starfall. [ Rhysand ]

IV

not very involuntary accidents.

"Blocking is a crucial maneuver. First, you defend yourself, and then you strike" Lucien instructed Kiara.

They stood on the wide patio, an expansive area attached to the manor that resembled a glasshouse. Instead of plants, the space was filled with mats, wooden and real swords, and other weapons Kiara had only seen in drawings but didn't know the names of. The Star nodded, attempting to avoid and block Lucien's punches with her forearms.

"Keep your body steady, feet firmly planted on the ground," he reminded her after she attempted a strike and lost her balance.

"How long does it take to become as skilled as you?" She wondered, panting, after they had been training for over an hour.

"It took me 100 years."

"Oh, but I don't have 100 years" she replied softly and discouraged, looking down at her shoes.

"It's okay. Every bit of help is necessary against the Blight" Lucien encouraged her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She lifted her head and smiled at him with relief.

"Then let's keep going!"

For the next week, she followed this routine. In the mornings, she had breakfast and trained with Lucien. Afterward, she assisted Lobelia and Rosie in the kitchens, preparing food for lunch and dinner. In the afternoons, she went to the library to learn more about Prythian. In the evenings, she had dinner and took strolls with Lucien or painted with Feyre, attempting to match the human's artistic skill.
Kiara only spoke to Tamlin during dinner. He seemed very stressed, leaving for the woods almost every day. Kiara guessed it was to protect the borders, which made her more determined to learn how to defend herself and attempt to help others.

She was so engrossed in her daily routine that she started to forget about the dream about the mysterious male, not giving it much thought as she was sure it was a product of her own imagination.

***

That night, a very distressed Tamlin visited Lucien in his room. The burden of hoping that Feyre could fall in love with him to break the curse was getting to his head, and he felt like he was going to explode. His nails started to take on the shape of claws, and he began breathing heavily.

"It's taking too long, Lucien" Tamlin said with frustration. "We need her powers now. She must unlock them as soon as possible. I can't take this anymore."

"We will figure it out, Tamlin" Lucien said, trying to calm him down, placing a hand on his shoulder. Tamlin fell to his knees, feeling overwhelmed by the physical and emotional pressure.

"Trust me, sometimes when Kiara fights, her eyes turn gold. Maybe we've really found another way to unlock her powers."

"WE NEED HER NOW!" Tamlin spat with anger, his eyes filled with guilt.

"What have you done, Tamlin?" he asked, realizing something was wrong.

"Don't worry, there are hidden soldiers ready to intervene if it doesn't work."

"What have you done!" Lucien grabbed Tamlin and shook him, demanding an answer.

"I sent her into the woods" Tamlin repeated, avoiding Lucien's gaze. The guilt was evident in his eyes. Lucien didn't waste a moment and rushed out of the manor.