In the Shadows

Chapter 8: Training Together

The quiet of the River House was broken only by the distant murmur of the Sidra, its gentle waves brushing against the banks as Azriel made his way toward Rhysand's study. His shadows flitted restlessly around him, dark tendrils of unease he couldn't quite shake. He had known this conversation was coming for days now, had felt it brewing ever since Rhysand had hinted at needing his help with something important.

Azriel had hoped it would be something routine—another mission, perhaps, or something more in his wheelhouse. He was not, however, prepared for what Rhysand was about to ask.

The door to the study was already ajar, and Rhysand's rich, melodic voice filtered through the space, accompanied by Feyre's softer tones. As Azriel stepped inside, both of them looked up, their conversation halting. Rhysand offered him a lazy smile, lounging in his chair with an ease that never failed to irritate Azriel when he had something he needed to discuss. Feyre was seated beside him, her expression warm, though Azriel could sense the undercurrent of concern in her eyes.

"Azriel," Rhysand greeted, his voice as smooth as the Sidra's waters. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten our little chat."

Azriel grunted, closing the door behind him. "I haven't forgotten. What is it you need?"

Rhysand leaned forward, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. "It's about Skye."

Azriel tensed immediately, his shadows recoiling as if sensing the tension in the air. He should have known this was coming. Skye had been a topic of quiet concern since her arrival. The woman from a distant court, whose family dynamics were a tangled mess of jealousy and ambition. Her powers were formidable, raw and uncontrolled, but it wasn't the powers themselves that concerned Azriel—it was her. Skye was unlike anyone he had ever encountered, and that made her dangerous.

"You want me to keep an eye on her?" Azriel offered, already knowing that wasn't what Rhysand had in mind.

Rhysand chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Azriel. I need you to train her."

Azriel blinked, certain he had misheard. "Train her?"

Feyre exchanged a glance with Rhysand before speaking. "She's struggling with her power, Azriel. It's... volatile. Rhysand and I both agree that she needs someone who can help her learn control, someone who understands what it's like to have darkness at their fingertips."

"And you think that someone is me?" Azriel asked, his voice carefully neutral, though inside, the very idea of spending more time with Skye had his shadows coiling tighter.

Rhysand's gaze turned serious, his usual amusement giving way to something more earnest. "Yes, Azriel. I do. You're the only one who can do this."

Azriel's instincts screamed at him to protest, to refuse, but Rhysand's eyes held that look of unwavering determination. Still, Azriel wasn't ready to give in so easily.

"Wouldn't Cassian be a better fit for this? He's got more experience with physical training, and Skye's powers aren't exactly... subtle," Azriel said, trying to steer the conversation away from himself.

Rhysand raised an eyebrow. "Physical training, sure. But Skye's power is deeply connected to her emotions. It's dark, like yours. Cassian can't teach her what you can."

Azriel clenched his jaw, his mind racing for another way out. "She doesn't need me. I'm not exactly the nurturing type."

Feyre's voice was soft but firm. "Azriel, this isn't about nurturing. It's about helping her survive. If she can't control her power, it could destroy her—and others. You've seen what she can do."