Light of the Dawn

27. Regain

It was time to face everyone else. Isarella paused at the heavy oak door, her breathing shallow as her hand hesitated on the worn brass handle. The hum of voices and the occasional burst of laughter filtered through, a comforting yet daunting reminder of the people waiting on the other side. Azriel, standing beside her, noticed the tension in her shoulders and reached for her hand. His touch was warm, grounding her in the present.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice low and steady. When she looked up at him, he gave her a small, reassuring smile. "It's going to be okay."

She bit her lip, her thoughts tumbling over one another. "I don't want to go back to reality," she whispered, her voice breaking under the weight of her fears. "I'm being hunted, Azriel. There's going to be a war."

His expression shifted, a storm brewing in his hazel eyes. He hated that she carried so much on her shoulders, yet he admired her strength. With a squeeze of her hand, he said, "We'll figure it out. Whatever comes, we'll face it together. But first..." He nodded toward the door, a small smile returning to his lips. "Let's go check on our family."

With a deep breath, Isarella nodded, and Azriel pushed the door open. The room beyond was alive with warmth and energy. The members of the Inner Circle were gathered in the spacious sitting room, sunlight streaming in through the tall windows. The scent of spiced tea and fresh flowers hung in the air, mingling with the sound of laughter.

Before Isarella could fully take in the scene, a whirlwind of muscle and energy came barreling toward them. Cassian's booming laugh echoed as he threw his arms around Azriel, pulling his brother into a crushing embrace.

"Finally!" Cassian exclaimed, his voice filled with unrestrained joy. "Took you long enough to show up, brother."

Azriel grunted, awkwardly patting Cassian's back but unable to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. "Can't breathe, Cass."

"Good," Cassian teased, squeezing him tighter. "This is payback for all those times you disappeared on us."

Isarella stood a few paces away, watching the brothers with a soft smile. Their bond was unshakable, built on years of shared battles, laughter, and pain. She hadn't realized how much she needed this—this sense of belonging.

Before she could dwell on the thought, Rhysand and Feyre approached her. Rhys's violet eyes sparkled as he pulled her into a warm hug, his wings flaring slightly behind him. "Congratulations, Isarella," he said, his voice rich with sincerity. "You and Az deserve all the happiness in the world."

Feyre was quick to follow, enveloping Isarella in an enthusiastic embrace. "We're so happy for you!" she exclaimed, her joy radiating like the sun. She took Isarella's hand and guided her toward a nearby sofa. "Come on, we have gifts!"

Nesta was already seated, her piercing blue-gray eyes softening as she watched her sister-in-law approach. Though her expression remained composed, a faint smile graced her lips. "About time you made it official," she said, her tone dry but laced with affection. "Welcome to the family."

Isarella settled between Feyre and Nesta, feeling a wave of comfort as the women surrounded her. Glancing across the room, she saw Azriel deep in conversation with Rhys and Cassian, his usual reserved demeanor replaced with an ease that only his brothers could draw out. When his gaze met hers, his smile was like a private beacon, and he winked playfully. Heat rose to her cheeks, and she turned away, biting back a smile.

Feyre nudged her gently, snapping her attention back to the present. "Here," she said, handing over a large, flat package. "Open this one first."

Before Isarella could begin, a small, energetic figure came bounding toward her. "Auntie Is! I help!" Nyx's voice rang out, his little hands already reaching for the wrapping paper.