In The Mist of Shadows

Chpt. 24

The trip to the Summer Court took longer than previous times. Adela asked if they could stop for a while in the Winter Court before going to Summer. Without questions, thinking she must be torn that she has to come with terms that her friend is really dead or maybe not they stopped in the Winter Court. The group ate the food they brought as they set up camp, talking about the next day's plan, telling stories of Tarquin for Adela to feel acquainted to him, and then going on with their own conversations when they had nothing else to converse about. Adela and Azriel talked about anything that came to mind, their future home in which she found out Azriel wanted completely with out magic, fire wood to heat, candles and big bay windows to light, and a garden and a small farm for food. They would talk about maybe traveling the seas before building their home (in which Azriel told her was important for him to do without magic) and seeing different cultures of the other Courts.

The Court in which they were in now was beyond words. Everything was covered with snow, the trees tipped with icicles, bodies of water frozen over (Adela dared to slide along one until she realized fast just how slippery it was), small animals eating the berries off of bushes and the overpowering smell of snow and pine filled their lungs. Despite the cold Adela beamed as they walked, taking in every part of it with a smile. When they were close to the Summer Court's boarder Adela found a stream that was half melted, some grass peering out from underneath the snow.

She walked up to it, feeling the wind bite her face as she knelt down and cupped her hands to allow water to fill them. The water made her fingers immediately ache as she sipped it. It was clear and crisp as it froze her throat on the way down. She laughed to herself making the others look to each other with a knowing glance. She must have not had traveled much in Ells, truly taking things in the others would have just walked by. She noticed every detailed and loved it for how it was.

After splashing her face and then splashing Rhysand and laughing at his red face, they winnowed for the last time. The air was different, hot and thick. Hitting them immediately, they all shed of their clothes they piled on in the previous Court before walking towards the bone white castle. The familiar smell of salt hit their noses making Adela smile once again, there was a part of her that missed this place sometimes, missed the water of the sea.

The guards led them through the castle in which they all have been in before Adela found. They walked with knowing grace as they followed the guards. It took them twenty minutes to get to the meeting room where Tarquin was waiting. He greeted Rhysand first with a hesitant hug that made Adela wonder why before nodding to Amren and Azriel. Then his eyes landed on Adela. Her heart pounded in her ears as he walked closer.

Azriel snarled, utterly animistic making him stop in his tracks. "Apologies." Tarquin spoke, understanding his behavior as he could surely smell it. "Welcome back Adela." His eyes were crystal blue, much like the waters in his court. They seemed soft, welcoming. Completely different than what she thought was going to show.

"Thank you for understanding my situation and still welcoming me back, I hope we can help in closing the rip in your Court."

He smiled. "Did you at least enjoy your visit while here?" She nodded with a smile that made everyone loosen a breath. "Good. You all are welcome to stay how ever long it takes, however there have also been whispers of foreigners." He looked to Adela. "I would like to get to the bottom of who they are and why they're here."

"Are you inviting her to help you and your guards?" Rhysand asked, his protective brother-hood showing, she didn't know who was worse, Azriel or him.

"I am. I was hoping Adela would find more luck then my males." He looked back to Adela. "They seem to be highly calculated, never staying in one spot for long, not leaving tracks, only coming out at night."