The Light Before The Dark

Chapter 14 - Feyre

Aelin's face was permanently set in awe as I finished off Ressina's class.

"I'm glad you're back Feyre." She told me, smiling slightly.

"I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, for me I've only been gone ten minutes." I told her.

"I'm not even going to ask; I'll be at my home if you need anything." She smiled at me and nodded her head at Aelin before walking out the door.

As soon as she left the rest of them walked in as I put the easels in the storeroom, next to our office.

"This is my studio." I said, smiling at the space.

"You teach children how to paint?" Rowan asked.

"Yes, other creators here come and teach classes as well, after the war I wanted to give the children who had seen the horrors of war an outlet, painting always helped me, I thought it might help others." The thought of the Hybern attack made my chest hurt.

"Did you paint all of these?" Aelin asked, looking at my work on the walls.

"I painted most of them, Ressina did some and the tapestry was made by the weaver across the street." I replied.

I opened my mouth to talk again but Az appeared.

"Az, what is it?" I asked, alarmed by his concerned face.

"Alana accidentally went to the Court of Nightmares because she could smell the chocolate cake, Keir has her, I tried to get her back, but I couldn't." My heart dropped.

"Looks like we are off to the Court of Nightmares." I sighed.

"I'm coming too." I looked at Aelin.

"If you come there are rules you have to follow, I will tell you the part you have to play then you can decide." I told her.

She dipped her chin and turned to her court.

"All of you are staying here, carry on looking for Maeve." She looked at all of them in turn. "No buts," she added when Rowan opened his mouth.

We all went back to the manor to prepare, Mor was pissed off, more than I expected her to be.

I put on my black gown and Nuala wove my crown into my hair. As we got ready, I told Aelin the part she would need to play if she did come, including that she would need to bow to us, she just said that she would do whatever she would need to get Alana back.

Once we got downstairs Mor had calmed down a little, she was wearing her usual red dress while Aelin was in her home's colours.

"Mor, you look stunning." Aelin was smiling at her, apparently having noticed her mood.

"Thanks," she replied tightly, giving a small smile.

"Ok, lets get this over and done with." Rhys sighed.

I took Aelin's hand and Mor and Rhys winnowed themselves.

As soon as we landed Rhys released the damper on his power, letting it fill the space.

We all fixed our masks before Mor opened the grand doors and walked in with Aelin.

"You ready?" he asked me.

"If we have to break some of Keir's bones again, I'm doing it this time."

"Fine." He smirked.

Then we walked in, arm in arm and up to the dais, I watched as they all bowed, even Aelin. We both sat.

"Rise, go play." I commanded.

"Keir, you presence is required" Rhys added.

"My Lord." He said bowing low.