Light of the Dawn

29. Prepare for War

Isarella slid into her white fighting leathers, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she fastened the straps. The weight of the armor felt heavier today, burdened with the looming uncertainty of the battle ahead. Her heart clenched as the thought of her own death gnawed at her. It was a harsh truth to face—that everything she fought for could be lost in an instant, and her sacrifice might amount to nothing. But she pushed the fear aside. Her family, her mate, they were worth every risk. She had to keep them safe.

As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, her breath caught. The sight of her own body, scarred and weathered from countless tortures and battles, brought a sharp pang to her chest. Yet, she didn't look away. The golden strands of her hair, now tangled and falling loosely around her shoulders, reflected the soft light of dawn. In her eyes, she saw not just the warrior she had become, but also the fierce woman who had fought with every ounce of her strength for her daughter's life.

And in the reflection, there was also her mother—Emilia Day, a face she had never known but had guided her, shaped her, and made her strong.

The door creaked open behind her, and Feyre entered, dressed in her own fighting leathers. There was an ease in her movement, but a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She smirked, her voice teasing yet warm. "Hello, High Lady of Dawn."

Isarella chuckled, the sound light and almost unfamiliar in the weight of the moment. "Oh stop it, you," she laughed, her heart lifting just a little. She walked over and wrapped her arms around Feyre, the embrace offering a brief, comforting respite from the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

When she pulled back, she placed her hands firmly on Feyre's shoulders, looking into her eyes with a newfound determination. "You ready for another war?" Feyre asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

Isarella's smile was steady, filled with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from the belief in something bigger than oneself. "I'm ready to fight for our family. For a better world," she said softly. Her heart, heavy as it was, beat with the unwavering resolve to protect the ones she loved.

Without another word, Isarella pulled her back into a tight embrace, the bond between them unspoken but strong. Together, they walked toward the front entrance, where the rest of their family awaited, ready to face whatever came next.

Isarella walked down the grand corridor of the house, the golden rays of the sun cascading through the high windows, casting a warm glow upon her. She felt as though she were bathed in sunlight, her figure radiant and ethereal. Her golden hair, woven loosely, trailed down her back in soft waves, catching the light and shimmering with every step. Her green eyes, bright and determined, sparkled with the fierce resolve that had carried her through countless trials. In that moment, she looked not just like a warrior, but like a goddess—strong, unwavering, and full of life.

As she walked, she noticed Azriel standing at the end of the corridor. His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of her. He had seen her fight, seen her endure pain and loss, but in this moment, she was something else entirely. A force to be reckoned with, yes, but also someone who carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and yet remained unbroken.

"You ready?" Azriel asked, his voice deep with concern, searching her face for any hint of uncertainty.

Isarella met his gaze, her lips curving into a steady, confident smile. "I'm ready. I've prepared for this day my whole life." She reached out, cupping his cheek for a moment. "And when we return, we will finish building our home and continue living our life together."

Azriel's heart swelled as he looked at her, his love for her palpable in the air between them. It was as though she held the very moon and stars in her hands. "I would love nothing more," he replied softly. He took her hand in his, the warmth of their bond sending a surge of strength through them both. "Well, if you're ready, then let's go. We've been summoned to the Summer Court."

Isarella nodded, her gaze never leaving his. With a single thought, they winnowed together, the world around them bending and shifting as they arrived at the Summer Court's palace. The familiar scent of saltwater and blooming flowers filled the air as they stepped onto the lush grounds.

The Inner Circle was already assembled in the grand hall, and Rhysand, ever the leader, stood at the center. His voice was commanding, but there was a hint of warmth as he gathered his family close.

"Another one?" Cassian teased, his broad shoulders shaking with laughter.

"Shut up and let him have this, Cas!" Isarella retorted, her own laughter bubbling up, easing the tension that had been building in her chest.

Rhysand gave his sister a mock glare before grinning widely. "Thank you, Isa." He turned to face his family, his tone growing more serious. "The last time we fought in battle, I died. Cassian almost died. Isa almost died." He paused, looking around at all of them, his eyes dark with emotion.

Nesta, never one for sentimentality, smirked. "Yeah, yeah... You all almost died or did die. Get to the point," she teased, her lips curling upward in a half-smile.

Rhys laughed and nodded at her before continuing, his voice softer now, but laced with love. "I wouldn't be here today without my family. My amazing mate, who is the most beautiful and terrifying thing I have ever laid my eyes on, I love you." He turned to Feyre, pulling her close and kissing her quickly, his hand lingering on her back as if to ground himself in her presence.

"To my brothers, Az and Cass." Rhys's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he glanced at both of them. "I can't imagine living my life without you both by my side. You're my incredible War General, my Spy Master, but above all, you're my brothers." He stepped forward and pulled them both into a group hug, the three of them holding onto each other tightly. The bond between them was more than blood; it was a promise forged in battle and unbreakable love.

"My cousin Mor," Rhys continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I still don't know how you put up with me to this day, but I'm forever grateful to have you by my side." Mor gave a soft, knowing smile, her eyes meeting his, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Nesta," Rhys said, turning toward his sister with a deep look of respect. "You are a force to be reckoned with. But you've earned your place in our family. You make Cassian happy. You saved all of us. Thank you." He smiled at her, and she nodded, a rare, private smile tugging at her lips.

Finally, he turned to Isarella. "And my sister, not by blood but by choice. You and I have been through so much together, more than anyone could ever understand. I am thankful to have you by my side." His voice dropped, thick with resolve. "We will kill Beron for what he put you through. Together as a family, we fight for you, for all of us. For a better world."

Isarella's heart swelled with pride and love for the family that had become everything to her. "For a better world," she echoed, her voice steady, her smile unwavering.

"Let's show Beron what we're made of," Cassian said with a fiery grin, his eyes flashing with excitement. The call to battle had been answered, and there was no turning back now.

As they all gathered their strength and prepared to face the battlefield, Isarella felt the surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The weight of her armor felt familiar now, like a second skin. She knew that the coming fight would be brutal, but she also knew that no matter the cost, they would win—together. For family. For love. For a better world.

And with that, they headed out to the field, ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that they would stand united.