In The Mist of Shadows

Chpt. 23

"Are you sure you'll be fine?" Adela asked from the bed.

Azriel packed the rest of their things before sending it home. "I'd like to think I have enough restraint." He hugged her before planting a kiss on her forehead. "Besides we have to go, the tonic only works within a couple of days."

"Do you ever want children?" She asked as she very carefully stood, her core being sore, and wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders. "I mean I have an Illyrian pelvis so if our baby has wings the risk would be minimal."

"I wouldn't decide about having children just because of your pelvis." As he said the word something itched, made him ready to take her to bed again. "I would decide on where we are in life. So my answer would be yes, I do want children. But I want to know that we are safe, preferably in another house to our selves, and when you are better." He said the last of it cautiously. He didn't mean that she was too fragile, he just wanted her to be able to only worry about the baby, not any other posing threats or traumas.

She knew what he meant and smiled. "I know what my dream life would be now."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It would be with you, in our house that is somewhere quiet. And having at least one babe, a creation of our love."

"That sounds lovely." He muttered before kissing her deeply.

"Mm, and training with you again. So I can kick your arse."

He laughed. "I can make all those things happen." He planted another kiss on her lips before pulling back. "But for now, we have to make plans for the Summer Court."

She nodded. She was ready, she could do this. "Okay."

~

Adela and Azriel walked up the lawn of Feyre and Rhysand's townhouse. They were to meet everyone and discuss the plans on the trip to close the rip. Adela was nervous, seeing Cassian after what she did. Seeing Rhysand. Having everyone know that her and Azriel were now mated-

"Wait." She stopped him. "Did you let everyone know?"

"I was going to let us do it together."

She thought for a moment before speaking. "Can you tell me how to ask Rhysand to come out? Through my power?"

He was confused but still told her what Rhysand had told him many moons ago. "Just think of him, think how close he is and reach out to him and only him."

She closed her eyes and followed Azriel's instructions, letting her inner self leak out like her thoughts do but concentrating it on only Rhysand. And when she felt a presence with her she spoke within her mind. "Rhysand?"

"Adela? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm outside... But I want just you to come out- walk out. No winnowing please."

"Alright? I'm walking out now."

Even without winnowing it didn't take him long to reach the door and walk over to them. With each stride her stomach sank further and further into her abdomen. She was ready for him to yell, or to ban her from seeing Azriel again but as he got closer, as he smelt it, he kept his face neutral.

He looked between them, nostrils flaring a bit making Adela stuck to the earth below her. But he just loosed a breath, like he was holding it in for a while. "This is what you wanted me to see?" She nodded making him roll his eyes, actually roll them before throwing her into a tight hug. "I don't care that you're finally mated, I am just glad that you're okay." He breathed in her scent, even as it was mixed with Azriel's and let himself calm. "You're okay."