𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘿𝙊𝙒𝙎 (𝙖𝙯𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 )

𝑁𝐼𝑁𝐸

Chapter Nine
Foggy Night

     I'm not exactly sure what happened that night, and I don't think I can pluck up the courage to recall those lovely memories. His tongue on mine, the feeling as his hands slid up to my tender breasts, the cry of pleasure that I had let escape me, followed by the unbelievable sensation as he entered me.

No, I really couldn't. Tam would faint if he found out what happened that night. I think I would faint as well if anyone found out.

Yet as he held me in his arms the next morning, I couldn't help but smile. My face ached from the grin as the first rays of sun shone on his face. His bare chest was close to me, and I took in his scent. He smelled of roses, but of ash. Of fresh ink, and blood. Somehow, I found Azriel's scent imperfectly intoxicating to me. It was my dearest wish at that time to bottle it and take it with me. Ash rose and bloody ink became my favorite things to smell from that day on.

His scarred arm slid around my waist and pulled me closer. Even as our naked bodies pressed against each other, it never felt close enough. This strange pull had me wanting more and more. I was frightened by how much I desired him, and how quickly it had happened.

So as I nestled in the safety of his arms, his steady breathing as enchanting as a lullaby, I couldn't help but pray to the Cauldron that this moment would last forever.

Then those piercing violet eyes found us.

🌗

"Unbelievable," the man growled. Azriel was still in a sluggish daze, pushing himself upwards as he stared at the man. I felt shamed beyond belief, huddling behind a nearby bush to cover my body. My dress had been torn to bits by Azriel. However, the man noticed my cowering, and snapped his fingers. Azriel and I were both covered in dark silk, and I gulped nervously.

Azriel, on the other hand, looked furious. The man glanced between us, and then his face froze. His usual cool expression I had been used to was now replaced by shock. Azriel's eyes were on fire, and the man's face was as pale as snow. The man groaned, "Oh fucking hell."

"Rhysand," Azriel spoke, who I could only assume to be the devastatingly beautiful man with us, "You know I couldn't...stop." Azriel glanced down, his face growing shameful. I tried not to look hurt, but somehow his disappointment was as much embarrassment as I could handle.

In a flash, Rhysand had Azriel pinned against a tree, shaking the very earth with his rage. "You were supposed to train her, not fuck her. I don't give a damn if she's your mate."

I had never heard that word before. Mate. Still, I didn't allow myself much time to dwell on it. Azriel grunted at the impact, and that very sound sent me into anger. Clapping my hands together, pure electricity formed between my fingertips.

Turning to Rhysand, I only gave him one warning. "Let. Him. Go."

He payed no attention to me, his wrath only directed to Azriel. His ignorance only fueled my anger. With all my strength and emotion, I unleashed the lightning fury against him.

And that's how I blew the Night Court's Lord sky high.

🌗

Azriel and Rhysand were arguing. I could hear it. Their figures were shrouded in the darkness of the forests' canopy, but their voices echoed loud enough to rustle the branches. Waiting patiently, I was sitting on a small log. Whatever they were discussing, I had no interest of being part of it.

By the time they stepped out of their conversation, Azriel wouldn't look at me. Rhysand, on the other hand, was intently focused on me.

"Primrose," Rhysand murmured, stepping over to me slowly, "You know a lot. About us. About him." Him clearly implied Azriel, as he ducked his head in shame.

"Where are you going with this?" I questioned, crossing my arms across my chest tightly. While I may have looked guarded and cautious, I was awfully curious as to where it was heading.

Rhysand heaved a sigh, sending a cutting glare before turning to me. His voice was strangely gentle, especially when half of his face was still smudged with ash from my lightning strike. "I have people to protect, and you do as well. I need you to forget all of this."

"What? I can't just forget this," I argued, my voice growing shaky. What Rhysand was asking me to do felt impossible.

Azriel finally acknowledged me, pulling me in for a tight hug. His arms felt safe. I was safe.

"I can't let Amarantha have a reason to hurt you if she finds you," he whispered, his voice thick with tears, "I need to protect you."

I looked up at him, and Azriel's face was streaked with tears. The only person in this wretched world that made me feel whole. Who was able to understand every terrible part of me in a matter of months. Who left me with a terrible aching whenever he was gone. Before I had time to ask what he meant, Rhysand broke into my mind.

The last thing I remembered was that scarred arm, ash roses, and bloody ink.

🌗

I love you. It was on the tip of my tongue when I woke up. Along with a pounding headache, of course. As I peered around the forest, a familiar voice called my name. "Primrose!"

Lucien quickly had me in a hug, and I blinked, confused. "Where have you been?" Lucien questioned, stepping back to make sure I was alright, "Tam has been worried sick."

I opened my mouth to answer his question, but last night's memories were foggy. As if my brain was as clear as water, but my memories were as thick as mud. Still, my head was brimming with pain, and I knew the answer immediately. The real thief of my memory was...

"The stupid wine," I spat, and Lucien just laughed. My drunken night surely wasn't something I wanted to remember anyways.

🌗

A/N: yes, i'm back. for how long? uhhhhh....