A Court of Souls and Shadows

43. Raven

Content Warning: Graphic depictions of violence. 18+

Song for this chapter: Centuries by Fall Out Boy

I stood on the peak of one of the mountains surrounding the Winter Court, gazing down at the snow-covered lands below. A black smear in the distance was all I could see of Hybern's approaching forces. They would be upon us within mere hours, and we were ready for them. I clenched my jaw as I continued to watch the forces slowly approach the Southern Border. Azriel tensed beside me, folding his wings tightly behind his back.

"Promise me something," he said quietly, following my gaze out to the horizon. I turned to look at his sharp profile, taking in the anxiety etched into his features. When I didn't say anything, he turned his face to meet my eyes. I raised my brows at him in question, and he let out a heavy sigh, reaching forward to take my hands in his. Our eyes locked again, and his face grew serious.

"Promise me you won't do anything stupid," he said, his voice rough. I huffed out a laugh and squeezed his hands reassuringly. "Whatever do you mean?" I asked sarcastically, the wind whipping my hair around my face. Azriel dropped my hands to smooth back my hair, before cupping my face gently, his eyes boring into mine. "I mean it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "No self-sacrificing bullshit. Please."

I rolled my eyes at him and leaned forward to place a quick kiss to his lips. "Only because you asked so nicely," I replied in a sing-song voice. Azriel sighed in frustration, running his hand through his hair. It was getting longer, and wayward dark strands hung across his forehead and in his eyes. He blew them out of his face in an annoyed huff.

"I'm being serious," he insisted, glaring at me. I glared right back at him, squaring my shoulders. "You know I'll do whatever it takes to protect my Court. I won't let Kallias down," I said, my voice almost a growl. Azriel's brows tightened into a deep frown. "You can't do that if you're dead, baby," he said softly. I sighed and dropped my gaze from his.

"You're not going to lose me," I said softly, realising the direction of his thoughts. Azriel pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on the top of my head. I wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my cheek on the cool armour covering his chest.

"Please just promise me," he rasped. I pulled back to look at him. His golden eyes were misty, glazed over with unshed tears. "I can't get the image of them taking you away out of my head," he admitted, his chin dropping to his chest. I took his face in my hands, my eyes searching his.

"I promise I won't do any self-sacrificing bullshit," I said, my lips quirking up at the corners in a small smile. Azriel smiled in return and brought his lips to mine, kissing me deeply. "Thank you," he whispered when we broke apart.

"We should get back," I said, looking down at the sprawling city below. I took off in a sprint, jumping from the sharp edge of the mountain, conjuring my wings in the free-fall. Azriel flew after me, catching up quickly to fly beside me back into the city.

"You know I hate it when you do that!" He shouted over the rushing wind, and I laughed, spinning as I flew, the icy wind biting into my wings.

* * * * * * *

Feyre's glamour flitted over my body, the iridescent wings at my back turning a deep black and grey colour. I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail, tucking it under my helmet. I felt Azriel's eyes on me, and looked over to where he waited for me, his gaze intense. I thanked Feyre and crossed the small space in the war tent to where my mate was waiting. His face was drawn, his arms crossed over his chest.

"We're matching," I said, in an attempt to lighten the tension. I poked his wing, grinning at him, as his eyes locked on my face beneath my helmet. He released a deep breath, running his hand through his dark hair in frustration.