Inferno: Azriels Unexpected Love - Azriel x Female OC - ACOTAR

Chapter 8

A/N: I won't lie, I've re-written the next 2 chapters at least 5 different times cause it didn't feel right for the flow of the story to me... ultimately I decided to change POV's and alter the outline a bit more... I'm finally happy with what I decided on... Hope you all enjoy!!! And THANK YOU for reading :)

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Scarlett's POV

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Walking into the River House I feel shockingly more relaxed than the last time I was invited here. Waving a quick good afternoon to my sister, I smile seeing Poppy flourishing in this Court and with her new friends.

Knocking on the High Lords office door he calls me inside.

"Morning, Rhysand." I greet firmly, still not comfortable enough to be casual around the male.

"Scarlett, please have a seat." He gestures to a chair as he moves and sits across. I study the wings that are now on his back and wonder why he's never brought them out around me before. "Thank you for coming, I'm sure you're tired after training."

"I'm fine." I confirm easily, repressing a grin as I think of a joke about how this meeting is keeping me away from my afternoon 'shopping'. "What can I help with?"

"I'd like to talk about your future here." My fists clench at the statement. My future here... there shouldn't be a future here... we will return to Autumn once it is safe. "We have no update to indicate Autumn's High Lord will change anytime soon with Beron being extremely guarded and untrusting of his eldest son currently. If you are to remain here for an extended period of time then it will benefit everyone if we find a place for you."

"Would you honestly trust me with a real job?"

I feel his power simmer, but rather than snap a sharp comment, he simply picks a piece of non-existent lint off his coat. "I have treated you poorly since your arrival. For that I apologize, however, you must understand that I am not ignorant to what 'The Crimson Death' is capable of. You are dangerous and a risk to my family."

I stay quiet, watching as he clearly struggles to find the right words.

"But, Azriel has vouched for you." My body shifts back in the chair at the surprising comment. "He has ensured we can trust you and I trust in my brother's judgment. Moving forward you will be working with Az on missions as you have been. He will gauge your full strengths and then determine where you will be most effective on solo assignments."

"I understand."

"Do not make me regret this, Scarlett." His voice is a warning and a threat as he stands.

"May I have a salary?" I cut in before he can move around the desk.

"What?"

"May I be paid for my work?" I stand, keeping my eyes on him. "I appreciate your generosity for allowing me to use the Town House credit, but I'd like to pay back my debt and earn my own wages to get by."

A smirk crosses his face as he nods. "No need to pay us back... Consider your first couple missions enough to cover the debt." Walking around the desk he extends his hand out to me. "Welcome to the Night Court."

Accepting the shake firmly, I ignore the pit in my stomach that forms at the idea of me accepting a job in another court. It feels like a betrayal to my home.

It's only temporary... I remind myself, forcing my thoughts to remain positive. We'll be able to return home soon enough...

"Your salary will be put in the bank for you, but if needed for emergencies you are still welcome to use the House credit."