A Court of Lightning and Shadows

Thirty-two

Azriel walked to his bedroom when he got back. Rhys had called for him, telling Azriel he was checking on the two Illyrian prisoners with Mor.

Azriel felt the bond pull him towards Briar's room. He didn't have long, since he still needed to work.

He opened the door to Briar's room, peaking his head inside incase she was sleeping.

Briar was laying on her bed, facing away from the door. He turned around to leave, but his shadows started whispering to him that she was awake.

He walked into the room and closed the door behind him.

Briar didn't move as he walked closer, but he could see her breathe. He walked around the bed and sat down.

His shadows had indeed told the truth. Her eyes were open and fixed on the window. She didn't even look up at him.

"How are you?" Azriel said.

"Can't you see how I am?" she snapped.

Azriel felt himself flinch at the words, not meaning to upset her.

Briar's eyes immediately snapped to his. He found her big eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry I..." she said.

Azriel watched her, his face blank. He couldn't blame her for reacting like that. "It's okay." he said, "I understand." He stood from the bed and turned to walk away.

Her hand wrapped around his wrist, pulling him back. "I didn't mean to say it like that." she said. "I just find it hard... to talk about how I feel. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Azriel felt his heart ache at the sight of his mate looking so helpless.

"I don't want to bother you with it." she said.

Azriel shook his head as he grabbed her hand and held it, "You don't."

Briar looked away with tears glistening in her eyes. He sat down on the bed against the headboard and pulled her closer. "Just don't push me away. I want to help you." he felt her nod.

"You don't have to stay with me all the time. I don't want to keep you from your work."

Azriel shook his head, "I already told you, I want to. Rhys understands it." he said, "You are my mate and I love you. So no, I won't leave you alone."

He only felt Briar tighten her grip around him.

She woke up to an empty bed. She could see the sun go down through the window, meaning she had slept for a few hours.

The place where Azriel had been was already cold. She pushed the sheets off her body and walked to the door.

She didn't look very rested, since getting out of bed was already hard enough. Maybe she would try to put some effort in her appearance tomorrow.

After her bath a few hours earlier, Briar had changed into a black shirt and grey pants. They hung loose around her body and didn't show how thin she had become.

At least her hair looked fine.

She walked through the hallway and down the stairs. The smell of food filled her nose.

She hadn't realized how hungry she was until now. The last time she had eaten was days ago. 

Chatter came from the dining room. Happy voices, she realized. She hadn't seen the Inner Circle in days. Only Az had kept her company.

She had to admit that she missed their joy and laughter. The weeks she had spent in the dark cell, she had to remind herself to hold on over and over again, so she could see them again.