starfall. [ Rhysand ]

XX

the sacrifice.

Once Alexis confirmed her willingness to assist Rhysand, she didn't inquire about the current threat or their specific needs; she simply felt a strong desire to help him. Instead of divulging everything immediately, Rhysand informed her that they would be having a dinner with his family the following evening to discuss the ongoing threat.
Alexis was apprehensive, not just because she would have to reveal the truth about her week-long disappearance and the terrifying experiences she had endured, but also because she was afraid of placing her trust in and forming friendships with them. After her experiences with Tamlin, Lucien... and even Feyre, she was not exactly filled with trepidation.

That night, she had a series of nightmares, tossing and turning in her bed with no comfort. Her thoughts were consumed by Hybern, the Cauldron, Tamlin, Lucien, but, as was the case every night, she heard a beautiful melody that calmed her nerves, making her feel safe and at ease, much like it had happened Under the Mountain.

For the evening's dinner, Alexis chose to wear a light blue gown, believing that the color had a soothing and calming influence. She tied a bow behind her back, cinching her waist, and also fashioned a bow of the same color to hold her hair back, letting her side bangs frame her face. While trying to boost her confidence in front of the mirror, she sensed Rhysand's presence.

"I know where the dining room is," she communicated telepathically to him, as she felt he was outside her door without having knocked.

"I must be a good teacher, don't you think?" Rhysand remarked as he opened the door, his eyes fixed on how beautiful she looked. Alexis cleared her throat, attempting to divert her attention from his gaze and his striking features as he wore a black shirt with a few buttons left open to revealing his toned chest. Alexis could glimpse a tattoo but she cleared her throat and looked at her hands instead.

"Or perhaps I'm a fast learner," she quipped in his mind, causing him to shake his head.

"You're so wrong," he replied, they locked eyes for a moment, none of them wanting to break the eye contact. In the end, Rhysand did, lowering his gaze to his shoes. She was so enchanting that she left him flustered.

"Let's go," he finally said and gestured for her to follow.
Rhysand was aware that she knew the way to the dining room, but all of his friends had already arrived and were inside. He didn't want Alexis to enter by herself and have everyone's eyes on her. While he knew his friends wouldn't do it intentionally to make her uncomfortable, he wanted her to feel at ease and relaxed. He believed this was the best way to achieve that.

"Hey," Rhysand stopped her just before they entered the room, and Alexis could hear the chatter from within, which only heightened her nerves. Even though she had met most of them before, the prospect of sharing her sob story with just acquaintances was making her anxious.

"You don't have to tell us anything; it can just be a normal dinner if you want." Alexis only nodded, and Rhysand opened the door.

Amidst Cassian and Mor's likely playful banter about some matter, Azriel stood by the curtains, seemingly engrossed in the murmurs of his shadows. Additionally, there was one person Alexis had never laid eyes on.
Seated with her arms crossed, exuding an air of annoyance, she had short hair that suited her round face and wore a black dress. Her piercing gaze turned towards Alexis, scrutinizing her with a scrunched expression. It was evident she didn't trust her. In return, Alexis was taken aback, realizing that with one look, she could tell that this woman was not like anyone else in the room. She was distinctly different from Alexis as well.