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"𝐎𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐍," 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃, 𝐀 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 as she tilted her head to the side, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "Are you afraid I'll get lost in the streets without your guiding hand, Shadowsinger?"
Azriel's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes at her taunts. He knew Alicent was testing his patience, determined to push his boundaries and unravel the composed facade he wore like armor. With a sigh that carried the weight of long-suffering patience, he relented.
"Rhysand is expecting us both," he stated firmly, his voice brooking no further argument.
"Who cares? He can wait," Alicent shrugged, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation. Her lips curled into a smirk as she assessed Azriel, a glint of defiance in her eyes. She tilted her head slightly, studying him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. It was as though she were daring him to challenge her further, to see just how far he was willing to go to prove his point.
The Shadowsinger held her gaze unwaveringly, the tension crackling between them like electricity. He could sense the unspoken challenge in her demeanor, the silent invitation to engage in a game of wills that neither of them was willing to lose.
With a slow, deliberate movement, the female raised an eyebrow in a silent question, her expression taunting yet tinged with a hint of something more complex. There was a glimmer of recklessness in her eyes, a daring that called to something primal within Azriel.
He felt a flicker of amusement at Alicent's audacity, her spirit a fiery contrast to the shadows that cloaked him. At that moment, he made a decision that surprised even himself.
"Fine," Azriel said, his voice softer now, almost conceding.
Her smile widened, victorious at having broken through his steely exterior. As she began to walk away, Azriel fell into step beside her, his quiet presence a contrast to her exuberance. Velaris unfolded before them like a tapestry of wonders, each street lined with ancient buildings that whispered secrets of times long past. The city hummed with life, vibrant and full of color, as merchants called out to passersby and children laughed in the cobblestone streets.
Alicent's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the sights and sounds, her steps light and eager. The male watched her from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable but his attention unwavering. As they weaved through the bustling marketplace, the scents of exotic spices and freshly baked bread mingled in the air, creating a heady concoction that threatened to overwhelm his senses.
They passed through the Rainbow, where colorful lanterns adorned every corner and reflected light off the dew-kissed petals of the night-blooming flowers that cascaded from balconies above and Azriel couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lit up with unfiltered joy, a contrast to the indifference she had displayed moments before. For a moment, he found himself caught in the spell of her infectious enthusiasm, the weight of duty momentarily lifting from his shoulders.
