A Court of Worlds and Eternities (Book IV: Part II)

Chapter 25

Lowen stood beside Azriel as he pushed open the balcony doors, the salty sea breeze inviting them out under the moonlit sky. They stepped together onto the balcony, the expansive ocean reflecting the stars overhead. Lowen's heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and nerves, contemplating the perfect moment to share her news.

"Azriel," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned to face her, his expression softening as he met her gaze. Before she could continue, Azriel leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss that momentarily swept away her plans to speak. She melted into his embrace, returning the kiss with equal zeal.

As they parted, breathless, Azriel grinned mischievously.

"Bed or balcony?" he whispered, his eyes glinting with desire.

Blushing, Lowen playfully pushed against his chest.

"As much as I'd enjoy the thrill, I'd prefer not to get kicked out of the Summer Court for indecent exposure, so...bed."

His laughter echoed softly as he took her hand, leading her back inside their room.

Azriel's kiss was tender, a familiar comfort that Lowen always savored. He scooped her up with ease and laid her gently on the bed. His lips traced a path down her jaw, tenderly exploring her throat, his breath warm against her skin as he lingered at her neck.

But as his lips met her skin, an unwanted memory flashed before her eyes—a vivid, piercing memory from the original reality. She saw Azriel and Gwyn at the House of Wind, their training session turning playful. Gwyn's laughter filled the air as she pulled Azriel down with her, both of them tumbling. There was a look of pure joy in Azriel's eyes as he kissed Gwyn, a happiness that was undeniable, complete.

Pure joy and undeniable happiness that she denied him by changing fate. By simply being.

The images hit Lowen like a physical blow. With a gasp, she shoved Azriel away and sat up abruptly, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding in her chest.

"What's wrong?" Azriel's voice was thick with concern, his hands hovering over her, wanting to comfort but unsure.

"Don't," she managed to choke out, her voice breaking.

"Don't touch me, please."

The room spun slightly as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, putting physical space between them.

Azriel withdrew slightly, hurt and confusion warring in his eyes.

"Did I hurt you? What's happening?" he asked, his voice a low, anxious whisper.

Lowen shook her head, unable to meet his gaze, her chest heaving with ragged breaths. Every part of her screamed to reach out, to close the distance, but the raw wound from the vision held her back. She stumbled to her feet, nearly tripping in her haste to escape the intensity of the room.

"I—I just need a moment," she stammered, fleeing to the sanctuary of the bathroom.

The click of the door closing behind her was a small solace, a barrier against the overwhelming flood of emotions.

Leaning back against the door, Lowen slid down to the cool tile floor, wrapping her arms around her knees. Tears streamed down her face as she fought the suffocating feeling of betrayal from a reality that was never hers to live.

"Azriel is mine. He loves me," she whispered to herself, trying to anchor her emotions to the reality she lived in.

"This is my life, my Azriel. He's here with me," she continued, trying to stitch the seam of her fractured spirit.