Aelin
The next day had dawned hazy and bright, the early-morning mist cloaking our return into Rhifthold. Not that the cover stopped us from shooting tense glances skyward as we hurried across the foothills.
It was a testament to the ferocity of the witches that I actually heaved a sigh of relief when we finally passed through the looming alabaster walls of the dreadful city. Even if I'd never admit it.
It didn't negate the fact that the Wing Leader was a fearsome opponent. She fought spectacularly, as did her coven. Had I been anyone else, I would have been obliterated. Born and bred for battles as they so clearly were, the one thing I couldn't get out of my head was the way the golden-haired witch screamed Manon's name ... the only thing hinting that they might be more than the monsters they appeared to be.
After all, it had been the pure, unfettered torment in that sound that had sent me racing across the crumbling tower to save the witch. Taking out someone who clearly meant the word to someone else didn't seem fair, even for me. And that was far too shitty a death for someone who fought as well as she did. A warrior of her caliber deserved to die fighting, on her feet, not pinned and half unconscious.
Still, I had no desire to face them all again until I had my magic back. They tried to hurt my mates, and I relished the thought of burning them all to a crisp if they dared to try that again. They wouldn't stand a chance.
It was almost a shame.
But now wasn't the time to lament my lack of adequate sparring partners. I had more important things to focus on.
The dingy streets were still shrouded with fog when we reached the crossroads where we would part ways with Chaol. He turned towards us, the slices on his neck from the witch's iron nails still raw and angry. Hopefully he'd learned his lesson about running off by himself with reckless, half-cocked plans.
He didn't do it half as well as I did, anyway.
I still didn't know what the hell the idiot had been thinking. But if there was a bright side to the whole, ill-fated adventure - other than my thrilling fight with the white-haired witch - it was that the captain had finally pulled his head out of his ass, if even just a little.
- - -
I crouched before the sputtering spigot, the water running over me tinged blue with witch blood as I washed away the evidence of the battle. Pulling my face out from under the stream of water, I was met with Chaol's strained voice.
"I'm sorry," he said.
I rubbed at my face, dipping under it once more to ensure I had rid myself of the copious amount of sweat, dust and grime that coated it.
Chaol went on, "I just wanted to save him, or, if he was past saving, to end it for him. But I acted rashly. I was a fool, and if it weren't for you ... I'd be dead." He swallowed roughly. "You were right. All this time, you were right, and I was wrong. You stopped a demon today, but you're no monster. If anyone there today was a monster, it's me and ... I'm sorry."
I released the lever and pivoted to look up at him. He fidgeted under my scrutiny, but his eyes shone with genuine remorse.
"I saved my enemy's life today," I said conversationally.
I uncoiled to my feet, wiping the last of the water from my face. And though he stood taller than me, I stared him down. This man, who had been my jailer, my friend, my lover, and my enemy - he looked broken, shattered. As if the ground he stood upon was cracked and shattering, and it was a matter of time before he plunged into a ravine of his own making.
"They tried to shoot Rowan through the throat. They tried to kill my mate. And I saved her anyway." I cocked my head, eyes boring into his. "Even monsters and demons have their reasons, Chaol."
Iron nails slashing across her granddaughter's face. The scream that ripped free from the golden-haired witch.
"I'm sorry," he said again.
I gazed up at the stars - a mirror image to those in Prythian. I didn't know where we went from here, but it had never been more evident that both of us had changed. Gone were the stupidly loyal Captain of the Guard and the broken, sharp-tongued assassin. And I couldn't help but feel it was for the best, despite how desperately we'd both clung to those roles, to that normalcy. Maybe nothing would ever be the same between us, but maybe - maybe it could be better.
"I know," I said softly. "But do you believe me now? Do you trust me to do what needs to be done?"
"Yes," Chaol breathed. "Yes, I trust you. I believe in you."
I turned to him slowly, gauging the sincerity of his response. And I nodded.
"We'll do it together then. We'll free magic, then you and I will go in there, and we'll get Dorian out. No matter what it takes," I swore.
For Dorian. The son of my enemy. My friend. For the two men - as close as brothers - who had pulled me out of the dark, lifeless pits of Endovier and forced me into the sun. For better or for worse.
He blinked. "You - you're not going to insist I stay back?"
I smiled sadly at the man. "I know how much he means to you. How could I deny you this?"
"Aelin -"
I held up my hand, stopping the apology I could sense was on the tip of his tongue. Because I already knew.
I knew this apology was not just for his moronic actions today, but for all of it. For every cruel word he's spoken, for every heartless act. For Nehemia. For believing I was the problem, the threat. For blindly serving his sadistic king, never once condemning his abhorrent actions. Until it was almost too late.
"I know." My eyes darted to the faint scar on his cheek, a token of my incandescent fury after Nehemia's death. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry too. But I'd do it all again."
