Ziláa
A few hours went by with Azriel filling me in on all that had happened in Velaris during my absence; Feyre in the spring court, Feyre's sisters Nesta and Elain staying up in the house of wind, Also some talk of Lucien Vanserra which caught me off guard...but that was an obstacle for future me to face.
Right now I just wanted to be with my mate and heal, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Then came a knock on the door, it was soft—hesitant.
Azriel's shadows stirred at the sound, curling protectively around me. He glanced at me, silently asking if I was ready. I nodded, adjusting against the pillows, bracing myself for what was to come.
The door opened, and Rhysand stepped in first, his face uncharacteristically grave. Feyre followed, her expression equal parts of relief and worry.
"Ziláa," Rhys said, his voice cautious. He hesitated just inside the room, Feyre's hand brushing his arm as if urging him forward.
"Rhysand," I replied, arching a brow. "Come to lecture me about getting captured?"
His lips twitched, though the shadows in his violet eyes didn't fade. "I think I've done quite enough of that for a lifetime," he said quietly. "And I owe you an apology."
My brow arched higher. "You? Apologising?"
Feyre shot him a look before stepping closer. "We were wrong," she said simply. "So wrong. You were trying to protect all of us and we turned our backs on you. We're sorry Ziláa. I'm sorry."
The weight of her words landed squarely in my chest, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say. Feyre, usually so composed, sounded raw and vulnerable.
"Apology accepted," I said after a beat. "But don't think I won't milk this for all that it's worth."
Rhysand's lips quirked in reluctant amusement. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The door creaked open again, and Amren strode in, her silver eyes narrowing as they landed on me. She crossed her arms, her small frame somehow exuding more authority than anyone else in the room.
"Ziláa," she said crisply.
"Amren," I replied, matching her tone.
She tilted her head, examining me like I was a puzzle she hadn't quite solved. Then, with a sigh that sounded almost annoyed, she said, "I was wrong,"
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
Her gaze sharpened. "Don't make me say it twice, girl. I misjudged you. I let my instincts and my pride blind me to the truth, and for that, I am sorry."
It was straightforward, no frills, utterly Amren.
"Was that hard for you?" I teased, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Admitting you were wrong?"
Her silver eyes glinted, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Not as hard as putting up with your sharp tongue, but I'll survive."
A soft laugh escaped me, and for the first time in weeks, I felt some of the tension in my chest ease.
"Thank you," I said simply. "I appreciate it."
The door swung open with more force this time, and Cassian strolled in, his usual swagger tempered by something softer. He glanced at Azriel, then at me, clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Ziláa," he began, his tone unusually serious. "I...I was an idiot. I didn't see what you were going through, and instead of helping, I probably made things worse. For that, I'm sorry."
YOU ARE READING
A Court of Watchful Shadows
Fantasy"I don't need to tell you pricks anything, I have my own reasons for being here and they don't concern three idiots who won't-" I was cut off as a force came slamming into me. I look up in anger at the man who was now towering over me, his nostrils...
