Night on Fire (A TOG and ACOTAR crossover)

Chapter 13- The squad

Elide's POV

Elide quietly walked down the hallways back to her room, Ansel was in her left and Aedion on her right. Every once in a while they would pass some of the guards, she hated them. She hated the way they stared at her as if she was nothing, the way they smiled and smirked, just like her uncle. It reminded her too much of before when she was stuck with him, tied up and and helpless. Aedion seemed to notice her discomfort as he would glare at any guard they passed ready to defend her if need be. Finally the group arrived at their rooms, she looked up at Ansel and Aedion, they nodded at her and they all filed in Elides room.
"Rowan, do you think he's okay?" Ansel asked once the door shut. Elide hesitates to say anything, she didn't really know how this whole mate thing worked all she knew was that Rowan obviously needed Aelin. Elide looked at Aedion who was looking at Ansel gravely.
"I've seen this happen before, only once though. It happened with two of my men, Alvin and Ryte, they were mates, they had been together for 6 years at the time. They loved each other very much and were nearly inseparable, they both fought valiantly in every battle, they were two of my best. There was a scouting mission that Alvin volunteered to go on and Ryte stayed with me to help train some new recruits. The mission was only supposed to last four days. Alvin and the crew ended up being gone for a week." Aedion stopped to take a breath, Elide knew that even though he might not always show it he cared deeply for all of his soldiers. "All of them came back with bruises and cuts, they had been ambushed on the way back, but Alvin never returned. He was killed protecting the rest of them. Ryte lost it. For days he didn't eat or drink, he barely even left his room. Slowly he became more and more unhinged, lashing out at people. Eventually he died in battle, it was a battle we couldn't have won and Ryte knew that but he fought anyway. I tried calling him back, ordering him to retreat but he wouldn't. I think he just wanted to be with Alvin again." Aedion let out another shaky sigh and Elide placed a hand on his shoulder. "Losing a mate is one of the worst pains a fae can ever experience and we need to get Rowan and Aelin back together fast. Rowan's already lost one mate, I don't think he can bear to lose another."
Just then Dorian burst in, almost out of breath.
"Tamlins awake. Rowan and Lorcan are already making their way down there." Swiftly everyone moved from their spots and rushed out the door, where a servant was waiting for them.

3rd person POV

The servant silently led them to the throne room. Tamlin was sat in the throne, his abdomen was bandaged and he was adorned with bruises. He surveyed the group, malice was evident in his glare, his eyes landed in Rowan. He snarled ever so slightly at him, not loud enough for any human to hear but every fae in the room could hear it loud and clear. Rowan started back challenging, 'there is no way in hell I'm letting him go back on our deal' he thought. After what seemed like minutes of the stare off Tamlin seemed to swallow his pride. Looking away from Rowan and instead at the group as a whole he began, "Although I detest the outcome of our fight." He once again glared at Rowan, "A deal is a deal, how can I be of service to you?" Rowan grinned.
"Let's start with a map of your world."

Dorian POV

Tamlin or what Dorian has dubbed him, Tan line. Led the group to a room, it was filled with maps of all kinds as well as many other objects scattered about. He took out what looked to be a map of his world. The Pyrithian (i think that's how you spell it) he called it. "We are here," he said pointing to a southern part of the map. "Down here is the mortal realms" he said pointing to the southernmost portion of the map. " above us is the summer and autumn court. From there we have the winter, dawn, day, and then night court." Dorian noticed he said night court differently almost as if it were a sour taste in his mouth.
"And what's that over there?" Lorcan asked gesturing to a island to the left of all the courts. Tamlin eyed the land.
"That's Hybren." Tamlin didn't explain on Hybren further. Everyone exchanged glances but decided to keep their mouth shut. "I could talk to some of the courts and ask them if they've seen of your friend. If we cannot find her that way I will give you all clothes, food, and supplies and you will have to do the rest yourself."
"Wait a minute that's not what we agreed!" Ansel protested.
"I said I would help you! Not that I would find her, and I am not sending my entire court out on a chase for one girl." Tamlin roared. Ansel glared at him ready to fire back but Dorian cut her off.
"That's alright we appreciate what you've done already. Contact your friends and see if the know anything and if not we will find her ourselves. With the supplies you are offering of course." Tamlin looked at him blanking almost as if he wasn't listening.
"Of course" Tamlin said, "I'm going to send a messenger to the other High Lords and then retire for the night. I advise you all do the same." Then Tamlin left. Leaving Dorian and everyone else alone.