In the Shadows

Chapter 12: The Summons

Skye stood on the balcony, staring out over the Night Court's sprawling city of Velaris. It was her sanctuary, a place of peace and reprieve. Yet, despite the calming sights and sounds, her heart was restless, her thoughts spiraling. A summons had arrived from her father earlier that day, the missive carrying a heavy weight of urgency and expectation. Her presence was required back in her own court.

She felt a familiar mix of emotions: the undeniable pull of duty, the instinct to protect what was hers, and yet, a gnawing reluctance to leave this place that had become a surprising source of comfort. Velaris had offered her a reprieve from the burdens of her title, a place where she could, for once, simply be. And even though she knew she had to return, she wasn't ready to leave.

The door creaked open, pulling her from her thoughts. She turned to find Rhysand standing in the doorway, his expression serious yet compassionate.

"Your father sent word," he said, crossing the threshold and leaning against the stone railing. "He's expecting you."

Skye nodded, though her gaze remained fixed on the city below. "I know. I need to go back and deal with the mess my brother has made. But part of me..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "Part of me doesn't want to go back."

Rhys studied her for a moment. "It's natural to feel that way. You've had a chance to breathe here, to be yourself without the weight of your court pressing down on you."

She offered a bitter smile. "And yet, that weight is still there, Rhys. Waiting for me. I'll have to face it sooner or later."

"Then face it," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But don't face it alone. You're not going back unaccompanied."

She turned sharply, a flash of irritation crossing her features. "I'm perfectly capable of handling this on my own."

"I know you are," he replied. "But your father has asked for us to ensure your safety, and I intend to do just that. I've already arranged for Azriel to accompany you."

Her heart twisted at the mention of Azriel's name. Things between them had been strained, tense, ever since their last conversation. The idea of traveling back to her court with him—alone, for days—was both unnerving and strangely comforting.

She shook her head, crossing her arms. "I can handle myself, Rhysand. In the future, I'll have to deal with these matters on my own. If I'm to take on the role of High Lady, I can't rely on someone to watch over me every time there's a threat."

Rhysand arched an eyebrow, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "And you won't. But having someone by your side now doesn't diminish your strength, Skye. It's a show of wisdom, of strategy. Azriel volunteered to go because he cares about this situation. He wants to help."

Skye clenched her jaw, torn between pride and a grudging sense of relief. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but a part of her was comforted by the thought of Azriel accompanying her. His presence, though often infuriating, had a strange way of grounding her. And though she wouldn't say it aloud, she trusted him more than she trusted anyone back home.

She sighed, the tension easing slightly. "Fine. If it makes you feel better, I'll let Azriel come. But I won't rely on him. I'll do what I need to, with or without him."

Rhysand smiled, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. I'll let him know." He turned to leave but paused at the door, looking back over his shoulder. "Skye, no one expects you to do this alone. Not now, and not when you become High Lady. A strong leader knows when to accept help."

After Rhysand left, Skye remained on the balcony, turning his words over in her mind. She wasn't sure what unsettled her more: the idea of facing her family again, or the prospect of doing it with Azriel by her side.

The next morning, she found Azriel waiting for her outside the townhouse, his expression as stoic as ever. He inclined his head when he saw her, but said nothing, simply gesturing for her to follow him as they began their walk to the river dock where they'd take a small vessel out of the city.

After a stretch of silence, Skye spoke up, her tone laced with frustration. "You didn't have to do this, you know. I could've managed just fine."

Azriel didn't break stride, his gaze fixed ahead. "I know you could have."

"Then why did you agree to come?"

Finally, he looked at her, his gaze steady. "Because you shouldn't have to face this alone. And Rhysand was right—this isn't just about your court. It's about the alliances and ties between us all. If something happens to you, it affects more than just your family. You're part of this court now, too."

She frowned, processing his words. Part of this court? It was a strange, yet comforting thought, though she'd never admit it. And there was something in his tone, something that hinted at more than just duty.

They arrived at the river dock, where a small vessel awaited them. Azriel helped her aboard, his touch firm and steady. She settled in, casting one last glance back at Velaris as the boat began to drift away. The city sparkled in the early morning light, a beacon of safety she was reluctant to leave behind.

As the boat moved further downriver, she turned to Azriel, a mixture of gratitude and resentment in her gaze. "Why did you volunteer, really?"

He met her gaze, his expression inscrutable. "Because I know what it's like to be pulled between duty and desire, between responsibility and the need for freedom. I see that same struggle in you. And I know what it's like to face it alone."

Skye's breath caught, and for a moment, she felt an ache of understanding. They were more alike than she'd realized, two souls burdened by expectations and haunted by shadows. And though she still harbored doubts about the journey ahead, she felt a strange sense of solidarity, a shared understanding that bridged the chasm between them.

He offered her a rare, faint smile, the corners of his mouth barely lifting. "You're not alone, Skye."

She looked away, a flush creeping into her cheeks as she fought to maintain her composure. She wasn't sure if it was his words or the intensity of his gaze, but something within her softened, a small crack forming in the walls she had built around herself.

For the first time since receiving the summons, she felt a flicker of hope. She still had a long way to go, and countless challenges to face, but she wasn't facing them alone. And though she didn't know what lay ahead, she was grateful for his presence, even if she'd never say it aloud.

As they sailed down the river, their eyes met again, and in that brief moment, an unspoken promise passed between them. They would face whatever awaited them together, and perhaps, just perhaps, they might find something worth holding onto in each other.

Later that night, as they settled in for the evening, Skye found herself glancing at Azriel across the campfire. The flickering light cast shadows across his face, highlighting the hard lines and scars that spoke of a life filled with battle and sacrifice. She knew little of his past, but she sensed the weight he carried, the scars that ran deeper than the skin.

"Azriel," she said, breaking the silence. He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Thank you. For coming with me. I know I didn't make it easy, and I don't... usually need help. But I'm glad you're here."

He nodded, a rare softness in his gaze. "You don't have to thank me. I made a promise to protect you. I intend to keep it."

As they sat in companionable silence, Skye allowed herself to relax, the weight of her responsibilities feeling just a bit lighter with him by her side. She wasn't sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt ready to face it.

And as she drifted off to sleep under the starlit sky, she felt a quiet sense of peace, knowing that, for now, she wasn't alone.