The Devil You Know

Part II: Chapter 12

Part II: Chapter 12

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For all the power Amarantha had, for all the years she had kept everyone under her servitude, she was killed so quickly that Irelia almost didn't even realize until the sound of a clank pulled her focus back to reality.

She looked to the ground to see her collar now laying there, still connected to its chain. Her hands went to her neck instantly, to the skin she hadn't touched in twenty-four years.

Feyre had done it.

She...she was free. She was finally free.

But Feyre...

Lia's face was wet with tears, her entire body shaking as she watched her father scoop up Feyre's limp body. He was sobbing as he rocked her body, stroking her hair. Lia turned away from the sight, unable to stand looking at her father's grief for his lost lover.

Beron was the first of the High Lords to step forward, hand extended over Feyre as a drop of magic fell from it and vanished into Feyre's chest. And then the other High Lords stepped forward, doing the same. Lia was clueless as to what was happening, her mouth wide open with shock.

"For what she gave," Rhysand said, stepping forward as well. "We'll bestow what our predecessors have granted to few before." He bent over Feyre. "This makes us even," he whispered as his seed of light dropped into Feyre.

A minute went by. Then another. It was completely silent in the throne room, as if everyone was holding their breath. And then a gasp. Feyre sat up and...she was fae. Lia watched in shock as she took in the crowd.

Cheers came, so loud they bounced off the stone. She could've sworn the mountain itself rumbled with victory. Faeries were embracing each other, crying and celebrating all in one. Lia stayed sat on the ground, unsure of what to do with herself. Rhysand was still across the room, staring at the newly made Feyre.

Boots blocked her vision and her eyes trailed up a body until they landed on Lucien's handsome and unmasked face. He held out a hand to her which she stared at with hesitation.

"Come with me," he whispered. "I'll get you to your father."

She placed her hand in his, still in a daze. He unclasped his cloak and wrapped it around her. She never let go of his hand, clutching to it like a lifeline. She had spent more time down here than above ground and now she was uncertain of what she should do...where she would go.

Lucien began to gently lead her away, seeming unbothered by her squeezing his hand. She glanced over her shoulder, her green eyes landing on a familiar pair of violet ones. Rhys gave her a small smile and nod.

It's okay, Lia. Go with him. I'll find you later.

She nodded back, her free hand subconsciously brushing against her bargain tattoo. This wasn't a good-bye. This wasn't an ending. With that reassurance, she let Lucien guide her out of the throne room.

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It was late but Irelia was still awake, sitting at the edge of the bed still wrapped in Lucien's cloak. It felt...weird being in a room alone after sharing one with Rhysand all these years. Each time she tried to lay down, the emptiness of the spot next to her made her feel too alone.

She thought about seeking him out but she reminded herself that he was a High Lord after all and probably had a lot of things to attend to now that they were free.

Lucien had stayed with her for a few hours, trying to reassure her that everything was okay, that she would be going back to the Spring Court with them to live in her father's manor. She was still apprehensive, still debating on taking Rhys up on his offer to take her with him.