A Court of Wings and Fate

45. Ghostly Assailants

    Three days later, it was time to return to the Night Court, and not a moment too soon. Calden, Celeste, and Sienna were staying behind this time, for which Estelle was grateful. She was struggling not to beat her friends senseless when their gazes lingered on Mikael a little too long.

    She reminded herself daily that it was just the new instincts that accompanied a Mating Bond, but she still felt guilty each time it happened. They were his friends and had known him far longer than she had, after all. She knew them. She trusted them. It didn't change her fiercely possessive instincts.

    Mikael was having his own issues as well. He'd been dragged into more fights in the past three days than Estelle had ever thought possible. Nyx only fought with him in an effort to help him expend his energy, and they always apologized to each other afterwards.

    Corbin did likewise, but he goaded Mikael into a fight first. He did so by making obscene remarks about Estelle. He apologized as well, both to Mikael, then to her, which usually sparked another fight because he touched or watched her too long. On purpose.

    As for Lysander... Estelle knew her little brother was struggling, but trying to accept the Bond between her and Mikael. Fighting with one another seemed to help them more than talking would.

    Those fights began with Lysander challenging Mikael's claim on Estelle, and Mikael being quick to back himself up. They spent hours yelling and beating each other into bloody messes, before heading off to the healer's hut, arms around one another like good friends.

    The Males' tensions would last far longer than Estelle's, and she was thankful for that knowledge. Still, she couldn't help but worry that their constant fighting would end up making them despise one another. Mikael did his best to calm those worries. He'd promised that he had no intentions of permanently harming or hating Nyx and Lysander. He was undecided with Corbin.

    She just hoped that news of the Mating Bond went over well with Azriel, Seren, and the rest of her family. Estelle was mostly worried about how her father would react. His approval mattered the most to her. More than anything, she wanted her father and her mate to get along. She loved them both too much to give up either of them for the sake of the other.

    Estelle gathered up the last of her belongings and situated her satchel over her shoulder. She checked that Znaniya and Aesira were secure in their sheaths before ducking out of the room. Celeste and Sienna lounged before the fireplace downstairs.

    "See you in two weeks," Sienna called.

    "At least shield your room in the hut so poor Nyx can sleep," Celeste laughed. "Or better yet, stay in separate rooms. You could, since we aren't going and Calden is staying behind."

    Estelle rolled her eyes. "Trust me. The minute Devlon and Jorah find out we're mates, they'll readjust our living situation." She tapped her chin. "At least, Devlon will try. Jorah might leave us alone."

    She waved and headed outside, Celeste and Sienna laughing in her wake. Estelle joined the exchange group just as they were preparing to take off. She located Mikael, and her brother and cousin. They leaped into the air, soaring away from the snow strewn training grounds.

    "Are you going to tell Mom and Dad as soon as we get there?" Lysander asked. "Nyx said Rhys told him they both went to deal with some troublemakers in Windhaven."

    "Troublemakers?" Estelle arched an eyebrow. "Ze'ev and his friends?"

    Lysander shrugged. "Nyx didn't say, but I assume so. It's always them."

    "I wonder what they've done now." Estelle clenched her jaw. "But yes, I plan on telling Mom and Dad as soon as possible." Lysander nodded and flew on ahead, joining Corbin.