The Illyrian Warrior

Chapter Fourteen

Davina had been working herself up all morning for the obstacle course. She would be seeing Azriel again and a bunch of Illyrians would be watching her - judging her.

She told herself it was different now. She had Cassian, Nesta, Feyre and Azriel who would stick up for her. She didn't have to be afraid. Davina had worked impossibly hard to get where she is. She had to learn how to walk again, how to fight. She was determined to ace this obstacle course in front of the Illyrian warriors, she wanted to prove to them that she could be just as good.

However, Davina couldn't help but stand dumbfounded by the sheer size of the course. Cassian stood beside her, arms crossed, smiling triumphantly at her reaction.

"It's good, right?" He said smiling.

"Cassian, how is anyone ever going to complete this?" Davina said shocked.

"You'll do fine", he said ruffling her hair.

Davina begged to differ. There were wooden spikes, walls to climb, nets to crawl under. Since when did Cassian have time to build this.

"This is ridiculous. I want to shock the Illyrians with my strength not my stupidity", Davina said.

Cassian barked a laugh, "Devlon doesn't even know you, from a distance you would just look like a regular fae".

"You are so sure we can complete this?"

Cassian nodded with absolute certainty, "I know you will. We didn't train you to be anything less than the warriors you are".

Davina smiled, "you're too kind".

"Don't flatter me yet, you might hate me after this course", he said cringing.

"You just said I would make it!"

"I didn't say it wouldn't hurt".

Davina scoffed, "Illyrian brute".

"You know you love me", he said giving fake puppy dog eyes.

Davina pretended to glare at him. Yes, she did love him, but he wouldn't get to hear it if this course is going to be as painful as he says.
Davina sighed and wondered over to where the other females were doing their warm-up stretches. She took her place beside Nesta and her friends.

"This course is ridiculous", Davina muttered to Nesta.

Nesta huffed, "he keeps making them worse and worse".

Davina began stretching out her legs and arms.

"Do you think we can finish it?" Davina asked, she was still unsure of herself despite Cassian's encouraging words.

"I think we have a good chance", Nesta said.

Davina nodded and returned to her stretching. Anxiety was building in her gut, she had to finish this course, had to prove to herself that she was just as strong as the other females in the class. But the course was so intimidating, despite the fact her back was facing it, she couldn't help but feel its looming presence.

"Just try your best", Nesta said out of the blue.

Davina turned to her, the sincerity in her eyes made Davina's heart clench. Nesta was beginning to feel like a big sister.

"That's the plan", Davina said smiling back.

Davina had to finish this course. For Wren.

Just as Davina was finishing up her stretches, Azriel entered the room. She could sense his presence before she saw him. He was the picture of well-rested relaxation, unlike Davina who spent her night tossing and turning. She watched as he walked up to Cassian, wings tucked in tight, he had the elegant stride that he always did.
Fuck he was hot.