All of it, every heartbreaking, pain-filled moment. Because it brought me here, set me on the path to reclaim my true self. It gave me my mates, my cousin - all of whom were doing a terrible job of pretending not to eavesdrop from inside the kitchen.
Chaol looked at me steadily, expression open and calm, peaceful even. "You deserve to be happy."
"So do you, Chaol." I ran my fingers over the Cauldron-turned-amulet that hung around my neck. "We do not look back. It helps no one and nothing to look back. We can only go on."
Go on to save Dorian. To free Terrasen and defeat the Valg. And eventually, to reforge the realms.
"What if we go on," Chaol asked softly, "only to more pain and despair? What if we go on, only to find a horrible end waiting for us?"
Heaving in a breath, I looked northward again, as if I could see through the thick forests of Oakwald all the way to Terrasen itself. "Then it is not the end."
I could only hope that was the truth.
- - -
The difference between his earnest words at the country house and his demeanor now was startling, and I couldn't decide if I found it exasperating or wildly entertaining.
Gaze fixed firmly on his boots, he mumbled his farewells - clearly eager to escape. Cassian chortled next to me, earning a sharp elbow to his ribs. It was his and Rhysand's fault the poor man hadn't been able to look any of us in the eye all morning.
The walls of the country house were very thin, apparently.
Something I'd only found out first thing this morning, when I was greeted with Aedion's snark and Chaol's absolute refusal to address what he'd overheard. Rhysand and Cassian, of course, had been crowing with pride the entire time.
It wouldn't surprise me if the possessive bastards had done it on purpose. They weren't exactly subtle with their need to claim me - or to drive me insane with pleasure.
The latter was the only reason I wasn't more irritated by their antics. Either way, Chaol needed to get over it. We're all adults, and it's time to get down to business.
"Chaol," I called out before he could leave.
I barely restrained myself from rolling my eyes when he froze at my voice, more scared to face me now than when he'd convinced himself I was a genuine threat. Thankfully, he quickly steeled himself, meeting my gaze for the first time all day.
"Solstice is in five days; we need to have everything lined up by then," I said.
His jaw tightened, but he nodded solemnly. "I'll make contact with Ress and Brullo today, and tell Nesryn to round up the rebels."
I dipped my chin in agreement, and then he was gone, cloak whipping behind him as he vanished into the city smog. Turning towards the direction of the warehouse, Aedion and my mates fell into step alongside me. I hadn't yet filled them in on all the details of my plan to free magic, and I could practically taste their burning curiosity.
I wondered which of them would be the first to break.
Unsurprisingly, it only took a few moments before Cassian was huffing out, "Who are Ress and Brullo?"
It was adorable how predictable he was. He made it too easy.
Biting the inside of my cheek to contain my amusement, I said, "Castle guards. Not technically rebels, but not exactly fans of the king either, and still loyal to their fallen captain."
Cassian narrowed his eyes at me, clearly displeased with my response. I gave him a little smile that I knew drove him - and all fae males, apparently - insane, and predictably, his eyes flashed golden with ire.
"Princess," Azriel growled in warning.
Rowan was muttering under his breath, and I just knew if I turned to look at Rhysand he'd be glaring at me, those violet eyes of his searing. Which is why I kept my focus solely on the alleyway in front of me.
"Why is Chaol contacting them, Aelin?" Rhysand sighed.
The edge of frustration to his tone sent a wicked thrill through me, especially after his ridiculous preening last night and this morning. I'd tell them all the full plan soon, but this was far too good of an opportunity to pass up. Especially because I knew they wouldn't exactly be thrilled when they learned all the details.
"I need to get into the castle," I shrugged. "I figured it wouldn't hurt to have someone on the inside."
The tension ratcheted higher as we neared the warehouse, and now even Aedion was frowning at me.
"So you're going to, what - ask Ress and Brullo to leave a back door open so you can sneak in?" My cousin asked.
Lengthening my stride, I cast a cautious look around the street. We were quickly approaching a subject that should not be spoken about in the open. Not that it stopped me from shooting my cousin a baleful glare.
"Of course not," I scoffed. "I'm going to walk in through the front door."
Grumbled protests immediately erupted around me, and I pretended not to hear Rowan's muttered, "Of fucking course you are."
Ignoring them all, I slipped inside the warehouse, striding up the stairs and into the empty apartment above. Making myself comfortable in one of the red velvet armchairs, I waited patiently for the five pissy fae males to stomp in behind me.
Ridiculous, the lot of them.
"Little warrior," Cassian started.
I cut him off. "It's a miracle any of you are still alive, considering your penchant for discussing secret plans where any one of our enemies could overhear."
