Elain Archeron | The Court Of New |

The Spark (Part 6)

Elain looked at Nesta, mustering the courage to face her sister. "Right now, it's just training. I haven't decided what I'll do with the skills I acquire. It's simply a way for me to be useful, even if I don't end up using those skills." Her words lingered in the air, followed by a silence that Cassian quickly broke.

"But you're a seer. You're already useful! I'm not saying some training wouldn't be beneficial for you; I believe everyone should train. But Az's methods, the tasks you'll have to undertake... it won't be easy," Cassian cautioned, noticing Azriel's fleeting frown. Elain nodded, her hands fidgeting absentmindedly in her lap. "Yes, I am a seer, but I haven't had any visions in months. I can't recall the last time I had any foresight. And if something happens, I don't want to be the weak link in our group. I'm the only one who can't wield a blade proficiently, or at least not as well as the others." Nesta's expression softened, and she turned her attention back to her plate, thoughtfully considering her words before responding.

"Does Lucien know?"

Elain blinked, a peculiar sensation running down her spine whenever his name was mentioned. "No, I haven't seen him since I made the decision to train. Besides, I don't think he'd care either way. We've never been on good terms or particularly close. We've exchanged only a handful of words in recent years," she replied softly, fixating her gaze on her meticulously manicured cuticles and clear-coated nails.

Nesta picked up a small sandwich from her plate but paused before taking a bite. "He does care. He's your mate. Whether you're aware of it or he chooses to ignore it, he will care," Nesta stated, causing Elain to glance at her. "Should I tell him, then?" Elain inquired softly. Azriel shifted in his seat, attempting to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil the conversation was causing within him. His face remained cool and emotionless, as always. "Rhysand informed me that if you were to train with me, it should be kept from Lucien." Cassian and Nesta furrowed their brows this time, their attention turning to the shadowsinger as he poured himself another glass of water.

"I trust Rhys, but that's a terrible idea. It's better for Lucien to know rather than finding out later, which he inevitably will," Cassian chimed in, glancing up at his silent brother. Azriel placed the water pitcher back down and picked up his glass, the frosted surface cool against his heated skin. "I can ensure that Lucien remains unaware," he stated, prompting Cassian to chuckle. "That's not the point, Az. Lucien isn't our enemy, and if we want to maintain a good relationship, particularly as he acts as an emissary, we can't keep things from him, especially when it concerns his mate." Cassian spoke like a true leader, dispensing wisdom beyond his usual repertoire.

Azriel contemplated his words and then directed his gaze towards Elain, gesturing to her with his glass. "What do you want to do, Elain? Lucien is your mate, so it should be your decision whether he knows or not." His voice resembled a tranquil sea, a soft caress of inquisitiveness. Elain met his eyes, her brown orbs aglow with flecks of amber. She hesitated for a moment before firmly stating, "I want him to know."

Apologies for the abrupt pause. Here's the continuation:

Maybe it was the extended gaze they shared or the shift in Elain's voice, or perhaps her immediate avoidance of his eyes, but something in their interaction signaled to Azriel that any consideration he had for her or the potential for something more between them had vanished. There was no chance. This was her indirect way of telling him, slowly withdrawing the knife, that even though they would be in close proximity, nothing would transpire.

It hurt. He hurt. But he knew it was for the best.

With a gentle smile, Azriel settled back into his seat. "Very well. I'll discuss it with Rhysand and Feyre. Perhaps it would be better for the news to be delivered by Feyre rather than any of us."