The beginning of Gwyn and Azriel

After.

   Azriel was frantically rummaging through the weapons room of the Spring Court.

  HIs mate was beside him, also nervously collecting any helpful tools.

  The couple was still disheveled, still panting...still aroused from the events that they just partook in.

  Gwyn barely had time to put on proper clothing, the leathers she wore now were slipping and sliding down her shoulders.

  But they had to remain focused...

  And Azriel needed to snap out of it.

 "Rhys?" Azriel pleaded.

 "Rhys?" he repeated.

 "Brother, what happened?"

 "We participated.." Azriel inhaled, remembering how intense it was...how rough he had been.

 "So, you two are coming back now?"

 "Not exactly. We need you all here."

 "What's going on, Az?"

 "War in the Spring Court."

******

  Gwyn and Azriel stepped out of the estate, observing the threat that was crowded around the edge of the forest.

  The couple walked together in perfect sync, neither one in front or behind; equal in every way. Azriel's instincts were screaming at him to protect her at any cost...to keep her away from the carnage.

  But he loved her with his entire being..

  And would never take away her free will.

  So, he clasped her hand, feeling every bit of texture of her skin, and walked towards the nightmare suriel's that were beginning to swarm around them.

 "The daughter of Spring participated in Calanmai," Azriel announced.

 "We are aware," one of them slithered forward.

 "Then why this additional new message of war?"

 "Calanmai was the first step...the step where we would not take over the courts," it paused. "However, we have always wanted Spring ever since that pathetic High Lord begged to us like a lowly servant."

 "You only want Spring?" Gwyn's voice shook.

 "Give us spring and the other Suriel's will retreat from the other courts."

  Gwyn gasped out, she turned her head so that she could be protected by Azriel's shoulder.

  His mate was thinking about the offer.

 Spring is my birthright...my home, she said through the bond.

  It is your decision.

  No, it is not.

  Just as she said that, their entire Night court had been widdowed to the Spring Court. Azriel noticed Tamlin darting towards them.

  Gwyn turned to him, hurt in her eyes. "They want the entire Spring Court."

  Tamlin paused in step, staring at his daughter. "And they will end the curse? So no other courts are harmed?

 "Yes," she breathed.

  All their friends and family heard from ahead, but refused to interrupt their conversation.

  That decision would have to made by them; father and daughter.

 "Tamlin, I want to fight for it. I want to fight for you.." Gwyn trembled, gazing at the others to make sure they all heard.

 "Gwyn, I cannot let you do that."

  Then, Feyre stepped forward. "I want to fight for the Spring Court."

  Others stepped forward, announcing that they would join.

  Until it was just Rhysand.

  Tamlin and the High Lord of Night stared at each other for many moments, until Rhys strolled forward.

 "We have trained for months....I think it is about time that we show these bastard who we are."

  The suriel's heard them and began to swarm around the estate.

  Azriel turned to Gwyn last time, cupping her cheeks, and kissed her gently. "I love you, forever."

 "I love you, Shadowsinger," she whispered.

  Azriel, Cassian, and Rhys directed themselves in front of the group with the most numbers. While others strayed to other spots.

  Nesta and Gwyn were standing beside one another, swords in hand.

 Azriel thought  it was all bittersweet; fighting alongside her best friend.

  Just as he was going to remark that the valkyries were missing a member, a violent burst of wind caused everyone to crouch to the floor.

  There was dust and rick flying everywhere, making it hard to see.

  And as Azriel finally rose, he witnessed a new member of their fighting party.

  Emerie.

  Emerie with her newly, humungous, illyrian wings.