Aurora's stomach was in her throat. Azriel brought them high up above the House before soaring down to the city. She squeezed her eyes shut, settling for the blind dread rather than seeing the ground hurtling towards her. She shoved her face into his neck, fingers desperately gripping his shoulders. Azriel rose again, and then the wind fell away into the sounds of chattering and footsteps. Slowly, Aurora peeled her face back, inhaling deeply. It was meant to replace the breath she was holding, but the scent of spice and cedar filled her nose. She suddenly became very aware of her grip on Azriel and pulled back. He took the hint and lowered her feet to the ground. Her legs trembled as she took a step back, smoothing her dress.
Aurora looked over to see Cassian and Nesta saying goodbye. Well, not saying anything. Their lips were molded together with Cassian's hand laid across her jaw. Aurora audibly gasped, turning to look at Azriel. He grinned at her, lifting his hand to correct the loose hairs from her braid that had twisted to the top of her head.
"Alright, Cassian and I are heading to Rita's, you two find us when you're ready to go back to the House," Azriel spoke as he nudged Cassian. Aurora watched as Cassian grinned against Nesta's lips, his thumb running along her skin before pulling away. He shot Azriel a wink as he turned and the two began heading down the street. Aurora looked at Nesta, whose braided crown had loose hairs peeking out and cheeks were crimson.
"Okay, do you want a drink first or the bookstore?" She asked, hands climbing to her head to smooth the wild hairs.
"Uh, the bookstore?" Aurora suggested. Nesta nodded, waving her hand in the direction of the shop. Aurora followed silently, her eyes trailing along the buildings surrounding them. Some were painted bright colors, others older and made of rust-toned bricks. The sun was warm and lit the faces of those that walked around them. Aurora kept her eyes low, not wanting to make contact with the strangers around her but still studying them. Not many sent her a look, more so just stared at Nesta. Aurora didn't blame them, she looked like the epitome of power and beauty.
"Here we are," Nesta announced, turning to a building nestled between two larger ones. Aurora followed quickly, slipping through the door. The smell of parchment and coffee filled her nose, a hum escaping her throat. "I enjoy these books mainly, but they have all kinds. Do- Did you ever read?" Nesta asked when they reached a shelf of romance novels. Aurora shook her head.
"I didn't get the chance often. I read as a child, but once I was, um, captive, I wasn't given books," Aurora explained. Nesta nodded, her face showing small signs of pity.
"Do you enjoy romance? Particularly, sexual romance?" Nesta asked, catching Aurora off-guard. She wasn't expecting such a blunt question. Her eyes widened as she looked at a now grinning Nesta. "The books I read have smut, some are lighter, some have heavy sexual acts. I know I've met you only once, but I get the idea that you are a romantic. Do you think about love often?"
"Not love. I guess, I imagine what it would be like to be touched without being afraid," Aurora responded with a vicious flush on her cheeks. Nesta smiled wider. Her hand rose to a hard backed book and grabbed it, flipping through a few pages before holding it out to Aurora. She took it slowly, studying the cover.
"This is one of Gwyn's favorites. It's about a female who has never felt love before, and a male swoops into her life and teaches her about love, care, and towards the middle, he teaches her of sexual acts. It is light, but still has some smut," Nesta explained, a small laugh hidden behind the final words. The blush on Aurora's cheeks was still flared as she met Nesta's eyes. She wasn't aware of books that held that kind of information.
"I'll take it. Could I get another just in case the sexual acts are too uncomfortable?" Aurora asked quietly, eyes moving to the shelf beside them. Nesta nodded, snatching another book.
"This one doesn't have sex in it, just kissing. A female who is a warrior, she doesn't like to bow down to males, she prefers to be above them. The only time a male touches her is when they're in combat, but she meets a warrior that steals her heart. She falls in love with him, they kiss in battle, you'll love it." Aurora nodded, tucking the two books in her arms. Nesta turned and began to select her own books, so Aurora began to wander.
The cozy room was filled with several kinds of books; historical, informative, fictional stories, love stories. Aurora refused to admit it, but she was entirely excited to get back to her room to read the books. Nesta chose her books, sending Aurora a wink when she tucked them in her arm and wandered to the front of the store. The clerk greeted Nesta by name, and happily introduced themselves as Eliyra when she saw Aurora.
"I'm Aurora," she responded softly, setting the books on the counter. Nesta tugged her money from her pouch and paid for the books.
"These are good selections, let me know how you like them when you return," Eliyra smiled when she pushed the books back to them. Aurora blushed again as she tucked them in her arms. The two females left the store, the orange tinted rays of the sunset falling over the city.
"Az and Cass are at Rita's. It's a restaurant with drinks and it gets hectic at times. Would you like to come with me to get them or stay here?" Nesta asked as the door shut behind them. Aurora thought about how she is in public now, fae walking past them at every moment. Going to Rita's wouldn't be different, she could handle it.