They all froze, comprehension dawning. I raised a singular brow, daring them to disagree, but all of them had the decency to look contrite - and a bit embarrassed. Aedion's cheeks were flushed, and Rowan rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Now, are we going to discuss this like adults, or would you all prefer to continue throwing a fit?" I said, looking pointedly at the empty furniture decorating the room.
With a chorus of mumbled apologies and shuffling feet, they settled in for what I was sure would be a lengthy conversation. Rhysand claimed the armchair next to me, leaving Rowan, Cassian and Az to crowd together on the couch while Aedion dragged a wooden chair over from the dining room.
They all sat, staring at me expectantly, and I spared a moment to curse the gods for being such bastards - denying me the chance to pray that they didn't react with the usual fae male dramatics.
"I won't even bother asking if you have a plan," Rhysand drawled, starting us off strong. "But are we to assume that you actually intend to fill us in this time?"
I rolled my eyes. "Of course I am."
Mostly because I couldn't pull this one off on my own - unfortunately. Still, I did not appreciate the skeptical scoffs that bounced off my apartment walls. Whatever, time to get this over with.
"When the summer solstice dawns in five days, and the most powerful star in the sky is at its strongest, we're going to launch our attack to free magic and Dorian," I swallowed. "Taking out the king in the process - if we can."
The five males exchanged poignant glances, straightening in their seats. Warriors, all of them. Poised and ready for bloodshed at any moment, even more so where I was involved.
"How?" Aedion asked simply, the unflappable general once more.
Inhaling a deep breath, I braced myself. They wouldn't like what I had to say next, but it was a necessary evil. I might as well get used to it. This was only the first move of many in the chess match of burgeoning war.
"It will need to be a coordinated attack, to catch the king off-guard before his soldiers are able to muster a counter-attack," I explained. "This first step will be to free magic. We need to take out the castle's clock tower."
"The hellfire," Cassian murmured, his sharp, war-honed mind instantly latching on to the explosive's importance.
I nodded. "There's a path through the sewers that threads beneath the castle, and a secret entrance that leads directly to the base of the clock tower. The hellfire urns will need to be carried through the tunnels, and then primed to explode."
With their fae swiftness, the five of them should have enough time to get the hell out before they explode. Just to be sure, I already had plans to conduct a trial run on an abandoned barn outside the city. I'd really prefer the hellfire not melt my mates or cousin along with the castle walls.
"The only issue is that it's the same tunnel that the wyrdhounds use. Which is why I need all five of you to go, and" I paused, glancing hesitantly between Rowan and Aedion, "why I'd feel a lot better if Lorcan went with you as well."
Rowan shot to his feet with a vicious snarl, echoed by the rest of my mates. Trembling with barely contained fury, he clenched his hands into fists, violence flashing in his emerald eyes.
"No."
I understood, I really did. But ...
"He's the only one who has killed one of those beasts," I murmured. "There's five more of them down there, and you'll be without your magic. If something were to happen to you - to any of you - and I could have done something to prevent it ..."
My throat closed up, and a shiver wracked my body at the mere thought. I couldn't envision a life without them, and I wouldn't apologize for doing everything in my power to make sure I didn't have to. Even if they didn't like it.
Rowan glared at me stubbornly for another heartbeat, before his cutting gemstone eyes softened with understanding. Slumping back onto the couch, he nodded reluctantly.
"Fine," he grumbled. "But if he runs his mouth, I'll personally hand-feed his ass to those stone demons."
I couldn't help but snort at the vivid imagery. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As relieved as I was that Rowan had acquiesced to my request, it wasn't him I was most worried about ...
"You want to involve the cadre, then. All of them," Aedion said, his voice edged with a lethal calm.
... it was Aedion.
Rising from my chair, I crossed the living room so that I could crouch in front of my cousin, grasping his hands in mine.
"Yes," I hedged. "But only Lorcan would be going with you, and I can fill them in on the plan without you. I swear, you don't have to say a word to Gavriel, not if you don't want to. It's your decision, always."
"And if he tries anything, he'll have to get through us first," Cassian added, his words laced with iron-clad resolve.
Azriel and Rhysand grunted in agreement.
"He's already been warned of the bloody consequences should he try anything without your express permission," Rowan said gruffly.
Aedion looked up at them with wide, unblinking eyes, momentarily overwhelmed by the unspoken promise that belied those words. That thread of true, unshakable loyalty. Of brotherhood. The bonds of a court that would shake the realms.
"Alright," he said hoarsely. "Alright."
He turned back to me, his eyes - a mirror image to my own - glimmering with unshed tears. I squeezed his hands in mine, a thousand things passing between us, unsaid.
Aedion cleared his throat. "What's your plan for the other two then, for the lion and the wolf?"
I didn't comment on the fact he didn't use their names, knowing he needed to distance himself in this moment.
