The Spark (Part 8)

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Elain's body shook with the weight of her emotions as Nesta held her, their sisterly bond providing solace in that moment. The tears she had tried to hold back cascaded down her cheeks, soaking into Nesta's shoulder. Nesta held her even tighter, her grip firm and comforting.

"Elain, it's not just on you," Nesta whispered, her voice filled with a mix of tenderness and understanding. "We all made mistakes. We were all lost and hurting in our own ways. None of us knew how to handle the aftermath of what happened, and we let our pain drive us apart. But we're here now, and we have the chance to heal and rebuild."

Elain spoke, her voice muffled against Nesta's shoulder. "I'd like that too."

They stayed locked in their embrace for a while longer, the air around them heavy with the weight of unspoken words and shared regrets. Finally, they pulled away, wiping away each other's tears with gentle touches.

"We'll take it one step at a time," Nesta said, her voice firm yet gentle. "We can't change the past, but we can shape our future." Elain sniffled, her tears subsiding as a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Together," she replied softly, her voice filled with hope.

As they sat back in their respective chairs, a newfound sense of connection and understanding enveloped them. They began to talk, sharing their thoughts and fears, gradually rebuilding the bridges that had been broken. The wounds of the past wouldn't disappear overnight, but with time and effort, they could heal.

Outside, the clouds shifted, and rays of sunlight broke through, casting a warm glow over the room. It felt like a sign, a promise of brighter days ahead. And as they continued their conversation, Elain couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope blossoming within her heart, a seed of reconciliation taking root.
~ ♡
The sun had long set, casting a dusky hue over the Night Court as Nesta and Elain sat at the elegant dining table in the River House. The room was adorned with exquisite crystal chandeliers that bathed the surroundings in a soft, ethereal glow. Feyre and Rhysand sat across from them, their presence a comforting anchor amidst the swirling emotions of the day.

The table was set with a delectable feast, a display of culinary mastery prepared by the Night Court's skilled cooks. The aroma of roasted meats, savory vegetables, and freshly baked bread filled the air, enticing their senses. Nesta savored each bite, her tension easing with every mouthful, while Elain enjoyed the flavors, grateful for the distraction from her troubled thoughts.

Conversation flowed freely as they shared stories and laughter, the heaviness of the past momentarily lifted. Feyre and Rhysand, gracious hosts, ensured the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming. They spoke of recent events, the rebuilding efforts in Velaris, and plans for the future.
~ ♡
That's when Elain had brought up the prospect of having Lucien train alongside her while Azriel trained them both.

Elain, folding her napkin and placing it in her lap, distracting her hands as she breached the question to Feyre and Rhysand.

Elain "I told lucien; he took it really well. He- he said he supports whatever i decide to do. I asked him.. if he would want to join me," she blinked and corrected herself. "Join us, me and Azriel."

Rhysand and Feyre went quiet and exchanged words down the bond before returning their attention to Elain, who kept her eyes glued to her lap anxiously. Feyre sighed, placing hand subconsciously on her stomach despite no longer being pregnant. "I wondered if that might happen. We are drawn to our mates, regardless of whether we want to be or not." She said flatly, moving to shift her potatoes about on her plate with her fork.

Elain "They have to get along eventually. I don't want our court at odds because of me. I figured that training together might make them get along." Mostly true.

Rhysand "You'll be lucky if Lucien doesn't try to tackle Azriel the second az looks at you too long."

Feyre gave Rhysand a frown.

Elain "I don't think Lucien would do that. He's always been so restrained, a gentleman. Nevertheless, I think Azriel could hold his own."

Rhysand, restraining the urge to roll his eyes at Elain's innocence, or blatant disregard for her situation.

Rhysand "With all due respect; you have no idea what you're talking about. Lucien has been restrained because he cares about you, if even at a primal level. He also knows that if he does anything stupid, he won't live long to regret it."

Elain "Azriel would kill him?"

~ ♡
Elain's question hung in the air, the weight of the unspoken truth settling between them. Feyre and Rhysand exchanged a somber glance, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the situation.

Feyre spoke, her voice soft but filled with concern. "Azriel's loyalty to the Inner Circle is unwavering, as is his dedication to protecting those he cares about. I cannot say for certain what would happen if tensions were to rise between Lucien and Azriel. But I know that Azriel would do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

Elain swallowed hard, a mixture of fear and guilt churning within her. She hadn't fully comprehended the potential consequences of bringing Lucien into their training dynamic. Her intentions had been rooted in fostering unity, but now she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

|| If you're interested in seeing a part 9; leave a star or make a comment! ||

SIDE NOTE: It's been incredibly difficult for me to write as Elain, as I almost exclusively write as male characters but I hope I'm not butchering it and doing Elain and the other characters justice. Thank you for reading! 🖤

Elain Archeron | The Court Of New | Where stories live. Discover now