The Symphony of Shadow

16: 'The Feeling of Home'

Author's note: Also, this update has a Gwynriel one-shot from another POV. It's short but sweet, and is in the next part.

G W Y N

"Nesta isn't going to that fucking prison." Cassian demanded as the room enticed itself into chaos once more, at the news that Rhysand wanted not only Azriel – but Nesta – to both go on a mission inside the notorious prison, known to house criminals so dangerous that even members of the Inner Circle couldn't take them on alone.

Gwyn herself wasn't exactly pleased with this information, even if the High Lord had insisted that Azriel and Nesta were the only two who could complete this mission – Azriel because of his shadows skills and protection; Nesta because of the remains of her power which linked her to Koschei, to the prison.

Her sister, and her mate – two of her closest friends – both in the prison for days at a time. It made her sick, so fucking sick to think about.

"Rhys, you can't send my sister into that prison – to sleep in that prison. We'll find another way." Feyre said, glaring at her mate.

Nesta herself hadn't said anything, and was instead attempting to restrain her mate, who was seemingly furious at the suggestion.

"If you think I'm letting her go in that place alone-" Cassian started.

"She's not going to be alone." Rhys replied.

"Well I'm not going to fucking be there!"

"I don't need you to protect me." Nesta snapped, then straightened. "I'll go."

"No." Cassian demanded. "Not without me."

"We can't risk too many people inside at once – we don't want to anger anyone, or anything." Rhys said.

"They're all in fucking cells! What will it matter?" Cassian argued, rage written all across his face.

"Cass, no one knows what's in that prison beyond those cells." Rhys said, taking a breath. "I need Azriel – I need you both – to find a way to get past the cells, and find out whatever the fuck is beyond that, then locate the soul – before it's to late and Koschei attacks."

-

After the meeting eventually broke apart, Gwyn had said goodbye to Nesta – whom had assured her she would be fine, then had gone to slip between the arms of her very pissed-off looking mate.

She'd located Azriel then – still stood leant against the wall, alone – and had headed towards him from where she'd remained by he window.

"Hey." She said, a little hesitantly.

He turned his gaze to her and smiled slightly. "Hey."

"Can we talk?" She asked.

He nodded, and then began walking towards the office double-doors. Gwyn quickly followed, sparring one last glance to where it was now just Amren talking to Rhys and Feyre.

Once they had left the room, Azriel turned left, leading them out onto a patio facing the east side of the estate. He turned to face her, but before he could say a single word, Gwyn threw her arms around him and tucking her head against his chest.

He seemed a little taken aback at first, but not even a second had passed before he was pulling her closer still, wrapping his own arms around her tight enough to squash her ribs slightly. He rested his head in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent, then wrapped his wings around her back so that there was nothing left between them.

"Please don't go into the prison." Gwyn muttered, the sound coming out muffled against his chest. "I promise that if you stay, I'll be friends with you again. We can go on an utterly stupid adventure everyday if you want, and I'll give you hugs whenever you want them. Just don't go."