In the Shadows

Chapter 6: Azriel and Skye's Next Meeting

Azriel arrived back in Velaris with his shadows wrapped tightly around him, their whispers fading into the background of his mind as the familiar city skyline came into view. The mission had gone smoothly enough, a routine reconnaissance that allowed him to slip in and out without much complication. But even as he finished the task, he found his mind wandering back to the previous night—back to Skye.

Her presence had lingered in his thoughts far more than he was comfortable admitting. Skye, with her mysterious power and sharp eyes that seemed to see right through him. Skye, the woman who had caught him off guard at the party, whose drink he'd spilled in one embarrassingly awkward moment. He couldn't stop replaying it all—the accidental bump, her teasing remark, the way she had looked at him as though she could see past all the barriers he kept so carefully in place.

He cursed himself for allowing her to occupy so much space in his thoughts.

By the time he landed on the steps of Rhysand and Feyre's townhouse, Azriel had composed himself. Whatever fleeting fascination he might feel, it didn't matter. His role was to protect, to serve, not to be distracted by a foreign woman whose court politics were none of his concern.

Except Rhysand had summoned him to discuss just that.

Azriel entered the manor, his shadows stretching out as if sensing something amiss. The great hallway was as warm and welcoming as ever, with sunlight streaming through the wide windows and casting golden light across the polished floors. Feyre's scent lingered in the air, a soft reminder of the family that lived here.

He found Rhysand waiting for him in his study, lounging in a chair as if he hadn't a care in the world. His violet eyes flickered up at Azriel's approach, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Azriel," Rhysand greeted. "Good to see you back. I trust the mission went well?"

"Without incident," Azriel replied, standing at attention. "You called for me?"

Rhysand's smile deepened, though there was something more calculating behind his expression now. "I did. We need to talk about our guest, Skye."

At the mention of her name, Azriel felt a strange tightening in his chest. He kept his face impassive. "What about her?"

Rhysand rose from his seat, his gaze sharpening. "Skye's situation is more complicated than we initially thought. There's growing unrest in her court, and I'm concerned it could escalate into something worse if we don't intervene. She's requested our help, and I'd like you to be the one to assist her."

Azriel frowned. "Me? Surely Cassian or someone else—"

Rhysand shook his head, cutting him off. "No. You. You're the one I trust most with this, Azriel. You've handled delicate political situations before, and I need someone who understands the subtleties of dealing with power struggles. Skye's situation requires discretion, and you're the best suited for that."

Azriel clenched his jaw, already feeling the weight of the responsibility settling over him. This wasn't just a reconnaissance mission; this was a political quagmire, a mess of loyalties and power that he would have to navigate carefully. And worse, it involved Skye.

Rhysand must have sensed his reluctance because his gaze softened. "I'm not forcing you into this. If you truly don't want to help, I'll find another way."

Azriel hesitated, the memory of Skye's eyes piercing through him at the party flickering in his mind. There was something about her, something that made him uneasy, yet intrigued at the same time. He didn't know why, but he couldn't bring himself to refuse.