The Last Valkyrie

Alyss, At Last

I awake for the first time without any pain. I actually jump out of my bed and I feel great. Nothing hurts. I run to the bathing room and glance at my back. Completely healed. I return to my room slowly and gather courage. For the first time, I draw a deep breath and flex my wings. Even though still sore, I didn't flinch, it felt too good to finally feel every muscle in my wings. My wings really are beautiful. My wings. Will it ever feel normal to say it?

This time I dress more normally. Cass got me some clothes that will fit my wings and even though I feel more like warrior clothes, I don't mind it. Enthusiastically I get ready to start the day and leave my room in search of breakfast. I notice Feyre, Rhys, Az and Cassian are in the dining room.

I flash them a huge smile and greet them, "Gooood morning!"
"Morning! I see you're up and running again", Feyre said smiling back at me.
"I haven't felt this good in a long time."
"So your wings, they have healed", Az asks.

I turn around and show them. After a brief inspection, they have concluded the same thing. My wings have completely healed. Sure, they still might be sore, my back might hurt because I'm not used to the weight of my wings yet. But no more blood, wounds and soaking my back in the bath.

"Now you just have to learn to fly", Rhys adds.
"You make it sound like it's a brief stroll. Do you think I can even fly?"
"It will be harder to learn, but it is not impossible. You really have to work on your core. So I suggest you start doing that and then you can start learning to fly. If you like, I can help you?" Az offers.

Before I can accept his offer enthusiastically, Mor winnows in and shortly they disperse with their tasks. Cassian smiles at me and tells me to wait for him to have dinner together. And I'm left with Feyre. We talk about flying, she is curious about the changes I feel and I'm curious about books. I can finally fluently read and write, and I ask her to bring me some history books so I can learn what exactly happened last 500 years while I was taking a very comfy nap.

"No problems, I'll try to get a few books for you tomorrow. But you have to do me a favour."
"Oh, anything I can do for your, Feyre, consider it done!"
"Not that kind of favour. Erm... What's happening with you and Cassian?"
"Umm... Nothing?"
"You mean to tell me, everything that happened in the last few weeks, that was all friendliness?"
"It can't be anything else", I say with a sight. "Sure, I am not crazy, I see what he does for me, how generous he is towards me and everything. But I've told myself not to imagine things in my head that aren't happening."
"Sooo. You do like him?"
"I'd be crazy not to like him. But I've never done these things, I barely know how to be a friend. In my head, I'm just a broken slave with nothing much to offer. And he's a General. He is this great badass strategist and warrior, and I'm just a nobody. He deserves more."
"Don't ever say you are a broken slave. You are not a slave anymore. And any guy would be crazy to have you in his arms. You're dedicated, smart, kind. You're gorgeous, pre-Valkyrie transformation and certainly post."
I blush, "Feyre, you can have a piece of me anytime you want", I wink at her jokingly.
We laugh and she says, "I get if you have reservations. But don't have them because of what you were once. I for once feel like Cassian has a huge crush on you."
"I am not so sure, Feyre. But I will talk to him tonight. I'm going to tell him I don't know how to do any of those things and I don't know what else."
"I am just asking you to keep your mind open."
"I will. Sooo. I get books?"
She bursts into a laugh, "Of course, you idiot."
"I also have one more favour to ask."
"Shoot."
"I need some serious training. These huge wings are too big for my now non-existant muscles. Do you know who can train with me?"
"Why don't you ask Cassian?"
"I really can't. He literally dedicated days of his time trying to fix my back. Me liking him aside, I can't really ask that much of him all the time.
"Okay, I can get that. I can ask Az when I see him today?"
"Sure, that would be great. Thanks."