A Court of Watchful Shadows

A manor

Azriel
~93 days after Hybern~

The winter court had never felt colder. The biting winds cut through the like daggers, sharp and unforgiving. I had spent the morning flying over the desolate areas of the court, the weight of the search pressing down on me. I was no stranger to the cold, but today it seemed to seep into my very bones, making every beat of my wings feel like an eternity.

I had searched every inch of the winter court that myself and my shadows could reach, scouring the mountains, the forests, and the silent villages below. But still, no sign of Ziláa. Not even the faintest trace.

My eyes scanned the horizon once more, every flicker of movement a potential lead. The shadows under my wings whispered, urging me to keep going, to not give up. But the weight of the uncertainty hung over me like a dark cloud.

But out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention.

A glint.

It was faint, a reflection of light that sparkled through the thick trees. For a moment, I thought it was nothing more than the way the sun hit the ice or the shifting snow, but something in me, a deep, visceral instinct—told me it was more. It was different.

I banked hard, flying towards the trees that clustered together like sentinels, guarding the secrets beneath them. As I drew closer, the glint became sharper, more defined. A structure, large and imposing, partially hidden among the evergreens. My heart clenched as I realised what it was.

A manor.

I could feel the shadows stretching out beneath me, tugging at my senses. They were restless, uneasy, as if the air itself held a heavy, suffocating presence. The structure was hidden for a reason, concealed with a level of protection I hadn't expected. It was nestled too perfectly into the land, as though it belonged here, part of the cold, brutal landscape. And yet, it didn't feel right.

This was no ordinary place.

I hovered in the air for a moment, my wings frozen in place as I watched the manor below. The shadows twisted around me, urging me forward. I needed to get closer, needed to confirm my suspicions. But I knew it was too risky to go alone, especially with the possibility of guards surrounding the place.

Without hesitation I reached out mentally to Rhys.

  I've found something. A manor, hidden in the trees. It feels...wrong. Too well guarded.

I waited, my heart pounding in my chest, my shadows swirled impatiently, waiting for the next move, for the plan. I could feel the others, could feel Rhysand's awareness on the other end. When Rhys responded his voice was steady but with an edge of urgency.

I'll gather Cassian and the others, hold tight Az. We'll be there soon.

I didn't reply. Instead I banked around the manor, flying low beneath the thick canopy of trees, finding it hard to keep my distance as I watched for any signs of activity. The guards were too well placed, the manor too quiet. Everything about it screamed caution.

My shadows slid through the cracks in the trees, investigating the perimeter, searching for weak points, any gaps in security that we could take advantage of. I was trying to feel Ziláa's presence inside, trying to send a message. Tell her I'm here, I'm coming.

Every second felt like an eternity.

Minutes, though they felt like hours, until Rhys, Cassian and Mor arrived. Feyre, Amren and Orelia had stayed behind to prepare the townhouse for if we found Ziláa. Although they were on standby for if we needed backup.

I felt the tension in my chest begin to ease as they filled me in on the preparations made, letting myself fill with a little hope of finding her.

I knew that Ziláa was here, I wouldn't not leave without her. Nothing was going to stop me from getting her back.

Sensing my anger and determination, Rhys placed a hand on my shoulder, which was reassuring but I needed this anger, needed it so that nothing would come between me and my mate again.

"Az," Rhys said, voice steady as he shot a wary glance my way.

I huffed, staring ahead at the manor as my siphons began to crackle, struggling to contain my power. "I need you guys to back me up, let me lead." I calmly spoke.

"Because I'm going to rip this place to fucking shreds."