Battle Scars

Revelations

"Is there something we should know?" Rhysand asked, his hands resting on the table as he stood, leaning forwards. Only he, Feyre, Amren and Azriel in the Night Court had known about the name of the sorcerer who had imprisoned Vassa. Until now.

Eve gulped. "Koschei- he, um, he was the one who was going to help Briallyn to come back to her previous state if she handed me and the Cauldron over to him. The queen was playing double roles. The Hybern king did not care for what happened to her aftermath the Made thing so she turned towards the sorcerer."

Az took in a sharp intake of breath. "And of course, she had her own agenda against me so... yeah. The mouthy idiot told me all this at the Hybern camp. Starting with how he had helped them imprison Vassa to how he was going to help her gain a younger immortal life if she handed me over. Like a fucking barter exchange."

Azriel snarled. Rhys looked as tense as ever as he opened his mouth to ask something but she cut him off, adding, "and no. I do not know why he agreed to those conditions, especially if he is as powerful and ancient as Vassa claims. Nor do I know if they have an altered bargain or no bargain at all now."

Cassian said, his voice grim. "His threat still looms, assuming." Azriel spun to where she stood. "Even after all that, you didn't think it was relevant for us to know during the war? Or even after? And then those notes and the spying..... you went to roam around even after all that?" he said incredulously.

"I will not stop living how I want to just because of some greedy asshat." Eve snapped back. "And I did not tell, or rather show the memory before I went all fire and fighting at the camp," she said, now directing her words towards the High Lord, "was because I was still healing. The whole damn thing had me in a bloody shock and fear. And besides, Koschei had nothing to do with the final battle. Later, I was in my own space, blocking out memories and honestly, I did not care to think about him until today."

Rhys nodded, understandingly. "You are going to start training. I can't have him getting his hands on you." Eve shook her head vehemently. "He won't. I am sure of it." "Really?" Az asked quietly, with a predatory stillness, his eyes full of anger, making her stiffen. "Yes, Azriel." "How are you so sure of that, Eve?" Rhysand asked quietly. "I will die than have him take me," she replied quietly. Az was shaking with anger and fear of something happening to her. Cassian swore, "you would rather die than train?" Eve did not reply.

"You will train at least in your powers and self-defense," Rhysand countered. Eve sighed, "No." Rhys raised his brow, "that is an order then." Eve snarled at that, "I bow to no one here." Silence. 

"Then, I request you, as my adopted sister, train." "You can't just adopt a sister," Eve snorted, dismissing him. This time Cassian butted in, "just simple movements to keep you in shape and few moves that anyone should know when in trouble." Eve didn't seem convinced. "Please," Azriel whispered and Eve stared at him. "Fine, but only for one hour. Not like before," Eve replied. Az gave out a relieved sigh even if he wished she would train properly.

Az was still seething internally, even after Eve had agreed, "I still think you should have told us before." "Oh calm down, I won't actually die- well, only temporarily." Az whirled towards her, "is that supposed to make this better? Besides, who gave you that potion?" Of course, his shadows.

"Your shadows didn't tell you that too?" she taunted. "They don't like to invade your privacy," he gritted out and she softened a bit at that. Sighing, she decided to come clean. "When I visited the Exiles, I talked to Vassa about Koschei and if he really was capable of... changing something done by the Cauldron itself. She said she was not sure but whatever it was I was scared of; she wouldn't take the chance of him leaving it alone. So, when I decided to visit the courts, I came across this potioneer in Summer. He is a bit illegal, of course- he dabbles with dark side of things. He needed time to make the potion- at least a month. So I stayed, checking up on the progress every now and then. And that is also why I stayed put when the notes started coming. It was all the more reason for me to have it in my possession. I started visiting less and less frequently. The male sent me the package a day before you arrived, and a few hours after Yelena had left. I hid it safely."