The Illyrian Warrior

Chapter Twelve

Ever since moving out, Davina had finally begun to get her mind in order. Her nightmares were less frequent and Illyrian wings didn't scare her or make her feel threatened like they used to. She was by far more mentally and physically stronger than she ever was before.

Although it was times like these, when Davina wondered if she was as truely mentally strong as she thought.

She had come home from her run, exhausted and ready for a glass of wine and a bath. But it had been Azriel standing in her kitchen, wings tucked in tight and with a beautiful pasta dish prepared.

Davina smiled, "you don't have to do this you know".

"I know. I just haven't seen you in a while and thought we could catch up", he said brushing a strand of hair away from his face.

"Over dinner?"

"And wine".

Davina smiled, "let me just get cleaned up, then I'll be back to enjoy your gorgeous food".

Davina shuffled to her room for a shower while Azriel began setting the table.

Azriel loved the time he spent with Davina. He looked forward to the nights when they'd sit together and talk. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she saw him waiting for her. Azriel would never grow tired of the sight of her walking through that door. The way the sweat from her run would magnify her scent of rain and cookies, cauldron he had to resist the urge to breath deeper as she walked past.

These past few weeks without her had made Azriel realise just how fast he was falling for her. It was a dangerous act, he felt he could not commit himself to her until he sorted out his other feelings. He didn't want to put her through that heartbreak. However, Cassian had been pushing him towards her for the last few weeks, a part of him was happy that his brothers were being so supportive, but he could not shake the feeling that when he was with one woman he was neglecting the other. It was stupid. He had made no commitments to either Elain, Gwyn or Davina, and yet he felt unbelievably guilty all the time. Azriel felt as though he was being selfish, he would have to choose eventually, he could feel it in his gut, but the choice was near impossible, so he avoided it. He avoided spending too much time with any of them, not wanting to lead them on.

Azriel rubbed his eyes, he was with Davina now, he would not ruin her mood with his overthinking. Davina soon reappeared, smelling fresh and her hair damp with water.

"So what have you prepared today, chef Az?"

Azriel laughed, "a pasta dish that I found in a magazine".

"Sounds delicious", she said as she sat down at the table.

Azriel joined her, sitting across the old rocky table.

"You know I could've found you a better place to stay".

"I know", Davina said taking a sip of wine, "but you were busy, and anything you offered me would be way out of my price range".

"I could've lent you some money".

"You know I wouldn't of accepted it".

"Because you're stubborn".

"I am not stubborn".

"That sounds like something a stubborn person would say", Azriel said smirking and taking a bite of his pasta.

Davina huffed but began eating as well, the food was just as delicious as it smelt, she had to hold back a moan.

"Do you like it?" Azriel asked with the same enthusiasm that a child would have when presenting a drawing to their mother.