The Shadowsinger and his Flower

Chapter Two: Rash Decisions and Regret

"Lucien," Elain said softly.

Lucien balled his hands into fists. His metal eye looked at Elain emotionless, while his other eye showed sadness.

"Why?" He croaked. He didn't know if he wanted an answer if it was worth the tears. He turned to Azriel, his eyes suddenly filled with a burning rage.

Azriel put a hand on Elain's waist defensively as she spoke, putting Lucien in unease.

"After the war, we just sort of befriended each other," she said, looking at the floor. "After that, I think we began developing feelings for each other as we were healing and yesterday I asked him if he wanted to go on a date." She finally looked into his eyes.

"One thing led to another and now we are together. It happened quite fast actu-" Lucien cut her off.

"Move. I need to get to my room to pack up. I'm visiting the Spring Court today." He quickly moved past the two, walking to his room. As he packed, tears began to well in his eyes and after putting in his shoes, he crumpled to the floor, quiet, sobs taking over any other sound.
---
"Azriel," Elain turned to her shadowsinger, worry adorned her soft features. "What do we do?" Azriel removed his hand from her side, which he had been gripping firmly.

"I have no idea. We should really just hope for the best."

"Let's go to the garden outside. I could use a breather before going to Gavlin's for lunch." Azriel nodded, following Elain outside.

When they got there, Elain glanced into the window that belonged to Lucien. Its curtains were drawn. He must have left already, and that was perfect for relaxation.

"I'm going inside to get us a drink. Be back in a few." Elain waved, pecking Azriel.

It'll be okay, my dear. We will get through this. Elain put through the bond before getting to the door.

Of course. I love you to the moon and back. Azriel smiled and Elain paused, tilting her head to the side.

To the moon and back.

And with that, she left while the Shadowsinger faced the fire in the bushes.
---
"Don't do anything rash, Lucien," Azriel warned Lucien.

"Do you care? You would just dump her into the gutter and steal some other better-looking mate. I could get you out of the way easily, right now." Lucien sneered, readying himself into a fighting stance.

"I will contact Rhysand if I have to, Lucien. Your threats make no effect on me." Azriel got into his stance as well, flaring his wings.

"I understand. Probably not to the mate level, but I understand not being able to get a woman you love. I have for years, even centuries." Azriel said, trying to defuse the fight.

Lucien lunged, throwing a fist into Azriel's side. Azriel took the blow to his side, only to punch Lucien's mouth. Splattered drinks sounded to his side.

"A- Azriel?" A soft voice spoke from the back door.

Azriel looked over with surprise on his face. Lucien took the distraction and tackled Azriel, punching him. Azriel's lip split and blood trickled down his chin. He attempted to swing back at him but Lucien punched his eye first. Elain screamed for them to stop, but there was no getting through to them. Azriel flipped Lucien over, making him grunt in pain. Azriel punched Lucien in the jaw and the other hand punched him in the nose. A crack sounded, sending Elain into a panic.

"Stop! Please!" Elain cried out, beginning to cry. She fell to the ground, begging.

Azriel got off Lucien, looking ashamed. He turned to go to Elain when a knife went through his wing, slicing down. Azriel stopped, a cry escaped his mouth. The dagger pulled out, making a sucking sound. He turned, his wing already healing. Azriel pulled out two daggers, spinning them in his hands. He stepped up to Lucien, towering over him with lethal grace. He lunged the dagger toward Lucien's face and aimed his other at his ribcage. Lucien dodged the dagger towards his face with only a scratch, but the dagger aiming towards the ribcage hit. Elain gasped.

"There is nothing I can do. Except maybe..." Elain reached into the bond, speaking frantically.

Stop. This is enough, let him be!

Silence. She looked over to Lucien who was trying to get out from under Azriel. They were monsters. Azriel punched Lucien with the butt of his left dagger, sending him into a hiss of pain.

Elain began to sob with anger. She was powerless, she couldn't do anything to help. She ground her teeth, stood up, and screamed at them. A wind began to push all around them sending Elain's knee-length dress and hair whipping in the wind. Her voice was overrun with another, deeper voice.

"I said, enough." She began to fly into the air, white feathered wings lifting her. As she opened her eyes, they could see nothing but white light. She lifted her hand, a white claw lunging towards Lucien. It grabbed him and pushed him away. When he stood back, he was healed. The backyard began to spin and appear to be warped. Elain could make anything and everything to be whatever she wanted. Her white-clawed helper lunged towards Azriel.

"Elain, this is too much. Stop." Her features softened, almost considering it.

"You didn't stop either. Why should I?" She smirked letting him down completely healed. She began to raise up further and scolded them like their mother.

"You two look like 10-year-olds, fighting in their backyard. It's embarrassing to watch! You two are so, so petty." An exhausted breath escaped her. She began to lower and her cuts and scrapes came into view. Her wings gave out and she began to fall towards the Earth. Azriel ran and caught her, but Elain was in deep sleep.

"Is this the effect of her power? To be initiated by negative feelings?" Lucien wondered aloud.

"I don't know. I'll take her to a healer."

"Let me come with you," Lucien pleaded.

Azriel glared at him, caring Elain bridal style.

"Don't make this worse. Leave."

A quick Author's Note:

Hey! So, I haven't updated in very long due to state testing and finals. Hopefully you enjoy this triple update! :)