"They'll join Nesryn and the rebels on the surrounding rooftops, to keep an eye on the king's men, ready and able to jump in if the soldiers catch wind of us," I said softly.
With a shaky exhale, Aedion nodded, and a roaring wave of relief swept through me. That had been the part of the plan that I'd most agonized over, even though I knew it was the right call. With one last squeeze, I released my cousin's hands and rose to head back to my own seat.
Only to stop dead at Azriel's next words. "Where will you be?"
I grimaced at the ornate mantle. If that had been their reaction to the cadre's involvement ...
Steeling my spine, I pivoted on my heel, refusing to allow even a hint of uncertainty leak into my response. "While you're in the sewers, Chaol and I will be executing the second part of our assault - rescuing Dorian."
All four of my mates honed in on me, eyes flinty with suspicion.
"How," Rhysand ground out.
The tension in the room surged, until it was so thick it was suffocating. As if they were anticipating how much they'd dislike my response, their barely contained rage grew and grew, ready to be set ablaze by a single spark.
"By all reports, the king doesn't let Dorian out of his sight. So we'll be going into the palace to retrieve him." I shrugged, keeping my voice purposefully nonchalant.
The entire room froze, Aedion joining my mates in that perfect, predatory stillness. The silence was deafening, my heart beating so loudly I was sure they could hear it from where they sat.
I flinched when Cassian erupted into booming, hysterical laughter.
"I'm sorry, little mate. I must have heard you wrong," my general mate half-snarled. "Because surely, surely, you didn't just tell us you're planning on breaking into the palace of your enemy - who may or may not be a fucking valg king - with only the human captain as backup."
I swallowed, but remained firm. "No, you heard me correctly - that's exactly what I plan to do."
The room pulsed, time stretching and expanding, five incredulous stares searing into me. And then -
The spark caught - and they fucking detonated.
The room erupted with a cacophony of bone-chilling growls and curses, an explosive storm of primal, brutal fury that threatened to wreck anything within its destructive path. All five of them were on their feet, fighting to be heard over one another as they made their displeasure known.
"Absolutely fucking not, Aelin," Rowan seethed, his frame alight with tension.
"There has to be another way," Aedion pleaded, voice tortured and rough.
"There are five of us. Five. You are not taking that useless human fuck -" Cassian snarled, enough rage in his eyes to devour the world whole.
"If you think for one second that we are going to allow you to go prancing off into danger without us -" Rhysand growled, violet eyes flashing with the promise of night-kissed death.
"Here I thought you'd finally learned your lesson about leaving us behind, princess," Azriel hissed, every word dripping with venomous wrath.
For the record, this was precisely why I preferred to keep my plans to myself. It saved me a godsdamn headache.
"Enough," I shouted, instantly plunging the apartment into that dangerous, simmering silence.
Inhaling a sharp, steadying breath, I gathered the last threads of my quickly-fraying patience.
"I know it's far from ideal, but I need you to trust me when I say it's the only way," I ground out through clenched teeth. "Chaol is the traitorous Captain of the Guard, and I am still - technically - the King's Champion. If I walk up with him in chains, they'll take me straight to the king, and Dorian. With any luck, I'll be able to keep up the ruse long enough to get all three of us out of there. The reason I have you blowing up the clock tower simultaneously is so that even if the worst happens - I won't be powerless."
My pulse pounded wildly as I finished my rant, hoping like hell I got through their thick skulls. Aedion's nostrils flared, and he snapped his jaw shut like he wanted to argue but couldn't. Rowan, Cassian and Rhysand glowered at me, teeth grinding in an effort not to speak. But Azriel ....
Azriel was still as death, his face dark and shadowed, haunted by the memory of some unknown terror.
"The last time you faced an enemy king," he said with lethal softness. "You left us all behind. You abandoned us in another realm, with the aim of sacrificing yourself for us. How are we meant to believe you wouldn't do it again?"
Oh.
Oh no -
I staggered a half step forward, the piercing pain in my heart radiating out through my chest, threatening to swallow me whole. Forcing myself into stillness, I looked deeply into the eyes of each of my mates, pouring every drop of sincerity into what I said next.
"Never again. Never again will I leave you behind," I swore, eyes burning. "Even when we're apart on the solstice, I'll be with you every step of the way. And every step after - wherever that may be."
I could have sworn the entire apartment shuddered with relief emanating from the four males. It was made all the worse by the fact that every word I said was the truth - they were as vital to me as the oxygen in my lungs, as the blood that pumped through my veins. I could no more be parted from them than I could rip out my still-beating heart from my chest. It had almost killed me the first time, I couldn't do it a second.
So I said softly, reverently, to my loves, to my cousin, "You make me want to live, all of you. My mates. My family. My court. Not survive; not exist. Live."
No matter what came next, we'd bear it together, triumph together.
A court forged to rattle the stars.