In the Shadows

Chapter 25: The Future Awaits

The return to Velaris was nothing short of surreal. As Skye and Azriel crossed the threshold into the City of Starlight, their hands intertwined, the bustle of the streets and the warmth of the people were a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of Skye's court. It had been a long and arduous journey, and though they had come through it together, both felt the weight of the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The wind swept softly around them as they walked, carrying the faint scent of blooming night-blooming flowers and the comforting hum of life in the city. Velaris was alive, breathing in time with its people, and yet, as familiar as it was to Azriel, he felt a foreignness now that he couldn't quite place. This city was a part of him—his home—and yet, with Skye by his side, he found himself questioning where he truly belonged.

They paused at the edge of the Sidra, the river sparkling beneath the moonlight. Skye leaned against the railing, gazing at the shimmering water with a thoughtful expression. Azriel watched her, feeling a surge of emotion that caught him off guard. She seemed at once so at home here and yet so out of place. He knew that this wasn't her world, just as he knew the uncertainty they both carried—an unspoken question that lingered between them.

"Do you think they'll accept us?" she asked quietly, turning to look at him, her blue eyes reflecting both the starlight above and the trepidation within.

Azriel reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "We'll make them," he replied, a hint of determination in his tone. "I have no intention of losing you, Skye. And if they can't accept us, then they'll simply have to get used to it."

She managed a small smile, but he could see the worry that lingered behind her eyes. The High Lady of her court, here, in Velaris—a place where her power and influence would be questioned, where she might forever be viewed as an outsider. And he, the shadowsinger of the Night Court, by her side, yet torn between two worlds.

As they stood there, footsteps echoed behind them, and they turned to see Morrigan approaching, her expression unreadable. Skye stiffened slightly, and Azriel tightened his grip on her hand, a silent reassurance. Morrigan's eyes flickered to their joined hands before settling on Azriel.

"Azriel," she greeted, her voice carrying an edge that made him tense. "Welcome back."

He inclined his head, but her focus shifted to Skye. "And welcome to Velaris, Lady Skye," she continued, her tone formal but not unkind.

Skye nodded politely, but Azriel could sense her wariness. Morrigan crossed her arms, glancing between them with an appraising look.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," she said, a slight smile playing at her lips, though her eyes remained serious. "But I do have concerns—about what this means for you both. You have your court, Skye, and Azriel has his place here. There are... complications, wouldn't you agree?"

Azriel felt a surge of frustration but kept his tone measured. "We're aware of the challenges, Mor," he replied, his voice calm but firm. "But we've made our decision."

Morrigan sighed, looking away for a moment as if gathering her thoughts. "I just want you to be certain, Azriel," she said, her voice softer now. "You've always been one to hold onto the idea of a mating bond, and without it... I worry that you're rushing into something that might not be enough."

Skye bristled beside him, and Azriel felt the tension radiating off her. But he spoke before she could respond.

"I know what I want," he said firmly, his gaze steady. "And it's Skye. Bond or no bond, I'm not going to let that define us."

Morrigan met his gaze, searching his face for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well," she said. "But just... think it through. For both your sakes."