Bloom and Destruction (ACOTAR - Elain + Azriel)

Chapter 29

Azriel

     Elain had fallen asleep naked in my arms, like she's done every night for the past three weeks. I gently laid her head on the pillow and tucked the blanket under her body before kissing her forehead. I pulled on my Illyrian leathers quietly before exiting the room. I walked down the stairs stealthily and slipped out the front door, winnowing to the heart of Velaris.

I spread my wings and take off toward the skies. I take a deep breath, releasing my shadows upon the city. I send Rhysand the message through the mind link as I soar through the sky.

"She's here somewhere," a simple message that he'd understand, even half asleep.

After a few hours of gathering what I needed, I decided to fly back to the Spring Court instead of winnow. I soared above the towns, seeing a few lights turn on with the sunrise. I flap my wings faster, eager to get home before Elain awoke to tend to the gardens.

I land on the top step of the staircase leading to the manor. I let out a loose breath as I push open the heavy oak door. Golden magic swirls throughout the house. I furrow my brow as I follow it up the staircase. I push open my bedroom door to see Elain wrapped up in the sheets and magic, thrashing and crying out.

I undo my blade belt and jump on the bed next to her before it even hit the floor. "Elain," I grab her arms, holding her still. "Elain, open your eyes," I raise my voice. "Come on, Elain. Show me those beautiful eyes," I rub my thumbs along her biceps.

Her eyes shoot open and she stares at me, gasping for breath. She pulls her arms away from me and pushes my chest. A bright light flashes as I'm thrown across the room. I groan, adrenaline rushing through me as I watch her scramble to pull her legs against her chest. I attempt to control my breathing as I stare at her, curled up against the headboard. She sobs, resting her head on her knees. I push myself off of the floor and walk back over to the bed. I climb onto the mattress and crawl to her.

"Elain," I breathe out after a moment. "It's me, Azriel," I shift closer to her.

She looks up, a sob escaping her lips. I open my arms to her, leaving it to her decision. She lurches into my arms with a crash against my chest. I cradle her head against my chest and hold her torso against me with the other arm, ignoring the burning of where her power collided with my skin. I slowly rock her back and forth as she cries, shushing her gently.

"You're safe," I kiss her head a few times. "You're safe, my love." Her sobs slowly die down, after almost 30 minutes the only noise coming from her is small sniffles. I hold her just as tightly as I did when she first jumped to me. "I've got you, sweetheart," I continue rocking her back and forth. "You're okay." Elain grabs the neckline of my shirt, balling it in her fist. "I'm here, baby." She whimpers as a breeze comes through the open window. I lean over and pull the blanket on top of her. "There you go," I shift her to a more comfortable position on my lap.

     Finally, after an hour or so, with the sunlight dripping into the room she looks up at me. I lean down and kiss her tear stained cheeks. Her eyes, still brimming with tears, lock on mine. I reach a hand up and brush some hair away from her forehead.

      "Where were you?" Elain whispers, her eyes falling on the red burn mark. "What happened?" She gently runs her fingers over the tender skin.

      I hiss at the touch. "You struck me with your magic when I woke you," I cough. "I'd gone out since I couldn't sleep, took care of M- what I had to in the Night Court."

      Her eyes meet mine again. "I did this?" She looks at me with sorrowful eyes. "I did that to you?"

      "You were scared. I would be worried if you didn't panic when a man woke you from a nightmare in the dark," I kiss her forehead.

      I watch as Elain pulls out of my arms, kneeling on the bed in front of me. "I'm sorry," my eyes follow the tear that slips from her eye.

      I reach up and wipe it away before it slid down her cheek. "Do you want to talk about it?" I offer quietly.

      She looks down to her bare legs. "I'd rather not," she sniffles.

       I nod, "that's all right." I grab both of her hands, making her look up at me again. "You're so beautiful," I smile as I bring a hand up to stroke her cheek. Her bottom lip wobbles. "No more of that," I lean in and press a kiss to her lips. "You're safe. I'm here. I'm not leaving again. You're safe here," I lean my forehead against hers.

       She nods against my head. "I know... I know I'm safe."

      I sit on a bench in the middle of the garden just below our bedroom as Elain silently tends to her flowers. My shadows soar around us, whispering the things I need to hear. "There's no one here," and "she's safe."

I nod a dismissal to them after a few moments, signaling them to explore the lands. "Good morning, Lady Elain!" I shoot up from my seat, my hand resting on truth teller at my side as I look toward the voice. Olivette, our head manor servant, stands at the edge of the garden. "Good morning, Lord Azriel!"

       I let out a breath. "Good morning," I mumble as I sit back down.

       Elain raises her head, her adorable sun hat bobbing with the motion. "Good morning, Olivette!" I could hear the smile in her voice. She stands from her position on the ground and wipes her hands on the front of her dress. "What brings you out here this early?"

       Olivette rushes to the garden. "My Lady, we've got breakfast ready for you both," her eyes move between Elain and I.

       I watch Elain shake her head. "I'm not hungry," she turns to me. "You go eat and lie down."

       I feel a snarl ripple inside me, but I swallow it whole. "I'm not leaving you, and I am most certainly not allowing you to skip a meal," I stalk towards her as Amren's words echo in my head. She's with child. I've smelt it for weeks. I place my hand on the small of her back. "Come," I tilt my head toward the manor.

      She shakes her head. "No, thank you. I'll be here," she smiles up at me.

      "No," I growl. "You're going to come with me and eat."

      I hear Olivette's footsteps retreat. Her face twists in discontentment. "I am not hungry. I will be here, tending to my flowers." She says sternly, stepping away from me.

      "You will come and eat," I say through gritted teeth.

"You are not my keeper," she snaps. "You don't own me and you don't tell me what to do."

"You will not starve yourself and wither away as your sister did in this court!" I yell, immediately regretting it. I step back. "I'm sorry," I say with wide eyes.

She shakes her head. "Go," she turns back to the flowers.

I stare at the back of her head for a long moment before nodding and taking my leave.