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

Chapter 9

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Scarlett's POV

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"Incoming." Gwyn whispers from the other side of the table as I look up to see another group of Priestesses walk by our section of the library.

"Hi Scarlett!" The first of the females who I recognize from training moves forward. "After you're done with your research we wanted to see if you maybe... you know... you might want to... possibly join us for our evening meal?"

Ooo poor thing. So nervous. Smiling sweetly to the females I set my book down before standing up towards them. "Thank you so much for the invitation. However, I have already made plans for tonight. And I fear my company will be dreadfully dull." In truth the mating ceremony last month was enough social interaction to last me a good while.

"Oh no!" She shakes her head adamantly. "We'd love just to spend some time with you."

Releasing an uncomfortable sigh, I finally conceded. I've been blowing off and avoiding their requests for months. I suppose one meal won't kill me. "Alright then. Does tomorrow work?"

"Oh...yes!" Her cheeks burn red. "That would be perfect!"

Nodding, I take my seat again as they shuffle away to another part of the library. "You're gonna regret that." Gwyn laughs as quietly as she can.

"Ehh, let's hope not." I mumble, picking my book back up. Opening it, I resume the research Rhys had requested me to report on. As the time ticks away I take notes on what I need before finally closing the text. Stretching my neck and arms out I look over towards Gwyn. "I'm all set now. Thank you for pulling these for me."

"No problem!" The sweet female smiles.

Standing up, I make my way to head out, but pause as I turn back to look at the Priestess. "Hey Gwyn... I know you all don't really do too much for Summer Solstice in Night, but I wanted to ask about the Autumn Equinox. Is there any kind of celebration?"

"Well we have our standard ceremony for all the holidays we host in the temple, but as far as the rest of the Night Court goes there isn't anything families do to celebrate traditionally here."

"Oh." I feel my disappointment bloom. Poppy won't have any kind of celebration for her favorite day of the year...

"But there is a charity auction hosted by the Inner Circle. I've obviously never been to it, but I heard Poppy and Elain talking about it once." Hmm an auction doesn't exactly sound like the kind of celebration Poppy would want to honor her favorite holiday. "Apparently they auction off donations and give the proceeds to a selected charity for the year... I think this year they're putting the donations toward rehoming citizens who are still displaced from the Hybern attack."

"Huh... Is the auction a party?"

"I don't think so. I'm pretty sure they said it was a dinner, but it didn't sound all that exciting in my opinion." I stand quietly for a few moments as I think about the equinox that will take place in a few months... 50 years of Amarantha running the holiday, and now we can't even be home to celebrate properly... "Everything okay?"

"Hmm?" I blink a few times, collecting my thoughts. "Yeah I'm good... Poppy's favorite holiday has always been the Autumn Equinox, I'll just have to come up with something else for me and her to celebrate... assuming we're still here of course."

"Orrrr we throw a celebration of our own?" Gwyns eyes light up as she smiles. "It would have to be on a different day than the actual equinox since I'd be in temple and the charity event is already planned, but maybe we can plan for the day after?"