Nyx | Carpe Noctem ✓

Chapter 65: Illyrian Wings

∙  Madis POV  ∙

"I didn't think that would start so early," Feyre breathed and looked at her son with big eyes. There was surprise but also silent shock etched into her features. She glanced at Nyx with teary eyes, blinking more often than usually.

I tore my gaze away from her, looking back at Nyx. Rhys had moved closer to his son in the meantime, holding Nyx hand in his, examining the bloody imprints the talons had left there. His fingers slowly tracked over the marred skin and Nyx winced slightly. I cringed, having felt his pain through the bond. Not only the pain, also the worry, the unspoken uncertainty of what all of that would mean.

"Is it happening to soon?" Nyx asked in a calm voice, suddenly seeming so young, so boyish, so different to the powerful male he had been the previous night. I let my eyes trail over him, silently regarding him, his posture —rigid and unrelaxed—, his facial expression, his features. Nyx looked more mature than when I had met him first and that was only a couple of months ago. But he looked older, he hadn't shaved his light stubble, his hair now tied at the nape of his neck.

His lower lip was slightly pursed, his eyes focused on the hand in Rhysand's hold, his long lashes drawing shadows to his cheeks. I seemed to me like Nyx had lost a little weight in the past months but had grown more muscles — had become more powerful.

You are making me blush if you keep staring like that. Nyx chuckles light, brushing against my mental shields. Sorry. He chuckles again.

His button-up shirt was stretched around his body, it was taut around his upper arm. How his biceps were still contained within was a mystery. Memories of the previous night flashed in my mind, and I really tried hard to clamp down on them, not wanting to think of such things with his parents around. I managed to get rid off all the filthy thoughts, but what stayed was the sheer power of him.

"Nyx," I said and both Archeron males looked at me. Tell your father about the loss of control.

I watched Nyx's throat work on a swallow, his gaze trained on me, but then he ever so slightly dipped his chin.

"I nearly lost control yesterday. The powers got too much, to overwhelming. I was angry and I think this fueled the powers even more. I was terrified of myself." Nyx shuddered lightly and that was when I moved closer. I placed my hand on his shoulder, pressing my thumb into his skin, stroking softly.

"Oh, honey," Feyre breathed and got up from the chair she was sitting on. Eve pouted her lips, but said nothing, just silently looked at her older brother. Feyre surrounded the table and placed a kiss to her son's head. "But you didn't lose control. You were stronger."

"I know what that feels like," Rhysand breathed. "Cassian and Azriel on many occasions had to practically force me to the ground, punch me and knock me out in order for me to control my powers."

"They did?" Nyx's eyes widened and he looked up at Rhys again. The High Lord let go of his son's hand and braced his own on the table. "They did." Rhysand paused, swallowing hard. "My father tasked them with it. Told them they need to find a way to control me when I lost it. They became my anchor and I relied on them. Could always rely on them. Always."

Rhysand seemed nostalgic, his eyes glazing. "I am very happy you have Madis to be your anchor, Nyx." The High Lord's gaze moved to me and he smiled. It was genuine and kind and made my heart swell. "But you will need Arkon and Loran as well. They are Illyrian and Madis," — Rhysand's gaze moved to me— "I really don't underestimate your powers, but when push comes to shove, you need two Illyrian fools who beat you bloody to control the powers."

Nyx gaped lightly and I gave his shoulders a squeeze. "He can always rely on them."

"And talk to Andras about it," Rhysand added, only sounding the tiniest bitter. "I know you are close. And I know you are going through the same as him. You are different to Tamlin and I, you can make this inter-courtal friendship work."