starfall. [ Rhysand ]

VII

distractions and faerie wine.

"Cauldron boil me" Lucien whistled as both Feyre and Kiara reached the two High Fae waiting for them at the end of the stairs. Kiara blushed and whispered a shy thank you, while Feyre seemed lost in Tamlin's gaze, fixated on him.

"You look lovely" Tamlin said softly to Feyre, his eyes focused solely on her. Kiara and Lucien exchanged a knowing glance, familiar with the way the two had been behaving for months.

"I'm surprised we're allowed to participate tonight" Feyre remarked, while Kiara's eyes were drawn to the bonfires outside the entrance door, where the festivities were in full swing. It was a lively scene, with faeries she had never seen before mingling around the manor.

"Unfortunately for you and your neck, tonight's just a party" Lucien joked, earning an eye-roll from Feyre.

"Do you spend your sleepless nights preparing all your witty comebacks for the next day?" Lucien winked at the human, while Tamlin and Kiara chuckled.

"He's right. Solstice celebrates when the sun outshines the night. As the longest day of the year, it's a time for everyone to let loose and simply enjoy being a faerie, nothing more" Tamlin informed them, offering his elbow to Feyre.

"So there's singing, dancing, and excessive drinking" Lucien continued, extending his elbow to Kiara like a gentleman. "And dallying."

The group moved into the fields, where the sun was setting and the festivities were in full swing. Each faerie was dressed in colorful clothes and unique styles. High Fae and lesser faeries mingled freely, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

While Tamlin and Lucien socialised with acquaintances, Feyre and Kiara lined up to get some food. They were too busy savoring the sights and sounds, enjoying the dancing and the lively chatter around them, to exchange any words.

An orchestra started playing next to the bonfire as Kiara and Feyre settled on the fresh grass, savoring the pastries. From strawberry shortcake to blueberry muffins, they tried them all.

"It's weird, don't you think?" Feyre finally spoke, and when Kiara remained silent, she continued. "They act so carefree and casual, even though they know the Blight is weakening them."

"It must be their way of escaping reality. Otherwise, I don't think they'd be able to cope" Kiara presumed, taking another bite of the delicious scone from the refreshments. All the sweetness made her crave something to drink.

"Let's get some wine" she suggested to Feyre, who nodded in agreement. They poured themselves goblets of golden sparkling wine when Lucien reached the to try to stop them.

"I wouldn't drink that if I were you."

"Why?" Kiara turned curiously toward Lucien, who had suddenly appeared behind them.

"Faerie wine at the solstice" Lucien offered as a pathetic explanation. Feyre sniffed the wine, not understanding as it didn't smell alcoholic, while Kiara couldn't judge if it was bad or not as she didn't know much about it and had only been offered it a few times during dinners.

"I'm serious. Remember the last time you two ignored my warning?" Lucien grew increasingly frustrated, and Kiara wasn't pleased with his attitude.