.
To Under the Mountain.
A/N:
Hey guys ! So we're all just going along with this Winter Solstice in Summer, I still can't believe I hadn't realised my mistake until chapters later ! Argh ! So Az and Cia are going to Under the Mountain, y'know, Amarantha's little former evil lair, gonna try find some suspicious stuff. I'm trying to find some sort of plot twist I can use, I've kinda got one, but it isn't much. Our main heroes are gonna be in for a bit ! Poor Ciana, worrying about everyone and thinking Az just cares out of sympathy :(
Tell me if you want something to happen and I'll consider putting it in !! Please comment and vote, it means a lot to me !!
Love ya'll xx