The Witching Hour (Rise of the Valkyries)

Chapter Fifteen

"Anyway, I'm off to grab some dinner in the city. Last time I was here, I barely scratched the surface, or so I'm told," Mera quipped, flashing a smile at Nesta. "After that, I'll retire for the night."

As they reached the rooftop terrace, Nesta handed Mera the keys to the townhouse. "No one will bother you here, but I wouldn't deny the peace of mind that comes with locking the door."

Upon setting foot on the terrace, Mera's eyes widened at the sight before her. The rooftop garden was a lush oasis as beautiful as she'd thought it would be, with an array of verdant plants and colorful flowers blooming in every direction. The white wrought iron outdoor furniture shone brilliantly in the sunlight, its clean lines and classic design adding to the garden's elegant aesthetic.

Breaking the illusion,she caught sight of two winged Illyrians lounging nearby—Cassian and Azriel.

The setting sun cast a warm, golden hue over the two of them, somehow pulling them into the allure of the garden.

"Mera! I'd heard you'd be showing your pretty face around here again." Cassian exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as he jogged over to sweep her into a tight embrace. He even went so far as to spin her around, eliciting a blush from Mera that she couldn't quite hide. Cassian, the notorious lady's man.

"Good to see you too, Cassian," Mera replied coolly, refusing to use the nickname he preferred. Cassian, with his broad grin and confident swagger, was no exception to the unease Illyrian men brought onto the women. Though she had known Cassian for years, Mera couldn't bring herself to let down her guard around him. His flirty comments and suggestive gestures left her feeling uneasy, and she often found herself withdrawing from his company.

It wasn't just Cassian, of course. The Illyrian culture prized strength and power above all else, and women were often viewed as little more than objects to be conquered and possessed. Mera had seen the way they looked at her whenever she walked the streets of any city in Illyria, their eyes lingering too long on her curves and her delicate features. She had learned to hold herself apart from them, to keep her distance and maintain her dignity.

It wasn't that she didn't like Cassian—on the contrary, she had always found him to be a loyal and fierce friend to Azriel and everyone Azriel cared for. But his casual attitude towards women made her uneasy, and she couldn't help but wonder if he truly understood the harm that some of his words and actions caused to the women of his own culture.

"Well, it looks like we should be going," Nesta sighed, stepping up to Cassian. "Mera's not coming."

"What? Why?" Cassian frowned, not understanding how anyone wouldn't want to be surrounded by his friends.

"I'd rather explore the city," Mera lied quickly before Nesta could reveal the truth. "I'll be fine."

"I'll join you," Azriel said, his gaze meeting hers.

"Don't deny yourself their company on my account," Mera replied, shaking her head. She had to remind herself to reign in on the hurt and hatred. Her issues with Azriel were not for public display.

Cassian began to speak, but Azriel cut him off with a pointed look. "Tell Rhys that I'll check in later."

Cassian nodded once then scooped Nesta up into his muscular arms, his wings extending outwards twice in a powerful display. He shot a mischievous wink towards Mera, his deep brown eyes sparkling with humor.

"Don't wear him out too much," Cassian quipped, grinning from ear to ear.

With a resigned sigh, Nesta gave him a playful slap on the forearm as they soared up into the sky. Despite the disappointment etched into her beautiful face, Cassian, always the jester, laughed heartily, savoring the moment.