Crown of Shadows

Chapter 16-Aelin

I woke up next to Kodlak with a smile on my face, I turn to face him but I feel an ache in my shoulder and my smile fades and is replaced by a yelp.

I feel Kodlak adjust next to me and him grunt before his eyes meet mine.

"Are you alright darling?" He mumbles quietly looking concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine.." I flinch as I sit up.

Kodlak sits up with me. "Are u sure? You're looking a bit pale.." he brings his hand to cup my face.

I lean into his hand. "Yes I'm fine..I promise, just a bit sore."

He places a kiss on my forehead before getting out of bed and heading out to the main room of the Assassins Keep.

I eventually get up too and I walk out and feel Phantom's and Lyra's eyes on me, I glare at both of them before walking over to some of the low-ranked assassins and talking to them.

I feel a hand grab my hip and pull me close, I knew by the shape of the hand that it was Kodlak and I lean back against his chest.

He places his face in the crook of my neck and I feel his hot breath against my skin and I lean my head back.

"Darling, you do not look ok.." he says concerned but keeping his grip on my hips tight.

"I'm fine. Kodlak. I promise." I say quietly.

He just looks at me and nods.

"I'll be with the other group of rooks." he says before planting a kiss on my neck and letting me go.

A couple of minutes go by and I feel another presence behind me: Phantom. He comes up behind me and grabs my hips just like Kodlak did while breathing down my neck.

"Hello pretty girl.." I could feel that damn smirk on his face. His voice brought a shiver to my body.

I gently push him back and I look down but he cups my cheek trying to act like Kodlak, I yank my head away.

"Would you stop it Phantom?!" I ask with a slight snarl from being uncomfortable.

"Come on sweethea-" Phantom was cut off by Kodlak

"You heard her. Stop it." Kodlak says as he stands infront of me protectively.

Phantom rolls his eyes, winks at me and walks away, he tells Lyra something and she sneers at me.

She all of a sudden starts walking up to me and stands infront of me, I stand a few inches taller than her.

"Your with the damn runt." she laughs as Kodlak looks at her and rolls his eyes, but he knows I can handle myself. "That's bullshit. Well actually- you guys are perfect for each other!" She gets in my face. "What are you gonna do princess?" She cackles in my face.

I stand closer to her and both of my eyes start glowing, she looks at me slightly frightened and she turns around. I hear her mumble the words "monster" before walking back to her petty friend group.

I hold my head as my head starts throbbing and Kodlak holds me.

"Let's go lay down darling. You need rest." He speaks.

I nod as he grabs me and carries me back to our bed and lays me down, I grunt in slight pain as he puts me down.

He lays next to me and his fingers caress my cheek causing me to feel comforted and safe.

"I love you, Dove." He said quietly.

My eyes start to flutter shut as I fall asleep on his shoulder.