A Court of Lightning and Shadows

Nineteen

They had eaten dinner in silence with only the three of them and Nyx in the room.

Rhys and Briar had spoken about her powers. She didn't like it, but it was necessary.

They would start training tomorrow afternoon.

She now lay in her bed, the room across from Azriel's.

Something pulled in her chest, telling her to go see him. So she did.

It was already late, the house was quiet, but Briar opened Azriel's door. His room was dark, but she could see that his eyes were open.

"Azriel? Are you awake?" she asked quietly.

"I am. My eyes are open, see." she let out a sigh of relief and strolled over to the bed.

She sat down next to him, careful not to touch his wings.

"You're welcome to stay." Azriel whispered.

Briar walked around the bed and lay down next to him, leaving some space between them. She faced him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Better, but my wings and back hurt." he said. Obviously.

"I... felt it." she said, earning a questioned look from Azriel.

She pushed herself closer to him. "I didn't know what it was. Then I saw you, unconscious. I felt scared." she said. "I'm sorry they did that to you."

Azriel lifted his hand to her cheek, Briar gave him a nod in approval to touch her.

His hand was warm and finally clean of blood. The feeling of his scars on her skin felt comforting.

"I'm sorry that I let them go." he said.

"We will get another chance." she said, smiling softly at him.

She lifted her hand, placing it on his hand.

She saw his eyes flicker to her lips, this time being absolutely sure he did. She also knew he wasn't going to take that step, scared she might reject him.

Briar leaned her head closer to him, feeling his warm breath. She hesitated for a few seconds, but pressed her lips against his.

The kiss wasn't long, but it was long enough.

Her cheeks were blushed when she pulled away.

She felt something click in her chest and her eyes widened. Azriel looked at her, a smile written across his face.

"We-... how?" she said, sitting up in the bed.

Azriel sat too. He let out a small wince, causing Briar to give him a worried look.

"We are mates?" she asked. She felt shocked. Briar always thought she wasn't worthy of a mate, and definitely not of Azriel. "How long have you known?"

"A while.." he started, "I wanted to let you figure it out on your own. I was scared it might scare you."

"Azriel.." she whispered, her hand moving to his cheek.

"I am sorry for not telling you, I wanted to give you time." he said, "I-.."

Briar broke his sentence, "I am thankful for that, but now i've figured it out myself. And I am not going to reject you." she said.

She could see tears glinster in Azriel's eyes.

"I need some time for other things," she started, "but I want to spent that time with you. I want to get to know you better."

Azriel nodded, a tear slipping down his face. She wiped it away with her thumb.