"I can come," she answered. Nesta nodded, tucking her arm in Aurora's and began walking. After a few blocks, a building came in sight. There's were chairs and tables outside with a overhang protecting them from any elements, and a door that led inside. Roars of chatter escaped the building, and Aurora felt her stomach tighten.
"Just in here," Nesta spoke as she tugged the door open. It was full of fae of every standard. High fae, lesser faeries, all stuffed inside the room. Some were sat at tables, other at a bar, and some just standing around as they mingled. Nesta tugged Aurora to a far corner. Cassian and Azriel were talking loudly, smiles on both their faces. In front of each of them were a half full glass of liquor, a few empty glasses scattered in front of them. Azriel seemed to notice them first, his smile faltering when he met eyes with Aurora.
"What did you get this time?" Cassian asked as he tugged Nesta onto his lap. Her arm fell from Aurora's as she laughed.
"None of your business," she responded as she placed the books on the table. Aurora stood at the edge, her books tightly tucked into her arms. Azriel's throat bobbed as he stared at her, eyes falling to the books.
"Come, sit," he offered, scooting closer to Cassian. Their wings looked cramped in the chairs. Aurora let out a breath before sitting down, her books in her lap. Azriel turned his attention to Cassian, who was now telling Nesta about something that had happened when they were gone. Aurora didn't listen, she just looked around the loud room. Her eyes trailed along each face she came across, mentally telling herself when to breathe. She hadn't been around this many people since she was a child. Nerves ate at her stomach and chest as she observed.
"Aurora?" Nesta's voice broke through the low humming in her ears. Her gaze snapped to the female, concern laced in her eyes. "Should we leave? Are you alright?" Aurora shook her head.
"No, I'm just looking around. I don't remember the last time I was in such a busy place," she responded softly, unsure if anyone could even hear her over the roar of voices. Nesta nodded, indicating her acception of Aurora's words. Her head turned and she continued speaking with Cassian. Aurora's eyes flicked to Azriel, who was sat stiffly and staring at her. Her brows furrowed the slightest bit, but she did not question him. Her breath hitched when his hand fell to the cushioned seat and he moved his body closer to her. Aurora swallowed, eyes on the table now.
"We can leave if you need to," he muttered into her ear. His breath fanned across her cheek, goosebumps coating her skin.
"I'm okay," she responded. Azriel nodded, not moving entirely to his old spot but settling back into the cushion. His hand was splayed across his thigh, the other at his jaw as he listened to Cassian. Aurora felt her body tremble when his shadows lingered over her own shoulder now. The darkness reaching for her. Her hands clutched the books tighter and she hoped Azriel didn't see the way she shook and how white her knuckles were. He noticed, of course he did. His shadows retreated, no longer looming over her. Azriel's hand fell from his thigh and hovered over her own.
Aurora wondered if he knew she was trembling because of how close he was to her, how his shadows seemed to swallow her, too. When his cold touch hit her, Aurora jerked her arm away. She didn't mean to make such a noticeable motion, but she knew he'd have to hold her on the way back to the House and that was enough touching for one day. Azriel shoved his hand back onto his lap, jaw clenching and shadows returning. Aurora glanced up to Nesta, who's hand rested elegantly on her jaw as she leant on the table, lips pursed and eyes set on Azriel's arm that was closest to Aurora.
"I think it's time we return. It's getting dark," Nesta announced, standing from Cassian's lap. His hand was still looped around her waist as he threw a variety of money on the table and grabbed her books. Azriel stood as well, dusting off his trousers before sliding out from behind the table. Nesta shoved away from Cassian as Aurora stood, taking her hand gently.
"Let me know how you enjoy the books. I think they'll help you," she spoke softly, sending Aurora a wink. Aurora blushed, looking down at the hand that Azriel touched. "We are going to go home, but feel free to call me up to the House if you'd ever need company," Nesta continued before dropping Aurora's hand and turning to Cassian. He smiled down at her, placed a kiss on her forehead, and looped his arm over her shoulders. Aurora watched as they left the building, heart aching at the love they had for each other. When Azriel appeared next to her, she sensed he felt the same.
"Ready?" Azriel asked, looking over at her. Aurora nodded and began to follow him through the sea of people. The presence of his wings parted the crowd, some glancing at him. Aurora clutched the books to her chest tighter, slipping through groups of people. When they got outside, her lungs sucked in a heavy breath. It was suffocating being in such a room. Azriel held an arm out to her, and Aurora felt dread in her stomach as she lifted a hand, placing it on his shoulder. His arm looped around her waist and he bent, grabbing her thighs and lifting her.
Aurora's arm tightened on the back of his neck, her books tucked into her chest. She sucked in a breath and pressed her face to his chest as he lifted his wings and they shot into the air.